Latest Mekong Stories

CHATSWORTH, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AmaWaterways, the award-winning river cruise line, teams up with Travel Agent University (TAU) and Luxury Travel University (LTU) to offer travel agents a free, online course designating them an "AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist." Travel agents who successfully complete the course will be entered to win a seven-night voyage through Vietnam and Cambodia. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120607/LA21079LOGO) From...

TOKYO, Oct. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) announced on October 17 that its subsidiary NTT Communications (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has begun operating a branch office in Yangon, Myanmar. Working in collaboration with local carriers, the branch will provide ICT solutions that enable multinational companies to expand their operations reliably, flexibly and securely in Myanmar. (Photo: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201210167654/ ) The branch is the...

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A brand new optional Crystal Overland Adventure takes Crystal guests deep into the heart of landlocked Laos during a March 7, 2013 Southeast Asia cruise. The three-night Laos Overland Discovery offers an intimate window into the rich history, secluded culture, and stunning scenery of the former French colony and UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang, considered the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia. (Photo:...

The diversity of life in the Mekong River region of Southeast Asia, which includes portions of China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, is so astonishing that a new species is found every two days, according to various media reports. Two-hundred and eight new species were discovered during the last year alone, including a multi-colored gecko and a black and white snub-nosed monkey with an “Elvis” hairdo. The region is also home to some of the world’s most endangered...

Urgent action needed to save critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin Washington, DC (PRWEB) August 16, 2011 Irrawaddy dolphin numbers have declined to just 85 in Southeast Asia's Mekong River, leading researchers to conclude that the population is at high risk of extinction, a new World Wildlife Fund (WWF) survey revealed. One big factor in the decline is that dolphin calf survival is extremely low. "Evidence is strong that very few young animals survive to adulthood, as older dolphins...

LITTLETON, Colo., June 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In addition to giving cruisers more "suite" options in Europe with a trio of Suite Ships in 2012, Avalon Waterways is preparing to invite travelers aboard three unique ships on four new itineraries in Egypt and Southeast Asia. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110601/LA11599) "As more travelers adopt river cruising as their preferred travel style, they want to broaden their experiences," said Patrick Clark, managing director of...

Scientists discovered an average of three new biological species each week in the Greater Mekong region of Asia, including such unique life forms as a fish with vampire-like fangs and a 22-foot tall carnivorous plant, international conservation group WWF announced on Wednesday.According to WWF officials, a total of 145 new species were found in 2009 in the area near the Mekong River, which includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China's Yunnan Province. Joining the fanged...

BANGKOK, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ --The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed that the Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+ 2010) will be held from 8-10 September, 2010, at the IMPACT Convention Center (Hall 9), Muang Thong Thani. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100811/NY49102 ) (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100811/NY49102 ) The Thailand Travel Mart Plus is the country's premier annual trade event designed to...

Population growth, urbanization, increasing pollution, soil erosion and climate variations are all reflected in the management and adequacy of the world's waters. The situation is particularly difficult in many developing countries, where there are growing concerns over escalating water crises and even outright water conflicts between countries and regions."The current rate of population growth and urbanization are already impacting food production. We need to improve the efficiency of...

Southeast Asian leaders are set to lean on China during talks as controversy builds over the cause of the shrinking lower Mekong River. Beijing's Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao is set to join the premiers of Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam in the Thai resort town of Hua Hin to discuss management of the vast river, which over 60 million people depend on. Myanmar will also participate in the summit as a dialogue partner at the top-level talks, which will kick off late Sunday and run...