The Mekong is of immense significance as a natural boundary. Its unpredictable waters and shifting bed make fording or bridging almost impossible. From the bottom of the river jagged rocks as sharp as teeth extend to and above the surface of the river, making navigation dangerous.

Thai people fled across the Mekong from south China to establish the kingdom of Siam, now Thailand, 700 years ago. The same ethnic group settled in Laos somewhat earlier and became the ancestors of the present Laotians. The language and culture of the Thais and the Laos are very similar. Historically, the Mekong protected Siam from invasions from the east. However, the kingdom of Laos, without this natural protection, fell under the control of various East Asian civilizations, such as the ancient empires of Champa, Chenla, Funan, the Khmers of Cambodia, and the Vietnamese. Later in the colonial days of French colonization, the Mekhong marked the western edge of the French empire of Indo-China; with Siam (Thailand) preserving its own independence as a buffer zone between the British, in Burma, and the French to the east. You will see the artistic and architectural legacy of some of these cultures on your cruise.

This great river has seen the rise and fall of empires and battles between foes of different races and cultures. Explorers, traders and simple fishermen and farmers have used the Mekong River for thousands of years. In recent times, peace has returned and the ordinary life of the river goes on as it always has.

During the Vietnam War, the west bank of the Mekong provided bases for raids against the advance of the later triumphant communist armies in Laos. Following the war, anti-communist forces escaped west across the Mekong to refugee camps in northern Thailand