UP THE SEKONG RIVER TO LAOS

The Sekong River, rather banal from Steung Treng to Siempang, becomes magnificent in its upper course. Once past the inhabited area, the forest is sumptuous. Some bamboos have trunks of more than 30 m. The long sandy beaches are ideal for camping. Some passages through the rapids in the middle of a labyrinth of rocks add a dramatic dimension to the trip. In the dry season, fishermen's camps provide an opportunity to eat fresh fish and have a good time with people who are always delighted to see strangers. Two beautiful tributaries on the right bank, O Kampa (the largest) and O Chienghieng can be explored. There are crocodiles there (rare Siamese crocodile in the wild). The two rivers wind endlessly in the middle of the forest. Many rocks make the progression difficult and can prevent it in dry season.

On the O Kampa River is the Lao village of Nava, which is connected to Siempang by a trail. As we approach the border, we pass a few military and police posts. The boat is obliged to stop: it is necessary to make itself known and especially to drink the blow of friendship with the civil servants, very happy to have of the visit. Just after the mouth of the Sé Piang, the Sékong River forms the border with Laos. If you want to spend the night on the Laotian side (Xou ethnic village), you must first go to the two nearby border posts.