The Mekong River in Cambodia

In Southeast Asia, The Mekong River is considered as one of the most important rivers. It is very long and flows through a couple of countries. The river begins its journey far away in the mountains of China. Then it flows through 5 countries in Asia such as Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
In Cambodia, the Mekong River is vital for people in their daily life. Many towns and villages are near the river. The water from the river is used for drinking, cooking, and washing. Farmers also use the water to grow rice, vegetables, and fruit.
The Mekong River is full of fish. Many Cambodian families catch fish from the river. Fish is an important food in Cambodia. People cook fish in many ways. They make soup, fry fish, or grill it over a fire. Many Cambodian people especially those who are living in the countryside like to make fish paste called prahok, which is a traditional Cambodian food.
Many animals live in the Mekong River. Different kinds of fish swim in the water. There are also turtles, birds, and river dolphins. The Mekong River dolphin is a special animal. Many people visit Cambodia to see these dolphins.
The river also plays a crucial role in travel and transportation. Many people travel by boat on the Mekong River. Different types of boats carry people, food, and other goods from one place to another. In the past, boats were one of the important ways to travel in Cambodia.
The Mekong River is also very beautiful. People like to walk and exercise on the riverbank to relax in the morning and evening. Some families sit together and enjoy the fresh air. Tourists also like to visit the river and take stunning photos.

It is always important for us to always keep the river clean. If we throw trash into the river, it can harm fish and other animals in the river. Clean water is super important for animals, plants especially people to live a healthy life.
The Mekong River is an incredible natural treasure for Cambodia since it is the main source of water, food, transportation and it is the beauty of Cambodia.

Vocabulary

To be considered as : regarded as
A couple of : some
Crucial : very important, vital
Transportation : ways of carrying people and goods from one place to another
Role : function, position
Riverbank : the land beside a river
Stunning : beautiful, spectacular
Journey : a long difficult trip to a place to explore
Village : a group of families and house living together as a community
Traditional : something related to custom

Gap-Filling Practice

Word Bank: Complete the following sentences using the words below.
role • crucial • journey • traditional • riverbank • transportation • stunning • considered • village • couple of
1. The Mekong River is ________ as one of the most important rivers in Southeast Asia.
2. A ________ baskets filled with vegetables were brought from the market.
3. Clean water is ________ for the health of people and animals living near the river.
4. Farmers used the river for ________ carrying goods and crops.
5. Fish is caught from the ________ land beside the river.
6. The boat’s ________ is to take people across the river.
7. The sunset over the temple was ________ and beautiful.
8. The explorers went on a long difficult ________ to the remote mountain.
9.A small ________ of families built new houses near the river.
10. Making prahok is a ________ way of preserving fish in Cambodia.

True/False statements

The Mekong River is one of the most important rivers in Southeast Asia.
The Mekong River begins in the mountains of China.
The Mekong River flows through only three countries.
In Cambodia, people use the Mekong River water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Farmers use Mekong River water to grow rice and vegetables.
Fish is not an important food for Cambodian people.
Prahok is a modern Cambodian food made from fish.
No animals live in the Mekong River.
Many people travel by boat on the Mekong River.
Throwing trash into the river can harm fish and other animals.

Mekong River Quiz

The Mekong River in Cambodia - Free Reading Practice with keys