Surprising Facts About The Two Longest Rivers In Vietnam

Vietnam has a large web of rivers and streams with more than 2.360 rivers with a length of than 10 kilometers, of which 93% are small streams flowing interprovincially. So, which are the longest rivers in Vietnam?

Charlotte Pho

March 22, 2022 | 14:28

When talking about the longest rivers in Vietnam, there are two criteria: First, the river that flows through the territory of Vietnam, and has the longest length. Second, the inland river originates in the S-shaped land and has the longest length in Vietnam.

In fact, there are many rivers that originate from different countries that flow through Vietnam, some from Vietnam that stretch and flow through other territories, and there are also the ones that only flow within the country’s territory, then towards the sea.

Photo: TL

The longest inland river in Vietnam

Originated from Langbiang plateau (Lam Dong province), the Dong Nai river has a total length of 586 kilometers. With extremely large water flow, the river is an abundant source of hydroelectricity to supply the Dong Nai hydropower plant. Its main flow direction is Northeast - Southwest, and North-South.

Photo: Ngo Tuan

The Dong Nai River travels through several provinces, including Lam Dong, Dak Nong, Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and also serves as a natural border at Ho Chi Minh City at some points.

Its main tributaries include Da Nhim River, Be River, La Nga River, Saigon River, Dai Hoai River, and Vam Co River. After meeting the Be River, the Dong Nai River forms a natural boundary between Dong Nai on the east and Binh Duong Province on the west bank.

In particular, with the abundant water flow, the confluence of Da Nhim, Dong Nai, and Be rivers has been used by humans to build large dams, blocking the flow to form the largest artificial lake in the South - Tri An Lake. The lake mainly supplies water for Tri An hydropower plant.

Photo: baodantoc.vn

The longest river flows through the territory of Vietnam

Photo: VnExpress

The Mekong River is the 12th longest river in the world (the 7th in Asia), originating from the high mountains of Qinghai province (China) across Tibet, along the length of Yunnan province, and then flowing through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia before entering Vietnam. The Mekong river is considered a unique treasure of Mother Nature for the land.

The Mekong River is full of life no matter what time you visit. During the wet season from September to December flooding is guaranteed meaning boats are used for all purposes for the local people. The high flood waters bring plenty of fresh seafood, a yummy delight to the taste buds, and a haven season for fishermen on the Mekong. Farmers are also pleased with the high waters, as these replenish their soils making them high in minerals and fertile for the upcoming harvest.

Photo: ITN

People have been living on the transboundary Mekong River for roughly 4,000 years. Today, the lands are home to some 300 million people and over 100 ethnic groups, of which 60 million procure their livelihoods from farming, fishing, and tourism along the river. The Mekong River provides 70% of tropical fruits to Vietnam alone and makes up for 60% of the country's rice, so it is easy to understand why the local people rely on the fertile and rich soil from the Rivers plains for farming.