There’s beauty in diversity, as you will find in the Mekong’s diverse cultural practices. From ancient agrarian societies to a fever-dream of a Buddhist-Hindu park to a lakeside matrilineal society, these hidden gems showcase cultures that are anything but ordinary – and all well worth traveling off the beaten path to visit!
Image courtesy of Ddalbiez (CC BY 3.0 DEED)
Ancient Artwork: Pha Taem National Park
Nestled along the Mekong River, Pha Taem National Park in Thailand offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty and ancient history. This 340 sq km sanctuary, approximately 2 hours’ drive west of Ubon Ratchathani city, captivates visitors with its dense Dipterocarp forests and unique geological formations, including the famed mushroom rocks and the largest flower field in Thailand.
The Park’s real draw lies in the prehistoric rock paintings lining the cliff walls, some dating back over 3,000 years. These 300 murals, etched along the cliff faces, depict scenes from bygone eras: giant Mekong catfish, elephants, turtles, and human hands merging with geometric designs and fish traps.
Who put these murals here? The subjects of the artwork seem to offer a glimpse into ancient agrarian life. In fact, Ubon Ratchathani may once have been home to one of the Mekong’s first agrarian communities – archaeologists have found tantalizing evidence that humans lived in this area even before the last ice age!
Image courtesy of the Lao PDR Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism
Buddhist/Hindu Dream: Xieng Khuan
Just 25 km southeast of Vientiane, Laos, along the banks of the Mekong River, lies Xieng Khuan, known to the world as Buddha Park. Conceived in 1958 by a Lao mystic, this unique park intertwines Buddhism and Hinduism through a spellbinding array of over 200 sculptures.
This open-air exhibit showcases an array of figures from Buddhist and Hindu lore. Visitors can meander among these statues, admiring the wonder and weirdness of the mythical beings and historical figures immortalized in concrete and steel.
The sculptures range from emaciated monks to characters rooted in Hindu mythology, including a monumental 40-meter-long reclining Buddha. A highlight is the three-story pumpkin-shaped structure symbolizing the journey from Hell to Heaven, offering visitors a panoramic view from its summit.
The park operates daily, charging an entrance fee of LAK 15,000 (1.70 USD). It’s a worthwhile journey for those seeking a blend of spirituality, art, and the surreal near the Mekong River.
Image courtesy of the Yunnan Culture and Tourism Bureau
Kingdom of Women: Lugu Lake
Lugu Lake, set some 200 km from Lijiang straddling Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China, is known as the “Kingdom of Women”: its Mosuo villages around the lakeside offer a rare glimpse into one of the world’s last matrilineal societies.
The Mosuo, a subgroup of the Naxi people, live in a matrilineal structure where heritage and property pass from mother to daughter. Their unique “visiting marriage” custom, along with their festivals, religion, and architecture, presents a fascinating departure from Asian cultural norms.
The shores of Lugu Lake are dotted with picturesque Mosuo villages that show the local cultural practices in action. Luoshui Village is known for its traditional wooden houses and bonfire camps, while Lige Village is an ideal spot for sunrise views. Nisai Village is famous for its “Sweetheart Trees,” and Little Luoshui Village, with just 24 households, maintains the Mosuo’s ancient way of life.
Lugu Lake is good to visit year-round, but visitors who arrive between May to November will find a spectacular display of blooming flowers waiting for them.
