Chiang Khong/ Houay Xai Mekong ferry shut due to Mekong river current speed

[KTMphil]

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Herman just came back from Chiang Khong today & informed me that the Chiang Khong, Thailand/ Houay Xai, Laos, Mekong River ferry was operational on Sunday, 29th July, 2012, but due to a rise in the Mekong River level overnight by about 1/2 meter, the current was too strong today (Monday, 30th July, 2012) and the ferry was shut for the day. He said the river was right up to the immigration office in Houay Xai, Laos.


If you're planning on crossing the Mekong River by ferry, in the next few weeks, be aware there maybe delays, due the rain flowing downstream.

 

[Lone Rider]

Water level continues to rise in Mekong River
Bangkok, July 30 2012 (NNT) - Water level has been rising continuously in the Mekong River, Chiang Rai province. More than 1,000 rais of corn fields have been damaged. While Chiang Saen district has warned local people in the area to be on the lookout.
Due to China's releasing of dam water into the Mekong River, the water level in the river has been gradually rising since yesterday. While in the Chiang Saen area, the water has already overflowed the banks and covered over 1,000 rais of corn fields. In some areas, the water level is reported to be as high as 2 meters.
The water level in the Mekong River is reported to be 7.89 meters by Hydrology and Water Management Center of Chiang Saen District, which is considered high at the moment, but still below the crisis level. Additionally, the officials have warned the people in that area to be on a lookout for the rising level.
Meanwhile, power boats in the Mekong River have become immobilized due to the danger that might occur. However, the border crossing service [to Lao PDR] is still operational with extreme caution.
News ID: 255507300001 Reporter : Nuttaporn Chanchokpong
http://reliefweb.int/report/thailand/water-level-continues-rise-mekong-river

 

[Pounce]

Someone go get photos, I would like to see what it looks like at a higher level with landmarks I know.

 

[Lone Rider]

Might have a look this weekend but not sure yet. If I go I will take a few snaps for you.

 

[Midnitemapper]

River levels rising lots of flotsam. Vientiane

Chiang Sean level is reported at 7.88 flood is 11.8

First high level water of the year, and all the flotsam heading down stream, propeller killers.

 

[Lone Rider]

Had a quick look yesterday at Chiangkhong. The water level was quite high but according to the people I met it had been higher a few days ago (see also http://ffw.mrcmekong.org/ which shows the water level warnings for the Mekong at several locations) .

The ferry was operating (this was a Sunday) but it took quite some time loading the trucks and the ferry had to be shunted sideways to load the 6 trucks on the ferry as the road at the present water level is to narrow two accommodate two trucks side by side. The river was flowing fast and it took quite some time for the ferry to get moving upstream from the Thai to the Lao side of the river

 

[_Polar_]

Thanks everyone for the post......I will keep a watch on this thread for any updates as I have a ride scheduled next week. I may have to go to plan B

 

[_Polar_]

This may be of value if it has not yet been posted on this forum.
Looks like all is good for me to proceed with plan A on Tuesday.

Mekong River Commission » Mekong River Commission