WATERWAY TRANSPORTATION ON THE MEKONG RIVER IN LAOS DURING THE FRENCH COLONIAL PERIOD (1893-1945)

DOI: 10.18173/2354-1067.2025-0021

Abstract

Drawing on archival records from the French colonial administration, this article examines the challenges of waterway transportation on the Mekong River, the French authorities’ efforts to improve the river’s navigability, and the organization of river transport services in Laos from 1893 to 1945. Due to improvements in waterway transport services in Laos, commercial activity along the Mekong developed during the colonial period. During the first three decades of the 20th century, the Mekong River played a central role in the transportation of goods and passengers in Laos. However, the Kemmarat rapids remained a major obstacle, especially during the dry season when water levels were low and boats could hardly get through. As a result, the French colonial government later shifted its focus toward the development of road infrastructure in Laos.