I'm having a hard time finding info on Mekong River conditions. I'm contemplating kayaking the Mekong down to Vietnam from either Stung Treng in Cambodia or Huay Xai in Laos during the dry season. I'm aware of a couple of whitewater sections, of which, only the 4000 Islands seems unnavigable. The Kampi Rapids and Luang Prabang area seem Class II at worst (or best?). Although, I have found references online to large, boat sized whirlpools in Laos.
Has anyone canoed/kayaked long stretches of the Mekong? During the dry season, outside of 4000 Islands, are there any Class III, Class III+ rapids or has the river pretty much flattened out by the time it hits Laos? What about these boat eating whirlpools? Dams? Is it safe to paddle border sections? Do you need a permit for border sections? Wildlife risks? Crocodiles? They're almost extinct, are generally not in the main river channel and they're not a sub-species aggressive towards humans? Tigers/Leopards, again almost extinct, and in the bush well east of the river? Venomous snakes? Risk of robbery/theft travelling solo? Landmine risk on the riverbanks/channel islands of the Mekong? The river is fairly heavily populated so I'd imagine resupply every 7-10 days is easy? Boat traffic? What are the risks I'm not thinking about?
Alternatively, does anyone know any reference I can look at to find this info particularly as it relates to river conditions through Laos, Cambodia and the Delta? I don't imagine it's the Colorado River so there probably aren't any river guide books?
