Follow along as one Conservancy scientist takes his family on the adventure of a lifetime!
Jeff Opperman, senior freshwater scientist, is taking a once-in-a–lifetime trip down the Mekong River in Southeast Asia with his wife and two children, ages 8 and 10. They're going to charter boats and visit villages along the way – an epic family adventure. Return here for updates and follow Jeff on Twitter.
Slideshow: Visit to Xe Pian Conservation Area
Jeff and family encounter domesticated elephants and water buffalo while staying at the Kingfisher Lodge in Xe Pian.
Slideshow: Four Thousand Island
See the Mekong by air, floating bungalows and some amazing flying insects on this next part of our journey.
Slideshow: Into the Heart of Darkness
Idyllic valley or overrun party town? The family makes a brief stop in Vang Vieng.
Slideshow: Downriver to Luang Prabang, Laos
Travel down the Mekong from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang through these awesome photos!
Beyond the Myth: The Bounteous Mekong
Read Jeff's New York Times Green blog. "For nearly the entire length of our trip, the river was producing food."
Slideshow: From Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong
The next stage of the journey brings together Buddhist temples, bikes and a lesson in catfish.
Slideshow: The Journey Begins
Follow the Opperman family from Ohio to Bangkok, where their journey begins in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Revenge of the White Christmas
Will the trip be over before it even begins? Read what happens when Winter Storm Draco provides a White Christmas.
Exploring the Mekong’s Uncertain Future
Jeff's first post for the New York Times Green blog. "Picture a river that has catfish the size of bears."
Mekong River Journey: An Introduction
This winter break, one Nature Conservancy scientist will travel with his family to the Mother of All Waters.
Mekong River Quiz
Test your knowledge about the mighty Mekong River and the people and wildlife it supports.
