07/12/2025
The Congo River stands as the deepest river in the world, plunging to an astonishing 220 meters (722 ft) as it winds through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, and Angola. The Yangtze River follows in second place at 200 meters (656 ft), reflecting its immense geological power as China’s longest and most culturally significant river. In third place is the Brahmaputra River, reaching 135 meters (443 ft) as it flows across Tibet, India, and Bangladesh, shaping ecosystems and communities along its vast route.
Southeast Asia also features prominently through the Mekong River, which ranks sixth with a maximum depth of 100 meters (328 ft). Cities such as Vientiane, Phnom Penh, and Ho Chi Minh City rely heavily on the Mekong as a lifeline for transportation, agriculture, and fisheries. Its depth and length make it one of the region’s most important waterways, influencing the economic and cultural rhythm of Southeast Asian life.
Beyond the top three and the Mekong, other global rivers such as the Amazon, Zambezi, Orinoco, and Danube showcase the diversity of the planet’s river systems. Yet, the presence of the Mekong highlights how Southeast Asian cities are deeply connected to their natural landscapes. As populations grow and urban centers expand, the depth and flow of these major rivers remain vital to sustaining communities, economies, and ecosystems across the region.