Not only famous for their natural beauty, these rivers are also an important part of the cultural and spiritual life of the people.
1. Yangtze River
China's most important and largest river, and also the country's tourist attraction. The Yangtze is not only famous for its beautiful scenery on both sides, but also for its huge hydroelectric dam, which supplies an incredible amount of electricity every year.
2. Cahabón River, Guatemala
Turquoise waters, bubbling water and waterfalls are the dramatic features of the Cahabón River in eastern Guatemala. It is also a great destination for rafters who enjoy climbing slopes and rip currents, challenging even the most experienced rafters.
3. Loire River, France
The Loire River is a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by vineyards, blooming gardens and stunning castles. It's also France's longest river, flowing through pretty villages and sparkling cities like Angers and Blois, tall bridges and sprawling fields.
4. Kenai River, Alaska
A primeval river in southern Alaska, the Kenai is a fisherman's paradise, who love to hunt big fish like Chinookk or rainbow trout. September is the biggest season to catch silver salmon while red salmon is usually caught in the summer months, pink salmon is abundant all year round.
5. Zambezi River, Africa
Flowing down from a height of 108m, Victoria Falls is part of Africa's fourth largest river. Not only is the source of fish for 32 million people in the region, the river is also the source of many wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, giraffes and elephants.
6. Mississippi, USA
The Mississippi has long been an important waterway for commerce. From the 1820s to the 1950s, it was filled with wooden boats carrying cotton, food, and tobacco downstream. Those old boats have now been replaced by more modern ones, but the river continues to serve as a major commercial site, serving as a key port for New Orleans.
7. Nile River, Egypt
The Nile River is associated with the desert, pyramids, pharaohs of Egypt. Indeed, the ancient Egyptians and its incredible civilization owe it to this mighty and fertile river. However, only 22% of the Nile River flows through this country. The rest of it flows through 10 other countries, including Tanzania and Kenya.
8. River Thames, UK
England's second longest river, the Thames, flows through London and smaller towns such as Oxford, Henley and Windsor. It provides water for much of the south of England and is an important site of recreation with sailing, fishing, and boating. The River Thames is also the venue for the annual regatta between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
9. Amazon River, South America
The Amazon River occupies a large area of South America, spreading over the territories of Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Often referred to as the “river of the sea”, it is up to 48km wide in the rainy season, and at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, it is up to 240km wide. The most famous fish here is the piranha, a fish that attacks humans.
10. Congo River, Africa
The Congo is the deepest river in the world, made famous in Joseph Conrad's dark novel "The Heart of Darkness". Cutting through the jungle, the river is home to an abundance of wildlife such as crocodiles and turtles.
11. River Caño Cristales, Colombia
Also known as the River of Five Colors, the Caño Cristales is the most beautiful river in the world. Once a year, from September to October, the macaronia clavígera trees bloom bright red on the banks of the river, mixing with the yellow sand, black, blue, blue of the rocks, water and sky.
12. Danube River, Europe
Famous for its waltz called the "Blue Danube", the Danube has long been Europe's main waterway, connecting west to east, from Germany through Austria, Hungary to Romania and Ukraine. The river is famous for ships, flowing through chocolate villages, magnificent cities like Budapest and green countryside.
13. Mekong River, Southeast Asia
Famous for its lush vegetation and mountains, the Mekong River flows through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. River boating is one of the great experiences to learn about the local culture and beautiful landscape.
14. Volga River, Russia
The Volga River flows through the center of Russia and is considered a national symbol. Surrounded by huge reservoirs, bridges, pelicans and flamingos, the Volga flows north of the splendid Russian capital Moscow.
15. Ganges River, India
India's most famous river with the largest population flow in the world, the Ganges is a sacred symbol in the Hindu religion, worshiping the goddess Ganga. Hindus honor their ancestors by bathing in rivers and offering rose petals and oil. Bathing in the Ganges River brings serenity to the religious life of Hindus.
