Cycling The Mekong: An Eco-experience from Pakse to Siem Reap - 12 Days / 11 Nights

Day 1 - Arrival Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani (D)

After reaching the Thai capital, transfer to the airport for the 1400 flight to Ubon Ratchathani, a small town on the Laos border.

Overnight at Tohsang City Hotel, Ubon Ratchathani.

Day 2 - Ubon Ratchathani - Chong Mek - Don Daeng (B,L,D)

Awake early this morning to cross in to Laos and transfer to Don Daeng, a tranquil island in the middle of the Mekong River. This afternoon warm up your cycling legs with an easy ride around the island. (Cycling distance: 10-20 km)

Overnight on Don Daeng.

Day 3 - Don Daeng - Wat Phou - Don Daeng (B,L,D)

This morning cross the Mekong River and ride to Wat Phou temple, a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple nestled in the foothills of the Champassak province. After exploring the three-tiered temple continue by bike to the old colonial town of Champassak. Late this afternoon return to Don Daeng and relax by the riverside or go for a swim. Cycling distance: 40km

Overnight at Don Daeng.

Day 4 - Don Daeng - Xe Pian Protected Area - Don Daeng (B,L,D)

This morning's take a boat to reach Ban Muang village for a day of cycling through local communities and beautiful scenery to Xe Pian National Protected Area. The area is home to a diversified mix of flora and fauna as well as many indigenous hilltribe communities. Return to Don Daeng early this evening. (Cycling distance: 60km)

Overnight on Don Daeng.

Day 5 - Don Daeng - Don Khone (B,L,D)

For the last full day in Laos, explore the Si Phan Don area. Meaning 4000 Islands in the local language, this area of the Mekong river is filled with islands such as Don Khone where you will feel as if you've stepped back in time. With few motorized vehicles and land rich with rice fields, this island is the perfect place for a short biking tour. As you cycle past old temples, soak in the amazing views over the mighty Mekong and observe the daily life of the farmers who might be harvesting rice or gathering juice from the sugar palm trees.

Overnight on Don Khone

Day 6 - Don Khone - Lao / Cambodian Border (B,L,D)

Cross in to Cambodia on your bike and tour the Cambodian countryside with a trip around the O'Svay community. Get a true taste of rural life with lunch with a local family, a unique opportunity to experience Khmer hospitality. Continue along rural roads to Stung Treng, wedged between the Sekong and Mekong Rivers. Dinner is a special treat as we support a charity restaurant for disadvantage locals. (Today's journey involves 77 km of cycling)

Overnight in Stung Treng

Day 7 - Stung Treng - Kratie (B,L,D)

Eat a big breakfast this morning as the day is full of riding and activities along the way to Kratie! Cycle south along rural roads where your 'traffic' is likely to consist of ox carts, errant chickens, and smiling children. And, as always, the scenery of the Mekong is a gorgeous backdrop to the ride. Upon arrival in Kratie, enjoy an afternoon cruise as you try to spot the endangered fresh water dolphins that inhabit the area. (Today's journey involves 80-140 km of cycling)

Overnight in Kratie.

Day 8 - Kratie - Kampong Cham (B,L,D)

As you head to Chhlong, don't be surprised if curious locals come out to wave you off on your journey!  Few tourists travel these roads, and even fewer by bike!  From Chhlong, continue to Kampong Cham stopping along the way at hilltop temples like Phnom Han Chay. Arrive this evening in Kampong Cham, a small riverside town with a laid-back vibe. (Today's journey involves 72-125  km of cycling)

Overnight in Kampong Cham.

Day 9 - Kampong Cham - Kampong Thom (B,L,D)

Today we leave the Mekong River behind to cycle along tarmac roads to Kampong Thom. The journey takes you through rubber plantations and paddy fields and past many typical Khmer villages. Although long, today's ride is full of fabulous views. (Cycling distance:120km)

Overnight in Kampong Thom.

Day 10 - Kampong Thom - Sambor Prei Kuk - Siem Reap (B,L,D)

The morning, travel along small dirt tracks underneath towering fig trees as you explore the wonders of Sambor Prey Kuk, a set of temples built in the 6^th and 7^th century. Sambor Prey Kuk is often neglected by tourists and it is likely that you are exploring the temples all by yourself. Continue on to Siem Reap, partly by car and partly by bike, arriving late this afternoon. (Today's journey involves 96 km of cycling)

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 11 - Siem Reap - Angkor - Siem Reap (B,L)

Cycle out to the Angkor Temple complex where hundreds of temples are atmospherically surrounded by patches of dense forrest and rice fields. Spend the day exploring the temples, from the evocative smiling faces of Bayon to the stunning carvings along the massive wall of the Terrace of the Elephants. End your day at Angkor Wat whose five iconic stone towers and extensive, ornate carvings will leave you speechless. (Today's journey involves 25 km of cycling)

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 12 - Siem Reap - Departure (B)

This morning is at your leisure for last minute shopping or sightseeing before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.