Cycling the Mekong: An Eco-Experience - 13 Days

Guideline price for a Private Tour USD 3,370

Bangkok - Pakse - Tad Fan - Tad Lo - Don Daeng - Wat Phou - Ban Kietngong - Don Khong - Don Khone - Stung Treng - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Sambor Prey Kuk - Siem Reap- Banteay Srey - Beng Mealea Travel on two wheels from the southern islands of Laos into the temple-rich countryside of Cambodia. Get up close and personal with the locals, their culture, and the beautiful scenery as you cycle along quiet country roads and through small villages. Learn about sustainable tourism projects happening in the region and stay at several eco-lodges on this remarkable journey. Start your tour by exploring the quieter side of one of South East Asia's biggest cities, Bangkok. Slip away from the traffic as you get off the beaten path in to the small neighborhoods and parks that fill the city's outskirts. Flying in to Southern Laos is like taking a step back in time. Head out to the Bolevan Plateau where coffee plantations and waterfalls dot the landscape. Ride through the dense forest on the back of an Asian Elephant at a community-based tourism program. Continue southwards to Wat Phou, a three-tiered temple that rises up dramatically from the rice paddies. Explore the area known locally as Siphandon, which literally means ‘Four Thousand Islands’. This section of the Mekong River is filled with small, peaceful islands where your biggest road hazards are likely to be water buffalos and chickens. As you cycle along in to Cambodia, marvel at the plethora of temples and wildlife encountered along the way. You may even spot an endangered Irrawaddy dolphin near the town of Kratie. Arriving in Siem Reap, you reach your ultimate reward: Angkor Wat. Although the entire journey is filled with breathtaking sites and scenery, words cannot describe the grandeur of this magnificent temple. With quiet, relatively flat roads, your Exotissimo guide and support crew will lead you along this ideal cycling route. Experience the real Laos and Cambodia as you immerse yourself in the nature and culture of these spectacular countries.

Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveller. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications.

Day 1 - Arrival Bangkok  

Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be met and transferred to check in at the hotel.

Overnight at Banyan Tree, Bangkok  

Day 2 - Bangkok Cycling Tour (B)  

Although Thailand's capital can seem like a noisy big city filled with skyscrapers and traffic jams, there are plenty of quiet retreats amongst the city limits. This morning take a guided half day biking tour through the green heart of Bangkok: Bang Ka Jao. Pass Buddhist temples, local markets, and traditional Thai houses as you cycle through this hidden green area of waterways and small roads. The afternoon is free at your leisure to discover more of the capital.

Overnight at Banyan Tree, Bangkok  

Day 3 - Bangkok - Pakse - Tad Fan - Tad Lo - Pakse (B,L,D)  

This morning, fly in to Pakse, the heart of southern Laos and slip in to the quiet, peaceful rhythms of this laidback country. Your first stop is the Bolovens Plateau where you listen to the roaring waters of the Tad Fane waterfalls as you enjoy lunch. Cycle through the areas coffee plantations in the afternoon and delight in the cool, fresh air of the region. End your days cycling at the Tad Lo waterfall where you can refresh with a swim in its clear waters. (Today's journey involves 60 km of cycling)

Overnight at Tad Lo Resort.  

Day 4 - Tad Lo - Don Daeng (B,L,D)  

This morning's ride through the picturesque Boloven Plateau passes coffee and fruit plantations as well as small villages where you can observe the daily life of the Laos people. Soak in the serene surroundings as you relax and refuel with a delicious picnic lunch. The day's cycling ends with a visit to Tad Phasuam waterfalls after which a private car and boat carry you to the island of Don Daeng. (Today's journey involves 65 km of cycling)

Overnight at La Folie Lodge, Don Daeng.  

Day 5 - Don Daeng - Wat Phou - Ban Kietngong (B,L,D)  

This morning visit Wat Phou temple, a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple nestled in the foothills of the Champassak province. From there, begin cycling through the Xe Pian Protected Area, a hugely diverse ecosystem with egrets, hornbills and gibbons amongst its residents. Get up close with one of the areas most imposing animals as you climb aboard an Asian Elephant for a ride up Mount Asa before continuing on to the Kingfisher Ecolodge for a restful evening. (Today's journey involves 32 km of cycling)

Dinner & Overnight at Kingfisher Ecolodge  

Day 6 - Ban Kietngong - Don Khong (B,L,D)  

After breakfast, drive to Khong Island, the largest island in the Mekong 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. (Today's journey involves 20 km of cycling)

Overnight at Senesothxeune, Don Khong.  

Day 7 - Don Khong - Don Khone (B,L,D)  

Travel the local way, by long tail boat, for a small cruise down the Mekong to reach Don Det & Don Khone Island. A combination of bicycles and boats will take you through the French colonial-style architecture of the islands, past the remnants of Laos' only railway, and the spectacular waterfalls of the Mekong. Your last afternoon in Laos is free for you to relax and enjoy the tranquil Don Khone island. (Today's journey involves 20 km of cycling)

Dinner & Overnight at Sala Phae  

Day 8 - 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 60 km of cycling)

Overnight at Sok Sambath Hotel, Stung Treng  

Day 9 - 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 65 km of cycling)

Overnight Oudom Sambath Hotel, Kratie.  

Day 10 - Kratie - Kampong Thom (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, transfer by car to Kampong Thom, stopping along the way at some of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey, twin hilltop temples with fantastic views. (Today's journey involves 52 km of cycling)

Overnight at Kampong Thom Village Hotel, Kampong Thom.  

Day 11 - Kampong Thom - Sambor Prey Kuk - Siem Reap (B,L)  

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 6th and 7th 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, where the evening is free to relax, browse the town's local market, or soothe your tired muscles with a massage. (Today's journey involves 36 km of cycling)

Overnight at Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap.  

Day 12 - Siem Reap - Angkor - Siem Reap (B,L,D)  

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 30 km of cycling)

Overnight at Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap.  

Day 13 - Siem Reap - Banteay Srey - Beng Mealea - Siem Reap - Depart (B,L)  

Your last day of cycling takes you east of Siem Reap through more spectacular countryside to the temples of Banteay Srey and Beng Mealea. The diminutive Banteay Srey is one of the area's most elaborately decorated, with detailed carvings covering every part of the temple's pink sandstone. Beng Mealea is the dream of every explorer as it is hidden amongst strangler figs and towering trees, blending in with the surrounding nature. Return back to Siem Reap and freshen up before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. (Today's journey involves 75 km of cycling)  

As with all the tours listed on this website, this is simply a suggested itinerary, which can easily be customized to suit your schedule, budget, and interests. Please contact us to discuss your tailor-made travel requirements.

Tour Duration:     13 Days / 12 Nights Tour Operates:    Year Round / On Demand Tour Price:          USD 3,370 per person Please Note:         The price is a guideline and will vary according to travel dates and room availability. The price is based on two people travelling together during high season and sharing a twin or double room.
For an accurate quotation please send an inquiry
Our services include as follows: Accommodation based on Double/Twin Room with breakfast. Transfer & back-up by private A/C vehicles Biking related services: Local bike hire (Mountain bike with front suspension: TREK 4500/4300) including bikes' transportation between sites, spare parts and helmets if requested. Local fruits, snacks and bottled drinking water (5 litre/1 biker/1 day) in cycling days. Simple First Aid Kit. Lunches + Dinners as indicated in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). 01 English Speaking Biking Guide for groups smaller then 8. For groups larger then 8 a cycling assistant will be added. 01 English Speaking guide for city tours and Angkor Wat visit All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary + 3 day Angkor Wat entrance fee. Boat trips and ferries as indicated in itinerary. Immigration assistance at Laos/Cambodia border International flight reconfirmation (if any)	Our services do not include as follows: Alcoholic drinks & drinks at mealtime + Optional visits + Personal expenses (Telephone, laundry...). Visa on Arrival for Laos (USD30) Visa on Arrival for Cambodia (USD20) International flight: Bangkok-Pakse; Siem Reap-Bangkok and departure taxes Personal travel insurance (must include helicopter evacuation for Cambodia). Tips for guide, driver, boat crew & hotels' porters. Meals not indicated in the itinerary. Other services not clearly indicated in the Package Inclusion above.
Creating Unique Touring Experiences All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveller. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications.

 

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Extend this tour with a stay at...	Sokha Beach Resort, Sihanoukville Evason Phuket Resort, Thailand
Combine this tour with	Sihanoukville - 3 Days / 2 Nights Overland Laos - 7 Days / 6 Nights
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