Southern Mekong cycling holiday
| country: | Cambodia, Laos, Thailand |
| location: | Indochina holidays |
| trip type: | Adventurous cycling holidays |
| departures: | |
| price: | From US $1995 (14 days) excluding flights. Single supplement US $350. Bike hire US $170. Minimum group size, 4 people. Private or tailor made tours can also be arranged, please enquire |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Southern Mekong cycling holiday
This unique cycling tour traces some of the far reaches of the Khmer empire while also following the Mekong River from Thailand, through Southern Laos and into Cambodia, providing a perfect setting to experience the cultural heritage and scenic highlights of these three countries.
Our tour begins in north eastern Thailand where we visit Preah Vihear sanctuary. We then warm up with cycling to the Mekong River ahead of our border crossing into Laos. Once in this serene country, we ride on quiet back roads lined with lush vegetation. We visit Wat Phu, a Khmer Hindu temple complex, and then spend some time dolphin spotting and relaxing on an island in the middle of the Mekong.
Crossing into Cambodia we keep a lookout for the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins as our path crisscrosses over the Mekong. As we wind our way to Siem Reap we stop en route to visit the pre-Angkorian site of Sambor Prei Kuk before spending three days exploring by bike the Khmer empire's greatest legacy, the amazing Angkor complex.
Our bicycle journey will be on quiet back roads where you'll have to look out for dogs and ducks more often than cars. We cover more than 680 kilometres in 11 cycling days and much, if not most, of the terrain is quite flat. There are some great natural attractions, including the chance to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. For archaeology and history buffs there is plenty to delve into, making this one tour that has absolutely something for everyone.
Our tour begins in north eastern Thailand where we visit Preah Vihear sanctuary. We then warm up with cycling to the Mekong River ahead of our border crossing into Laos. Once in this serene country, we ride on quiet back roads lined with lush vegetation. We visit Wat Phu, a Khmer Hindu temple complex, and then spend some time dolphin spotting and relaxing on an island in the middle of the Mekong.
Crossing into Cambodia we keep a lookout for the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins as our path crisscrosses over the Mekong. As we wind our way to Siem Reap we stop en route to visit the pre-Angkorian site of Sambor Prei Kuk before spending three days exploring by bike the Khmer empire's greatest legacy, the amazing Angkor complex.
Our bicycle journey will be on quiet back roads where you'll have to look out for dogs and ducks more often than cars. We cover more than 680 kilometres in 11 cycling days and much, if not most, of the terrain is quite flat. There are some great natural attractions, including the chance to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. For archaeology and history buffs there is plenty to delve into, making this one tour that has absolutely something for everyone.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive in Ubon Ratchathani. Bike fitting and tour briefing. |
| Day 2: | Visit Wat Preah Vihan - Angkor temple complex - then transfer for an afternoon warm up ride. |
| Day 3: | Transfer to border and cross into Laos - ride to our wonderful hotel on an island in the Mekong. |
| Day 4: | Visit Wat Phu in the morning and ride to King Fisher Lodge before arriving in afternoon at Don Khong. |
| Day 5: | Ride to visit Khan Prapeng Falls then cross to Don Khone for Irrawaddy dolphin spotting. |
| Day 6: | Rest day to chill out and enjoy the tranquil island of Don Khone. |
| Day 7: | Cross the Laos-Cambodia border and ride to Stung Treng. |
| Day 8: | Kratie. Another chance to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins as we ride along the Mekong to Kratie. |
| Day 9: | Kampong Cham. We cross the Mekong several times as we make our way to Kampong Cham. |
| Day 10: | Kampong Thom. We pass local villages, rubber plantations and paddy fields as we head towards Kampong Thom. |
| Day 11: | Sambor Prei Kuk. Ride to the temple area of Sambor Prei Kuk. Transfer to Siem Reap in afternoon. |
| Day 12: | Angkor temple complex. Ride in the Angkor temple complex taking in all the main sites. |
| Day 13: | Ride to Banteay Seri and Kbal Spean. |
| Day 14: | Free time until onward travel. |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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Environment:
We visit local development and community projects specific to the region, encouraging our clients to donate and/or assist such projects in appropriate and sustainable manners. We passionately believe that Responsible Tourism can be of immense help to local communities; providing income, positive cultural exchanges and an incentive to protect the natural environment. Our tours are never more than 12 people to minimize any social and environmental impact. The itinerary for this trip, and all subsequent information, is sent electronically in the form of pdf files, reducing the need for printing in most cases. Adopting a “carry in – carry out” policy, we actively engage in environmentally responsible practices to minimise tourist impact upon the local habitat. From biodegradable soaps to re-usable water containers, we provide clients with the best information and means to help them identify and implement effective ways to positively protect local nature and communities. It is a vital ethos that can be passed on and abided by all, long after the trip has ended. Community: We make sure that where and whenever possible our tours positively benefit the local community. In Stung Treng we’ll have dinner at a restaurant where youth are learning hospitality skills to gain experience in the industry. On the Emerald Triangle tour we also stop and visit a small community-based eco tourism site called O'Russey Kandal. As we visit the village of 446 families we learn what they are doing to manage their natural resources to live in a sustainable manner. We then enjoy a picnic along one of their natural resources - a cool stream with six rapids. We stay at locally owned accommodation and visit cottage industries for local handicraft souvenirs, generating income for local businesses. We use a local tour operator and travel with a Japanese crew. We employ and train local guides, drivers and assistants on all trips to ensure that the local community benefits not only short term but with increased employment opportunities for the future. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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