Pakse to Siem Reap by bike

A steady climb on a nicely paved road will bring you up to the bolovan plateau, an area known for its cooler temperatures stunning waterfalls, and world class coffee.   Cycling in this area is a real treat, not only for the scenery, and comfortable weather, but also because it is still off the usual tourist circuit through Laos.  After visiting several majestic waterfalls, we will stop for lunch at Tad (waterfall) Yueang, before riding on to the small town of Pak Song, which lies at the heart of the bolovan plateau.

A long, steady descent will bring you back down to sea level.  Continue to the small town of Attapue which nestled on a curve in the Mekong River.  If the distance is too far, just jump in the support vehicle and take a rest.

The route today is small dirt road that passes through small villages inhabited by a number of different ethnic minorities.  This is not a heavily traveled road, and in the rainy season it is pretty much impassible, but when the weather is right, it is an amazing day on the bike.  A special feeling of going to a place where the vast majority of people don’t get the chance to see.

Ferry across the Mekong and cycle to the historic Wat (temple) Phu.  The surviving structures here date back to the 11^th century, making this one of the oldest and most important places of worship for Buddhists in Laos.  Continue back roads to the small village of Soukhouma.  Overnight in a Guest house.

Today we will cycle along the Mekong River on dirt roads, and through small river side villages, we cross to Don San and continue to Don Khong, we stop for the lunch before ride to the hotel and free at your leisure.

ferry, stopping along the way to see locals making palm sugar. When we reach the ferry it’s only 200m to the island of Don Som, one of the longest islands in the Mekong that stretches about 12 km to where it meets the tip of Don Det. It’s another quick ferry ride to Don Det and we cycle along a dirt path to the old French Railway Bridge and cross over to Don Khone where we’ll ride straight to boats for a leisurely cruise in search of the nearly extinct Irrawaddy dolphins. We then ride the 4 km to our riverside hotel. A varied ride over four islands on narrow dirt tracks means there’ll be no vehicle support, but we will still stop for water and snack breaks.

After the formality at the border, meet Cambodian guide, who will accompany us for the remainder of the journey to allow the best local knowledge. From here, we start cycle over silent roads through green fields and forests towards 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. We arrive at the hotel and settle down for a shower and prepare ourselves for dinner.

An early rise this morning and breakfast before we start heading south and cycle along the Mekong River and experience a local life along the bank of Mekong river. We cycle until we reach a highway. From here, we transfer to Kampi and hop on a boat in hopes of seeing Irrawady dolphin. You then cycle to Kratie Town then board a ferry to Koh Trong where you will spend a night with homestay. Enjoy tasty Cambodian food with your hosted family.

This morning, we transfer south towards to the tiny town of Chhloung which has beautiful French colonial style buildings. We then start our ride passing many Cham communities which are predominantly Muslim. Buddhist pagodas form a pretty contrast with small mosques and the particularly friendly locals will welcome you warmly in each village you pass. Arrive in Kampong Cham in the evening, a city on the Mekong River in southeastern Cambodia. It’s known for its French colonial buildings.

An early start this morning as you leave Kampong Cham on a paved road along the Mekong River toward Wat Hanchey, we cycle up to Wat Hanchey, a small hilltop pagoda that houses an 8th century pre-Angkorian temple and offers spectacular views over the Mekong. We then continue our ride along the river to Steung Trang, then we gradually climbing through many traditional villages, where you will witness people busy with their everyday lives: cooking, cleaning, playing, leading the cows to the river, cycling school kids, pagodas and monks and bright red chilies, rice and fish drying in the sun by the side of the road. After lunch, we hop in the van and transfer to Kampong Thom.

After breakfast, we will have a beautiful ride to the ancient temple of Sambor Preikuk through the paddy fields and small villages. Sambor Preikuk temple is the lesser visited pre-Angkorian temple complex. Most temples in the complex brick between the years 615 and 650. Cycle through these magnificent ruins, which are connected by shady dirt paths. Stop for lunch at a local community.

After lunch, we transfer 2 hours to Tonle Sap, the largest in South East Asia, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Board a local boat and visit the village of Chong Khneas, witnessing the residents going about their daily life. It is quite a sight to see a whole bamboo village complete with homes, petrol stations, schools, hair dressers and even karaoke bars, floating on a lake. We then transfer to your hotel.

(Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from July to March)

Begin your cycling exploration of the incredible Angkor temples, focusing on the Small Circuit featuring the pyramid of Takeo, the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, Sras Srang known as the King’s bathing pond; and the impressive Royal City of Angkor Thom where you will find the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved smiling faces. You will also visit other important sites in this immense walled city, including the pyramid of Baphuon, Phimeanakas and the royal viewing stands known as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.  After lunch, visit the incredible and majestic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building. After being initially inspired by its overall size you will explore in more detail, getting up close and personal to fully appreciate its architecture and intricately detailed bas-reliefs. Return to your hotel to freshen up. This evening, we enjoy a final farewell dinner this night accompanies with a traditional Khmer Apsara dance. The Apsaras are legendary characters from the ancient Khmer tale of Reamker, which is closely related to the Hindu Ramayana.