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A Chain of 3 Countries (13 days)
From: $0
Code: E-ZCYZZ0007
Tour Style: Cycling
Duration: 13 days
Difficulty Comfort Exclusivity
Home » Multi%country » Cycling Tours » A Chain of 3 Countries (13 days)

  

Starting from Bangkok, we travel into Laos and on to Cambodia, cycling through some of the most amazing, green, lush landscape on the planet. On our journey we will follow the Mekong most of the way, crossing by ferry to beautiful islands, eventually visiting the wondrous complex of the Angkor temples, including the incredulous 12th century Angkor Wat. We finish up at the bustling capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh where we visit the remnants of the tragic historic past at S-21 and the Killing Fields.


Brief Itinerary


Day 01: Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani - Khong Chiam
Day 02: Khong Chiam – Pha Taem National
Day 03: Khong Chiam – Chong Mek Border – Pakse
Day 04: Champasak – Kiet Ngong – Donkhong
Day 05: Donkhong – Donkhone – Steung Treng
Day 06: Steung Treng - Kratie
Day 07: Kratie - Kampong Cham
Day 08: Kampong Cham - Siem Reap
Day 09: Siem Reap Angkor
Day 10: Banteay Srei Temple – Ta Prohm Temple
Day 11: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh by boat
Day 12: Phnom Penh City tour
Day 13: Departure
 


 

  • Trip Grade:

Moderate - Suitable for travelers with an average level of fitness and mobility. However, some walking and hiking is required.
 

  • Trip Tips:

Explore the countryside of Siem Reap on your own quad bike, by far the best way to see the real village life. We will end the day watching the stunning sunset over the paddy fields where cattle and oxen graze lazily.

 

  • Best Travel Time:

There are two seasons in Cambodia, wet and dry. From early May to the end of October is the rainy season. It often rains heavily but for short periods of time, mostly later in the day or during the night, after which the sun returns. The rain cools the air and freshens up the lush green of the rice plantations. It is cooler in the dry season, which runs from early November to early February, when it starts heating up again, building to the hottest month of April. So the best time for rain lovers is between May and October and from November to early March for those who like it dry and cool.
 

 

Day 1: Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani - Khong Chiam (Thailand)
In the morning we fly from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani then transfer to Khong Chiam, a border district of Thailand and Laos where you can see the phenomenon of the "two-coloured river" where the Mekong River flows into Laos and then Cambodia.

 

Overnight in Khong Chiam.
Distance cycled: Approx. 60km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Golden River hotel or similar.

 

Day 2 Khong Chiam – Pha Taem National Park
We travel along a very scenic rolling road, passing fishing villages and rural farms along the Mekong River, passing through the Pha Taem National Park to visit several attractions such as a prehistoric cliff painting and an unusual sandstone rock formation that is decorated with 4,000-year-old large figures, sited on the Mekong riverside.
Optional:
On the way back to the hotel we can do a kayak ride on the Mekong River but this is dependant on water conditions on the day. 




Overnight in Khong Chiam.
Distance cycled: 80 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Golden River hotel or similar.



Day 3 Khong Chiam – Chong Mek Border - Pakse (Thailand crossing to Laos)
Todays journey is from Khong Chiam to Chong Mek, a border crossing between Thailand and Laos. We then travel by van to the 10th century Khmer temples, “Vat Phou”, a 1,000-year-old site set in the Champasak cultural landscape that was designated a World Heritage Site in 2001.



Overnight at Champasak.
Distance cycled: 60 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:

 


Day 4: Champasak – Kiet Ngong – Donkhong
We start the day with a ferry ride to the other side of the river and cycle to the village of Ban Niet Ngong. Once we reach the village we can opt to cycle or walk up to see Phu Asa, a curious site of stone towers. We have lunch here and then ride back down to the main junction before we load up the vans for a transfer to Ban Nakasan. Here we cross back over to the Mekong to one of the biggest of the islands in this mighty river, Don Khong. Arriving in the late afternoon will give you time to walk along the river and watch as the locals make full use of the river.



Overnight at Donkhong
Distance cycled: 60 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:



Day 5: Donkhong – Donkhone – Steung Treng (Laos crossing to Cambodia)
Today we island hop! We’ll have an early start and ride around Don Khong and along the banks of the river to the 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 the Liphi waterfall Then it's back to the ferry to cross the river. It's a short 12 km ride to Khan Phapeng waterfalls. This natural phenomenon splits the Mekong and is referred to as above and below the falls. After you've taken your photos, we transfer to the border.



Overnight in Steung Treng
Distance cycled: 60 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: The Golden River hotel or similar.

 

Day 6: Steung Treng- Kratie
Starting in Stung Treng we visit the morning market, then we jump on our mountain bikes and ride along some fun gravel roads with river views to Srae Krasang; this trail follows the Mekong River and is a great place to cycle off the main roads and enjoy the scenery and beautiful remoteness of the area. We cycle around 6 more kilometres along the river to see a curious old tree (Ko Ky Tmor), which collapsed into the water, and over many years, has turned to stone. Soon after, we arrive at the Tbongkla dolphin pool and after a picnic lunch, transport will be waiting for you for the 3 hour transfer to Sadan where we will start cycling again to Kratie.



Overnight in Kratie Distance cycled: 65 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: at Ly Gher hotel or similar.

 

Day 7: Kratie - Kampong Cham
After breakfast at the hotel we cross to the beautiful island of Koh Trong where we will cycle around, stopping to do some tree planting. Later we cross to the main land to another site opposite Kratie town. Here we will have free time to explore the amazing countryside until we move on to Preaek Prolung where the van will waiting for us, taking us for a picnic lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. In the afternoon we ride past Chlong and continue on to Krochma. We will transfer from here to stay overnight in Kampong Cham.



Overnight in Kampong Cham Distance cycled: 75 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:

 

Day 8: Kampong Cham - Siem Reap

After breakfast, we drive the 2.5-hour transfer to Dragon Bridge, an ancient bridge that was built on the highway by King Jayavaramon VII in the 12th century, then get back on our bikes and cycle along National Road 6 towards Siem Reap, along the route enjoying the stunning scenery of rice paddies and friendly villagers. In the afternoon we turn off the main road at Chreav Road, stopping at a local house for a picnic lunch and a visit to a temple, before continuing on this country road till we reach our hotel and check in.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap. Distance cycled: 70 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:Prince D’Angkor Hotel or similar.

 

Day 9: Siem Reap Angkor
Our cycling adventure starts with an easy 10 km ride from Siem Reap to the magnificent Angkor Wat to explore the temple complex and enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch we cycle the circuit between Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakeng, stopping at the Death and Victory Gates, Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King and Srah Srang. We watch the sunset from Phnom Bakeng before we transfer by road back to your hotel.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap.
Cycling distance: 38 km
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:Prince D’Angkor Hotel or similar.

 

Day 10: Banteay Srei Temple –Ta Prohm Temple
After breakfast, we travel by tuk tuk through the countryside to the Banteay Srei Temple. The name Banteay Srei means the “Citadel of Women” and is one of the most beautiful temples of the Angkorian period. In the afternoon we will visit the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, and then move on to the Angkor Thom complex where we see the ornate entrances decorated by gods and demons.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:Prince D’Angkor Hotel or similar.

 

Day 11:Siem Reap - Phnom Penh by boat
Early in the morning we transfer to Tonle Sap Lake to catch the boat to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at the capital city we will meet our guide and driver who will take us to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. These are two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered as some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. The French initially constructed them in 1866. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighbouring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name.

 

Overnight in Phnom Penh Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: The King Grand Boutique hotel or similar.

 

Day 12: Phnom Penh city tour
The dark past of Cambodia may be over but it is still essential from a historical point of view to visit the genocide museum. Toul Sleng was a high school prior to 1975, an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era and today it is a genocide museum. It tells the traumatic story of the thousands of innocent Cambodian people who were tortured on its grounds. Walking through the narrow corridors and former classrooms of the buildings will give you an eerie feeling of being part of Cambodia’s turbulent past. The stories of the victims are documented and some torture devices are on display for visitors to learn about the suffering the people endured. After visiting this memorable place, we make our way to the peaceful stretch of green fields of Cheung Ek. Situated 17 km from Phnom Penh town, Cheung Ek was made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. Nowadays, a large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot.


Overnight in Phnom Penh Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: The King Grand Boutique hotel or similar.

 

Day 13: Departure
We have breakfast at the hotel, and then there is some free time until your departure transfer.

 

(Breakfast included)
 

 

This tour is private and can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. As a result the price is quoted in US dollars and shown on a per-person basis. The ‘Price From’ quoted is for a party of 6 to 8 people and for accommodation in 3 star hotels. The final price will be privately quoted, based on the number in your party, your preferred time of travel, grade of hotel and any additional services requested. Please click on the BOOK NOW button and fill in the booking form, after which one of our travel consultants will customize the best value holiday for you.

 

  • REMARKS:

We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your holiday in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. All of our prices are calculated on a twin-shared basis. As a guide, Travel Loops defines hotel grades as follows:

 

>>Superior Level (3 star hotels in good locations): > 60 USD/room/night
>>Deluxe Level (4 star hotels): > 110 USD/room/night
>>Luxury Level (5 star hotels): > 180 USD/room/night

 

Price based on twin shared accommodation.
Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
More people means more discount. Please enquire for more details

 

 

Description Price per person in USD 
Group Size 2
3-5
6-8
9-12
13++ Single Supplement
Superior (3*) $ $ $ $ $ $
Deluxe (4*)            
Luxury (5*)            

 

TOUR INCLUDES:

1. Entrance Fees.
To scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.

 

2. Meals.
All meals as specified in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner).

When the meals are not included in the program, our guides will be more than happy to recommend one from our list of approved restaurants. While not always possible, we endeavor to ensure that a choice of western and Asian breakfasts are available; however, there may be occasions when only an Asian-style breakfast is available in some of the more remote locations.

 

3. Private Transfers & Airport Pick-up and drop-off.
Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide (as mentioned in the itinerary).

 

4. Professional Tour Guide.
As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city and will remain with you throughout your stay in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available.

 

5. Accommodation.
Hotel costs are based on double occupancy of one twin room. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily Western or Asian breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless otherwise specified.

 

6. Airport Tax, Fuel Fee, Service Charge & Government Taxes.

 

7. Arrangements Fees.
The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

 

8. Equipment*
Where relevant, a quality mountain bike and safety equipment, back-up vehicle (for parties of 6 or more) and cycle guide as per the Cycling Tour itinerary.

 

 

TOUR EXCLUDES:

 

1. International/Domestic Airfares.
Any International/aifare flights, airport tax, fiel fee and surcharge. 

 

2. Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar,Thailand or Laos Entry Visa Fees.

 

3. Excess Baggage Charges.
Passengers holding an adult fare or half fare ticket are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 20kg, for economy class. Total weight of carry-on baggage for each passenger may not exceed 5kg. The size may not exceed 20 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm.

 

4. Personal Expenses.
Expenses of a purely personal nature such as Tips and gratuities, laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals that are not included in the tour itinerary.

 

5. Meals.
Any meals that are not specified in the tour itinerary.

 

6. Single Room Supplement.

7. Travel Insurance.


8. Payment fees.

 

 
The hotels listed below are just our suggestions offering the best value for this trip according to the hotel category chosen., but Travel Loops also offers more options to cater for different grades, personal taste, and budget. Please let us know if you have any specific choice of hotels, or personal preferences/requirements.

 

Note: Our first choice for each level of accommodation has been highlighted in orange. As mentioned above our selection criteria are based on: prior client reviews, hotel management and staff training, facilities maintenance, location, business relationship and advantages given exclusively to our clients on price and service.
 

 

LOCATION
HOTEL NAME
STAR RATING
ROOM TYPE 

Superior Level (3*)

       
       
       
       
       

Deluxe Level (4*)

       
       
       
       
       

  Luxury Level (5*)

       
       
       
       
       

  Home Stay