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THE EMERALD TRIANGLE
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 northeastern Thailand where we visit Pha Taem National Park and view the well-preserved prehistoric rock paintings. We cross into Laos and first head up to the Bolaven Plateau, the coffee growing area of Laos, before heading south, where we go island hopping and take the time to observe the daily lives of the farmers in the paddy fields and the fishermen on the river. 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’s empire’s greatest legacy, the amazing Angkor complex. Angkor bears testimony to the Khmer empire's immense power and wealth, as well as the variety of belief systems that it patronized over time - Hinduism, Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism.
TRIP PROFILE
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 750 kilometers 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.
| ITINERARY (14 Days/ 13 Nights) | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Ubon Ratchathani, visit Pha Taem National Park, overnight at hotel on Mekong River. |
| Day 2 | Cross the border to Laos, ride to Pakse and then up to the Bolaven Plateau. Optional hike to the top of 200m high Tad Fane waterfall. |
| Day 3 | Ride to Champasak and then on to Wat Phu, a Khmer Hindu temple complex, before reaching Don Daeng island. |
| Day 4 | Ride to Phu Asa to see a curious site of stone towers, 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 | Another chance to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins as we ride along the Mekong to Kratie. |
| Day 9 | We cross the Mekong several times as we make our way to Kampong Cham. |
| Day 10 | We pass local villages, rubber plantations and paddy fields as we head towards Kampong Thom. |
| Day 11 | Ride to the temple area of Sambor Prei Kuk. Transfer to Siem Reap in afternoon. |
| Day 12 | 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. |
| FACTS & FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost | US$1995 - Single supplement: US$350 |
| Bike Hire | US$170 |
| Total Distance | 685 kilometres |
| Number of Days | 14 days / 13 nights |
| Number of Cycling Days | 9 full days and 2 half days. |
| Road Surface | The road surfaces are mixed with a combination of good quality tarmac, wide dirt tracks and broken roads that are sometimes heavily potholed. |
| Support | Aircon vehicle with space for tired bikers, bikes and luggage. Or motorcycle when vehicle cannot follow. |
| Group Size | Minimum 2. Maximum 16. |
| Staff | SpiceRoads cycling leader (for groups of 10 or more), plus a local cycling guide, as well as drivers and assistants for all groups. Smaller groups will be led by our local guide and support team. |
| Accommodation | All hotels have en suite facilities and a/c. Whenever possible we try to use hotels with charm and local character. |
| Food | All meals are included except 2 dinners and 1 lunch. |
| Biking Grade |
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| Cultural Interest |
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