Independent Mekong Adventure (Laos & Cambodia)
Journey alongside and on the mighty Mekong River, through incredible scenery. Meet rural communities, immerse yourself in local cultures and discover historical sites! These include the pre-Angkorian temples of Wat Phou. Discover the rapids and cascades in Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) then travel by elephant through the forest to witness the natural beauty of Xe Pian National Protected Area.
You will then cross the border into Cambodia to visit iconic Angkor Wat, the symbol of Cambodia.
What's included?
- Return economy flights with Thai airways from London Heathrow.
- All transfers
- Tour guide and entrances.
- Local boat rides
- Hotel/lodge stays (12 nights)
- (This is an independent tour-not a river cruise. The itinerary and length can be adapted, to suit you!)
Guide Price 2023: £3500pp
Day 1:
Fly to Ubon Ratchathani via Bangkok
Day 2:
Free day at Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand)
Day 3:
Transfer to Chong Mek border and cross to Laos, where you local guide will meet you.
Drive south towards the Champassak province and enjoy a short boat ride to Don Daeng, an island in the middle of the Mekong. Check into a lovely lodge-relax by the swimming pool or wander around the island to experience local island life.
Day 4:
Enjoy a guided bicycle tour around the island. After, cross the Mekong by boat to Wat Phou. This is an amazing UNESCO, pre-Angkorian temple.
You will then pass through Champasak, a small town with French colonial architecture.Head back to your lodge hotel on Don Daeng island.
Day 5:
By boat cruise to Ban Muany village and then by car to Xe Pian. Here you will get the chance to embark on a 1.5 hour elephant ride through the forest up to Mt Asa. This is part of a community based tourism project.
Day 6:
Head to the area known as 4000 islands. This is a stunning part of the Mekong River. The river is 14km wide here and thousands of islands are scattered in the river.
By car, travel to the village of Ban Nakasan before taking a local boat to sail to the islands of Done Det and Don Khone. Hopefully you will spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
Day 7:
By boat, travel from Don Khane island to the village of Ban Nakasan. Then onto the Cambodian-Laos border crossing.
After head to the ecotourism village of O'Svay, and cruise through the flooded forests of the Mekong.
Day 8:
In the morning, visit Mekong Blue, a local silk weaving centre.
Then, head towards Kratie, stopping off at Wat Sorsor Mouy Roy to see the 100 column pagoda. Explore Kratie, make sure you stop off at the local market-it's a real experience. Board the local boat to Koh Trong Island. Spend the night on this delightful island.
Day 9:
Explore Koh Trong island by bicycle, ox-cart or horse! Enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch next to the river. This is a delightful island and one of my favourite places in Cambodia.
Day 10:
Head southwards towards Kampong Thom. See Chlong, a small town with lots of French colonial houses. Spend the afternoon at Kampong Thom at leisure.
Day 11:
Get even more off the beaten track when you visit Sambor Prei Kuk, one of Cambodia's most important pre-Angkorian sites.
Onwards to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
Day 12:
Be prepared to be amazed!
A full day of temple exploring.
Explore the iconic temple of Angkor and its many bas-reliefs, carved into the walls. Ta Prohm and Bayon Temple are not to be missed! (for further info check out our Angkor Wat page)
Day 13:
Fly back to the UK
Or extend your stay in Cambodia.