Mekong Discovery

Along the great River

A truly unique tour to see and experience the life along the mighty Mekong river, including visits to the stunning jungle temple of Beng Mealea, the ruins of Koh Ker, and the marvelous and breathtaking temple of Preah Vihear along the way. Here, our customers have the chance to really see and discover vast parts of northern and central Cambodia on roads less travelled, it’s diversity and great, friendly people.

All transport is by moto (driving yourself) aside from the transport up the Preah Vihear hill and the last day between Kompong Thom and Siem Reap (will be by pick-up/bus to avoid highway driving).

Day 1:

Leave Siem Reap at 7:30 am on countryside roads and trails towards the former ancient capital of Koh Ker with it’s impressive 7-tier pyramid tower, the giant linga statues, and the magnificent elephant temple, to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring.

There is the option to stop at Beng Mealea Temple on the way, but customers need to have an Angkor Pass ticket (either 1 day left on a multiple day pass, or by purchasing a 1 day ticket before the tour) to be able to enter.

Total distance 135 km, driving time 4-5 hours. 

Accommodation in Koh Ker. It is a basic but clean guesthouse with no AC.

Day 2:

Leave Koh Ker in the morning to Preah Vihear temple, with a rest on an impressive cliff overlooking vast parts of Cambodia and Thailand. After spending a few hours there, head to the small town of Saem for accommodation.

Total distance 160 km, driving time 6-7 hours

Accommodation in Saem. Good guesthouse with A/C.

Day 3:

Drive from Saem to Preah Rumkel on the Laos border. Visit the mighty Mekong falls of Sopheap Mitt in the afternoon by moto, with a stop at the new temple. Back in Preah Rumkel, you can enjoy the peace of this small commune, and take a walk along the river. Total distance 145 km, driving time 6 hours.

Accommodation in Preah Rumkel. Note: the homestay is very basic. It consists of big room with 10 mattresses on the floor (including mosquito nets) in a wooden house with small toilet and bathroom. No A/C.

 Day 4:

Wake up in the morning and enjoy the glorious views over the Mekong and Cambodia’s northern neighbor, Laos. Activities in the morning, either a boat tour on the Mekong or kayaking, depending on availability (we will do the opposite activity in Stung Treng in the afternoon). Late morning driving to the small town of Stung Treng, settled on the shores of the Mekong and Sekong rivers. After lunch, afternoon activity, if time allows, also a boat trip to the world famous Ramsar wetlands, a heaven for birdwatchers.

Total distance: 60km, driving time 1,5-2 hours

Accomodation in Stung Treng. Good guesthouse with A/C

Day 5:

Drive from Stung Treng to Kratie. The second half of the ride follows a very scenic road along the shores of the Mekong. Before reaching Kratie we visit Kampi Pool to watch the rare Irrawady Dolphins on a boat tour. There is only an estimated 60 – 80 of these magnificent animals left in the wild, and Kampi Pool has the highest numbers in the world. On the way the tour stops at Phnom Sambok, a small and colourfull monastery on a hill on the banks of the Mekong. Free time in the late afternoon to watch the sunset before dinner.

Total distance 155 km, driving time 5-6 hours

Accommodation in Kratie. Good guesthouse with AC in town. This is also the first place on the tour where you will be able to do laundry if necessary.

Day 6:

Before leaving town for Kampong Cham we will visit the historic and unique Laos-style pagoda of Wat Rokkokandal. The route to Kampong Cham follows a scenic road past many rural villages along the Mekong. A stop at the holy and historical Han Chey mountain with beautiful views over the Mekong is one of the highlights of the day. After reaching Kampong Cham and checking into the hotel, we visit the Angkorian era temple of Nokor Beachey. The evening can be spent at the town’s lovely riverfront with its restaurants and cafes.

Total distance is 125 km.

Accommodation in Kampong Cham.

Day 7:

After breakfast, the tour departs for its final leg to Siem Reap. The first stop along the way are the twin mountains of Phnom Bros and Phnom Srey with its unique Buddha park and great views over the surrounding area. From there it is another 95 km past rubber plantations and agricultural land to the town of Kampong Thom, where we will load the motos onto a truck and you will return by pick-up/bus. For safety reasons, we do not drive the last 145 km to Siem Reap on the bikes, as traffic is unsafe on National Road 6.

Return to Siem Reap early evening. Total distance 160 km, driving time 6 hours (plus 3-4 hours bus ride from Kampong Thom to Siem Reap).

Included

  • guide, moto, fuel, helmet
  • all drinking water, soft drinks, snacks (alcoholic drinks not included)
  • entrance fees to Koh Ker and Preah Vihear
  • external transport for Preah Vihear (we are not allowed to drive up ourselves, as it is a very dangerous road)
  • all activities (walks, boat tours, ferries, boat ride to the dolphins, kayaking, etc.), 6 x breakfast, 6x dinner, 7x lunch
  • 6 nights accommodation, as outlined above
  • raincoats
  • repairs
  • return transport from Kampong Thom to Siem Reap
  • pick up and drop off at your hotel.

Not included:

  • laundry, and anything not expressly included above

Price: $995 per Person / $835 per Person for bookings of 2 or more

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