40 Days China-Laos-Cambodia Cycling Tour from Kunming to Siem Reap

This 18-day cycling tour takes you from Kunming in China to Luang Prabang  in Laos where you’ll discover a world of dramatic rock formations melding into tropical forests, traditional farming villages and ethnic minority communities, on both sides of the border. Most days feature afternoons out of the saddle to rest and explore on ground level with a variety of Buddhist temples and local markets adding to opportunities to check out the regional cuisine and compare how one town or village compares to the next. Roads are mainly well paved with some mountainous terrain inviting long climbs although luggage transfers, support cars and knowledgeable guides ensure that every effort has been made to increase enjoyment levels on this fair to moderate cycling tour.

Highlights:

  • Cycle from China to Laos, with charming scenery along the way.
  • Have grand view of Yunnan and learn more about culture of Laos.

Breif Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Arrive in Kunming
  • Day 2 Kunming-Eshan
  • Day 3 Yuxi (玉溪) – Huanian (化念)
  • Day 4 Huanian (化念) – Ganzhuang (甘庄)
  • Day 5 Ganzhuang (甘庄) – Mojiang (墨江)
  • Day 6 Mojiang (墨江) – Tongguan (通关)
  • Day 7 Tongguan (通关)– Ning’er (宁洱)
  • Day 8 Ning’er (宁洱) – Pu’er (普洱)
  • Day 9 Pu’er (普洱) – Dadugang (大渡岗)
  • Day 10 Dadugang (大渡岗) – Jinghong (景洪)
  • Day 11 Jinghong (景洪) – Menglun (勐仑)
  • Day 12 Menglun (勐仑) – Mengla (勐腊)
  • Day 13 Mengla (勐腊) – Na Teuy, Laos
  • Day 14 Na Teuy – Oudomxay
  • Day 15 Oudomxay – Pak Mong
  • Day 16 Pak Mong – Luang Prabang
  • Day 17 Luang Prabang
  • Day 18 LuangPrabang – Kewkacham
  • Day 19 Kewkacham – Kasi
  • Day 20 Kasi – Vangvieng
  • Day 21 Vangvieng – Thalat
  • Day 22 Thalat – Vientiane
  • Day 23 Departure from Vientiane

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Lunch

Upon your arrival, your guide will meet you at arrival hall in the airport. Transfer to your hotel to check in and relax. In the afternoon, meet your tour guide to have a try of your bike.

After that, you will enjoy your free time to explore the city.

Day 2 Kunming-Eshan

Sightseeing and Activities: Kunming-Eshan
Accommodation: Eshan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After all the introductions and formalities to introduce our event “Cycling Southeast Asia, 2011: Messengers of Friendship,” we set off from Kunming, crossing the bridge over Dianchi Lake towards Xishan. From there we had a wonderful ride paralleling the highway all the way to Haikou. It was especially sweet for me as the roads were the best I’ve seen over our first seven days as was the weather, and Chris Horton from GoKunming let me ride in his slipstream the whole way!

After lunch, our friends left us to face the dusty roads ahead and eventually the rain too. From Haikou to Yuxi it’s about 60km, and for about 10km at the base of Dianchi the road turns to dust, and is very slow going. Shortly after the road gets better, you pass the famous Chinese explorer Zheng He‘s hometown of Jinning. A short incline at about kilometer 65 for the day, and then a nice long descent, being careful to avoid the truck traffic.

Unfortunately, the end of our ride was met with some heavy rain, but it was all worth it in the end, as just two kilometers west of Yuxi there is a natural hot springs and every room in our hotel was decked out with its own personal outdoor hot (spring) tub!

Day 3 Yuxi (玉溪) – Huanian (化念) – 78km, 5 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Yuxi (玉溪) – Huanian (化念) – 78km, 5 hours of riding
Accommodation: Eshan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We were all thawed out from the previous day’s rain and mostly dry. It was looking like the weather was going to clear up, but sure enough, as soon as we started out it began to rain, and it continued all day.

There is a mild climb coming out of Yuxi, and the road is being rebuilt. For about 10km the mud was so bad that even motorcycles couldn’t get through. Luckily most of the worst parts are on a long descent about 15km into the ride, and if you’re brave enough you can ride most of it.

I’m not sure how smart it was, but I rode/slid down most of it and my bike was caked with mud. We had a nice lunch in Eshan (峨山) at the base of the mountain and stopped at a car wash to hose down our bikes.

From Eshan it’s about 35-40km of great cycling, winding through the mountains with lots of small hills to zoom up and down. We finished our ride with an 18km descent to the town of Huanian, tucked in a valley of white plastic farmland. We arrived late and found no open restaurants, so had to settle for some instant noodles in our cold hotel room, quite a change from the night before!

Day 4 Huanian (化念) – Ganzhuang (甘庄) – 69km, 5 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Huanian (化念) – Ganzhuang (甘庄) – 69km, 5 hours of riding
Accommodation: Yuanjiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another cold, rainy day… beginning to reconsider biking in Yunnan in January, but I still think it’s worth it as it’s only tough riding when it rains, and I think rain three days in a row is pretty rare here. Great roads all day today, with some big climbs, but even bigger descents.

The scenery in Southern Yunnan is breathtaking and you can really begin to realize its incredible productivity. On the way today we passed several factories, including one massive steel plant, and endless amounts of healthy farmland planted with just about anything you can imagine. We had a few technical difficulties today including two flat tires and some minor adjustments on brakes and derailleurs which slowed us down quite a bit. Around dusk we descended into the pleasant town of Ganzhuang.

Day 5 Ganzhuang (甘庄) – Mojiang (墨江) – 99km, 7+ hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities: Ganzhuang (甘庄) – Mojiang (墨江) – 99km, 7+ hours of riding
Accommodation: Puer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In retrospect, we should have done more miles the day before to cut off some today. The day started with an 8km warm-up climb. A short, fun, but somewhat unsatisfying descent followed and led us into a massive climb at about the 13km mark. From here we began to slowly climb for what seemed to be most of the day.

About 10km up there is a hot spring, and if you climb down to it you can have lunch while soaking your feet in the 43 degree (105 degrees Fahrenheit) water. Lunch was basic: eggs boiled in the hot spring – not in the same water we were soaking our feet in – and cold rice noodles. After lunch we continued to climb the rest of the 35km hill, gaining 1,600 meters in elevation. A series of smaller hills followed, the last being an excruciating 7km climb until our final descent into Mojiang.

Day 6 Mojiang (墨江) – Tongguan (通关) – 74km, 6 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities: Mojiang (墨江) – Tongguan (通关) – 74km, 6 hours of riding
Accommodation: Puer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After reluctantly accepting some gifts of rice wine, we hopped back on Old Road 213. The morning was filled with some great cycling, we whipped through the countryside. A great 15km descent down to a large river ended our morning and we had a delicious lunch just on the other side of the bridge. Some of the specialties were wild bitter fruit (山苦果) and some wild olives that mildly resembled the taste of olives.

After lunch, we followed the river upstream for about 25km, soaking up the beautiful view of the fertile valley. Towards the end of the day we began climbing slowly back up to the expressway and over a mountain. Some amazing views of the sunset and then a couple of kilometers’ descent into the new town of Tongguan.

The hotel was nice, but there wasn’t much in the town except for a “park” on top of a nearby hill with a golden Pegasus on top. There is a poorly built museum there too, showing off some artifacts of the Old Tea and Horse Road. If possible I would look for lodging in the old town of Tongguan just before you get to the new town. It seemed a lot more lively.

Day 7 Tongguan (通关)– Ning’er (宁洱) – 89km, 6 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Tongguan (通关)– Ning’er (宁洱) – 89km, 6 hours of riding
Accommodation: Puer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A late night of drinking with the mayor of Tongguan and a long morning of him showing us around and giving us bricks of tea (…great, more weight to carry) meant a late start, but we still managed to do almost 90km. In between the old and new town of Tongguan, we bore right down the hill and cruised the 17km descent to the river. From there the road flattens out and follows the river for quite some time. The road is great for cycling here and the views of the river bank and coffee plants are breathtaking.

At about kilometer 70, we took a right towards Ning’er and joined all the traffic of the expressway, as it was still under construction. It was about a 12km climb in heavy traffic with no shoulder, and then a shorter descent into Ning’er. A different route would be recommended if the expressway is still under construction here.

Day 8 Ning’er (宁洱) – Pu’er (普洱) – 47km, 3.5 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Ning’er (宁洱) – Pu’er (普洱) – 47km, 3.5 hours of riding
Accommodation: Puer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A nice short day, but still not one to joke about. Again, we were riding in heavy traffic, and with the rain it was quite miserable. Pu’er sits considerably higher than Ning’er and we most definitely felt it. Climb after climb with very short descents. I was surprised by the integration of the coffee and tea plants everywhere and wondered about the benefits; a peaceful sign, maybe, of bringing our differences together.

Day 9 Pu’er (普洱) – Dadugang (大渡岗) – 78km, 5 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Pu’er (普洱) – Dadugang (大渡岗) – 78km, 5 hours of riding
Accommodation: Xishuangbanna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We spent a wonderful night in Pu’er as guests of Fudian Bank which was followed by wonderful weather all day.

Unfortunately, one of our team members, Jin Feibiao (Feibao’s older brother) fell on a descent early this morning before the road had a chance to dry. He rode another 20km to lunch, where he took a van to Jinghong to see a doctor. The diagnosis was a broken collarbone, and he flew back to Kunming for further treatment. He will be certainly missed on our trip.

Out of Pu’er we hopped back on Old Road 213 (a left turn at the southwestern end of the city). The road climbs for the first 5km and then descends quickly for about 8-9km more. A section is under construction at the 22km point making the short climb quite difficult. The rest of the day sees only small hills until the 68km mark where it begins to climb all the way to Dadugang at the top of the hill – be sure to stay right at the fork at about 76km to continue up and not down to the expressway. Dadugang only has two hotels and the one down the hill is basic, but with hot water and all rooms are on the first floor.

Day 10 Dadugang (大渡岗) – Jinghong (景洪) – 83km, 5 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Dadugang (大渡岗) – Jinghong (景洪) – 83km, 5 hours of riding
Accommodation: Xishuangbanna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It was a bit cold on top of the mountain this morning, but after a great breakfast feast of rice noodles, youtiao and bean soup, little baozi, and dumplings we headed out into the fog.

The first 10 km was a wonderful warmup, we were shooting up and down atop the ridge. If it hadn’t been so foggy, I’m sure it would have offered beautiful views of the surrounding tea country. After the warm up, there is a fast 11km descent back to the expressway and into the Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve. From there the old road continues to decline, winding around the hills as the expressway cuts right through them. At kilometer 47 for the day the road flattened out and a few kilometers later we had lunch at Xiaomengyang (小勐养).

Just before the town there is an intersection with the expressway. The first left is the expressway and the immediate second left heads towards Mengla. If you take the second left it is only 23km to Jinghong on all new roads. We were told the old road was much longer and a lot harder to bike. The new road was indeed nice, but you had to first climb a steep 6km hill before the long fast descent into Jinghong.

At the first traffic circle take a left and follow it to go over the bridge and soak in the views of the Mekong and the city. We took ten days getting here, including one day’s rest in Mojiang. With our group size and heavy loads, I would say we did pretty good.

If you were just two people with light loads it could easily been done in a week’s time, but don’t forget to take some time to absorb the beautiful sights of southern Yunnan. From here we will head south to Mengla and across the border into Laos where we plan to take a month cycling from the north to the southern tip.

Day 11 Jinghong (景洪) – Menglun (勐仑) 65km, nearly 3 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Jinghong (景洪) – Menglun (勐仑) 65km, nearly 3 hours of riding
Accommodation: Xishuangbanna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jinghong was a wonderful place to rest for two days. Aside from the amazing food, the incredibly friendly people and the beautiful weather, it was just nice to rest the legs (and the butt!) after battling Yunnan’s mountains for over a week. Jinghong also sits in a very strategic location. As the capital of Xishuangbanna, it also has very easy access to Southeast Asia. Before departing, our team received some more letters from the governor of Xishuangbanna to be delivered to Southeast Asia as well as the ones we are already carrying from the Kunming mayor.

From Jinghong we backtracked our route a bit, crossing back over the Mekong (or Lancang River 澜沧江) in the northeastern part of the city and up the mountain we had descended just a few days earlier. Make sure you exit the expressway in the beginning following signs to the National Forest and not towards Wild Elephant Valley.

With fresh legs, we zipped right up the 13km mountain. At the top of the hill, the road splits: left is back to Kunming and right heads toward Mohan and Laos. After you take the right the road turns into an expressway, but there is little traffic, a wide shoulder, and a much quicker shot to Laos then any of the other alternatives. From here the road evens out for two or three kilometers, then it drops slowly for about 25km to where we had lunch.

The views were incredible, with vast mountain ranges covered with tea trees and eventually nothing but rubber trees. There were a few short tunnels on the descent, which was much better than having to go around the mountains, so be prepared with lights, especially in the back. After lunch it was a straight shot to Menglun only 23km more.

Among the huge rubber tree plantations in Menglun lies the largest botanical garden in China, worth a visit just on its own. It also doubles as an internationally accredited science academy. We stayed in a hotel inside the park, but there are plenty of options outside it as well.

Day 12 Menglun (勐仑) – Mengla (勐腊) 80km, 4.5 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Menglun (勐仑) – Mengla (勐腊) 80km, 4.5 hours of riding
Accommodation: Xishuangbanna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Menglun we hopped back on the expressway, called Erji Lu (二级路), which soars above the valleys and cuts right through the mountains. Be sure to have all your lights handy again, as we passed though about 15 tunnels today, two of which were over 3km long.

Outside of Menglun there is a slow, steady 20km climb which ends with a 3km tunnel and then descends back down about 12km. About one kilometer after the toll booth at the bottom of the climb is Mengyuan (勐远), a good resting point with plenty of options for food and drink. After lunch, the road began to rise again steadily, passing through numerous tunnels until the final 10km where it descended into Mengla (a right hand turn, 1km off the expressway).

Mengla is a big town with many options for sleeping and eating. On top of this it is only 46km from the Laos border. If you’re up for it, there is a wonderful park about 18km away (we took a bus) called Sky Tree Tropical Rainforest Park (望天树热带雨林公园), which has the world’s highest canopy walk of 38 meters and plenty of entertainment and wilderness to keep you busy a few days.

Day 13 Mengla (勐腊) – Na Teuy, Laos – 67km, nearly 4 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Mengla (勐腊) – Na Teuy, Laos – 67km, nearly 4 hours of riding
Accommodation: Laos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It is only 46km from Mengla to the border town, Mohan, on the expressway. It is a bit hilly but the road is great and you barely notice the hills. It’s a good idea to leave some time for the border crossing, but we had no trouble at all. It cost me 300 yuan to get my visa on arrival. The next town in Laos is Boten, only 3km from the border.

We decided to continue on as border towns are infamous for crime, and this one didn’t seem to be any different. A little less than 20km down the road lies the intersection of the roads leading to Luang Namtha (right) and Oudomxay(straight) in the town of Na Teuy. There are two basic guesthouses here, and a few restaurants, both Lao and Chinese styles.

Day 14 Na Teuy – Oudomxay – 82km, 5 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Na Teuy – Oudomxay – 82km, 5 hours of riding
Accommodation: Oudomxay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a wonderful breakfast of Lao-style rice noodles, we set off for Oudomxay, the biggest city in northern Laos. The road which was great all the way from Jinghong, turned to dust only a few kilometers after Na Thuai. The road is being rebuilt by the Chinese all the way to Oudomxay, but there are some nice sections still that they hadn’t torn up. At the 28km mark for the day we had lunch in the small town of Meng Namo.

After lunch we continued on and the road begins to rise. Altogether it rises about 500m over a 25km stretch. It is a slow climb with frequent resting points, brief downhills and tons of marvelous little villages were everyone shouts “Sabaidee!!” The children were especially happy to see us, as we handed out candy along the way.

During our climb we could begin to hear music coming from the top of the mountain. Needless to say at the very top there was a small village throwing a party. We stopped and joined the festivities briefly, but continued on as to not impose too much. From here there is a nice and long descent into Oudomxay. Unfortunately, the descent is filled with patches of gravel, or just dust, so we had to take it really slow.

Day 15 Oudomxay – Pak Mong – 84km, 5.5 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities:Oudomxay – Pak Mong – 84km, 5.5 hours of riding
Accommodation: Pak Mong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another day filled with the gorgeous mountains of northern Laos. Leaving Oudomxay follow the main road to the right, then after 5km turn left towards Luang Prabang. From here the road climbs about 14km. At the 11km mark there is a nice waterfall and a small shop for a snack or drink. After the first climb there is a short descent and then another climb lasting about 9km.

From here the road descends to the town of Lak 32 (“Kilometer 32”). There is a nice market here to buy some fruits, as well as one small restaurant and several rice noodle stands.

From here there is not much else besides small mountain villages all the way to Pak Mong. It’s best to fuel up in Lak 32, as soon after you begin a long climb lasting a total of 22km. We stopped at a spring about half way up and then again at the small village at the top to shoot some pool with the locals while we waited for the rest of the team to catch up.

It became dark fast and we regretted our late start as the 20km of distance/900m of elevation descent into Pak Mong was quite difficult as the road was the same as it was all day – smooth riding one minute, then spoke breaking the next!

Day 16 Pak Mong – Luang Prabang – 110km, 9 hours of riding

Sightseeing and Activities: Pak Mong – Luang Prabang – 110km, 9 hours of riding
Accommodation: Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pak Mong is a noisy intersection filled with truck and bus traffic. Needless to say everything closes late and opens early. We were staying in probably the nicest place, run by a Chinese family, and still it was nothing to brag about. I was happy with clean sheets, though.

From Pak Mong to Luang Prabang the road is relatively flat, and not one pothole in sight. Unfortunately, the mayor of Luang Prabang had scheduled to meet us that afternoon, so we had no choice but to pile our bikes into a tuk-tuk and skip probably one of the nicer of our rides. From the back of the tuk-tuk, the scenery was still quite spectacular though.

Day 17 Luang Prabang

Sightseeing and Activities: Luang Prabang
Accommodation: Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we will fit you for your bike then enjoy a tour around Luang Prabang with the Mekong river as our backdrop. You will soon understand why it deserves the World Heritage title! Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao. Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes & characterizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground. See also the impressive “tree of life” mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts episodes from the Ramayana. Then visit the National Museum (closed on Tuesday), once a king’s palace, where displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Wat Mai was built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. This afternoon, you continue settle in that will take you to the secrets of the town’s wetlands, centuries old temples, a Saa Paper village before going back to the town, you will visit a weaving centre, where you get an explanation of the silk weaving process. Look at silkworm, natural dyes and meet the weavers. Then climb Phousi Hillto enjoy the view overlooking the city and watch the amazing sunset. From here you can see the magic Mekong and the small Nam Khan rivers. This evening you have to yourselves. Maybe explore the local restaurants or indulge in another massage, the choice is yours. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 18 : Luang Prabang to Kiew Ka Cham (78Km) ( L,D )
Pick up at 7:30 from your hotel. After checking your bikes, depart from Luang Prabang and cycle the way to Kiew Ka Cham passing on the mountain road passing lush forest, and many small H’Mong villages that sit dwarfed by the amazing landscape of limestone mountains that surround them. Dinner and overnight in Kiew Ka Cham.

Day 19 : Kiew Ka Cham – Kasi (94 Km) ( B , L , D )
After breakfast, fill in water and be prepared to get on the bike. Today is the hard part of cycling with some up hills and down hills. So, we will start a bit early. You will be high in the mountains for the first half of the day following a ridge line up and down with peaks all around. In the afternoon it is time to relax a bit as the road is largely downhill along a valley to our overnight stop of Kase, a small village on top of the mountains.

Day 20: Kasi – Vang Vieng (57 Km) ( B , L , D )
Cycle the 57km to Vang Vieng hopefully arriving early afternoon, spend, the afternoon to go caving or tubing on the Nam Song River or just relaxing. Then, the ride to Vang Vieng is a relatively easy day traveling through the lush greof rice fields. Vang Vieng is set in a prime location. Surrounded by, limestone peaks, caves, and rivers this town see its fair share of travelers, but for good reason. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 21 : Vang Vieng – Phong Hong (Nam Ngum Lake) 85km ( B , L , D )
Spend the day cycling mainly downhill to Phong Hong and the Nam Ngum Lake, a man-made lake, formed by the damn. Dinner and spend the night near the lake.

Day 22: Nam Ngum Lake – Vientiane 85km ( B, L )
Cycling start from your hotel to Vientiane the road becomes mainly flat for this ride and you should be back in Vientiane. Explore the city and have dinner on your own. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 23 : Vientiane Fly to Pakse ( B )
All-day free to explore city and driver pick up to the airport for flight to Pakse. Arrival check-in hotel.

Day 24 : Pakse – Bolaven Plateau (Tad Fan waterfal ( B , L , D )
An easy start to the day, after breakfast we ride from the hotel after 8 ka m on flat a road in town the road is sliguslog uphill to begin our journey the into coffee e growing area of Laos, the Bolaven plateau. After, a town we start to climb up into the temperate coffee growing area renowned for its Arabica and Robusta beans. These beans fetch some of the highest coffee prices in the world. The road undulates but has a definite upward feeling. As we climb, we see coffee everywhere as the plantations converge on the side of the road. We finish at the wonderful Tad Fane resort, which provides a stunning backdrop and the very impressive Tad Fane fall, if you are feeling energetic you can cycle to the other waterfall for swimming. Alternatively, you can relax in the restaurant and take the wonderful view. Dinner is at the resort
Elevation: Pakse = 170 m above sea level
Tadfan resort = 959 m above sea level.
Distance: 38 km (on good quality asphalt road but ascend)

Day 25: Tad Fane – Tad lo (Tad means water waterfall, L, D )
(Resort is at an altitude of 960 m above sea level)Today is the best rionnwritinghis trip, after 12 the climb we reach the top of Bolavene plateau (at an altitude of 1280 m above sea level). However, riding in the early morning makes you warm through the cold morning on the plateau, and you still have more energy in the morning, after a short break in a small town on together plate the au we continue our riding for another 38 km to a small town of Tha Teng (at an altitude of 860 m above sea level), this 38- kilomdescentecent is one of the rides ride in this trip, we have noodle soup for lunch at the local restaurant, 30 km from our destination, Tad Lor Resort (at an altitude of 750 m above sea level) Riding after lunch takes us very easy downhill but dirt road for 21 km to the junction, the rest of the road just 9 km on asphalt road and it is mainly flat. We check in the hotel in the afternoon and it is your time for swimming at the waterfall, relaxenjoyoying the, vierideiding around. Dinner is at the hotel.

Elevation: Departure point 959 m above sea level
Highest point: 1280 m above sea level
Arrival point: 346 m above sea level.
Ride: 80 km (12 km ascend, 68 km de, scend and flat, including 21 ka m on the dirt a road)

Day 26 : Tad Lor – Pakse – Champasak ( B , L , D )
After breakfast, we head towards Pakse. This road undulates and has a couple of lenclimbsclimb in it one of 5 km one of 49 km, but they are quite grduagradualore we turn right and head down way into Pakse. The last 2intoin to Pakse is downhill and can be covered quickly, be careful as we head into town as the traffic increases signisignificantlyter lunch in, a town we crisscross over the bridge to the right side or Thai side (but it is Lao territory ) we keep riding g on a flat road to the former southern kingdom of the land of million elephants, the present town of Champasak consist of a small settlement on the Thai side of the Mekong River, whose main interest of the visitors is its proximity to the famous Khmer site of Wat Phou, a name which indicates a connection with the ancient Cham kingdom, contemporaneous with the early Khmer empire.

Elevation: Tad Lor = 346 m above sea level
Highest point: 606 m above sea level.
Champasak = 124 m above sea level
Ride: 110 km on good quality asphalt road

Day 27 : Champasack – Khong Island (4000 islands) ( B , L , D )
Si Phan Done in Lao means 4000 islands; it is the widest and most charismatic part of the Mekong River and is our destination today. We leave as early as we can after breakfast, after 2 km of riding from the hotel, we cross the Mekong River on a very unusual mode of transport to the other side and after a short ride to the main road and then start heading soua th again towards Cambodia. Today is mainly flat with quiet road and some interesting scenery, we pass many villages with children standing in groups waving their hands saying say hello, it would be strange for them to see the tourists travel by bicycles (it feels hard for them).so we stop every 20 or 25 km for refreshments and we have lunch under the tree by the road when we feel like it. We then cross back over to the Mekong River to one of the big islands lands in the Mekong River, Kong Island (it is the hometown n of the former Lao president). We cycle a short way to our hotel. Dinner is in the hotel.

Elevation: Champasak =124 m above sea level
Khong island = 120 m above sea level.
Distance: 113 km (on good quality asphalt road, and mainly flat)

Day 28 : Khong island – Khone island ( B , L , D )
Today is a day to explore, we once again cross the river to mainland land and head south where we ride as far as on the main road, we turn to the village where the long-tail long-tail boat with all bikes, luggage, and our staff so we leave our support van at the village, we take a short boat trip to the small island of Don Det where we will have lunch. After lunch we ride along the old French Railway down to the beach where we get on small boats to Cambodian waters in search of fresh water Dolphins, After an hour we ride bathe k to the hotel at Don Khone is and., Distance: 30 km (Haft riding is on good quality asphalt road and the rest is on the path but ia t is fantastic stic ride and flat)

Day 29: Donkhone Island – Cambodia -Stung Treng (80km (, L, D )
After breakfast boat rides the from the hotel to mainland land, we cycling cycle from the village to the main road and head south to the border, on the way stop at Khonphapheng waterfall, the biggest waterfall on the Mekong River aa after a short visit to the waterfall we cycle the rest to the border where you goodbye to Lao guide and driver, after immigration formalities in Lara s we take a short drive to Cambodian immigration where you meet Cambodian guide and driver to start your trip to Cambodia.

Day 30 : Stung Treng – Irrawady Dolphin – Kratie (75km( B , L , D )
Breakfast in Stung Treng. Cycle along the Mekong River on a dirt road for 30km. We transfer on the National Road as we cannot avoid this part. Cycle the last 45km on the back road along the Mekong River. The road is sealed but small with less traffic than the National road. It is also interesting to see the villages and scenery along the Mekong. We stop halfway to take the boat trip at Prek Kamp spot for efreshwaterresh water Irraway Dolphin. If you miss the chance to see the Dolphin at 4 Thousand Islands, you will be a bit le to see it at Prek Kampi for sure. After the boat trip, cycle the last 23km to Kratie. Dinner and overnight in Kratie.

Day 14: Kratie – Mondulkiri (Northern Hill Tribes Territory)(80k m)( B, L, D )
After breakfast, we transfer aboSeoulhours via Seoul to Keo Sima. Along the road, we can see some plantations initiated by the French. Then we start cycling with some uphills. The scenery after lunch is the best in Cambodia for cycling. We can view the pine forest and endless hill with green grass. We arrive in Mondulkiri and eck in the hotel. In the late afternoon, we cycle around the town and go on tells about 300 meters altitude high to view the sunset on top of meters at the Sea-Forest to see how amazing the nature is. Dinner and overnight in Mondulkiri.

Day 31: Sen Monorom – Bou Sra Water Fall (Cycling7 7m ) ( B, L, D )
Breakfast in Sen Monorom. Fill in the water, and start cycling out off Sen Monorom. Soon, we get to the dirt road passing the coffee plantation. We stop to have a quick visit at the plantation. Then continue on some of the sealed roads dirt roads through the jungle. Stop and relax to true the true nature. Then go to Bou Sra waterfall. Enjoy the lunch waterfall. Enjoy swimmiwaterfallwater fall and take some photos in Phnong minority clothes. Afternoon back to Sen Monorom for dinner and overnight

Day 32: Sen Monorom – Elephant Valley – Danrey Choun Wak 5km ( B, L, D)
Breakfast in Sen Monorom. Then we cycle 10km to Elephant Valley. This is a rescue center to protect the elephants from trafficking. You have a full-day full-day volunteer to work in this Elephant Valley to take care of the elephants. The staff at the project will on guide you how to do the job. Lunch at the valley. Dinner and overnight in Sen Monorom

Day 33: Mondulkiri-Chlong-Kampong Cham 8 5k m) ( B, L, D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Chalongnsfer to Chlong. Then start cycle ing along the Mekong River. This back road is nice for cycling to see the real-life experience of the local people who earn their living along the Mekong River. Most of them earn their living by farming and fishing. past cycle passes a few Muslim communities. Then we cross the Mekong River by ferrcommunitiesg Trong. Continue to cycle another 33km on some dirt roads and the sealed road to Kampong Cham. Dinner and overnight in Kampong Cham.

Day 34 : Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh – ( 40 km )( B ,L )
Breakfast at the hotel. Cycling and transfer by van to Phnomcheck-INR check in the hotel, and dinner explore by yourself – Overnight in Phnom Penh City

Day 35 :Cycle to Oudon 55km ( B , L )
Transfer tChhnangng Channing,8:00 Am Pick up from your hotel lobby and head straight out from Phnom Penh into the stunning landscapes of rice and coconut trees as we make our way to Oudong Mountain via Phnom Basset. We stop to enjoy fresh watermelon along the way as well as a range of other tasty local snacks. As the day wears on, we see a hill suddenly jut out of the completely flat countryside and this is Oudong, athe great place for a meal and a great place for a view of the plains. After lunch, we take a drive up Channing, the home of Cambodian ceramic pottery and genuine floating villages.O/N iChhnangng Channing.

Biking Distance: 5 km

Meals: L, D

Day 36 :Cycle Kampong Chanang & Battambang 40km
We start the day with a pedal arounChhnangng Channing to see what village life in this area means. We’ll see the pottery villages from which, terracotta pots of all sizes are distributed throughout Cambodia. We visit an abandoned airfield from the Khmer Rouge times and we might never n try out our hand at some farm work, time permitting. We then take a drive to Battambang, a rural center and home to some interesting french arch centers. We take an afternoon ride to see some of these buildings and then take a ride on the famous Bamboo Train.O/N in Battambang.

hiking Distance: 40 -55 k
Meals: B, L, D

Day 37:Cycle Battambang – Siem Reap – 30km
Transfer to Siem Reap, As we wake on our third day, you will be wishing it not to end, but there is still time to learn about the village industries of Battambang, For this we meet up with a local university student who will show us around the villages just outside Battambang. The ride is on a lovely route along the river with lots of shade. We stop to see rice paper making, banana drying, riceprahokand prahok production, as well as a stop at the best snack of op in all of Cambodia, the kralanh shop. Here we try sticky rice with coconut and beans which are prepared in a bamboo tube. We return to town in the late morning and afmakeslunch make our way to Siem Reap in the support vehicle. The tour concludes with a drop-off at Siem Reap hotel

Biking Distance: 30 45 km
Meals: B,
Accommodation: Siem Reap Hotel 3 *

Day 38: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake
Our guide the brief you on the biking loop at the hotel’s lobby and afterward start cycling to Me Chrey floating village through the rice paddies and Khmer tradition which usewhichre are located 20km from the town. On arrival at the pier, you’ll get a gentle kayak through the floating village where gentle be welcomed by warming smiles from the humble Cambodian people who live on this fantastic lake. You leisurely enjoy kayaking until reaching the end of the village and there you will be welcomed by our local host, a local lunch in a beautiful setting is ready for you. After a decent lunch, you’ll be taken for a soft adventure kayaking to the exotic mangroves in high water season (September – March) yet during low water season (April – August) you will kayak along the Tonle Sap Lake seeing rare birds in this tranquil setting giving you a once in a lifetime experience leavingeverlastinger lasting memories before transferring back by boat to the pier and again you will optionally cycle back to Siem Reap town.

Summardistance
Cyclin Distance: 4 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Siem Reap Hotel 3 *

Day 39: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples
Today, a bit early breathe akfast at hot6:00 amend 6:00 am and then you will leave for the cycling tour to the temples of Angk6.30 amund 6.30 am. You start riding from the hotel to the temple ticket office and then off the road through the jungle to Phnom Bakheng mountain where the first visit Angkor Wat temple. It will take 1 hour to visit the Amazing temple which is the biggest religious building in the world and continue to ride to Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm temples. a Lunch at a local restaurant and after lunch visit Preah Khan and Bayon temple in Angkor Thom City. Free afternoon in Siem Reap.

Summardistance
Cyclin Distance: 5km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Siem Reap Hotel 3

Day 40: Siem Reap Departure ( B )
Transfer to airport for departure. Tour is Over

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Yuxi Hilton Yuxi Fuxian Lake Hongta Hotel Lavande Hotel Local Hostel
Puer    Meizi Lake Spa Hotel Jinglan Hotel Mingting Hotel Local Hostel
Jinghong(Xishuangbanna) InterContinental Hotel Jinghong Dai Garden Hotel Jinglan Business Hotel Local Hostel

Service Included:

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast as indicated in the hotel list;
  • Chinese lunches as listed in the itinerary;
  • All land transfers & transportation with private air-conditioned car;
  • All transfers and sightseeing with skilled English-speaking tour guide;
  • All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary;
  • All government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between hotels;
  • Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance coverage

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary.
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff.
  • Personal travel accident insurance.
  • All optional programs;

Travel Tips:

  • Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.
  • The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.
  • Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.
  • Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest.
  • Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.