Journey Along the Mekong

Fly to Ubon Ratchathani via Bangkok. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.

This morning transfer to Chong Mek border and cross to Laos where a local guide awaits. Drive south towards the Champassak province of southern Laos and take a short boat ride to Don Daeng, an island in the middle of the Mekong River. Here, check into La Folie Lodge and spend the remainder of the day relaxing. La Folie Lodge has a beautiful swimming pool and its riverfront location offers spectacular views. There are 8 small villages dotting the island’s coast and a short walk will provide a taste of local island life. (B)

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Enjoy a short guided bicycle tour around the island. The road is flat and the easy ride is a good chance to witness the daily life of the villagers. Cross the Mekong by boat to visit Wat Phou, a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site located amongst southern Laos's rice fields and waterways. The temple was constructed on three levels: the bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features quadrangular pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary itself. The rulers of the Khmer Empire built the temple before the construction of Angkor Wat. This site served as the region's most important economic and political centre and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples. Pass through the small town of Champasak, where French colonial buildings offer a great contrast to Wat Phou. Return to Don Daeng island and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

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Travel to Oumong, also known as "Ub Mong" or "Muang Tomo" or "Um Tomo," a small temple ruin dating back to the 9th century during the reign of Khmer King Yasovarman. Dedicated to Rudani, an aspect of Shiva's consort, the temple is nestled in a lush dipterocarp tree forest. It comprises an esplanade bordered by lingams and two deteriorating laterite sanctuaries. En route, make a stop at Nong Bune, a village renowned for wood carving. Here, intricate carvings showcase the traditional patterns of the local people, with particularly intriguing carved masks. The journey will also include a visit to Ban Phonsaard, a village specialising in handicrafts. (B,L)

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Depart for the area known locally as Si Phan Don (meaning 4000 Islands). In this beautiful area, the Mekong River reaches 14 kilometres wide and thousands of small islands dot the waterway. Travel by car for around 2 hours to the village of Ban Nakasan before boarding a local boat to sail to the islands of Done Det and Done Khone. Keep a look out for the Irrawaddy Dolphin, sightings are not guaranteed but the mornings and late afternoon when the water is cooler is the best time to spot them. Visit the impressive Liphi Falls, located on the west of Don Khone, very close to the Cambodian border. Their original name, Tad Somphamit, means “trap spirit” and they believe they act as a trap for bad spirits. The islands played an important role during the French Colonial rule as they linked Laos to Cambodia and Southern Vietnam. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. (B,L)

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Travel via boat from Don Khone Island to Ban Nakasan village. Proceed south, stopping to explore Khone Papheng waterfalls and stroll through palm-fringed villages. After border formalities at Vien Khan, bid farewell to Laos and step into Cambodia. Meet a local boat driver for a captivating journey down the Mekong River to O'Svay Ecotourism Village. Explore the flooded forests and experience the water's symphony of life. Continue to Koh Han Island, for your peaceful overnight stay. Set up your tent beneath the stars for an unforgettable adventure. (B,L,D)

Note: Suggest arriving at the Lao Border (Vien Khan) by 11:00 am for a local boat transfer to O’svay (approx. 40 mins based on weather). The local boat will be waiting at Vien Khan border for a direct transfer to O’svay Ecotourism Village and Koh Han Island.

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After having breakfast, start a kayak adventure from Koh Han Island. Explore the calm beauty of the flooded forest, where water seamlessly blends with lush greenery. Experience the grandeur of the Mekong River as it glistens under the morning sun. Watch for various birds in the vibrant canopy, creating a lively soundtrack to your journey. Enjoy a satisfying lunch at a local family's house, providing a chance to recharge and discuss your morning explorations. Following that, embark on a boat ride, leaving the captivating island behind as you navigate towards Stung Treng province. (B,L)

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After breakfast, visit Mekong Blue, a local silk weaving centre providing employment and income to disadvantaged young women in the area. Tour the workshops and consider purchasing silk items with the 'UNESCO Seal of Excellence' (Note: Mekong Blue is closed on Sundays). Continue towards Kratie, stopping at Wat Sorsor Mouy Roy in the village Sambour. Explore the 100 Column Pagoda, significant for its historical and cultural importance and renowned for a legend involving a princess and a crocodile. Along the Mekong banks, keep an eye out for the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins. Upon reaching Kratie, take some leisure time to explore the small town. In the afternoon, use the lodge boat (may be shared with other passengers) to reach Koh Trong Island, just a short boat ride from Kratie.

Note: Child Age: Recommended for 6 years old and above. (B)

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Discover Koh Trong on bicycles. Participate in a tree-planting project then say farewell to your serene retreat as you check out from the resort and head south towards Kampong Thom, carrying the memories of a distinctive island experience with you. Lunch will be at Le Tonle Training Restaurant in Kratie, a casual non-profit restaurant focused on providing free vocational training to young people in the tourism industry. (B,L)

Note: Child age recommendation is from 6 years old and up, and they must always be accompanied by an adult.

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Head towards the rarely visited Sambor Prei Kuk,one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites in the country that is enlisted to potentially become Cambodia’s next UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a wander through the jungle and experience beautiful views. Discover the ancient art of craft making,using materials such as bamboo and rattan and learn about the community-based tourism project where products from the Isanborei Craft Hut are sold. Enjoy lunch prepared by the local community before moving onto Siem Reap to explore the magnificent Angkor Wat. (B,L)

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Travel by foot through the dense jungle to discover the magnificent ruins of Angkor Wat. Continue to the city of Angkor Thom which is surrounded by a square 8m high wall. Visit Bayon Temple in the centre of the city and onward to Ta Prohm, a temple overgrown by jungle trees and vines considered to be one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Stop for lunch in Siem Reap at Sala Bai, a school training young Cambodians from poor family backgrounds in the principles of hospitality in order to give them a future. (Note: Sala Bai is open from Monday - Friday and it is usually closed during national holidays and for the entire month of April over the Khmer New Year holiday). In the afternoon enjoy a boat journey on Tonle Sap Lake .(Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March. However an alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead). (B,L)

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