Rattanakiri and the Mekong Adventure

9 days 8 nights

Highlights: Mekong River Islands, Dolphins, Flooded Forests, River Scenery, Silk Islands
Activities: Ratanakiri Trekking, Flooded Forests Kayaking, Dolphins Trail Kayaking, Silk Islands Cycling and Dinner Cruise

Difficulty: Medium

Day 1 Arrive Phnom Penh

Arrive Phnom Penh meet by the local guide and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 2 Phnom Penh – Ratanakiri

Transfer by car or by bus to Banlung. Overnight at comfortable hotel with a view over the lake.

Day 3 BANLUNG (camping)

Travel from Banlung by car to a small tribal village 30 minutes away, then begin trekking into the jungle, crossing a few small streams and hills. Reach a jungle campsite by a scenic creek with rapids and a cascading waterfall in the late afternoon and enjoy a swim in the clear water before an evening by the campfire. (B,L,D)

Day 4 BANLUNG

Trek through the hills via a different route back through the jungle to the village starting point, then return by car to Banlung.

Day 5 Banlung – Stung Treng

Visit Yak Lom Crater Lake in the late morning for a swim and a picnic lunch, then depart to Stung Treng, the town at the confluence of the Mekong and Sekong Rivers, by car. Overnight in Stung Treng

Day 6 Stung Treng (Kayaking)

Travel North along the Mekong to the village of O Sway near the Lao border and begin a full-day kayaking trip down river through remote flooded forests of Cambodia's amazing Ramsar Wetlands. A boat will provide backup. Many varieties of birds live in these forests. Picnic lunch en route provided. Return to Stung Treng accommodations in the evening.

Day 7 Stung Treng – Kratie (Cyling + Kayaking)

Leave Stung Treng on Mountain Bike south along a scenic river route passing through small fishing and farming villages and then board kayaks, continuing down river to a deep dolphin pool where you can spot the rare Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphins. After lunch, transfer by car to Kratie.

Day 8 Kratie – Silk Island – Phnom Penh

Travel by private car from Kratie to the Mekong River north of the Silk Islands. Cycle across two islands, stopping to visit a silk-weaving village, a pagoda and farms. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a sandy beach. Then board a 2-deck cruise boat for a dinner cruise. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and cold drinks as you watch the sunset over the Mekong and cruise into Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 9: Phnom Penh – Departure

Transfer to airport for departure flight. End of services

Note: This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your biking or trekking guide will have the final say.