Day 1 | Arrival in Udon Thani / Journey to Udon Thani
Participants arrive and transfer to the hotel individually, which is located in a park on the northern edge of the town. In the evening, we will welcome all participants in the hotel foyer. They will receive information about the tour and helpful information about our host country. Afterwards, our SIAM BIKE TOURS jerseys will be handed out to all participants and the rental bikes will be adjusted to your size and specifications before the start of the tour the following morning.
Day 2 | 1st stage:Udon Thani – Nong Khai | 81 km | flat | B/L included
After a short ride through the city we say farewell to Udon Thani. We proceed towards the north on rural roads, passing rice fields, plantations (tapioca, tobacco) and temples. Peaceful villages greet us along our route. After 25 km we reach Tha Bo and get our first glimpse of the Mekong River, the Nile of Southeast Asia. At this point, the Mekong, also acts as the border between Laos and Thailand. We will roll along the river to the border town of Nong Khai. Here, the famous "friendship-bridge" connects Thailand with Laos as it majestically spans the mighty Mekong. The distance to Vientiane, the Laotian capital, is only 9 km! Nong Khai is a well-known trading place, and is influenced by the French Indochinese culture, that found its way across the Mekong from Laos. The local market, located directly on the riverbank, is known as a shopping heaven for products from both Laos and Vietnam. We will stay at a beautiful resort with a refreshing swimming pool. Tired riders may also choose to enjoy a relaxing Thai massage.
Day 3 | 2nd stage: Nong Khai – Ban Muang | 106 km | flat | B/L/D included
We enjoy the views of the Mekong River, our constant companion for the coming days. Looking across the river we can see Laos on the opposite bank. We pass countless rice fields and plantations as water buffalos stare inquisitively at our colourful group. Every village here has its own temple. We use the afternoon hours to visit a very nice lake nearby. Take a swim or just relax on the raft.
Day 4 | 3rd stage: Ban Muang – Sakon Nakhon | 125 km | flat | B/L included
We move on incredibly perfect roads through a varied agricultural area. For the last 25 km, the main road takes us to Sakon Nakhon, which is located on Nong Han Lake. The lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Thailand with an extension of about 125 square kilometers.
Day 5 | 4th stage:Sakon Nakhon - Nakhon Phanom | 113 km | rolling | B/L included
This stage takes us from the interior back to the Mekong River, which is the natural border between Laos and Thailand. The scenery on the Laotian side is dominated by forested mountains. On our side, it's rice fields. As cyclists, you will have difficulty deciding which side of the river is more attractive! The stage destination is Nakhon Phanom, a town idyllically situated on the river. The impressive temple "Wat That Phanom" is a popular pilgrimage destination amongst Thai Buddhists. We can relax at the hotel, which has an excellent view of the Mekong River. We will top up on burnt calories with a romantic dinner by the river..
Day 6 | 5th stage:Nakhon Phanom - Mukdahan | 101 km | slightly rolling | B included
Gradually the profile of the landscape begins to change. The rice fields subside, and more hills and forests appear. We reach Mukdahan, another border town on the Mekong. Eight separate tribes from different cultures and origins live here together in harmony. A bridge connects Mukdahan with the little Laotian town of Savannahket. The town’s exotic Indo-Chinese market is a must for shopping.
Gradually the profile of the landscape begins to change. The rice fields subside, and more hills and forests appear. We reach Mukdahan, another border town on the Mekong. Eight separate tribes from different cultures and origins live here together in harmony. A bridge connects Mukdahan with the little Laotian town of Savannahket. The town’s exotic Indo-Chinese market is a must for shopping.
Day 7 | 6th stage:Mukdahan – Khemmarat | Mukdahan – Khemmarat | 89 km | slightly rolling | B/L included
On a beautiful back road, we drive constantly along the river. We arrive at Khemmarat, which is located in the province of Ubon Ratchathani. The terrain is slightly wavy and leads through wooded area. Our resort offers a fantastic view of the river. This small town has retained the charm of bygone times to this day.
After 21 km, we bid a wistful good bye to the Mekong, our companion over the last 5 days. We ride west into terrain that gradually becomes hillier and slightly rolling, passing through forests and plantations to reach the city of Amnat Charoen.
Day 8 | 7th stage:Khemmarat - Khong Chiam | 122 km | 2 easy ascents | B/L included
After 44 km we marvel at Sam Phan Bok Viewpoint as the river meanders through a bizarre rock landscape. The road now leads through charming hills and forests. The final destination is very well known as it is here that the waters of the Mekong and Mun Rivers join. The locals call this part of the river "Mae Naam Song See" - meaning the two-coloured river. Our resort is located directly on the bank of the Mun River in an enchanting landscape, with a view of Laos on the far bank. You can choose from activities including relaxing by the pool, kayaking on the river, enjoying a massage or just letting your hair down and savouring the natural surroundings.
In order to satisfy our desire to see the mighty Mekong once more, we cycle southeast to Khong Chiam. The little village is very well known as it is here that the waters of the Mekong and Mun Rivers join. The locals call this part of the river "Mae Naam Song See" - meaning the two-coloured river. Our resort is located directly on the bank of the Mun River in an enchanting landscape, with a view of Laos on the far bank. You can choose from activities including relaxing by the pool, kayaking on the river, enjoying a massage or just letting your hair down and savouring the natural surroundings.
Day 9 | 8th stage:Khong Chiam - Ubon Ratchathani | 84 km | flat | B/L included
We wave the last "Good bye" to the Mekong River. As a treat, nature has sprinkled our final stage with a few mildly undulating sections. The last cycle into Ubon Ratchathani is flat and is a pure pleasure to ride. Travelling towards the west, we cycle through tiny villages, along rice and cotton fields with open savannahs and mixed forests landscapes alternating in the background. In the last few miles to the hotel, we have the opportunity to explore the provincial capital Ubon Ratchathani on our bikes. As is our tradition, we raise our glasses in the hotel to toast to the wonderful bike tour that we have completed.
Day 10 | Individual journey back home or extension as one chooses
After a final breakfast buffet, you are once again at leisure. The nearby Ubon Ratchathani airport has daily flights on airlines such as Thai Airways, Air Asia etc., making returning to Bangkok or continuing on to other destinations within Thailand easy. For an extended journey within the area, we suggest a trip to Laos to visit the Si Phan Don (4,000 islands). This magical delta of islands located in the Mekong, just above its largest waterfall, is an amazing area and remains a quiet destination, off the beaten tourist track.