Magical Mekong River

Ubon Ratchathani (Short version «Ubon»)

Ubon Ratchathani is located in the border triangle of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, 615 kilometers northeast of the capital Bangkok. The Mun River, the largest river in the region and the city's most important water resource, flows through the heart of Ubon. The US government built a military base here during the Vietnam War, which brought a large influx of GI’s and Vietnamese immigrants to the city, creating a multicultural, diverse base that is still evident today. Ubon's gastronomy and nightlife are therefore culturally diverse and offer a good selection. Various airlines fly to the provincial capital daily. The flight from Bangkok to Ubon takes one hour.

Day 1 Arrival in Ubon Ratchathani and welcome dinner

The journey to the hotel, which is close to a shopping and restaurant district, takes 15 minutes. In the late afternoon we adjust your rental bike for the start of the tour the next day. In the evening, we welcome all guests to an informal meeting. You will learn interesting facts about our host country. Afterwards, each participant will receive a high-quality Chilli Cycling jersey. Over dinner we have the opportunity to get to know our new cycling colleagues.

Day 2 Let’s get on the bikes

Stage 1 | Ubon Ratchathani — Khong Chiam ⚑ 93 km / 58 miles flat

We leave Ubon and drive through sleepy, traditional farming villages. Savannah landscapes and mixed forests alternate. We reach Khong Chiam, where the dark blue water of the Mun River meets the chocolate-colored Mekong, the Nile of Southeast Asia. That is why the locals call this section of the river the "two-colored river." Our resort is located directly on the Mun River, overlooking the Laotian bank.

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Day 3

Stage 3 | Khon Chiam — Khemarat ⚑ 108 km / 58 miles flat

We drive through countless rice fields and reach Khemmarat, the northernmost district of Ubon Ratchathani province. We enjoy another overnight stay with a fantastic view of the Mekong River. The sleepy little town of Khemmarat has retained the charm of earlier times.

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Day 4

Stage 3 | Khemmarat — Mukdahan ⚑ 93 km / 58 miles flat and undulating

Gradually the profile of the landscape begins to change. The rice fields become fewer and give way to forests and mountain ranges. We reach Mukdahan, which was once considered the main gateway to Indochina. A bridge connects Mukdahan with the Laotian city of Savannahket. Mukdahan is known among the locals for its exotic Indochina market, which stretches along the promenade.

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Day 5

Stage 4 | Mukdahan — Nakhon Phanom ⚑ 105 km / 65 miles flat and undulating

The backdrop on the Laotian side is made up of forested mountains. On our side, rice fields dominate the landscape. We make a short stop at Wat Phra That Phanom, one of the most revered temples in Thailand. Nakhon Phanom is idyllically situated on the Mekong River. The colours of dusk reflected in the Mekong form a great contrast to the dark green mountain ranges in Laos.

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Day 6 Rest day in Nakhon Phanom, optional excursion to Thakhek (Laos)

Relax in the hotel directly located at the river or let yourself be pampered by a soothing Thai Massage. The impressive temple "Wat That Phanom" is a popular pilgrimage destination among Buddhists. An optional excursion over the Friendship Bridge to Laos is available. Thakhek is a former trading port opposite Nakhon Phanom. The old town has French colonial buildings from the early 19th century.

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Day 7

Stage 5 | Nakhon Phanom — Bueng Khong Long ⚑ 115 km / 71 miles flat

We cycle the first 15 km to the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge directly along the Mekong. In Chaiburi we leave the Mekong River heading north to Bueng Khong Long Lake. The reservoir was created in the 1980s on the initiative of King Bhumibol Adulyadej to ensure irrigation for farmers and to improve biodiversity. The wetlands of the lake are an important stopover for migratory birds and a spawning ground for fish. Attractive hotels and resorts have been built around the lake.

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Day 8

Stage 6 | Bueng Khong Long — Kham Chanot ⚑ 103 km / 64 miles slightly undulating

Extensive forest areas and rice fields alternate on picturesque, almost traffic-free back roads. Wat Kham Chanot is a very popular temple among Thai Buddhists and is located on a lake in which the Naga, a mythical large snake, is said to live. The temple is located almost 100 kilometres east of the city of Udon Thani.

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Day 9 Nong Khai – Thai Laos Friendship Bridge

Stage 7 | Kham Chanot — Nong Khai ⚑ 89 km / 55 miles flat

Lush rice fields and plantations pass us by. Water buffalos gazing at our colourful group with wide eyes. At the gates of Nong Khai we enjoy the view of the opposite Laotian riverbank. The imposing Friendship Bridge spans the river and connects Thailand with Laos. Nong Khai is a historic trading centre and influenced by the French-Indochinese culture that found its way from Laos across the Mekong. We enjoy a delicious dinner right by the river.

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Day 10 End of an exciting tour and farewell dinner

Stage 8 | Nong Khai — Udon Thani ⚑ 82 km / 51 miles flat

Today we say a sad farewell to our faithful companion, the Mekong River. On the last few kilometres to the hotel we have the opportunity to get to know the provincial capital Udon Thani. This important regional hub is located 560 km northeast of Bangkok. Udon Thani was also used as a military base by the USA during the Vietnam War and has since developed into a modern city. At the swimming pool of our hotel, we reflect on the cycling experience in our minds.

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Day 11 Departure day | Udon Thani

Individual journey or extension as one chooses

After a mouth-watering breakfast buffet, you are once again at leisure. It’s just 15 minutes by car to get to Udon Thani airport, which offers daily flights with different airlines, making returning to Bangkok or continuing to other destinations within Thailand convenient.

About Udon Thani
This important regional hub is located 560 km northeast of Bangkok. US governments built a joint-force military base in Udon Thani during the Vietnam War, bringing a large influx of GIs and Vietnamese immigrants to the city, thus creating a multi-culturally diverse base which lasts until today. Udon’s dining and nightlife scene is, therefore, culturally diverse and offers good choices.

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