Magical Mekong River

Udon Thani

This important regional hub is located 560 km northeast of Bangkok. US governments built a jointforce 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. Various airlines fly to this provincial capital on a daily basis, making it a convenient place to begin the tour. Flying from Bangkok, it takes only 1 hour to get to Udon Thani.

Day 1 Arrival in Udon Thani and welcome dinner

Guests arrive and transfer to the hotel individually, which is located in a huge park near UD Town shopping and dining area. Late afternoon the rental bikes will be adjusted to your size before the start of the tour next day. In the evening we welcome all guests to an informal meeting. In doing so, you will learn interesting facts about our host country. Afterwards, every participant will receive a high-quality Chilli Cycling jersey. During the dinner, we have the opportunity to get to know each other.

Day 2 Let’s get on the bikes

Stage 1 Udon Thani — Nong Khai 93 km | 58 miles flat

After leaving the city, we cycle on rural roads, passing scenic rice fields, plantations and magnificent temples. Tiny, peaceful villages greet us along our route. We reach Viengkuk, where we meet the Mekong River, the Nile of Southeast Asia. The road takes us along the river to the border town of Nong Khai. The imposing Friendship Bridge spans the river and connects Thailand with Laos. Nong Khai is a historical trading place, and is influenced by the French Indochinese culture, that found its way across the Mekong from Laos. We enjoy a romantic dinner, right on the river.

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Day 3

Stage 2 Nong Khai — Ban Muang 106 km | 66 miles flat

We enjoy more stunning views of the Mekong River, our constant companion for the coming days. Then we leave the Mekong and cycle inland. We pass huge rice fields and countless plantations as water buffalos stare inquisitively at our cycling jerseys. We use the afternoon hours to visit a very nice lake nearby. Take a swim in the refreshing water or just relax on the raft. During the dinner local artists provide entertainment.

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Day 4

Stage 3 Ban Muang — Sakon Nakhon 125 km | 78 miles flat and undulating

Amazingly good roads lead us through a versatile agricultural area. We take a rest at an organic farm and test the homemade delicacies. We follow the main road to Sakon Nakhon, which is located on Nong Han Lake. The lake is the 2nd largest natural freshwater reservoir in Thailand. Chalermprakiat Park is worth a visit. It’s famous for its lotus pond with walkways to get close to the flowers.

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Day 5

Stage 4 Sakon Nakhon — Nakhon Phanom 113 km | 70 miles flat and undulating

Today’s stage takes us back to the Mekong River. Our destination is Nakhon Phanom, a town idyllically situated on the river. The partly cloudy sky gradually turned orange and red after sunset. The twilight colours, which reflected on the Mekong River, provided a great contrast to the dark green mountain ranges in Laos and grass dotted with white flowers on the bank of the river.

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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 amongst 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 20th century.

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Day 7

Stage 5 Nakhon Phanom — Mukdahan 101 km | 63 miles slightly undulating

As cyclists, you will have difficulty deciding which side of the river is more attractive! Gradually the profile of the landscape begins to change. The rice fields subside, and more mountain ranges and forests appear. We reach Mukdahan, which was once considered the main gateway to Indochina. A bridge connects Mukdahan with the Laotian town of Savannahket. Among Thais, Mukdahan is most famous for its riverside market, which stretches along and under the promenade.

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Day 8

Stage 6 Mukdahan — Khemmarat 89 km | 55 miles slightly undulating

On an idyllic back road, we cycle along the Mekong through wooded area. We arrive at Khemmarat, which is the northernmost district of Ubon Ratchathani province. We enjoy another overnight stay with a fantastic river view. The sleepy town of Khemmarat has retained the charm of earlier times.

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Day 9 Sam Phan Bok Viewpoint and two-coloured river

Stage 7 Khemmarat — Khong Chiam 122 km | 76 miles flat, 2 easy ascents

Sam Phan Bok is known as the “Grand Canyon of Thailand” and is the biggest rock reef in the Mekong River region. We marvel as the river meanders through a bizarre rock landscape. Khong Chiam sits where the dark-blue water of the Moon River meets the chocolate-milk-coloured Mekong. The scenic town puts you within easy reach of two national parks, including the excellent Pha Taem, and a border crossing into Southern Laos. Our resort is located directly on the bank of the Mun River, with a view of Laos on the far bank.

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Day 10 End of an exciting tour and farewell dinner

Stage 8 Khong Chiam — Ubon Ratchathani 84 km | 52 miles flat

We have to leave the Mekong, our faithful companion and cycle through sleepy villages, along rice and sugar cane fields with open savannahs and forests. Ubon Ratchathani is one of the major cities in Northeast Thailand. It’s on the Mun River in the southeast of the Isan region, and is located 615 km away from Bangkok. By the swimming pool of a good quality hotel, you will have the opportunity to reminisce over the beautiful cycling trip you have just experienced.

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Day 11 Departure day

Individual journey or extension as one chooses

After a mouth-watering breakfast buffet, you are once again at leisure. It’s just 10 minutes by car to get to Ubon Ratchathani airport, which offers daily flights with different airlines, making returning to Bangkok or continuing on to other destinations within Thailand convenient.

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