• It’s wonderful watching Don Khone come to life in the morning and to see the fishermen out early on the Mekong casting their nets.

• Following breakfast we set off by launch to nearby Don Det to begin our kayaking adventure. After a safety briefing and some basic instructions, we will begin paddling between the islands, getting the practice students will need for the longer paddles they will face in Cambodia over the next few days.

• In order to bypass Lipee Waterfall we will cross Don Khone by bicycle before returning to kayak the Mekong’s quieter waters below the falls.

• The paddle from Don Khone, Laos to the Cambodia side of the border is a beautiful one as we pass through rock canyons, flooded forests and massive fish traps before entering the deep-water dolphin pools.

• Here, with any luck, we will see one of the Mekong Rivers last populations of Irrawaddy dolphins as we enjoy a good lunch in a riverside restaurant.

• Preah Rumkee is the name of a village eco-tourism project that has just opened on the Cambodian side of the border thanks to the efforts of a Cambodian NGO. It is possible to enter Cambodia without a visa for a one-night home stay here and we will do just that.

• This is a totally charming and still undiscovered place with a beautiful white sandy beach where students can swim and frolic with the village children. There is a large grassy play field (mowed by water buffalo) for sports and group games, and a lovely open-air dining hall and observation deck for observing the dolphins.

• Following lunch, we will take one-hour turns spotting dolphins and mapping their movements while others paddle out into the deep pools to try capturing images of individuals in each pod as they surface. This survey will be expanded with each school group that does this trip and should prove useful over time in planning conservation strategies for the future of these critically endangered animals.

• At sunset time, village fishermen will teach students the fine art of net tossing for fish, before we set up our hammocks and mosquito nets for a night of camping under the stars. New shower facilities, flush toilets and a delightful dining hall will make this camp quite comfortable.

• A traditional Cambodian dinner will be served family style this evening as we take time to meet the very friendly villagers and interview them about their beliefs. Naga tales will likely figure prominently around the lamplight this night.

Overnight: Preah Rumkee Homestay, Cambodia