Highlands River Loop

Hello,

I'm trying to find details regarding slow or fast boat trips to two destinations: 1) from Stung Treng up the Se San to Veunsai and/or Ta Veng; and 2) from Stung Treng up the Srepok to Lumphat and/or Kaoh Mayeul. I've taken the slow and fast boats up the Sekong from Stung Treng to Siempang and the Lao-Khmer frontier at Don Phai in November, which was a fairly easy trip although not the quickest. I want to make a river loop journey going from Stung Treng to Veunxai/Ta Veng overland to Ban Lung. Then from Ban Lung to Lumphat. Go upstream to Kaoh Mayeul and then make an excursion to Kaoh Nhek. Following that return to Stung Treng traveling down the Srepok. The purpose of this trip is to see the older riverside communities influenced by Lao culture.

Any good motodop drivers to recommend, if the boat option is a no goer? I used Mr. Sophart (Virachey Park guide) last time. However, he has gone missing in action since 2006.

In addition, does anyone know if the new road linking Siempang to Stung Treng has been built or do you have to risk getting bogged in paddy fields when you branch off Route 13 twenty kilometres out from the Lao-Cambodian frontier?

Cheers,

Martin