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Cycling Tours & Bike Trips in Cambodia and Vietnam

Life is about the journey, not the destination and that couldn't be more true than on a cycling tour in Cambodia And Vietnam. Travel on countless routes lasting from 4 days up to 27 days, and with 33 Cambodia And Vietnam bike tours listed you're sure to find one for you. Click here to see all bicycle trips .

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33 cambodia and vietnam bicycle tours with 248 reviews.

• Christmas & New Year

Cycle Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

Everything was better than I thought it would be. Cheers to Is and Intrepid for an amazing vacation!

The Grand Tours Cycling across three countries of Indochina

The sight seeing provided by the guides was thorough and we felt as if we had a very complete experience in Vietnam. We explored Bangkok or our own, b ut another experienced and cheerful guide took us through the temples and other sights in Siem Reap

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Cycling holiday: Angkor Wat - Saigon 10days

There were two parts of the tour – Cambodia and Vietnam. Cambodia five stars hands down, Vietnam three stars, at a push. And the main difference was in the guides. Cambodia was simply brilliant, better than I could ever imagine. Sin, our guide, was simply the best and the whole tour was really well organised. We were informed of what the day is going to be like, breaks were timed perfectly, Sin and the driver always prepared various refreshments for us, every day different speciality so we got to taste Cambodian food. Sin brought us to a local market, introduced us to different fruit, Cambodian traditional desserts, I would’ve never tasted this without a local guide that wanted to show us the best from Cambodia. I was leaving Cambodia with a smile on my face and a bit of sadness of saying goodbye to Sin. We crossed the border to Vietnam and that was when it all went downhill. After a very lengthy process crossing the Cambodian/Vietnamese border we met our new guide, Mr. Trung. The first impression wasn’t the best and, unfortunately, set the tone for the rest of the tour. We had asked, numerous times, to get local experience instead of having meals in touristy restaurants, yet, Mr. Trung booked a hotel for our dinner in Chau Doc, even though there was one restaurant right next door and another across the road. Hoping for the next day to be better, unfortunately, it got worse. Starting at 7.30am and arriving in our new hotel at 7pm, with barely any breaks. No fruit, drinks, refreshments, unless you want to call a banana and a handful of peanuts that. We eventually had to ask for lunch, Mr. Trung found some random home place where they made beautiful food for us, which was a great experience. Off for more cycling, no communication from the guide, no showing us what’s around, where are we cycling, we had to ask for another break, as the weather was scorching and we were running out of water. After finishing the cycle for the day we boarded the van and drove for 3 hours to Can Tho, sourced our own dinner and barely spent 12 hrs in the place before setting off again. Can Tho looked like a place worth exploring, unfortunately we didn’t get to see any of that. Another day, another cycling in a loop and boarding the van to get to our next destination. The Vietnamese part was disappointing, as I assumed we would cycle to get closer to our next stop, not cycle practically in a circle and then drive. Fruit, snacks, drinks were non-existent, until the last day of the tour. The food was amazing though and choice of places to eat couldn’t have been better. However, Mr. Trung didn’t seem to be interested in the tour, interested in us as a group, was distant and never bothered to learn our names. To him, I was a ‘miss’, ‘lady’ or ‘excuse me’. He barely took any photos, didn’t engage in conversations much and his English was poor. Complete opposite to Sin. Overall, I am delighted I chose a cycling tour as it helped me to get to know the countries much better than just driving around sitting on a bus. Cycling through villages, people waving at us, kids giggling, cows getting in the way, monkeys walking around, catching sunset in Phnom Penh, this all made my holiday unforgettable.

12 Days Cycling from Ho Chi Minh to Siemreap(Depart Tuesday)

Our bike trip through Vietnam and Cambodia was amazing, wonderful, and intense on every dimension -- sensory, culturally, mentally, physically

Vietnam to Cambodia Cycling Tour

I did an individual tour with Thai in the Mekong Delta. It was perfect for what I wanted, biking on narrow lanes, seeing the countryside where tourists don't go and even talking to the people. Highlights were being pulled into a wedding party and visiting his uncle's house.

Cycle Indochina & Angkor

A great way to see 3 wonderful countries. Our guide Moh was superb - always smiling and managed our group really well. Would thoroughly recommend

Cycle South East Asia

Bangkok to Saigon by Bike

Positive, the guides were excellent and kept everyone on course. Accommodation was better than I expected.

Cycling holiday: Saigon - Angkor War 10 days/ 9 nights

Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Tour

It was a fabulous bike trip and we are especially thanks to Siem Reaper Travel that made our experience in Mekong Delta and Angkor Wat in Cambodia so enjoyable. The area's sights, sounds, and smells stayed with us long after the trip ended. We will definitely be recommending this bike tour company to all our friends!

Ho Chi Minh to Angkor Wat Cycle

I've thoroughly enjoyed my journey on a bike from Vietnam to Cambodia. The support team was excellent and the organization really well put together. While not always easy cycling due to the heat and saddle soreness, I loved it. The group we travelled with was fun and diverse. Early on in the trip the accommodation was a bit disappointing but it made us realize how lucky we really were towards the middle and the end of the trip. Food was mostly excellent. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone.

• Off-Road Cycling

16-DAY VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THAILAND CYCLING TOUR

Glimpse of Saigon to Angkor Bike Tour

Cycle Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh

Cycle Indochina & Angkor - Premium Adventure

Reviews of cambodia and vietnam bike tours.

Our tour with Intrepid was amazing! No details were spared. We were very well taken care of. Our tour guide Seen; with us the entire time, was conscientious, super attentive to our needs, fun, friendly and always available to provide us with ideas, guidance and support. The guides in each country of our journey, especially Lam from Vietnam and So Koom from Cambodia, were very knowledgeable of the history and their cultures. We learned so much from them. The cycling was the best! Bikes were fantastic to ride and all the mechanics took such good care to prepare our bikes each day. There were always plenty of snacks and water along the route with adequate stopping/rest points. Loved it and would highly recommend.

Do it! Without any hesitation! First of all, the trip was amazing and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world! Cycle guides and drivers were excellent, speaking good English and ensuring that I had a close-up view of somewhere so different from home. The landscapes, culture, people and experiences along the way were unforgettable and I would certainly embark on a similar adventure if the opportunity came along. I would also travel with Bravo again. As you’ll see below, there were a few wrinkles in their handling of the trip but they were anxious to make amends and I would hope that they take my comments on board and use them to improve the experience for future customers. My tour was probably rather unusual as I was the only person who signed up for the selected dates. I was expecting to be part of a small group and I’m really grateful that Bravo went ahead with the tour, rather than cancelling. It was a tremendous experience! That being said, I've given less than a perfect five-star rating as there were a number of minor mishaps and uncertainties which could so easily have been avoided and would have made a huge difference to me. It’s quite possible that some of these were related to my solo status and may not have happened with a larger group, but on the whole I would recommend that Bravo pay a little more attention to the customer experience, being more proactive and publishing a more detailed itinerary in advance, particularly for transport and hotel arrangements. Once I discovered that they generally responded quickly to questions via WhatsApp, that became my standard means of communication and most arrangements went smoothly, though occasionally I had to nag a little before receiving answers. Hotel bookings at either end of my travel and en route seemed to be one of the biggest problems, with a few hiccups in reservations. For example, I had pre-booked two extra nights in the Ho Chi Minh City hotel at the end of my trip in addition to the two nights included in the tour. Apparently Bravo did’t finalize the reservation for the included nights with the hotel until moments before my arrival, meaning that I had to change rooms after the first night. I then found that they hadn’t booked my additional nights at all, leading to another room change when the error was discovered. That seemed messy and unnecessary, but it wasn’t so painful as to spoil the trip.

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Cycling Tour Companies 2024/2025
• 10 Amazing Private Bicycle Tours 2024/2025
• 10 Best Cycling Tours 2024/2025

International Versions

• Deutsch: Kambodscha-Vietnam Fahrradreise
• Français: Cambodge et Vietnam : Circuits vélo 2024/2025
• Español: Bicicleta Circuitos en Camboya y Vietnam
• Nederlands: Fiets Rondreizen in Cambodja en Vietnam

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Bike Tours in Vietnam & Cambodia

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Tour start | end: Saigon, Vietnam | Siem Reap, Cambodia Saigon, Vietnam | Siem Reap, Cambodia Length: 9 Days / 8 Nights Rating: Easy

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Saigon | Huế | Hội An | Angkor Wat | Siem Reap

ALL WARM WINTER BIKE TOURS

Please note:   This trip requires US and Canadian citizens to Obtain Vietnam and Cambodian Visas separately before traveling. Please check with the respective countries for visa requirements based on your nationality.

Arrive in Saigon start your Cambodia and Vietnam cycling trip with an evening of cultural indulgence. Walk to the Saigon Opera House, a National Relic and enjoy an AO Show, a must-see performance of dancers and artists displaying Vietnamese heritage and culture.

Make your way to the banks of the Saigon River and enjoy a scenic boat ride. Explore the incredible network of Cu Chi’s underground tunnels and get a better sense of what living in the labyrinth of caves and tunnels was like. Pedal along quiet back roads and witness rice paper making and workers tending to their fields.

Fly to Huế and savor a delectable lunch at a Huế “nha vuon” or garden house. Visit the majestic and graceful Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO recognized site that houses the Forbidden Purple City, the former home of the Imperial Court.

Cycle on a beautiful countryside loop through Phuoc Tich, through many untouched villages and local markets. Travel to the famous Royal tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. The tomb is well known for its imposing architecture and gorgeous forest setting.

Ride past coconut palms and dunes scattered with mausoleums. The colorful cemeteries are comprised of broken tiles and dishes that are used to create symbols of life. Relax and swim in the shimmering waters of Lang Co Beach before transferring to Hoi An.

Cycle to My Son and discover the archaeological wonders of the ancient spiritual center of the Cham kingdom. Continue on and pedal past rice paddies, eucalyptus forests, and many scenic villages. Visit Thanh Dong, the first and only organic farm in the Hoi An & Quang Nam province.

Indulge in wonderful flavors at a hands-on cooking class, where you will learn about the unique flavors of Vietnam's cuisine. Visit the one-of-a-kind Vy's Market. Later, take a guided walking tour of Hội An and learn about the history of the region.

Visit the Ta Prohm Temple, a picturesque ruin that is overgrown by jungle, trees, and vines. Set off to Angkor Thom, which was the capital of the Great Khmer Empire and features numerous grandiose temples. Head on to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

Explore Siem Reap at your leisure before departing for your flight back home.

Lodging Information

Distinctive lodging, carefully selected to complement your tour..

Hotel Des Art, Saigon

This chic lifestyle 5* boutique hotel will offer you the distinguished service for you to feel at home while away from home. The Hotel is situated a minute away from the diplomatic area and a minute away from the Notre Dame Cathedral. (2 Nights)

La Residence, Huế

La Residence, Huế is an enchanting boutique hotel on the banks of the fabled Perfume River overlooking the former Imperial Citadel – once home to Emperors and now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (2 Nights)

Royal M Gallery Resort, Hội An

Located on the banks of Thu Bon River in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hội An, Hotel Royal M Gallery is a perfect blend of historical charm and modernity. Its refined style inspired by Art Nouveau has a delicate touch of Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures and offers spectacular views of the river and ancient town. (2 Nights)

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Siem Reap

This 5-star hotel promises a memorable holiday for couples and families alike, with five restaurants and bars, the largest free-form pool in Cambodia and relaxing treatments by Sofitel SPA with L'Occitane. (2 Nights)

• Support of experienced local tour leaders
• Full van support for a variety of route options
• Custom Sojourn jersey and water bottles – both yours to keep
• 8 nights at 5-star and luxury accommodations
• All meals except 2 dinners
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
• Baggage transfers and porterage
• Complimentary use of Sojourn’s equipment and bikes. We will be using Giant, Trek or Specialized carbon fiber hybrid/mountain bikes on this trip
• Limited number of Electric Assist or E-bikes are also available ( Learn More )
• Daily route directions, maps, and a downloadable GPS Option
• 5% Past Traveler Discount to use on your next Sojourn Tour
• All internal airfare for flights within Vietnam and from Vietnam to Cambodia, during the duration of the trip.

Exploring Asia

• Vietnam:  https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/apply-online/  
• Cambodia: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/
• As with any Sojourn trip, every single element of this trip was developed by the Sojourn crew and is not outsourced. The Sojourn commitment of impeccable service, world-renowned luxury hotels, carefully designed routes, custom fitted bikes, professional leader support and unwavering attention to details, stays firm.
• The trip starts in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. You can choose to fly into Ho Chi Minh City from the US or through other two international airports in  Vietnam (Danang or Hanoi).
• The trip ends in Siem Reap, Cambodia. From Siem Reap, you can choose to connect through Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi, or Bangkok, Thailand.
• A lot of the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring regional cuisine. So selecting off the main menu might not be an option.
• Language is never an issue in Vietnam or Cambodia. Most folks in the cities speak English. In the rural areas where we spend a considerable amount of time, you will always be supported by your Sojourn leaders, both of who speak all local languages and English fluently. You can also choose to download Google Translate Offline App on your phone that will work even when you aren’t connected to the Internet.
• Your travel experience through South-East Asia will most likely be different than many of the other countries of the world. One of the most charming regions also throws some challenges at times. We have worked extremely hard to ensure you have the experience of your lifetime and tried to remove as much difficulty as possible. However, developing nations like Vietnam or Cambodia still struggles with the noise level, some degree of pollution and sometimes less than ideal road conditions. To ease the riding experience, we offer only hybrids and mountain bikes for this trip. They are safer and way more comfortable than road bikes with drop handlebars.

Private Trips

Reserve one of our regularly scheduled trip dates for your private group and qualify for reduced pricing. The larger your group, the lower the per person price. Gather your friends and we’ll do the rest to provide your group with a truly personalized and memorable vacation. Smaller groups can join published trips and receive reduced pricing on trips that aren’t reserved as private trip dates.

For groups of 12-15 people traveling together on a published tour date, a discount of 8% on the double occupancy trip price will apply.

For groups of 8-11 people traveling together on a published date, a discount of 6% on the double occupancy trip price will apply.

Group discounts may not be combined with other offers.

Gary Kravitz

Jeffrey Leppo

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Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Tour

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+ Women's Adventures Women 18+ Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18) Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14) Families with Teens & Kids Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

From $6,399 - $7,349 /person

+$550   internal air

Activity Levels 1-3

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2024 : Oct-Dec 2025 : Jan-Mar, Oct-Dec 2026 : Jan-Mar

( +$550   internal air )

Mystical Angkor Wat, Ancient Citadels & Lantern-Lit Villages

What drives you to ride in Vietnam and Cambodia? Is it the anticipation of what's around the corner? The thrill of a place you've never been? Maybe it's the satisfaction of discovering a centuries-old path. The fun of passing rice paddies in a blur of speed. Or touching Angkor's ethereal ruins. Everything that's exhilarating about biking makes this trip an adventure.

• Journey by air to Hué, once the capital of imperial Vietnam, and discover an important Vietnam War site
• Cycle over Ocean Cloud Pass to Danang and explore beautifully preserved Hoi An, one of Vietnam's oldest towns
• Partake in a traditional water blessing, a solemn ritual that locals practice to bring good luck
• Behold a sunrise ride to the dramatic Angkor Wat ruins—a memorable experience and unforgettable sight!

Vietnam & Cambodia

Start Hanoi, Vietnam

End Siem Reap, Cambodia

Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

We recommend flying into and out of a central "hub city" airport, such as Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). From there you can take a flight to Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and out of Siem Reap (REP).

Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, comnplete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Discover Hanoi, with its treelined boulevards, verdant parks and French colonial architecture • Explore the Old Quarter's winding streets and savor renowned Vietnamese fusion cuisine • Walk along narrow alleyways and get a true glimpse into everyday life in Hanoi. 

This five-star historic landmark is a French colonial gem set in the heart of old Hanoi. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List . Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)

Fly to the World Heritage site of Hué, Vietnam's ancient capital • Relics of past empires line your ride through rural villages • Share the road with food carts, water buffalo, locals scootering to work and kids biking to school • Get to know the historic monuments of Hué, including the Royal Citadel, site of intense conflict during the Vietnam War ​• Feel like an emperor as you ride a dragon boat down the Perfume River • Taste the small plates of Hué​ cuisine and enjoy traditional music.

A blend of Asian and colonial charm, this boutique hotel is housed in the former governor's mansion on the bank of the Perfume River. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)

Bike over Ocean Cloud Pass en route to Danang, a seaside city known for its sandy beaches and colonial past • Enchanting and well-preserved Hoi An, Vietnam's most beloved ancient town, is a delight to explore • Savor some of Asia's freshest and tastiest cuisine • Cycle past vibrant green rice paddies on peaceful roads.

This luxury all-villa resort is set on pristine China Beach, near the picturesque port town of Hoi An. (pool, spa)

Board a flight to Cambodia • Bike through the stunning Angkor ruins, a World Heritage site and former metropolis built to glorify Khmer kings • Visit iconic temples such as richly decorated Bayon and mystical Ta Prohm • Ride winding jungle paths through tall grass, past ox carts, stilt homes, and ponds teeming with kids swimming or fishing • Cycle through quiet rural villages • Take an early morning spin to Angkor Wat and explore the ruins on foot.

Described by Andrew Harper as a "stylish and beautifully restored landmark resort-hotel surrounded by a 15-acre park, less than five miles from Angkor Wat." (pool, spa)

Our trips range in activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between. Several routes are offered each day so you can choose your perfect amount of activity. Learn more

*Includes shuttle

• Activity Level

What's Included

• All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
• Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
• Snacks and beverages between meals
• Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
• Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
• Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
• Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
• On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
• Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
• Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
• Park and other entry fees
• Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
• Select coach transfers
• Baggage transfers and porterage

Not Included: Leader gratuities, transportation to and from your Backroads trip start & end locations, and on-your-own meals & activities.

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

As wonderfully fulfilling as travel is in Vietnam and Cambodia, it's not always easy. Even something as simple as crossing the road can be a challenge (watch out for that scooter!). Our itineraries and Trip Leaders remove as many obstacles and inconveniences as possible, but we can't remove haze and noise from the air, or replace a poorly maintained road—its all part of the experience here.

Due to the varied road conditions on our routes, we have specially fitted our bikes in Vietnam and Cambodia to maximize your comfort and control. In Vietnam, you'll have the choice of Backroads bicycles with upright or drop handlebars. In Cambodia, all Backroads bikes come with upright handlebars, as the terrain includes some rough roads with dirt and sand sections. Upright handlebars are safer and more comfortable over these mixed-surface roads.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

World-Class Hotels

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Premiere Hotel

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Ready to Ride

On this trip where Backroads custom titanium bikes are not available, we offer local bikes that are well suited for the terrain on our routes.

Included in your trip price

• Ideal for avid cyclists
• Responsive, efficient and comfortable
• Drop handlebars only

Performance Road Bike Sizing & Geometry

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• Suited for a wide range of cyclists
• Comfortable ergonomic seat
• Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
• Upright handlebars only

Backroads Touring Bike Sizing & Geometry

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Dates & Prices

Select Guests & Rooms

If you require more than 4 rooms or more than 2 beds per room please contact us.

If you require more than 4 rooms or more than 2 beds per room please contact us .

Your guest & room selections

You may only reserve one Stateroom Category at this time. Please call 800-462-2848 if you would like to make other arrangements.

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Reservations must contain at least 1 adult (18+)

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Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

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Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

Select from our scheduled departure dates

Trip details may vary based on departure date.

• 10/14-21 2024
• 10/21-28 2024
• 11/11-18 2024
• 11/25-12/2 2024
• 12/2-9 2024
• 12/9-16 2024
• 12/11-18 2024
• 12/24-31 2024
• 12/30-1/6 2024
• 1/6-13 2025
• 1/13-20 2025
• 1/20-27 2025
• 1/27-2/3 2025
• 2/3-10 2025
• 2/10-17 2025
• 2/17-24 2025
• 2/24-3/3 2025
• 3/3-10 2025
• 3/10-17 2025
• 3/17-24 2025
• 10/13-20 2025
• 10/20-27 2025
• 10/27-11/3 2025
• 11/3-10 2025
• 11/10-17 2025
• 11/17-24 2025
• 11/24-12/1 2025
• 12/1-8 2025
• 12/8-15 2025
• 12/19-26 2025
• 12/23-30 2025
• 12/29-1/5 2025
• 1/5-12 2026
• 1/7-14 2026
• 1/12-19 2026
• 1/19-26 2026
• 1/21-28 2026
• 1/26-2/2 2026
• 2/9-16 2026
• 2/16-23 2026
• 2/23-3/2 2026
• 3/4-11 2026
• 3/9-16 2026
• 3/16-23 2026

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Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on pre- and post-trip travel arrangements, regional highlights and more. It's the perfect tool to help you choose!

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We're always seeking opportunities to enhance our itineraries; published trip details including routes and activities, as well as trips start and end locations, are subject to change and can vary by departure. Please do not use this itinerary to schedule your flights or any other travel. A Travel Planner, complete with the trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at the time of booking or soon after.

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Bike Tour Vietnam and Cambodia

Vietnam and Cambodia both have very difficult and complicated histories, but they are well worth considering for an adventure holiday vacation where you not only get to enjoy the great views but interact with the people and understand things from their perspective as well. Karen Campbell and Norm Sealing share their experience on this cycling holiday adventure with Art of Bicycle Trips. Starting in Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh, Karen and Norm spent fourteen days towards Siem Reap, Cambodia, following canals and rivers up on a boat ride on the Mekong Delta. They talk about what they did, how they planned the trip, what it feels like being with the locals, and how they got through cycling the intricacies along the way.

Listen to the podcast here:

Vietnam Culture and Angkor Wat Cambodia

The above video has some great shots taken in Vietnam sure to whet your appetite for visiting the country! Below is drone footage of Angkor Wat .

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 027 Bike Puglia : Italy’s Stiletto Heel Episode 011 Bike the Danube from Passau to Vienna Episode 031 The Cotswold Way in England Part I (long distance walk) Episode 0-32 The Cotswold Way in England Part II (long distance walk) Art of Bicycles

The guides were fantastic. There was some difficult history, a complicated history to talk about. We started off walking towards Saigon. Things are changed during the ‘60s and the Vietnam War. We visited the tunnels of Cu Chi, a big area that was quite hotly contested between the Americans and Vietnam soldiers. They were wonderful with explaining the history, especially in Cambodia when we visited the killing fields. That was a difficult area and a powerful memorial to see. They were wonderful. We were impressed by how they focused on the history of both countries.

From what I hear, they’re frank about their history and open about it and not trying to hide it. Is that correct?

They’re open. There’s no getting around the fact that is super complicated history and everything about being over there was positive in terms of being able to talk about the history and understand things from a perspective that wasn’t ours. We have no complaints about that. They handled everything well. We learned a lot.

Did they like Westerners?

We were in Southern Vietnam and we can’t speak to anything other than the experience that we had. It was across the board positive. We met lots of people. Another benefit of the small groups is that we were riding through small communities and either directly with people who spoke English or through the guide. We talked to a lot of people and lots of folks were excited to tell us about kids that they had that had moved to the States and it was positive.

The largest community of Vietnamese is in Los Angeles. We met quite a few people who had sons, daughters living in this Vietnamese community in Los Angeles. They were excited to meet Americans.

I’d heard that they were warm towards Americans, but I wanted to hear from you because you’ve been there. I’ve read about it.

The people were wonderful.

Before we go into the nitty-gritty details, can you give us a general overview of the whole trip so people know what we’re going to be talking about?

We started in Saigon, which is Southern Vietnam and spent some time in the city. We spent the next few days riding through the Mekong Delta, which was a wonderful experience. It’s a rural area with lots of waterways. There’s no vehicle traffic and you ride along these wonderful motorbike pass following canals and rivers. For a few days, you don’t see any cars. It makes it for pleasant riding. It’s fairly flat riding. It can be a little technical with broken pavement or roots. We’re on mountain bikes at this point. We spent a few days on the Mekong Delta. We got on a boat road up Mekong River to Cambodia, Phnom Penh. We spent some in the capital, which was wonderful. Good food, good hotel, museums, temples and then rode southwest out of Phnom Penh to the countryside down to the coast of Cambodia, which is beautiful. We visited the National Park then got on at a plane in Sihanoukville and flew to Siem Reap for the culmination of the tour, which was Angkor Wat, the famous temples. That took fourteen days to negotiate that itinerary.

Tell us about the quality of the bikes.

Can I add something that I realized we should have said when you asked about the fitness level required for the trip? I was fired up about this trip. I wouldn’t want anyone reading who thought they were possibly thinking about it to go. The other couple that we were with were both active, but the other gal on the trip, she had never mountain biked before. She had been on a bike, but this was the first time she rode on a mountain bike. It was exciting for her but she did great. For someone with the baseline level of fitness that it seems like your audience has, the biking part was totally doable.

Had you done any training at all prior to going?

She had a little bit, but it’s interesting because they were from Canada and we’re in the Northern United States and it was November that we took the trip. Definitely everybody had already started getting into some winter weather. She had for sure done some but it was not excessive. They found the trip within striking distance.

Let’s talk about mountain bikes.

The reason for the mountain bikes is because of some of the broken pavement. You’re on the dirt a little bit and you have a front shock and a good geometry to make it comfortable. It was definitely not mountain biking.

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It’s pretty flat down the area you’re going to as I understand. Are eBikes an option or it’s full pedal on?

I don’t think eBikes were offered on this one.

It was pedal bikes. We started off in Vietnam on 26-inch mountain bikes. When we transitioned to Cambodia, Phnom Penh, we were on 29er mountain bikes, which were nice and comfortable. When we got to Siem Reap, we transitioned the 27.5-inch mountain bikes again. Be prepared to switch mountain bikes. The guides are great to help you. Karen brought her own seat so they would put her seat on. We brought our own pedals. We prefer pedals and shoes to clip in and they will put your pedals on and they’ll make the appropriate adjustments for you. The guys were helpful and the bikes were comfortable and in good condition.

Can you tell us what that 27 inches and 29 inches are all about?

It’s different wheel sizes in mountain bikes. The standard size wheel that we all grew up riding is a 26-inch wheel. Over the past few years, technology has changed and they’ve made bigger wheel sizes. People call them 29ers, 27.5s and they’re a bigger wheel and allows you to roll better and maintain momentum. They’re quite nice for rolling along and going over obstacles. It’s been a change in mountain bikes in the past few years.

I am more of a hiker and I’m going to ease myself into a biking tour. I want to bike in Ireland.

Don’t be intimidated by the bigger wheel sizes. The Canadian lady on our trip, she’d never been on anything but a 26 and she jumped on that 29-inch bike and she said, “I can go much faster.” It’s much more efficient, rolls better and she loved it.

You start off in Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon and that was an easing into it and a little bit of a cultural day. You’ve got a walking tour too. Do you want to tell us a little bit about the city?

It’s a beautiful city. We got to explore on our own when we first checked into the hotel. We were glad that we had learned how to cross streets in Asia on our own because sometimes people see YouTube videos and things of that sea of traffic and how to negotiate through that. We had been taught that you don’t want to dart around too much. You have to proceed at a steady pace. There’s a lot going on there. There are lots of people on motorbikes, traffic and stuff coming through but it was fun. We went to a market that Norm knows the name of and that was pretty fun too.

We visited the Benton market, which is a famous market in Saigon. It was a fun site, colors, smells, haggling, people and it was a lot of fun. We had a walking tour of the city with the guide that afternoon and a lot of French influence obviously. The city is beautiful. We got to visit the Royal Palace and the post office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. There’s a strong Catholic influence in Vietnam. It was a wonderful day of sights and smells and sounds. We enjoyed Saigon. The people were wonderful.

The next day, you’re starting the bicycle tour itself. What’s it like to go on a bicycle tour? Tell us a little bit about what’s going on.

I will tell you that starting this particular bicycle tour, it’s hot over there. I didn’t know it could be that hot. I had lived in Florida for a couple of years. It’s hot and humid. If folks are thinking about this one, I rode in a long sleeve top and long bike pants. I got the sunscreen SPF pants because it is hot and intense weather. I’ll let Norm talk more about what the actual biking was like. I remember being hot.

The biking that first day was to warm up and assessed everybody’s abilities. Some pavement, some dirt, little forest paths, the scenery was lowland jungle area. We rode to the Củ Chi tunnels, which were a famous series of tunnels during the Vietnam War that the Vietnamese people resisted the Americans in these tunnels. It was interesting to see that from their perspective. They don’t call it the Vietnam War as we do. It was the American war. There were some powerful moments there. Karen’s dad was a Vietnam veteran. It was a particularly powerful day for her to see that.

My dad was a Vietnam vet as well. It’s a tough history. I know why I want to go to Vietnam, but how come you chose to go to Vietnam and Cambodia?

We loved Asia from our last trip to Thailand and Laos, the people, the food, the culture, the experience and also time of year. I’m a wildland firefighter for the United States Forest Service. I can’t take off in the summertime. A lot of our travel has to happen from November to February. Asia is a good destination to visit during those months.

The other thing is we’d had our eye on that trip for a while because we had such an amazing time with Art of Bicycle Trips in India. Both of us had the thought that we would prioritize being able to go on a trip with them again because it had been such an over the top good time in India.

Folks may never have heard this company. I know they haven’t heard of it because I discovered them. I had been asked by Peg to find an adventure trip in Vietnam. I was having a difficulty finding a tour company that I could recommend because most of them either try to cram Asia in such a short period of time that you don’t have chance to catch your breath or it’s too low. You’re almost hosteling and the kids are too young. I wanted something that was more appropriate for the types of trips that we’re talking about. When I found Art of Bicycle I checked them on Trustpilot and TripAdvisor and I was like, “I’ve found my company.”

They’re wonderful. We’ll do another trip with them probably 2020, 2021 and go back to India with them.

I’m pleased to be able to offer a recommendation for Asia and India. Let’s talk about the landscape a little bit.

Riding through the Mekong Delta, its palm trees, lowland jungle, lots of water and then everything you can imagine being grown there. Bananas, coconuts, durian fruit, breadfruit, all these amazing vegetables and fruits are growing everywhere. It was neat to see that and see some of the rural villages. It was neat to pass lots of markets, all squiggly things for sale at the markets, snakes, eels, fish and seafood. There was a lot to see and smell.

Did the markets have aquariums? When I went to Beijing, I went to a fish market that I will never forget as long as I live. There were aquariums and you picked out all these things that I would never even thought were edible and you pick out your turtle, you pick out your fish, you pick out your eel, you pick out your other unknown squiggly thing. Picture a lobster tank and now put dozens of them lined up next to each other down an aisle and now have a whole market full of these aquariums. That’s what I saw in Beijing.

This was rural. They had things in buckets and pails with a little bucket that might have four or five eels squiggling around inside.

The food is good. Let’s talk about food.

The food was fantastic. Every morning, breakfast was available at your hotel. They can make a Western style omelet. Being French influenced, the coffee was fantastic. They had baguettes every morning and fresh fruit. Karen’s a vegetarian so she has wonderful vegetarian dishes, a lot of pho, which is a noodle broth-based soup with fresh mint and cilantro. I’m a meat eater so I appreciate all the seafood available.

If people want to get adventurous with their eating norm, a frog stuffed with something. He ate river snails that our guide bought right out of the river. He ate things that were being sold by folks going by on little boats. There’s some room for non-biking adventure. I am thinking of this coconut coffee that we had too. There’s a frozen iced coffee. You definitely should plan to eat a lot on that trip because the food is good. The food was so good that we both came home heavier than we left because it was that good.

Those rivers snails were a bit odd. The little stuffed frog was a little bit odd too.

How did the stuffed frog taste?

It was wonderful. It tasted great. It had stuffing inside of it. It’s interesting but it tastes like chicken. Vietnam’s big on the coffee culture. The coffee was fantastic and we appreciated it.

Are you biking also through coffee plantations as well?

We stopped and visited a pepper plantation and coffee plantations. It was quite weird. I was amazed at how much agriculture was there.

They have coconut, they have rubber and you got the rice and the Lotus paddies. When you’re biking, is everything beautiful?

There’s a lot of green. It is pretty. Now, where we live, being able to ride by and our guide would stop and buy fruit from folks that were selling it right along the paths that we were on so that we had bananas that someone had taken right out of the trees and a coconut with the top got hacked off with a little ax as people were taking that stuff to market. A lot of the snacks on the trip in Vietnam were fruit that was purchased right from the area along the road which is an experience we don’t often get to have out here.

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We were talking a little bit briefly about the weather and it is hot but you’re in a tropical climate. You have the drier season which starts in November and goes through February and then the wet season. It stays pretty much 30 degrees Centigrade to 80 degrees Fahrenheit most of the year, but it’s humid. People have to be aware that it’s going to be sticky.

It is sticky and humid. You have to pay attention to your bike gear. Once you get to the hotel, if you need to wash something out, we brought some Defunkify soap with us. You could do a little laundry in the sink, get that stuff dried out. You do have to manage your cycle gear a little bit because it is hot and humid.

Let’s talk about bike gear. What do we need to know and do?

I would recommend wearing a pair of bike shorts and the Art of Bicycle trips recommends you bring at least two pair. Karen brought three. They’re padded bike shorts that help your butt when you’re on that bike for so long. You’re getting quite sweaty. You bring a couple of pair of socks that you cycle in, a couple of cycling jerseys or shirts. At the end of the day, you’re a little sweaty and then maybe a little smelly. Those are the clothes that you’re going to be cycling in over that two-week period. Stay on top of laundry and keeping that gear clean and trying to get it dried out as best you can.

The hotels that we stayed at had nice accommodation for this trip and every place we stayed except one night had air conditioning and the stuff all dried out easily in the room. I think in terms of what you’d want to bring is to definitely protect from the sun because there’s wasn’t a lot of shade.

I learned when I had the nursery business and I was out in the sun all the time that I preferred the well-breathing long sleeve shirt and long sleeve pants like you wore, Karen, because it keeps the sun off.

I’m a big fan. I’m not designed for the sun.

I’m blond. I fry. I would have a big hat. I’d have to figure out some way to protect my face too because I’d wear the helmet. It’s important. You’re going to be out in the sun all day. Are you being supported by a van or are you carrying all of your stuff every day on the sides of your bike with veneers? Tell us about that.

No veneers or anything. It was all supported, a nice support rig. When we were in Vietnam, we had a Mercedes-like sprinter van with the bikes. We had a driver available to meet us with cold drinks and snacks. At the end of the cycling, they loaded up your bikes for you and you might change out a couple of things and jump into this wonderful air-conditioned van with a cold beverage and a nice a ride to the hotel. In Cambodia, it’s the same. We had a different type of van. We had a wonderful air condition. Nice support van. Your luggage and everything got taken to the next hotel for you.

I’m assuming too then if somebody had an off-day, they could ride in the van rather than riding the bike if they chose.

Definitely and that’s a good point because it made me want to go back. You’re right that we were there in the not rainy season, but we definitely had some rain while we were there. You would want to for sure take a raincoat and then know that you might be riding in some rain. In one of those days, one of the people on the trip was finished with being in the rain and hopped in the rig with the driver. It was completely fine.

Sometimes too, in the rain might help cool things off a little bit as well.

It was fun to ride it because it was some heavy rain. I can’t remember if that was Vietnam. We may have been in Cambodia at that point and we were riding through the roads with red dirt. There was some good fun with dodging mud puddles and part of what we like about doing the bike tours is that you are going right through the villages. We had lots of riding those bikes and having kids walking and riding to school on their bikes. We were dripping mud messes and the folks who interact with that whether on a regular basis we’re still making their way to school with their white buttoned-down school shirts on and their skirts or trousers. They were clean and dry and handling that in a way that we do not know how to.

It sounds too that touring by bike allowed you the opportunity to have lots of interactions with the local people.

That’s the whole thing about being out on the bikes. I can’t even think of any way I would rather see those countries because you do get to ride through and hop off the bikes and go into businesses. It was interesting there. There were no tourist services in some of those areas. When we needed a restroom break, the guide was talking to a shop owner where we were. People live in homes attached to those businesses and they were letting us go into their homes and then we got to talk with people. It’s much more direct interactions than for sure that if we had been there by ourselves because lots of folks don’t speak English and we don’t speak the languages of the countries where we were. Being on the bikes and there’s a lot more direct interaction than we would have had on our own. That’s for sure the highlights of the trip.

That reminds me of what Kristin said in episode 27 on Puglia, which is cycling Italy stiletto heel, she said and she was quoting somebody else, “When you’re biking or doing the long-distance hike, you’re part of the movie.” You’re not watching a movie like you are when you’re on a tour bus, get out, take the pictures. You become part of the local people’s lives because of your daily interactions. It’s a cool way to travel and it allows for a more authentic and immersive experience.

That’s a good way to say it. It was neat some of the times we were hanging out, getting the bikes in and out of the van. Maybe we were parked next to the school or something. I had some neat times where kids were coming over and wanting to practice their English, talk and wondering what we were up to. It was sweet and also thinking one of the super muddy rainy days we rode through this village. The guy’s business, he was out pressure washing the motorcycles. I don’t know why we had stopped right there, but it ended up all five of us, the guide and the four people on the trip, not just our bikes but also us as humans all got pressure washed to get the mud off.

Let’s talk about some more of the experiences that you had. You weren’t just on the bike. Sometimes you were on a boat and you went to a floating market. Can you tell us what a floating market is?

It’s not like the local market where you might go and get food or supplies for a couple of days. It was more like a big wholesale market where there would be a big boat that was filled with melons and then people would come in and buy the melons from that person or buy the rice or whatever dairy and vegetables. They arranged for us to get a boat tour for the four of us and took us out onto the river so we could see this huge floating market. People come in and find the vegetables and the goods from it. It was neat to see them. It made for some nice pictures. It was interesting the waterway-based culture there in the Mekong Delta.

I remember in Bangkok that I went to a floating market and you have all these boats as you say, come up and they usually have one thing that they were often selling. Whether it was the melons or whatever they had harvested that day, that’s what they were pitching and it was cool.

They fly a little flag on their boat that identifies what they have for sale, which I thought was neat.

You’re by the water most of the time. Tell us a little bit about the villages of what you saw there.

There were a lot of celebrations. People are having fun. The Vietnamese like their music. You’d be riding along and also hear a bunch of music blaring. You come around the corner and there’s a bunch of speakers, somebody DJ-ing and people having a party. We went by several weddings. The other villages were full of life and people having fun. It was neat to see all the celebrations and small temples. Each one of the villages had their own little individual markets as well. Everybody’s on motorbikes which is neat as well.

The thing that stands out also about what Norm was saying that you might roll into a village and hear something, a level of music that we would associate with coming from a nightclub or something. It would be a private residence and it would also maybe be 10:00 in the morning on a Wednesday. There would be birthday parties and weddings happening at different times. We learned that there’s more. I don’t know if this was when the music was happening, but that there’s a commemoration of anniversaries of when a loved one has passed away. We never did go in, but when we were stopping and going by this there were invitations to join the party. We never did that and a lot of karaoke happening.

Did you get to see them in their wedding garb? What does that look like?

We did see several people in wedding garbs from a distance. It was formal. The man was in a formal suit and a wedding-like dress on the women.

You also went to a national reserve and a bird sanctuary. Can you tell us a little bit, some of the wildlife you might have seen there? What did that look like?

Part of that is we were in the mountains and we drove up to this amazing road and it was finally cool. It was the first time on the entire trip where we can say the weather was cold. It was a bird sanctuary. We visited a waterfall. We did a big ride that day. It was harder than I thought. I wasn’t feeling too well and I had to get in the van that afternoon. There were a ton of birds there. That was a wonderful day, peaceful and a lot of people come to this national park to escape the heat.

Now, you’re in Cambodia. Any other thoughts about Vietnam before we move on to Cambodia?

I would say in Vietnam, the people were wonderful. The food was wonderful. We enjoyed our time there. The lack of traffic, riding without cars on the road was fantastic.

That was one thing that made me nervous when I first saw this because I think of the motorbikes everywhere and the chaos. You’re on some serene paths. You’re not doing any of the road biking at all.

We were on paths. There definitely was some riding into towns where there weren’t pedestrian paths. It’s a different experience than riding like our portion of the United States at least because people are accustomed to having so much pedestrian traffic on the roads. I feel significantly safer on a bike when we’ve been in other countries because the level of awareness that there might be bikers, there could be animals walking along the road, people walking along the road that there’s a different experience of the traffic ebbing and flowing together that I haven’t felt here.

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You’ll definitely be on some roads with big trucks coming by, the bus coming by. Initially, people might be a little nervous about that, but as Karen says, they’re aware of bikers. Everybody’s on scooters and the flow happens. People don’t get an impatient or angry in Asia about traffic. It happens. People flow along. I wouldn’t be too intimidated by the traffic.

Were you able to bring any of that calm and patience back with you or at least for a little while?

We certainly aspired to. It’s a goal.

Usually, the little glow lasts for me for about two weeks.

If we could figure out how to make that glow last indefinitely, I would try and bottle that up and sell it. It would be good.

Let’s move into Cambodia now. Give us an overview of what you all did there.

Cambodia was great. We took a boat off the Mekong River. It took about three or four hours. You do a customs checkpoint and they get to Phnom Penh, which is a big city and it’s had a lot of Chinese money influence in there. It was a nice city. There were a lot of Westerners running around and lots of great restaurants. We visited the Royal Palace, which was absolutely beautiful. We visited the National Museum. We had a knowledgeable young man as a tour guide and he would arrange tuk-tuk rides around for us. We spent about a day and a half in Phnom Penh. We visited the killing fields, which talked about the Pol Pot era. It’s a difficult part of their history. There’s some road riding. We had several days of wonderful rural Cambodia riding down to the beautiful coastline. We visited the beach in Kep and the Kep crab market and we got to eat crabs although Karen didn’t eat crabs. We visited a little city called Kampot on the water. It was very French-influenced. It almost looks like New Orleans in Cambodia. The riding was fantastic. We ended up on a plane from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap where we saw the Angkor Wat temples for a few days.

Tell us a little bit about Angkor Wat.

It’s wild to be there after seeing those pictures all our lives. It is absolutely mind-blowing. One of the things that we did was to extend the time that we stayed in Siem Reap at the end of the trip. It was nice. We had the day with the group and then we went back and spent some more time there. One of the nice parts about being on a bicycle trip is that they shuttled us to the tourist area where you buy the tickets to go, but you’re still maybe ten miles or so from Angkor Wat. We rode in there on the bicycles and could be on some paths and come in and miss some of the pretty heavy impact traffic on the tourist bus and people getting in there. The bikes gave back door access, which was neat.

That was the best part of being on the bike.

I understand too because Angkor Wat is basically this massive 400 acres, 160 hectares. It’s huge. It is one of the world’s largest religious sites and surrounded by a moat. Is that correct?

That is correct. It is massive. There were a lot of people there. Around 1.7 million people a year visit Angkor Wat. The beauty of the bike tour, as what Karen said, we got to come in the back way. We got to ride jungles, single track paths and get away from the buses. There’s a ton of bus traffic with big massive tour buses. We were able to bypass the tour buses, slide in the back door, set our bikes down, access the temple, get a wonderful tour of the temple and then hop back on that bike and get away from the people. We appreciated being on the bikes to the Angkor Wat. It’s powerful, beautiful and large. It would be difficult to see on the tour bus, but on the bikes we could cover all kinds of ground and it was wonderful.

That almost makes it worth it for that.

It was because there will be spots where you pull up and there are about fifteen tour buses and hundreds of people pouring out of these tour buses. You ride right by on your mountain bike.

It is a big complex. There lots of different places to stop and get out, not just the main complex. They took us through all of it on that day.

In addition to Angkor Wat, we saw some other temples the next day. That was maybe 30 to 40 kilometers outside of Siem Reap. That was wonderful to see as well, great rural riding. The temples in the area are vast. It takes a couple of days to see them and appreciate them. Our first day there, we went at about 2:00 in the afternoon on the bikes to the main temple complex. There were a lot of people and it was very hot. If there was a temple where there was a little bit of shade, every available shade was taken up by a person trying to cool down. We extended our trip at the end, got up early in the morning, hired our own tuk-tuk and went in and went back when it was a little cooler. There were fewer people and we got to see it in a different light and we appreciated that.

How many days would you recommend for people to add extra?

We had two days on our bike tour and then we added an extra day. The Art of Bicycle Trips arranged the extra day at the hotel. I would say three days at the minimum for Angkor Wat and the temple complex was outside of Angkor Wat. You’re going to have to hang out in Siem Reap too. We stayed downtown. It’s a fun city. There’s a lot going on. It’s almost a party atmosphere. There’s a big street called Pub Street. It’s popular with Westerners. We were there for the Cambodian Water Festival. There were lots of Cambodians there for a big national celebration. Siem Reap was fun. It’s a little crazy. It’s was almost like a Mardi Gras atmosphere at times, but it was fun to see and interact with the people. I think at least three days in Angkor Wat, maybe four.

Let’s talk about safety. Did you feel safe?

I felt safe. I’m sure that you could put yourself in a difficult situation if you were out late at night, maybe if you were a part of the party crowd or something. If you’re these boring 45, 50-year-old people like us who like to go out to dinner, maybe have a beverage or two and back to your hotel by 9:00 or 10:00 in bed for the next day, it’s very safe.

What about for solo women, does it still feel the same way?

We saw a lot of solo women traveling. I would say the same thing. Being out late at night is probably not a great idea in some spots. We saw a lot of solo and groups of women traveling together.

Especially if someone was looking at the particular trip that we were on, definitely. We had some dinners by ourselves but they put us into some good spots. It would be a great way to go. You could definitely do that as a solo woman traveler. I wouldn’t say that about everything that we’ve done.

The accommodations are top notch. They put you in wonderful hotels and good spots. The guides are always there for you. They’ll get you to the restaurant for dinner. They’ll get everything set up for you. You don’t have to take care of anything. You just have to pay for alcoholic beverages. At the end of your dinner, if you had some beers, that’s all you had to pay for. The guys take care of everything. They’re waiting for you outside if you need anything else. We were very well taken care of.

Is there anything that you wish you’d known before you’d gone that you would like to pass on as some advice?

One of the nice things about going with the company like this, especially when we travel, we are using vacation time from our jobs and we don’t have a huge amount of time to be there. The interaction with the travel company in advance gives you the chance to ask a lot of those questions and plan for the trip. I don’t feel like we had any unpleasant surprises or anything like that. We didn’t know anyone who had gone to those. Sometimes on the trips we take, we’ve had close friends that have gone ahead of us and have given us good advice. This one seemed pretty straight forward from the information we had from the company.

Pankaj from the Art of Bicycle Trips does an incredible job of providing you with pre-trip information, detailed itineraries and recommendations. If you do have a question such as, “We’d like to get picked up at the airport after a long travel from all the way from the western United States across the Pacific Ocean and getting in late at night.” We appreciate having somebody waiting at the airport to get us to our accommodations and not try to Uber or bus or taxi. He sets all that up for us and provides emergency contact numbers if we have any questions. I would say they do a wonderful job preparing you for the trip and answering any questions that you might have.

I think you’d asked about safety on this trip. I can’t remember which country we’re in, but one of the guides put a little identification tab on the bicycle. If somehow you had ridden up by yourself and ended up someplace, your name and then the tour group’s phone number on there so that whatever nice local found you would be able to get you back to the group. It was a nice level of backup plan.

I assume you don’t speak much Vietnamese or Khmer. Did you have any communication problems?

No, we didn’t because when we were remote and rural, the guides were there. The neat thing also with the smaller group and the folks that our bicycle groups work with is they are willing to facilitate communication with people that we met along the way. With the four of us on this trip, we were able to have translation and have conversations with people that we would never have been able to have.

What would you tell somebody that’s on the fence about whether or not this is a trip to go on for them or not? In other words, how would you rate this trip?

We rated the trip as five stars and excellent on Pankaj’s website on the Art of Bicycle Trips website. He’s put both of our reviews from our trips on his website. We did a Trustpilot review. We gave it a five-star because of the attention to detail. We can’t speak enough about the accommodations. After a long day of biking and some hot weather to check into a nice boutique hotel with a wonderful shower, every spot had a full comfortable bedding, air conditioning and fantastic breakfast every morning. The meals, the interactions, we loved it. We were blown away by the Vietnam, Cambodia trip. It far exceeded our expectations.

Is there anything you want to tell us that we didn’t talk about?

The thing that’s always on my mind when we go to some of these off the beaten path, I’m always concerned about whether or not I’m going to get sick. Normally, adventurers either had a little bit of trouble and I did not. If anybody’s worried about can they go and keep their belly happy and whatnot. Those of us who are inclined more towards vegetarianism with the other couple too, they were like us. The adventure eaters had a little touch of bugs, but they recovered and the other two of us did fine the whole time. If anyone’s worried about that, you can definitely go and stay healthy.

It could be because there’s something different for your stomach. That’s where the guides can help too because they know where it’s okay to eat.

I got a little adventurous in my eating and it was nothing that a little bit of Pepto Bismol couldn’t take care of.

You two have made some killer trips in your lifetime. How does this one compare to some of those?

The bike trips we’ve done in India, Vietnam, Cambodia are probably the top two trips that we have done. I can’t thank Art of Bicycle Trips enough for attention to detail. It is not a bike trip. It’s a cultural trip on a bike. It’s not just ride. The bike is a way to facilitate you seeing the country and seeing the culture and interacting with the people.

If someone was thinking about doing this and I like to think of all of this as bike-facilitated exploring. The biking was there but we had requested at some point a priority on getting into the towns so that it wasn’t like all day and all of the daylight on the bike so that we could still get there and walk around and enjoy the places that we ended up. If people are thinking about doing it, it seemed like the best of all worlds that we did get to be out on the bikes and a little bit more hands on. Like Norm was saying, it’s comfortable at the same time. If anyone is thinking about doing it, they should do it. No reservations.

We had made a trip prior where it was a little bit more biking-based where you got up in the morning, as soon as breakfast was made you were on that bike and you’re on that bike all day. By the end of the day, you were tired. All you can think about was eating and going to bed. We didn’t get to enjoy the towns and the places you were in. The Art of Bicycle Trips focuses on that balance and that balance is key because after all you’re on vacation.

Thanks, Norm and Karen, for coming on the show. We sure appreciate it.

Thanks for having us.

I have to say that I’m getting more and more interested in bicycle touring because like Kristin said in episode 27 in Puglia, Italy, you get to cover a lot more ground, you can see much more of the country than I do when I do my long-distance hikes. In episode number 11 , we biked the Danube River all the way into Vienna in Austria, which was cool as well. The pace that Norm and Karen did on this particular Vietnam, Cambodia trip was nice because they’re only biking maybe four or five hours a day, you’re not tired at the end of the day that you have time to go exploring. Unlike what I did in the Cotswold, which was a long distance hike, episodes 31 and 32 , I pushed my pace a little faster than it was good for me because at the end of the day I was too pooped to do too much exploring.

This is probably a good middle ground for me to be able to do half-a-day of exercise because I do want to take the time at the end of the day to explore the towns and the villages that I’m visiting. I need a little bit more energy and a little bit more steam at the end of the day in order to do so. I also love too how similar to long-distance hiking because you’re on the bike. You’re getting a lot more local interaction. That to me is probably my most important thing because it’s not the landscapes. It’s the people that make the trips, it’s those small interactions whether it’s with a shopkeeper or whomever. Those are the memories. That’s what you remember. I’ve long been interested in exploring Southeast Asia, but like everybody else, there are always the limits of time and money. If I do it by bicycle and combine several of the tours together, that might be the best way for me to see the countries in my timeframe and in my budget.

As much as it’s possible in a show, I’d like this to be a two-way conversation between us as much as we can. For example, the topic today with Vietnam was inspired by an email that I got from Peg who is looking for a tour company in Vietnam and I had myself been looking and had been unsuccessful in finding a company that I felt comfortable recommending until I found Art of Bicycle Trips. I got another nice email that I’d like to read to you from Melissa and this is with her permission. If you write to me and it’s okay for me to read them out loud, please make a note of that. I’d like to see us have two-way conversations. Here’s her letter which warmed my day when I got it. I got it on a particularly bad day. This made my day.

“Dear Kit, I wanted to say thank you for your show. I genuinely enjoy your positivity and your sense of adventure. I want to especially thank you for your comments about courage being a muscle and for encouraging people to think about pushing themselves to live the lives that they want to live. My husband and I do a lot of active travel together, but I wanted to travel and he didn’t. Rather than sit at home and be annoyed, I remembered your words to go a tiny step beyond your comfort level. I booked a flight for myself and made a three-night getaway to chase some Florida sunshine. While I did do a little hiking, it wasn’t all that adventures of a trip. It was a little beyond what I’ve seen myself as capable of. What’s ridiculous about that is I’m a former Peace Corps volunteer so you would think that I would have a comfort level with doing things on my own. You inspired me and I’m grateful. Keep up the good work.”

Thanks, Melissa, and thanks for making my day. If you’d like to reach out to me, you can find me at [email protected] . If you forget that, you go to the ActiveTravelAdventures.com website, click on the contact button and that shoots right to me in my office. I have a special episode coming up. I took my 93-year-old mom to one of her and dad’s favorite adventure locations and I can’t wait to share it with you. Until then, adventure on.

Important Links:

• Art of Bicycle Trips
• TripAdvisor
• Episode 27 – Active Travel Adventure episode
• Episode number 11 – Active Travel Adventure episode
• 31 – Active Travel Adventure episode
• 32 – Active Travel Adventure episode
• [email protected]
• Here’s How »
• activetraveladventures.com
• Active Travel Adventures Facebook Page
• Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group
• Active Travel Adventures Twitter
• Active Travel Adventures Instagram
• Active Travel Adventures YouTube
• Kit Parks LinkedIn

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Cycle Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

13 days | enjoy an exceptional two-wheeled adventure from vietnam to thailand.

What’s the best way to explore Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand? From a bicycle, of course, with the wind in your (helmet-covered) hair and tropical breeze on your face. Cycle out of busy Ho Chi Minh, through the Mekong Delta, past riverside villages and alongside paddy fields, and see life from a different perspective as we meet locals, experience their culture and eat lots of great food (you’ll certainly work up an appetite for it!). Riding around 60 km each day, this is an energising and rewarding way to see the beauty and majesty of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

Trip overview

• Explore Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in just 13 days on this speedy but comprehensive adventure.
• See Indochina as you’ve never seen it before – from the seat of a bicycle. Cycling is the ultimate way get off the beaten track!
• Work up an appetite for Southeast Asia's famously delicious local and regional food.
• Get among nature, wildlife, small villages and ancient ruins, as well as the region's most lively cities.
• Cover approximately 440 km on this itinerary, averaging around 50 km each riding day, with four non-riding days to refresh ands recuperate.
• To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
• You’ll be cycling for up to 70 km per day on varied terrain – this trip is for the reasonably fit.
• The weather in Indochina can be varied. Be prepared to get sweaty and for the occasional rain storm, which may require a change of plans.

Xin chao! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Ho Chi Minh City has a dynamic atmosphere and a French influence, so it's perfect for exploring at your own pace if you arrive a couple of days early. Perhaps head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-aired market, visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda or one of the amusements parks.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Take a bus ride to the Mekong Delta. Known as the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam’, the fertile delta is famous for its harvest of tropical fruit, flowers and rice, as well as the views over the canals. When you arrive in the region, get on your bike for the first full day of cycling. Ride along quiet backroads, past farms and villages and make a stop for lunch. You’ll also get to visit orchards and some local cottage industries. Around sunset, make your way up one of the canals by boat and reach your homestay. Stay with a family for the night and enjoy a wonderful meal of local specialties.

• Homestay (1 night)

Your travel distance today will be approximately 3 hours. Your riding distance will be approximately 45 km.

At your homestay, you’ll be sleeping on simple camp beds in a dorm-style arrangement. You’ll share a toilet and bathroom facilities with cold water only. Bedding and mosquito nets will be provided.

Start the day early with a boat ride, then a bus to riverside Sadec where you start today’s ride, shaking out your sea legs with a cycle through the bustling settlements along the river. Here you’ll see more of local life dependent on this vital and beautiful river, including lunch at a local community. Cycle on and then take a ferry and bus to Chau Doc which is right next to the Cambodian border. Head out in search of the city’s famous hot noodles and cold beer, then stay the night in your hotel.

Your riding distance will be approximately 75 km.

At your hotel, you’ll be sleeping on simple camp beds in a dorm-style arrangement. You’ll share a toilet and bathroom facilities with cold water only. Bedding and mosquito nets will be provided.

Cycle to your last destination within Vietnam, the border town of Tinh Bien and stop for lunch. You’ll then go through visa formalities and cross into Phnom Den, Cambodia. Meet your new support team and hop on your bike again on your way to Phnom Penh. You’ll be cycling along dusty and bumpy roads for a while, and then along a paved highway which leads to Cambodia’s capital. Once you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to enjoy your first delicious Cambodian meal for the trip. Phnom Penh is quickly becoming a hot destination among foodies, so load up on grilled seafood, fish curry and green mango salad.

Your riding distance will be approximately 65 km.

The standard e-visa for Cambodia is not valid at Phnom Den border (on entry to Cambodia on Day 4 of this trip). Travelers of all nationalities must apply for visa on arrival, which usually takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes at Tieh Bien/Phnom Den border.

Spend the day enjoying a leisurely ride around Mekong Island. Visit local artisans selling quality silks, and cycle past temples and pagodas. Stop for a refreshing drink at a roadside food stall.

Your riding distance will be approximately 27 km.

Today you’ll confront Cambodia’s tragic past with visits to several historical sites. First stop is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. You’ll take a guided tour of the museum where over 20,000 people were once incarcerated and tortured. Next you’ll visit the Choeung Ek Memorial, where a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was where the prisoners of Tuol Sleng were executed and nearly 9,000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. Finally, learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

• Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) & Choeung Ek
• Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Settle in for a long day of driving as we travel to Siem Reap. The bus ride will take about seven hours but will be full of stunning rural views of tiny towns, and it also gives you the chance to catch up on some shut-eye.

Riding distance: none

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

The name Angkor always captures the imagination, conjuring up images of soaring temples set in deep jungle hidden from the world for generations, and there is simply no better way to experience the allure of Cambodia's legendary Angkor temple complex than by bicycle. Faster than walking yet able to go places that the big tour buses just can't go, cycling at your own pace along quiet, secluded small roads and jungle trails gives you the feeling that you are the first person to discover Angkor as you visit many small temples hidden from everyday view.

That’s not to say you miss out on the icons, with visits to Angkor Wat, the greatest Buddhist temple in the world, as well as guided visits to the iconic jungle-covered ‘Tomb Raider’ favourite Ta Prohm, and the sheer majesty of Angkor Thom all included. Seeing this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site in such an environmentally friendly way, with no pollution or strain on the environment also helps to preserve this magnificent icon for future generations.

• Siem Reap - Three Day Angkor Pass
• Angkor - Full day temple cycling tour

Today you’ll cover a lot of distance on your visit to Banteay Srei, the 10th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. The temple was rediscovered in 1914 and has some of the most intricate carvings in the world. It was restored shortly after discovery using traditional techniques and materials.

Your riding distance will be approximately 70 km.

Leave from Siem Reap early in the morning and head for the border. Your crossing at Poipet/Aranyaprathet should take around 4 hours including the driving and processing time. From the border, you'll transfer to the Tha Kabark Dam. You can have a quick swim and some lunch before the next cycling leg to Sa Kaew where you'll stay for the night.

• Resort (1 night)

Your riding distance will be approximately 40 km.

Wake up at sunrise and make your way to the local market. Here you’ll see the Buddhist monks from nearby temples who come to receive food from the villagers in exchange for blessings. Perhaps offer the monks some alms before continuing on your way. Spend the rest of the day cycling along mostly flat terrain towards the small district of Kabinburi. You’ll pass rubber tree and tapioca plantations as well as lush rice fields.

• Kabinburi - Alms giving at morning market

Make your way to Khun Dan Dam, Thailand’s largest dam, for your last full day of cycling. You’ll ride past small villages, paddy fields, farms and shops. Stop for lunch along the way, then enjoy a quick swim. After, pack up the bikes before transferring to Bangkok, your final destination.

Your riding distance will be approximately 50 km.

There are no activities planned for today and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. Perhaps take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road or pay a visit to Wat Pho, home to the country's largest reclining Buddha. Explore the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or travel by long tail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore Bangkok’s famous khlongs (canals).

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Bicycle, (E-bike available), Support vehicle, Public bus, Public boat

Hotel (10 nights), homestay (1 night), resort (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested. 2. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organise a suitable sized bike. 3. If you plan to bring your own bike please advise us at time of booking as additional transport is required. 4. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home. 5. Cambodia Visa - The standard e-visa for Cambodia is not valid at Phnom Den border (on entry to Cambodia on Day 4 of this trip). Travelers of all nationalities must apply for visa on arrival, which usually takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes at Tieh Bien/Phnom Den border. 6.Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train and flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Bike Tours Vietnam and Cambodia

• 10 Days/9 Nights

Break free and see the region from a bicycle seat on this 10-day Bike Tours Vietnam and Cambodia. Start from cycling around the mekong delta then roll past the temples of stunning Angkor Wat, cruise around Phnom Penh, and mount your bike again and head out into the countryside surrounding Siem Reap to pedal through bright green rice paddies to red dirt roads through rural villages filled with friendly, waving locals. It’s perfect for pedal-pushers of all levels looking to explore less well-known regions at a leisurely pace.

Consider this an introduction to the joys of Southeast Asia and cycling. On this Bike Tours Vietnam and Cambodia, you are guaranteed a peaceful ride away from other tourists.

BIKE TOURS VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA

• DAY 1: Ho Chi Minh – Mytho – Travinh
• DAY 2: Travinh – Cantho
• DAY 3: Cantho – Longxuyen
• DAY 4: Longxuyen – Chao Doc
• DAY 5: Boat trip to Cambodia – Evening Sunset cruise
• DAY 6: Phnom Penh City Tour
• DAY 7:  Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
• DAY 8: Cycle to Angkor Wat
• DAY 9: Cycle to Tonle Sap Lake – Kampong Pluk
• DAY 10: Siem Reap – Half Day Countryside Ride

Day 1 : Ho Chi Minh – Mytho – Travinh

Our local guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel, we make a transfer a couple of hours out of Ho Chi Minh City to Mytho– the gateway of the Mekong delta. Arrive the starting point fit your bike and safety briefing then start cycle into the heart of the rural Mekong.

Your adventure Bike Tours Vietnam and Cambodia begins after the ferry journey across the Tien River at Mytho. The route takes you through the lush green landscape of the delta, a section of biking cuts off road onto gravel and dirt lanes, and weaves around hamlets, across water channels, and through quiet dense vegetation. This makes for superb biking. A final ferry across the gaping expanse of Cochien river leads us to Travinh, a pretty tree lined town with a large population of ethnic Khmer.

Day 2 : Travinh – Cantho

We continue our Bike Tours Vietnam and Cambodia by starting with a short boat trip will be reached Vinhlong, one of the famous fruits town in Mekong. We cycle along narrow country lanes, easy dirt tracks and trails. This biking is at its most glorious-through tiny orchards, witness colorful life along the riverside, pedal pass picturesque delta homes, pause to chat with welcoming villagers. Cross narrow canals on a local sampan, before finishing at the main ferry for a refreshing boat trip across the expansive Co Chien River.

Ride final few km to the very pretty Khmer town of Travinh. This gives a great first impression of the “heart of Mekong”.

Day 3 : Cantho – Longxuyen

Today’s ride is split into two sections and is a contrast to the previous day’s ride. After a very early breakfast, you will take a boat trip to the famous Cai Rang floating market before riding on a narrow paved road market to Phong dien. The route weaves through morning market bustle along the banks of the very busy river. Absorb the sights of endless cottage industries, timber merchants, coconut shredders, small docks loading/unloading rice, and tiny vibrant markets. You will continue by bike on the narrow lane to the main road, which transfer along the highway back to Cantho for lunch.

Afternoon, we continue riding along a tiny road leading upstream towards Longxuyen. The ride ends with a final ferry crossing and short transfer to hotel in Long Xuyen. Overnight stay in Long Xuyen.

Day 4 : Longxuyen – Chao Doc

The today’s scenery is completely different. After a short transfer to Triton, continue our bike tours Vietnam and Cambodia by starts to gently undulate and mountains begin to loom as you ride closer and closer to Chaudoc. The presence of Thotnot trees indicates the growing proximity to Cambodia and the local people speak Vietnamese as their second language.

This afternoon you will cycle to the killing fields of Vietnam at Bachuc, where Polpot’s regime massacred over 3,000 Vietnamese in 1978. The route loops round to Chaudoc from Bachuc along the border, or re-trace back to triton (depending on road conditions) and ride the rest of the way to Chaudoc along incredible country roads. Those with energy to spare can climb Sam Mountain for sunset!

Day 5 : Boat trip to Cambodia – Evening Sunset cruise

This morning continue our bike tour Vietnam and Cambodia by a short drive to the Mekong river dock. Say good bye to our Vietnamese crews then get on speedboat ferry to Phnom Penh crossing the border at Vinh Xuong (Vietnam) and Kaam Samnor (Cambodia) before continuing along the Mekong, as we head for the Cambodia capital. The boat journey will take the whole morning (4 hrs) and allows us a relaxed and fascinating view of riverside life, businesses and countryside as we pass by.

Arrived in Phnom Penh boat pier, you will welcome by our local guide, who will then transfer you to your comfort hotel.

Your late afternoon will be leisure until set off on a sunset cruise along the Phnom Penh riverfront. Take in the sights and sip cocktails, beer, or soft drinks as you get a unique overview of Phnom Penh. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

Day 6 : Phnom Penh City Tour

Begin your tour with a visit to the Royal Palace overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Built in 1866 by King Norodom, the palace is now home to the reigning monarch. Within the palace grounds you will find the coronation hall, an open air theatre for the Royal Dance Troupe, and the King’s private residence. The grounds are open to the public except when the King is in residence. The grounds also house the Silver Pagoda, its floor covered by 5,000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilogram.

Next you will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which documents the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge against both their political enemies and many thousands of everyday Cambodians. In 1975 this former high school was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces and converted into Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest detention and torture centre in the country. Please note that the images on display are quite graphic and unsettling.

Then drive to Choeung Ek – the Killing Fields, where the brutal executions of more than 17,000 men, women and children took place. The large mass grave pits have all but gone, however the stupa filled with skulls is a chilling memorial. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

Day 7 : Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

Today we continue our bike tours Vietnam and Cambodia with a transferred by van to a town of Kompong Kdei in Siem Reap Province where you resume cycling. You will ride on a tree-shaded red soil road with beautiful villages along the way. This area is just 60km from Siem Reap Town, but few tourists come here. Your first break is at Makak Water Reservoir, which was constructed during the Pol Pot regime. Some survivors from the regime still come to this place to recall their hard time.

Day 8 : Cycle to Angkor Wat

After breakfast at your hotel, start cycle through Angkor temple pass check – point. You will cycle through the shady road with a little pumping because of a few pot – holes. There you will begin to see Kravan temple, Banteay Kdei, and stop at the famous Ta Phrom, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom temple, which was built in 12th century by the famous King Jayavarvan VII indicated to his mother.

You will then head out to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, enter the city through the ancient Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. From here, continue to Bayon Temple, found in the center of the city famed as the enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

After you will bike to the gem of the Angkor complex, take a break at lunch and stop at the local restaurant to enjoy tasteful Cambodian dishes.

Lastly, we spend the whole afternoon to extensively visit Angkor Wat the rich history and symbolism of this unique ancient temple. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel.

Day 9 : Cycle to Tonle Sap Lake – Kampong Pluk

The second day in Siem Reap of our bike tours Vietnam and Cambodia, we explore more of the area around Siem Reap, cycling out into the countryside to Kampong Phluk fishing village.

This tour will take you on the charming backroads in order to explore the local ways of life in Siem Reap. You will be greeted by friendly locals and get a deeper understanding of their lives and traditions. We pass a few Rolous group temples from the 9th Century, Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko. An ancient Khmer city here was known as Hariharalaya.

The journey will end at the Tonle Sap lake, we take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap (Great Lake), where you will experience the livelihoods of Cambodian people living in the floating villages, offering you the opportunity to see how families adapt their life to living on the water. Then return back to Siem Reap by private vehicle.

Day 10 : Siem Reap – Half Day Countryside Ride

Your bike tours Vietnam and Cambodia officially finish today, enjoy your last day ride to the northwest of the city. Cycling on the single dirt lane allows you to take in the sights and sounds of local life. We’ll ride through the Cambodian countryside to explore a secluded Buddhist temple and the West Baray reservoir (West Baray is a large reservoir located to the west of Angkor Thom. It is 7.8km long and 2.1km wide, and it is the largest baray built during the ancient Angkor era. It’s also one of the largest man-made reservoirs.)

Then visit village artisans and learn how they ply their trade, whether they’re weaving baskets, distilling rice wine, or making Khmer noodles. There are many stands on our way where we can get drinks, fruit, and snacks. We will then return to Siem Reap town.

TRIP PROFILE

Break free and see the region from a bicycle seat on this 10 days trip. Start from cycling around the mekong delta then roll past the temples of stunning Angkor Wat, cruise around Phnom Penh, and mount your bike again and head out into the countryside surrounding Siem Reap to pedal through bright green rice paddies to red dirt roads through rural villages filled with friendly, waving locals. It’s perfect for pedal-pushers of all levels looking to explore less well-known regions at a leisurely pace.

Your trip will be led by our local cycling tour guide. For a group of less than 5, there will be one English-speaking cycling guide and a driver. For a group of 6 or more, there will be a Cycling Tour Leader, an English-speaking cycling guide, drivers, and assistants. All of our guides are well-informed about the history, culture, and religions of the area where you will be biking and are skilled at sharing that knowledge with you.

Bikes & Repairs

The bikes you will be riding are well-known makes of hybrid bikes or mountain bikes. The ones you receive depend on the type of tour.

During the tour, your guide will carry a reliable toolkit and help you in fixing any bike problems, so you only need to bring a daypack for your camera and other necessities. However, please note that we cannot guarantee being equipped for all types of repairs. If you are bringing your own bike, it is crucial to ensure that it is in good working condition before the tour. In case of any doubts, we recommend having it fully serviced by a bike shop before you embark on your journey.

Support Vehicle

Throughout the tour, you will have the security of a backup vehicle that will be with us at all times. The vehicle will transport your luggage, which we’ll move by support vehicle from each overnight stop to the next, and it can carry you if needed. The backup van will accompany us throughout the day, stopping roughly every 15 kilometers.

For your safety, wearing a helmet is mandatory during all of our biking adventures, and we strongly recommend it. If you refuse to wear a helmet, you will not be permitted to cycle. While your tour guide is well-trained in first aid and emergency rescue, it is important to note that you are largely responsible for your own safety while riding.

The terrain of the bike tours Vietnam and Cambodia are diverse,  featuring mainly flat paths that follow a combination of tarmac and dirt roads through the countryside and rural villages. You will cycle on back roads that offer stunning, unobstructed views of the landscape, and we’ll make frequent stops every 15 kilometers to rest, snack, take pictures, and enjoy drinks.

Our guides are experienced in accommodating riders of all skill levels. In the event that you are unable to complete the distance, you can always hop into the support vehicle.

Fitness level

Our tour is designed to cater to cyclists of all levels of experience, fitness, ages, and backgrounds. We encourage all of our cyclists to embrace the challenges of the tour while respecting everyone’s individual limits.

Our tours are designed to accommodate each rider’s pace, and it’s important to note that this is not a race. We want everyone to enjoy the journey and take in the beautiful scenery at their own leisurely pace.

Health & Medical Conditions

As our tours are physically demanding, it’s essential that you are in good physical health and able to fully participate in the group tour. Before the start of your tour and at every stop during the trip, we require all travelers to provide details of any pre-existing medical conditions or to inform the tour guide if they feel unwell.

Disclosing this information is crucial to ensuring that we can respond effectively in case of an emergency. We take the safety and well-being of our travelers very seriously and appreciate your cooperation in providing us with the necessary information to keep everyone safe and healthy.

At our company, we take hydration very seriously and strive to keep you completely hydrated throughout your tour. As you ride, we provide cold water, locally sourced fruit for energy, and soft drinks—all of which are included in the tour price.

Please note that soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included in the tour price. While beer is readily available throughout the tour, it is not included in the price.

Extra Expenses

Our package tour includes most things, but we recommend budgeting for food and drinks if you choose to venture out at night or partake in additional activities. The cost of these activities will vary depending on what you choose to do.

We suggest bringing a small amount of cash, around US$30, for incidentals such as souvenirs or small purchases throughout the tour. Please note that this is only a recommendation, and you are free to bring more or less cash as you see fit.

Cambodia:  Thai baht and US dollars are widely used in Cambodia, especially in larger cities and towns. In smaller towns and villages, Cambodian riels are usually preferred. There are ATMs in most areas, however, machines dispense US dollars. The guides will be able to show you where the ATMs are. Spend riel before departing as no one will exchange them for you once you leave.

Vietnam:  The official national currency is the Vietnam Dong, but the US dollar is widely accepted in tourist centers. However, in smaller towns and villages the Dong is preferred. ATMs are available in all major tourist destinations and big cities. Vietcombank has the best network with a single withdrawal limit of 2,000,000d (about US$125). Most major currencies can be exchanged at leading banks in Vietnam, but the US dollar is preferred away from the tourist centers. Changing US$100 will make you an instant millionaire! You cannot legally take the dong out of Vietnam but you can reconvert reasonable amounts of it into US dollars on departure.

Solo Traveller

We welcome a diverse range of cyclists on our tours, including couples, friends, and solo traveller. Our tour prices are based on twin shared accommodation, which means that if you sign up as a solo traveller, you will be paired with another person of the same gender in your group. However, if you prefer to have your own room, this is an option for most of our tours, but it will come with an additional charge.

Passport & Visa

Cambodia:  Visitors to Cambodia require a passport to enter the country and all travellers must hold a passport with the validation for 6 months after their planned exit from Cambodia.

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh & Siem Reap international airports without prior registration. Visa issued on arrival for most nationalities, US $30/pax, please bring 1 passport photo. You can also get it in advance at;  www.evisa.gov.kh

Vietnam:  Whilst we endeavour to provide correct and relevant information obtained directly from the relevant Embassies, High Commissions and Consulate Generals – this information is subject to frequent changes, without warning and at very short notice. Due to this, we cannot be held liable for any errors in the information provided on this site. We strongly advised you to check all information with the relevant embassy for details on your visa/passport requirements.

You must be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after date of arrival or 1 month after expiration of visa.

British and Thai passport holders do not need a visa if they stay in country less than 14 days. For information relevant to the country for which you hold a passport, check with your local  Vietnam embassy  for up to date advice.  Your visa must be applied for in advance. You can arrange for a visa on arrival in advance of the trip and our agent can provide you with a travel document that will permit entry to Vietnam for issue of the visa. There is a £10 admin charge for this. The visa fee is payable at Noi Bai airport, Hanoi.  

Yes, it is mandatory that all participants are well-insured for the full duration of the tour. This includes coverage for personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation, helicopter or aircraft rescue, loss of luggage or equipment, cancellation, or curtailments. It is important to ensure that your insurance policy does not have any exclusion clauses that limit protection for the type of activities included in your tour.

In the event of any claims related to matters for which you are insured, you should contact your insurers directly. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking your trip to ensure that you are covered in the event of cancellation.

Cambodia:  November in Cambodia is the start of the dry season; although the odd, short shower early in the month is not unusual.  Comfortable temperatures (avg: 25 °C), low humidity and plenty of sunshine make this a popular time to travel in Cambodia.  December is characterised by dry, sunny weather, low humidity and relatively cool temperatures (avg: 26 °C).  In January Cambodia is well into its dry season.  By August it is experiencing the rainy season, but this does not affect our cycling too much, as rain generally falls late afternoon or at night.  The advantage of visiting Cambodia during the wet season is the vibrant spectacle of lush green rice fields and countryside.

Vietnam:  Vietnams weather is split into two distinct weather patters Tropical and a temperate zone.  The average temperature ranges from 22 to 27 degrees all year round but in the South temperatures can stay almost the same.  The Southern part of Vietname has 2 distincted seasons.  The cold season is from November to April and the hot season from May to October. Whilst in the North there are 4 season with distinct difference between them.  It can get cool in the winter but very warm in the summer. 

The best time to visit North Vietnam is October to April, this is predominately a dry season with very pleasent temperatures.

Once the tour is confirmed, we do require 30% deposited to secure the booking with us, the other 70% will be required one month before departure date. For the tours less than a month to the departure date, we will require full amount of the total tour cost.

The remaining balance must be paid 30 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.

Final Tour Confirmation

Upon confirmation of your bike tours Vietnam and Cambodia package, our team will send you a final tour confirmation containing your personal details, including flight information, advice on visa application, a suggested packing list, and a detailed tour itinerary. Additionally, we will provide you with a checklist to help ensure you have everything you need for your upcoming holiday.

GALLERY / PHOTOS

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR

Could not find what you are looking for, we can tailor-make your adventure exactly how you want it. whether it is tweaking an existing itinerary, booking a standard tour on a different date, or creating your own unique one.

Social Cycles

Life Changing Adventures

Cambodia and Vietnam Cycling Holiday

Cambodia to vietnam, cycling cambodia to vietnam, cycle through.

Get on a bicycle, off the beaten track and explore the contrast in countries between Cambodia and Vietnam. With adventures beginning from your choice of Siem Reap (16 days) or Phnom Penh (12 days), and finishing in Saigon, Vietnam, you can truly explore and uncover the mysteries of these two incredible countries.

We’ll explore the magnificent temples of Angkor, navigate through the Tonle Sap wetlands, cycle through remote villages and get completely immersed in the narrow paths of the Mekong Delta. This is a cycling adventure that’s open to all levels. because when the ride is this good, nobody should miss out!

Social Cycles will take you on a journey to interact and connect with local grassroot Non Government Organisations (NGOs) and the beneficiaries of a funded project of your choosing. Research what really happens on the ground and out in the villages with Social Cycles in a holiday that carefully balances ethical research and local impact with cycling and site seeing.

Confirm your place with a $100 deposit. You can choose your dates and duration following the above button

Phnom Penh to Saigon

• 6 of 12 days cycling
• Approx 480km
• Terrain: Flat, some off road, one hill
• Start: Phnom Penh
• Finish: Saigon

Siem Reap to Saigon

• 10 of 16 days cycling
• Approx 695km
• Start: Siem Reap

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12 days; AU$2790

Approximately 480km, 6 of 12 cycling days, easy to moderate level, mostly flat with some off road

16 days; AU$3690

Approximately 695km, 10 of 16 cycling days, easy to moderate level, mostly flat with some off road

Features & Inclusions

There are times where the accommodation may change, but generally speaking, we stay at the following hotels: The Amazing Residence in Siem Reap,  Cambana La Riviere  in Battambang,  Pursat Riverside Hotel  in Pursat,  Pacific Hotel in Phnom Penh, Dai Luong in Rach Gia, Ninh Kieu in Can Tho and Prague Hotel in Saigon.

Once we cross the border into Vietnam, we’ll meet up with the Social cycles Vietnam crew who will guide us all the way to Saigon!

Most of the included dinners are at social enterprise based restaurants, supporting the local NGOs. But this is not the main reason we eat here, it’s because the food is delicious!

All meals are shared, ‘family style’, so you get an abundance of choice sitting in front of you at the table. A great chance to try a bit of everything! Dietaries are catered for as well, just let us know in advance.

You’re welcome to bring your own saddle if you’re slightly nervous about getting a bit sore, or haven’t had the chance to get a lot of saddle time before the ride. Another good option is to bring along a gel seat (cushion).  The bikes are fitted with standard pedals. Again, you’re welcome to bring clip ins should you want them. All bikes are fitted with a water cage. Bikes re fully serviced before and after every ride and we’ll have So, our trusty mechanic, with us at all times!

E-Bikes are available for the 12 day tour (AU$300) or the 16 day ride (AU$450). you can also just opt to have the E-Bikes in Vietnam only (AU$150)

At times, there may be an opportunity to continue cycling and push 100km in a day. It doesn’t mean you have to, but if time is on our side, the path is beautiful and you’re feeling fit, then you have the option. The alternative is to get in the air conditioned van, shuttle off to the hotel and enjoy a cold beer! It’s win-win!

If you’d like to book a private tour with you and your friends, simply click here for more information. We can also explore self guided tours in this region. 

Due to the nature of travel, public holidays and unavoidable timetable clashes, we may not be able to visit all of the above NGOs. If there is one in particular that you are interested in, please let us know prior to travel. Click here for a full list of our NGO network and partners.

Cambodia & Vietnam Adventures

Confirm your place with a AU$100 deposit

If this is your second, third or even fourth Social Cycles adventure, then we’d like to welcome you back with a special SC Ambassadors rate. Just book as normal and we’ll apply the discount on your invoice. We’ll remember you!

Departure Date

• January 9th
• January 13th
• January 25th
• January 29th
• February 15th
• February 19th

SC Ambassadors

• August 15th
• August 19th
• September 12th
• September 16th
• October 17th
• October 21st
• November 14th
• November 18th
• December 21st
• December 25th
• January 23rd
• January 27th
• February 13th
• February 17th
• August 14th
• August 18th
• September 18th
• September 22nd
• October 16th
• October 20th
• November 13th
• November 17th
• December 4th
• December 8th
• December 29th

Upcoming Adventures

• 9th January
• 13th January
• 25th January
• 29th January
• 15th February
• 19th February
• 15th August
• 19th August
• 12th September
• 16th September
• 17th October
• 21st October
• 14th November
• 18th November
• 21st December
• 25th December
• 23rd January
• 27th January
• 13th February
• 17th February
• 14th August
• 18th August
• 18th September
• 22nd September
• 16th October
• 20th October
• 13th November
• 17th November
• 4th December
• 8th December
• 29th December

Reviews from our riders

16 Day Itinerary

Phnom penh to saigon starts on day 5 (pm), arrival day and welcome dinner.

We arrive and stay in the heart of the cosmopolitan lifestyle that has been thrust on Siem Reap since the country has opened up to the outside world. After we pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel, take some time to relax or explore the city before we meet for a welcome dinner. Dinner is at one of Siem Reap’s best restaurants, Marum. It’s part of the Friends International social enterprise projects, providing vocational training for marginalized youth.

Inc. Meals: Dinner Cycling: NA Transit: Airport transfer

Sunrise cycling around the temples of Angkor

Sunrise is from 4.30am as we hit the bikes for the first time, but it is so worth it. Sunrise over Angkor Wat is a bucket list achievement for good reason. From here we’ll venture on to other, and arguably more impressive, temples in the area for the remainder of the morning. In the early afternoon we’ll have the chance to visit our first NGO of the trip. We will spend time with these incredibly inspirational people that have dedicated their lives to helping others. Hear their stories and understand what the real issues of the country are.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast Cycling: 30km Activities: Angkor Wat NGO: This Life Cambodia

River riding via local villages

We ride out of Siem Reap to the boat port (20km). Travelling across the wetlands and navigating our way around Tonle Sap river is an experience you will never forget. The road soon turns to single track as we get more and more remote. We farewell our support van and venture on into the rural and barren lands of Cambodia. Few villages exist out here, supporting themselves through sustainable fishing methods. After the boat, it’s another 20-30km to Battambang, depending on the river levels. Battambang is great for shopping, with colonial style streets and hidden secrets where bric-a-brac abounds. Dinner is in another social enterprise based restaurant, Jann Bai, that is often hailed as the best dinner in Cambodia!

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cycling: 40 to 50km Activities: Boat ride (4hrs)

Battambang and surrounds by bike

After an early breakfast, we’ll make our way along the dusty red back roads to the nearby local attraction of Banan Temple. We’ll cycle back to the town of Battambang to explore a little more and grab lunch at leisure. We’ll get to the town of Pursat by early afternoon and into our hotel to enjoy the swimming pool and on site massage spa. We’ll get a great experience from an amazing NGO, Sustainable Cambodia. A full presentation by the executives in their office and a tour of their facilities. See the difference the NGO makes first hand. Be inspired by the real difference made by real people.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast Cycling: 50km Transit: 2hrs Activities: Banan Temple NGO: Sustainable Cambodia

Cycling into Phnom Penh, riverside villages and Tonle Sap

We start cycling 75km out from Phnom Penh, and ride all the way up to the front door of the hotel. The back roads bring in some of the most spectacular scenery as we pass through villages living on Tonle Sap lake. The ride takes in great coffee stops, endless photo opportunities and a couple of ferries. For dinner, it’s a feast of tarantula’s and crickets at the famous Romdeng restaurant, a social enterprise restaurant from the friends International team.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Cycling: Up to 75km Transit: 2hrs

Friends International, S-21 genocide museum and Khmer BBQ

We’ll start the day by meeting the incredible people at Friends International and learn about the wonderful work they do within the community. This is a great insight into REAL local everyday issues, from real local everyday heroes. From the office, we venture towards the Russian market and then move to Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21 Genocide Museum. This devastating chapter of the Khmer Rouge and Cambodian history is emotionally challenging but strongly recommended. There is some free time in the afternoon to process your day, whilst we’ll meet again for a local Khmer BBQ dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Cycling: None Activities: S-21 Genocide Museum NGO: Friends International

Chisaur Temple

We cycle south of Phnom Penh to Chisaur Mountain Temple in rural Cambodia. It’s not really much of a mountain at 130m and the route is perfectly flat. We casually cycle through remote villages and waterways, via narrow dirt tracks. Chisaur Temple is where we’ll be for lunch as we have plenty of time to explore these ancient ruins which are 200 years older than Angkor Wat. From here, we’ll take the van down to the Cambodian coastal town of Kampot to enjoy the culinary delights on offer.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast Cycling: 65km Transit: 2.5 hrs Activities: Chisaur Temple

The Bokor Mountain Cycle Challenge 

Start the day with an (optional) mammoth Bokor Mountain cycle challenge! It’s 30km to get to the top. The first 10km is flat, then it just keeps on going up, and up, and up! If cycling uphill doesn’t rock your world, we can bring your bike in the van and you can cycle down! If you feel like taking some time off the bike, Kampot is a great town to caffeinate, people watch and relax.

Inc. Meals: None Cycling: 60km Activities: Bokor Mountain

Salt Fields community, CLS and Khmer cooking class

In the morning, we’ll visit Chumkriel Language School (no children will be in attendance at the time of visiting). A fantastic NGO and inspirational human being, Mr Suthy has set up a very grass roots local school to give access to education for children of the salt field community. In the afternoon, we’ll partake in a cooking class, teaching us the best of Khmer cuisine!

Inc. Meals: Dinner Cycling: 10km (salt fields, optional) Activities: Cooking class NGO: Chumkriel Language School

Salt lakes, pepper farms, live crab markets and white beaches

Today we cross over the border into Vietnam, but not before we discover the wonderful province of Kep. Located just before the border, this town is famous for it’s fresh seafood, particularly crab. We’ll spend a couple of hours exploring the famous pepper plantations and salt lakes on the way. Navigating through the back roads, we’ll make our way around the National Park and to the border crossing into Ha Tien Vietnam. From Ha Tien, we’ll jump in the van and head to Rach Gia for a feast of local seafood and Banh Xeo.

Inc. Meals: Dinner Cycling: 65km Activities: Pepper farm tour Transit: 2.5 hrs (Viet border to Rach Gia)

Cycling the Mekong Delta

Can Tho is where the Mekong Delta really comes into it’s own! To get there we cut through the back roads of rice paddy’s and farm land, arriving in the city by late afternoon. The ride finishes about 20km out of the city, but if your legs and daylight permit, there’s an option to continue all the way in. Alternatively, you can jump in the van. With a population of over a million and a thriving tourist trade, Can Tho has a vibrancy about it like none other. Relax and explore this amazing city. For dinner, we’ll pull up a patch of grass at the night market and treat yourself to a degustation of delightful street food!

Inc. Meals: Breakfast Cycling: 80km to 100km Transit: 0km to 20km

Sunrises, floating markets, noodle factories and cocoa farms

We’ll catch the floating markets for most of the morning. This is no tourist performance, this is real life for the local people where they trade, sell and buy every day. Following that, we’ll visit the noodle factory where you’ll have a chance to make your own noodles and the cocoa farms just before lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, get a massage and soak in the culture!

Inc. Meals: Breakfast Cycling: None Activities: Cocoa farm, rice noodle factory, floating market boat ride

More Mekong cycling and a local homestay

We’ll take a day to casually explore the oasis that is the Mekong Delta. From the coconut candy factories of Ben Tre to the canals and floating markets of My Tho, this is a place to relax and unwind. We’ll avoid the hordes of tourists in My Tho by using Ben Tre as a base to explore the region. It’s still a full day cycling from Can Tho and we’ll enjoy getting amongst the maze that is the Mekong Delta. We should get into Ben Tre for 5pm, and relax with a local family in their home (private rooms). You’ll also have the chance to have an impromptu cooking class for great local food!

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Cycling: 85km to 100km Transit: 0km to 15km 

Cycling into Saigon

We’ll start early to beat the heat and what we can of the traffic. We’ll head straight to a coconut candy factory (either by van or by bike) to learn more about this local delicacy. Cycling into Saigon for the last cycle day of the tour is an incredible experience. Ho Chi Minh is what the world would look like if cars weren’t invented. With whole lanes and roads dedicated to two wheels, it is the city of the future as the population grows. Cycling the final 15km or so is completely optional, if you’re not comfortable in the traffic. Usually, about half the riders choose to take the van. Our hotel is in the heart of the city, just a short stroll from the Street Food Market for dinner and a live band.

Mekong Quilts and KOTO

We’ll visit our final NGO of the trip in Mekong Plus. With a presence in Cambodia and Vietnam, this grass roots local NGO focus on a hand up, not hand out policy. The social enterprise part of this NGO trains beneficiaries to make quilts, handicrafts and bamboo bicycles. The holistic approach from Mekong Plus includes education scholarships, vocational training, micro finance programs and social enterprise businesses. Use the day to explore at your leisure. There are a feast of local markets, grand shopping centres, museums and attractions in Ho Chi Minh. For the evening we’ll meet up for dinner, swap stories, photos and decide where you’d like the donation money to go to.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Cycling: None NGO: Mekong Plus

Departure Day!

Congratulations! You’ve cycled across a couple of countries, covered almost 700km in the saddle and more than scratched the surface as to what these fantastic countries are about. We’ll enjoy a final breakfast together before you set off to the airport or your next adventure.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast Cycling: None Transit: Departure transfer not included, but can be arranged on request

Battambang:

River riding, local villages and coffee stops, battambang to banan by bike, phnom penh:.

We’ll start the day by meeting the incredible people at Friends International and learn about the wonderful work they do within the community. This is a great insight into REAL local everyday issues, from real local everyday heroes. We then venture towards the Russian market and move to Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21 Genocide Museum. This devastating chapter of the Khmer Rouge and Cambodian history is emotionally challenging but strongly recommended. There is some free time in the afternoon to process your day, whilst we’ll meet again for a local Khmer BBQ dinner.

Salt Fields, CLS and Khmer cooking class

Rach gia (vietnam):.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast Cycling: None

Top things to do: Our City Guides

Top things to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Top things to do in Siem Reap

Top things to do in Kampot Cambodia

Top things to do in Battambang Cambodia

Siem reap to saigon cycling stats, cycling stats.

To see greater details of each cycling day (maps, terrain, advice etc), please refer to the detailed notes page.

• Easy to moderate
• Up to 695km
• All flat, except day 8
• mostly off road, compact
• Average pace 15-18km/h

All accommodation in comfortable hotels (twin share basis) Full Bicycle hire Local guides, support van driver and mechanic Full support vehicle for the ride with water and fruit AU$200 donation to the NGO of your choice Minimum three NGO presentations with local staff across Cambodia & Vietnam Multiple field trips to villages and communities Entry to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap (16 day) Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh Mekong Delta floating market tour, with cocoa farm and ride noodle experience Pepper farm tour in Kampot Cooking Class Most dinners & breakfast as per the itinerary Airport transfers for arrival

International flights Tips and Gratuities (from US$0 to US$100 pp) Drinks with meals Departure airport transfer (US$8-US$10) Travel insurance Visa’s (if required) Other items of a personal nature

For every Social Cycles tour, all riders have contributed AU$200 to go to the NGO of your choice. During the course of the tour, you are given the chance to engage with, and learn from, local NGOs. We visit no less than three NGOs during the Cambodia to Vietnam tour and spend some time learning about their projects, strategies and challenges. At the end of the tour, the riders are then empowered with new found knowledge and have the opportunity to combine the allotted donation money and make an impact towards a project of their choosing. In addition to building a profile for our impact partners, Social Cycles also pays each NGO for their time and resources. We spend 1-2 hours with each NGO. You can read more here  

The donation part is included in your ticket price. We want people to be open to the idea of supporting one or more of the NGOs we visit and learn about. If, after meeting some of the local teams and learning about their programs, the riders did not want to donate, then they are not required to and a refund will be arranged.

There are times where the accommodation may change, but generally speaking, we stay at the following hotels: The Amazing Residence in Siem Reap,  Cambana La Riviere  in Battambang,  Pursat Riverside Hotel  in Pursat,  Pacific Hotel  in Phnom Penh, Dai Luong in Rach Gia, Ninh Kieu in Can Tho and Prague in Saigon.

Once we cross the border into Vietnam, we’ll meet up with the Social cycles Vietnam crew who will guide us all the way to Saigon along with Buntry!

The best part about cycling from one country to another is to cycle through the various regions of food along the way. This is slow travel at it’s best as Cambodia offers salt lakes and pepper farms, fresh crab markets in Kep and tarantulas in Phnom Penh (optional!) Meanwhile, in the Mekong Delta, you will roll your own noodle sheets and eat your way through a street food degustation sensation of everything sweet, salty, spicy and sour! 

You’re welcome to bring your own saddle if you’re slightly nervous about getting a bit sore, or haven’t had the chance to get a lot of saddle time before the ride. Another good option is to bring along a gel seat (cushion).  The bikes are fitted with standard pedals. Again, you’re welcome to bring clip ins should you want them. All bikes are fitted with a water cage. Bikes re fully serviced before and after every ride and we’ll have So, our trusty mechanic with us at all times!

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• Brett Seychell
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Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Tour

Trip Style: Cycling Tours

12 Days | 11 Nights

US$ 2,550.00

Trip Code: SRT-ASB

[email protected]

 +855 10 343 030

• More Information

On this unforgettable bike tour, you will embark on an amazing journey through two of the most captivating countries in Southeast Asia: Vietnam and Cambodia. 

Ride out of the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, explore the lush landscapes and diverse cultures of the Mekong Delta, and observe life from a unique perspective as you meet locals, immerse yourself in their culture, and savor delicious food.

Trip Details

Vietnam, Cambodia

2 - 12 People

60-70 km Per Day

Ride/Boat/Walk

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Inclusions + details.

• Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 Accommodation

DATES & PRICES

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Any scheduled tour can be made private. Your group, your dates. |

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Reviews from our friends

Philip b. from nz.

Great people to travel with!

From the minute we met our guide and driver (Lok & Bot and then later Nam & Kong) we knew we were in good hands for our journey south to north through Vietnam. Great people to travel with and they customised our cycling distances etc to our needs on the fly! The food, accommodation and wider cutural experiences were genuinely enriching and made for a truly fantastic experience. The organisation prior to the trip was very efficient and friendly. We highly recommend The Art of Bicycle Trips!

What Does a Day On Your Vietnam Bike Tour Look Like?

At Art of Bicycle Trips, we believe in experiential travel. Our tours combine cycling with cultural activities and nature exploration.

An average day on tour includes 4-5 hours of biking, with the rest of the day reserved for local experiences such as exploring local attractions, interacting with local communities, visiting monuments and museums, learning local crafts, trying local cuisine and more. Most days may also include shuttle transfers of between 1-2 hours.

Each guided Vietnam bike tour is led by an expert trip leader who is also a local. ABT trip leaders are a repository of local knowledge, routes, customs, cultures, and cuisines. By employing only local guides, we also help generate employment opportunities for local communities.

All hotels on tour are carefully chosen for their character, comfort, and cuisine, and each hotel becomes an experience in itself that guests can enjoy.

A support vehicle accompanies guests at all times, and if at any point a rider does not feel like biking any further, they can always load their bike and sit in the support van.

We pride ourselves on the degree of customization we provide on each tour, and are always happy to accommodate any special requests from our guests relating to the tour.

What Types of Accommodation Should I Expect On a Vietnam Bike Tour?

We have two types of accommodation on all our Vietnam bike tours:

Premier inns

These are best-in-class accommodations that include a mix of tastefully restored heritage properties and modern luxury hotels.

La Residence and Anantara are examples of premiere inns we use on our Vietnam Bike tours.

Casual inns

These are a mix of small luxury hotels, boutique inns, and homestays. Most of these are classified as three-star hotels, with the occasional four-star as well.

For instance, Pu Luong Home is a homestay we use on several of our Vietnam bike tours.

Cocoland River Beach Resort is an example of a boutique hotel that we use for casual inns.

However, please note that this isn't a strict dichotomy, and the final selection of hotels in an itinerary is influenced by availability of hotels in that region as well. For instance, sometimes we include boutique hotels among our Premiere inns as well to connect the dots in the itinerary. At times, there aren’t many options available in particular locations and we pick the best available hotel in that region. This is especially true for locations that are off-beat or remote.

Are There Opportunities to Try Local Cuisine Along the Way?

Yes, on most days we have lunch at local restaurants along the way that serve delicious Vietnamese food.

For more details, refer to the detailed itinerary for your chosen Vietnam bike tour, or have a look at our Vietnam cycling guide to know more about some must-have dishes on a Vietnam bike tour

Which Types of Bikes Are Provided On Your Vietnam Bike Tours?

We have mountain bikes available for all our Vietnam bike tours. The bikes we use are Trek Marlin, Trek X Caliber, Cannondale Trail or similar.

For the following three tours, gravel bikes are also available in addition to mountain bikes:

• High in the Northwest Gravel Bike
• Ho Chi Minh Trail by Gravel Bike
• Enthralling Coastal Vietnam Bike Tour

The gravel bikes we use are Giant Northwest, Trek Gravel Bike or Similar

E-bikes are available for all our Vietnam Bike Tours.

What Is the Terrain Like in Vietnam?

About 40% of Vietnam is mountainous and one should expect to encounter hills at most places except the northeastern corner which makes up the Red River delta and the southwestern corner which makes up the Mekong delta.

However, most of these hills are not very challenging. The only challenging climbs are the occasional mountain pass such as the following:

Tram Ton pass at 2000m (6561 ft) in Lai Chau is Vietnam’s highest pass. The pass is located in Sapa, and if your itinerary includes Sapa, such as the High in the Northwest Gravel Bike tour or the Hanoi to Luang Prabang bike tour,

The Han Giao pass at 1,600m (5,390ft) is located in southern Vietnam, and if your itinerary includes the beach resort of Nha Trang, such as the Riveting Saigon to Hanoi bike tour, you will encounter this pass.

The Hai Van pass in Hoi An 500 m (1,630 ft) is another mountain pass in Vietnam, and if your itinerary includes Hoi An, such as the Hue to Hoi An Bike tour, you will encounter this pass.

Please also note that in Vietnam, the road surface may vary from being paved surface to being gravel, dirt, or sand. We also cross several narrow crescent bridges.

What Is the Best Time of the Year to Go On a Vietnam Bike Tour?

Vietnam is a tropical country located in the northern hemisphere, and the best time for a Vietnam bike tour is generally from September to May. However, there are some regional variations, for instance, south Vietnam is a year-round destination, with only April and May being uncomfortably hot. For more details on the best time to bike in each region of Vietnam, refer to our Vietnam cycling guide .

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Tour, and What Is the Booking Process Like?

It is advised to book your bike tour at least 6 months prior to departure.

To book a tour, we require a deposit of 10% of the tour price per person. Once the deposit is received, we’ll send you a confirmation mail. The remaining payment needs to be made 2 months prior to departure. For more details, refer to our Terms and Conditions page.

Our tours are all-inclusive, which means meals, permits, fees, transportation and other additional costs are included in the price of the trip, unless otherwise stated.

Vietnam Bike Tours — Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cycle vietnam.

If you plan to bike the entire length of Vietnam from Hanoi to Saigon, 17 days is a good time. This allows you to cover all the major highlights including Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, etc. You can also do a shorter version of the tour in 14 days.

If you plan to only bike a portion of Vietnam, such as coastal Vietnam or northern Vietnam, 9-10 days is usually enough

What Do You Wear On a Vietnam Bike Tour?

Vietnam is a tropical country with warm weather that receives plenty of rain. So it is good to wear loose, comfortable clothing that keeps you cool while also protecting you from the sun. It is also good to pack a light rain jacket to account for the unpredictable weather. Avoid wearing clothes that are too short or too tight.

Is It Safe to Cycle in Vietnam?

Yes, Vietnam is a popular cycling destination. Not only does it receive thousands of international visitors each year, but cycling is also popular among the Vietnamese as a means of commuting over short distances. As far as safety of international tourists traveling to Vietnam is considered, the US Department of State classifies Vietnam as a Level 1 destination where visitors are advised to exercise normal precautions. This is the lowest risk level and countries at this risk level are considered the safest to travel to.

Do You Offer Any Discounts On Your Vietnam Bike Tours?

Yes. Holders of our Silver Riders Club Membership get a 5% discount on the trip price, and additional benefits such as complimentary e-bike upgrades that add up to another 5% of the trip price. For more details, refer to our Silver Riders Club Membership page .

Do You Have Any Family-Oriented Bike Tours in Vietnam?

If you plan to travel with your family including children, write to us with your requirements, and we will try our best to design a custom itinerary that suits your requirements.

Let's Start Planning!

Contact us today to book your Vietnam bike tour or inquire about custom options.

Vietnam cycling guide

Read our complete guide to cycling in Vietnam .

• Switzerland
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Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia

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Join us on this classic cycle journey through the cities and rural landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia. Ride past paddy fields and orchards to remote villages where we experience the warm hospitality of local families. Cycle into the jungle to explore the ancient temple city of Angkor and swap bikes for traditional boats to cruise the mighty Mekong River.

• Peddle quiet backroads - Get closer to the locals on rides through the Mekong Delta and beyond
• Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh - Explore the contrasts of two fascinating cities
• Temples of Angkor - Pedal through the jungle and discover the wonderful temple cities

Included meals

Breakfast: 12

Explore Tour Leader

Bike Mechanic

Local Guide(s)

Accommodation

6 nights comfortable hotel

6 nights premium hotel

Cycling grade:

Group size:.

Trip maximum 16 Explore Average 11

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Still unofficially referred to as Saigon, the city is the largest in Vietnam. You will find an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam's newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit.

Our Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 4pm for the welcome meeting followed by a walking tour. The tour will take in some of the highlights including the Opera House (formerly South Vietnam National Assembly), Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive French style edifice that is the GPO building.

If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is 30 minutes from the hotel.

Please note that if you wish to join the afternoon orientation walk today, you must arrive at the hotel by 4pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself 30 minutes to an hour to clear the airport. Therefore the latest your flight can arrive is about 2pm. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information by note left at the front desk.

If arriving earlier we suggest exploring at your leisure, perhaps to visit the Presidential Palace, or the War Crimes Museum, or even just take a walk around this bustling city. In the evening you have the option to see a water puppet show.

Accommodation:

Huong Sen Annex Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available, meals provided: none.

This morning after a chance to get properly acquainted with our 2 wheeled transport for the coming journey, we drive out of the city to Cu Chi (2 hours) where we start our days cycling to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels at Ben Duoc. En-route we will travel through Vietnamese countryside passing local farms and paddy fields. We may see people working in the fields or perhaps driving cattle along the road.

We finish cycling at Cu Chi. Originally started during the French occupation of the country, the tunnels went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they formed an amazing underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops and played a major part of the Tet Offensive. This area was the centre of intense fighting during the war, much of it falling prey to the incessant carpet bombing, napalm and defoliants utilised by the Americans in an attempt to dislodge the Viet Cong from their underground shelters. There is little evidence of any of that now and the landscape has returned to something of its pre war beauty. Be warned, while only short distances, the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic, so anyone wishing to opt out may do so.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres/20.5 miles.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

In order to avoid the Saigon city traffic we drive to Tan An this morning (2 hrs), from where we cycle towards My Tho, following a network of less busy roads and narrow riverside dirt tracks. Originally founded in the 17th Century by Chinese immigrants, My Tho is the launching site for our private boat trip out onto the mighty Mekong river. Taking our bikes with us on the boat we cruise to Qui Island where we stop for a lunch of local produce, before returning to our boat and cruising to the other side of the river. We transfer to small sampans to explore up a tributary creek through the mangroves, before visiting a local community centre. Here we should be able to try honey tea and local fruits whilst listening to traditional rural singing and music. We should also have the chance to see local coconut candy production and try out the finished sweets. We then continue by bike through the flat, lush landscape of the Mekong Delta to your accommodation in Ben Tre. The rich soil of the Mekong provides an abundant harvest, including coconut, fruits, rice and of course fish.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 43 kilometres/26.7 miles (approx. 27 kilometres/16.8 miles in the morning and 16 kilometres/9.9 miles in the afternoon).

Ben Tre Riverside Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Leaving our hotel after breakfast we cycle, crossing the river and riding along less busy roads via the old church at Cai Mon to Binh Hoa Phuoc Island for lunch. After lunch we cross by local ferry to Vinh Long from where we ride through a beautiful and incredibly fertile region to its largest city, Can Tho. Can Tho province is famous for its abundant rice fields and floating markets, which tend to take place at the intersections of most rivers and canals. Rice is an important cash crop for Vietnam and something like 70% of the population is involved in its production. We will likely see locals working in the rice paddies, or perhaps have the opportunity to visit a small business such as a fish factory or a market en route. Please note, there is the option to complete this last 22 kilometres/13.7 miles section of the journey by means of the support vehicle.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 60 kilometres/37.3 miles of which the last 22 kilometres/13.7 miles are optional.

Van Phat Riverside (or similar)

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

This morning we take to our bikes again, to meander our way down narrow lanes following the river, to experience a little more of rural Vietnam. One of the most colourful attractions of the Mekong are the floating markets and this morning we will visit Cai Rang, the biggest in the Mekong Delta. We travel by small private ferry up river to the market and spend some time exploring the floating stalls, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the friendly attentions of the locals, before continuing along the river. Travelling by boat is by far the best way to see the delta, passing villages of stilted houses, abundant rice fields and a variety of cottage industries as we go gives us the opportunity to examine this timeless landscape at a relaxed pace, viewing river life in all its traditional and colourful glory. After the boat trip we will enjoy a cyle ride along narrow footpaths meandering alongside the river bank behind local homes, catching a glimpse of everyday life, perhaps seeing people catching fish from the river, or mending baskets and repairing tools by the river bank. The Vietnamese are renowned for their ingenuity and can create all sorts of new items from recycled products.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 16 kilometres/9.9 miles.

Today we drive (1.5 hrs) northeast towards Chau Doc on the Cambodian border. Once past Long Xuyen we begin cycling on quieter back roads along a trail that loops around to Chau Doc. With a rich ethnic mix of Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities, Chau Doc is an interesting city, dotted with temples, churches and mosques. On arrival anyone may like to pay for an optional excursion to Sam Mountain, just a few kilometres/miles south-west of the city. This involves travelling by rickshaw and then boat up the Mekong to visit a floating fishery and local Cham village, before continuing on foot to Sam Mountain (actually no more than a hill) riddled with stunning colourful temples and pagodas with a strong Chinese influence and great views from the top on a clear day across into neighbouring Cambodia.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres/18.6 miles.

Chau Pho Hotel (or similar)

This morning we drive the short way to the Mekong river dock and journey to Phnom Penh by speedboat ferry, crossing the border at Vinh Xuong (Vietnam) and Kaam Samnor (Cambodia) before continuing along the Mekong, as we head for the Cambodian capital. The boat journey will take the whole morning (4 hrs) and allows us a relaxed and fascinating view of riverside life, businesses and countryside as we pass by. On arrival at Phnom Penh we transfer to our hotel and have some time to relax before an afternoon city tour. The capital is a pleasant and fascinating city with many French colonial buildings and plenty to see. Our tour includes the National Museum of Arts with its impressive collection of Angkor sculptures, the Royal Palace where we visit the Silver Pagoda, named because of the 5000 silver tiles that cover its floor and Wat Phnom where we can pray for good luck. According to legend the original pagoda was built on this site in the 14th Century, to house 4 statues of Buddha that had been washed up on the shores of the Mekong. The legend goes on to say that the statues were then found by a woman named Penh, after whom the city is supposedly named. Phnom means hill in Cambodian. No cycling today.

HM Grand Central Hotel (or similar)

After a short drive up river we cycle to catch a Mekong ferry across to the peaceful Koh Dach Island which we will explore by bike. Our route takes us through weaving villages and past stilted houses. This charming, secluded and sleepy island is small at just 30 square kilometres/11.6 square miles in size and offers a peaceful contrast to the bustle of Phnom Penh. Known locally as 'Silk Island' the ladies here weave silk scarves on wooden looms in their homes, for sale in the markets on the mainland. We will likely hear the clatter of looms and see children and animals by the side of these quiet roads as we cycle. We later return to the capital in time for lunch. Our afternoon excursion is a stark reminder of the horrors endured by the Cambodian people under the tyranny of Pol Pot. The Tuol Sleng genocide museum and the 'Killing Fields' of Choeung Ek are a gruesome testament to life under the Khmer Rouge and you should be aware that many people find their visit quite distressing. Tuol Sleng genocide museum was once a high school which became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation centre, detaining and processing the unfortunate souls who were to end their days in the 'Killing Fields' of Choeung Ek. During the years 1975 to 1978 something in the region of 17,000 men, women and children were murdered here and the memorial stupa is a huge glass tower filled with human skulls - a sombre reminder of the scale of Pol Pot's atrocities.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles.

Today is a long travelling day, by both bicycle and bus. We leave Phnom Penh this morning, following the highway for 1 hr 30 mins to an interesting insect market. After visiting this, we contunue by bus (45 mins) to Prae Toteung, where we take to the saddle again to follow the river to Kampong Cham (depending upon seasonal conditions we may have to take the highway). Cambodia's 3rd largest city, Kampong Cham was an important French trading outpost and the colonial influence is still very much in evidence. We finish our cycle ride at Kampong Cham. After lunch we stop first to visit Wat Nokor, an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine, interesting for the fact that it houses a modern working wat inside the Khmer temple ruins, we then continue by bus again (3 hours with rest break) to Kampong Thom, close to the impressive collection of pre-Ankorian temples at Sambor Prei Kuk.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres/24.9 miles.

Glorious Hotel (or similar)

This morning we head off early by bike directly from our hotel to explore the quiet country roads and tracks north of Kampong Thom to Sambor Preikuk. This was the capital during the Chenla period of the early 7th Century. Today the forests of the area are dotted with more than 100 temples, some of the oldest in the country. We finish cycling at a classic ancient temple, which we spend time exploring on foot, before continuing along the road in our trip bus (3 hours) to Siem Reap. This evening is free to explore the great shops and restaurants of this small, bustling town - the entry point to visit the spectacular temples of Angkor.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 28 kilometres/17.4 miles.

HARI Residence & Spa (or similar)

The Angkor period covers some 600 years, from the 9th through to the 15th Centuries, although many of its more famous temples date from the Classical Age, from the 11th to 13th Centuries. We start early this morning (c. 5 am) to collect our Temple passes and have a sunrise visit to the awesome spectacle that is Angkor Wat, the best known and most breathtaking of all the sights and a highlight of any visit to Angkor. Originally built as a funerary temple for Suryavarman ll, in honour of Vishnu, the temple is unique as it faces west - symbolically the direction of death. It is an immensely grand and imposing structure with its most stunning features, the extensive and intricately carved bas reliefs that stretch throughout the galleries and inner temples. After exploring the temple we take to our bikes and cycle to Banteay Srei, with its stunningly preserved bas reliefs. We spend time visiting the temple, before having lunch. In the afternoon we drive south to see Ta Phrom, a wonderfully atmospheric collection of towers and courtyards set amidst tangled tree roots and lush jungle. Then drive back to Siem Reap. This evening is free to relax and explore Siem Reap.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 25 kilometres/15.5 miles.

We continue our exploration today with a visit to the temples of King Jayavarman Vll, reputedly Angkor's greatest king. The fortified city of Angkor Thom, built at the end of the 12th Century, is enclosed by a square wall 8 metres/26 feet high with five 20 metres/66 feet high monumental gates decorated with stone elephant trunks. Originally the moat surrounding the city was said to be filled with crocodiles and the huge statues of 54 different gods protected each gate. The city itself contains another of Angkor's true gems - the Bayon. Not nearly as impressive as Angkor Wat from a distance, the Bayon is nevertheless incredible for its maze of corridors, gothic style towers and magical central temples, with 1200 metres/3937 feet of the finest bas reliefs depicting scenes of every day life in 12th Century Cambodia. We take our bus (may be possible to cycle) from our accommodation to a market en-route to Angkor Thom and from here cycle the rest of the way to the temple. After visiting the ruins this morning we drive back to Siem Reap in time for lunch. This afternoon is free time. You may wish to make your own arrangements to take a tuc tuc back to Angkor to spend more time exploring the temples, or have the optional excursion (unguided) to visit Tonle Sap, about 30 mins drive south of Siem Reap.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 15 kilometres/9.3 miles.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a airport transfer today, you need to depart from Siem Reap International Airport (SIA), which is approximately 60-80 minutes from the hotel.

If you have time you may choose to browse the old market for some last minute bargains, visit a fish spa or enjoy afternoon tea at The Foreign Correspondent's Club.

• Cycling Information

Daily distances

Total distance : 349 kilometres

Trip information

Cambodia is a hot and tropical country, being hottest in April and coolest in January (still high 20s). Although rainfall is at its maximum in October, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap receive very little rain compared to the coastal areas, and when it does rain it tends to be in the form of sporadic mid afternoon downpours. There is normally very little rain between December and March.

Time difference to GMT

2 Pin Round

As Vietnam is a long, narrow country from north to south climate conditions vary considerably. The climate can be divided into three distinct patterns between the north, central and south regions. The climate in the north is generally humid and subtropical, although the winter months from November to March can be colder with temperatures from 10 - 15 degrees. Summer months, May to September can be quite hot with temperatures from 30 - 35 degrees. Meanwhile south Vietnam enjoys a tropical climate all year round, with little variation throughout the year (around 27 - 32 degrees), however May to November is the rainy season when short, heavy downpours are quite frequent. Central Vietnam lies somewhere in between. The coastal strip is usually dry and hotter from April to October while November to March is wetter and cooler. A light rain jacket and small umbrella are recommended year round.

Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism

Optional activities The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Saigon - Water Puppet Show from USD 8.45 Chau Doc - Rickshaw ride and visit to Sam Mountain USD 18 Siem Reap - Flights are subject to availability; Tonle Sap optional from USD43 dependent on group size. Both cash and card accepted but cash is preferred The prices stated are based on a minimum number of participants (usually 5-6). Please be aware that the optional excursions can run with fewer people but the price may be higher. Likewise, a slightly reduced price may be applicable where the participation greater. The prices listed are generally only entrance fees and do not include the price of transport to and from the excursion, Your Explore Leader will quote this when you are on tour, as the price for transport will depend on the number of participants. These excursions are generally run via our agent in the country. Local companies may offer similar excursions at a cheaper price. Should you want to use these companies please be aware that a lower price may mean that not all costs are included (entrance fees etc.) or services will not operate at the same safety and quality standards.

Bear in mind that the area is tropical with high humidity. Lightweight clothing are needed all year round. Other additions that you may find useful are a swimming costume, cycle gloves, cycling shorts/trousers and quick drying cycle tops. Please note for the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat temple shorts are not permitted. Shoulders and knees must be covered and sarongs are not allowed.

If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling - transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended the more demanding the grade and distances to cover. SPD cycle shoes are not well suited to trips that combine sightseeing with cycling. Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops are useful when not on the bike.

Luggage: On tour

We recommend you bring a daypack and one main piece of luggage (total allowance: 44lb/20kg) which will be transported between hotels while you cycle. Check the bike details section to see if a pannier or handlebar bag is provided on the bike.

On all Explore cycle holidays we strongly recommend you bring along and wear your cycle helmet. In case of an accident resulting in personal injury, certain insurance policies are invalidated in cases where a helmet was not being worn. Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. Since facilities are basic in rural Vietnam and Cambodia we recommend bringing antiseptic hand gel and tissue or toilet roll. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.

Food and drink The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign exchange, transport information.

Bus, Bicycle, Boat

Accommodation notes

Comfortable - Our mid-range accommodation offers a good level of service often with other amenities such as a restaurant, bar, garden or swimming pool. Generally rooms will be comfortable with en-suite facilities.

Government Travel Safety Advice

Under 18 immigration guidance.

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information. Booking Conditions  

Visa and Passport Information

; Vietnam: 'British Citizen' passport holders can visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa. A visa will be required if you wish to re-enter within 30 days of your departure. Visas are required for citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and can be obtained in the form of an eVisas via: \ul \ulnone Please note that it is a pre-requisite for entry into Vietnam that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry All visa related issues including information for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See \ul www.travcour.com \ulnone to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on \ul 0208 5431846 \ulnone . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination. Cambodia: A single visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, USA & Canadian citizens. We enter Cambodia at the Kaam Samnor Border Crossing where eVisa's currently aren't valid for entry. Visa's can be obtained on arrival and a passport sized photograph for immigration will be required. All visa related issues including information for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846 . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.  

Booking conditions

Minimum age restrictions, your safety and enjoyment on tour, your tour leader, find out more about trip transfer terms and conditions before you book. booking a land only package with explore.

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.  You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.   For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight information.

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria and polio. Consult your GP regarding tablets advised for malaria. Though not compulsory, travellers may wish to immunise themselves against japanese encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on Malaria and Zika Virus. Although not compulsory travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Why book this trip

Dates, prices and booking, add a flight with explore.

• Full Explore refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
• Carbon neutral flights – Gold Standard offsetting included
• Rearranged flights and transfers in the event of delays, missed connections, or cancellations (including accommodation overseas)
• ATOL protected
• No surcharge guarantee

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Latin america, saigon to bangkok by bicycle, about this cycle tour.

Want to experience three of South East Asia's most fascinating countries? This southeast asian bicycle tour introduces the best of three extraordinary cultures and countries: Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Journey from the iconic Mekong Delta to the spiritual temples of Angkor Wat. Ride along quiet backroads, and cross mighty rivers. From shining capitals and colonial relics to tribal trails and humble homesteads. Your next incredible bike touring journey awaits.

Vibrant culture, friendly people and the hustle and bustle of Saigon. There is no better way to begin an Asian odyssey than by immersing yourself in one of Asia's busiest capitals. Leaving the city streets behind, travelling by bike through the serene plantations will let you glimpse a different side of Vietnamese life. Eat at the floating market, or shoot the breeze with a local fisherman, get a true taste of village life.

Pedal across the border into what is now Cambodia, where the Khmer empire once dominated South East Asia, with Angkor at its heart. Its fascinating and sometimes bloody tales are the fabric of the regions rich tapestry. Phnom Penh's colonial buildings are just the start of the story, as we wind our way through road, river and lake to amazing Angkor and temples that defy belief. At journeys end, Thailand's beautiful beaches and smiling Buddhist monks offer a welcome sight for weary travelers.

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Additional cost details.

Elevation Profiles

The guides and support staff were always there when we needed refreshment. Routes covered a wide range of road conditions keeping us onoour toes all the time. The ferry crossings were a nice break and gave us a chance to regain some energy.

Excellent guides right amount of historical information Interesting stories

Our guides did an excellent job of finding delicious local foods. Biking was a great way to see each country up close.

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Activity Profile

What's included, what's excluded, trip profile.

The road surfaces on this tour are mixed. We ride a combination of good quality tarmac, wide dirt tracks, and broken roads that are sometimes badly potholed but easily navigable by bike. The terrain is predominantly flat. Only on a few days do we cover longer distances (90-95 km), so experienced riders will find the distances long enough to challenge them, while less experienced riders are easily able to travel at a more relaxed pace.

On this trip, there is a lot to see as we ride alongside rivers, villages, orchards, and rice fields. We have three days when we travel by boat, adding variety and a chance for weary legs to recover.

Suitability: This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. This trip is not too arduous, and so riders with less experience are more than welcome, although the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it.

Biking Conditions: This tour follows a mixture of good condition tarmac road to pot-holed or broken ones and vehicle-width dirt paths. No off-road riding experience required. A support truck is almost always available to help when required, except on some parts of the very narrow paths of the Vietnam Delta. But you will always have your guides with you at all times.

Day 1 Meet in Ho Chi Minh City

We start our adventure through southeast Asia meeting at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (please contact us if you need rooms or flights from Bangkok). You are free to explore the city on your own today, discovering the sites, smells, and sounds of Vietnam’s former capital. In the evening, we dine at one of Ho Chi Minh City’s finest restaurants!

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh - Tra Vinh

After breakfast, we transfer a couple of hours out of Ho Chi Minh to Ben Tre - the gateway to the Mekong Delta. We start our bike tour in Vietnam cycling into the heart of rural Mekong, pedaling down narrow roads and lanes, past banana plantations and fields of sugarcane. A section of biking takes us off road onto gravel and dirt lanes, weaving through hamlets, across rivers, and through quite thick vegetation; this makes for superb biking. A final ferry crossing takes to Tra Vinh, a pretty tree-lined town home to many ethnic Khmers.

Day 3 Tra Vinh - Can Tho

The route today is peaceful, and the road is scenic all the way to our destination of Can Tho. There is plenty to see along the way from contrasting architectural styles of Khmer homes and temples to the rich and colourful river scenes when crossing many small bridges.

Day 4 Can Tho - Chau Doc

A morning visit to Cai Rang Floating market sets the mood for our cycle through the Mekong Delta. We ride through quaint countryside, under useful Thot Not, or toddy palms. All parts of the Thot Not can be used, from the stem to leaves and the fruit. Once reaching Thoi Lai, we transfer to lunch. We can relax after lunch as we have a one-hour transfer to Ba Chuc, where we will have a sombre visit to the Killing Fields of Vietnam, where Pol Pot’s regime massacred over 3,000 Vietnamese in 1978. We then loop around Ba Chuc along the Cambodian border and ride the rest of the way to Chau Doc, along incredible country roads. We cycle directly to Sam Mountain, which is more of a hill, where we arrive in time for sundowners and take in the setting sun over the rice fields. A very short transfer takes us to our hotel

Day 5 Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

Early in the morning, we cruise up the mighty Mekong River by speedboat. Not long after our departure from Chau Doc we’ll reach the border with Cambodia and pass through immigration formalities. And then it is a comfortable and scenic journey upstream, affording us the opportunity to observe the ebb and flow of daily life unfolding on the Mekong River and its banks. The cruise takes around 5-6 hours and we’ll arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital city, in time for lunch. We then make the most of our afternoon in the city! We’ll show our respects at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the interrogation center where supposed enemies of the Khmer Rouge regime were held captive, tortured, and prepared for execution. Tuol Sleng is now a considerately curated museum and a place of reflection for Cambodians and international visitors alike. We also tour the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia, and a treasure trove of splendid architecture and art.

Day 6 Phnom Penh – Oudong – Kampong Thom

We transfer out of Phnom Penh to our cycling start point in the suburbs. Our inaugural ride in Cambodia will be short but sweet, giving us our first taste of the rustic Cambodian countryside, cycling through many villages filled with stilt-houses, farms and, of course, curious and friendly locals! We finish the ride at Oudong where a sprawling complex of Buddhist stupas sits atop a ridge jutting out of the plains. This was once the site of Cambodia’s capital before it was moved further down river to Phnom Penh. The 400-plus steps to the top will get the legs working over-time, but the views are well worth it! After our visit we have lunch nearby and then transfer 3-4 hours to the sleepy backwater town of Kampong Thom where we spend the night.

Day 7 Kampong Thom - Siem Reap

Starting directly from our hotel, we begin by riding along the meandering Stueng Saen River. After 8 km we cross the river either by a small wooden ferry or a makeshift bridge (depending on the water levels) and then continue north along quiet country roads dissecting the fertile floodplain of the river. This is rural Cambodia at its finest, riding through quaint villages, expansive rice fields, and other farmlands. After covering 40 km, we arrive at the ancient site of Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to one of Cambodia’s earliest civilisations preceding the foundation of Angkor. Here. brick temples in various stages of restoration - many still entwined by tree roots – are scattered throughout a forested area and are connected by sandy paths. This makes for some fun mountain biking! After checking out a collection of the many temples we’ll break for lunch at a local restaurant and then complete a final 15 km until we intersect with the main road. We jump in the support vehicle and transfer around 2 hours to Siem Reap, the “gateway to Angkor”, where we’ll spend the next two nights.

Day 8 Ancient Angkor’s Iconic Sites by Bike

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor is home to the once-glorious capital cities of the Khmer Empire, whose powerful god-kings built lavish stone temples between the 9th and 15th centuries CE. Today, we discover Angkor’s most iconic sites by cycling along the manifold paths that pass by, lead to, and twist around the temples and ruins scattered across the plain. At Ta Prohm - brought to fame by the film “Tomb Raider” - we stumble across a tumbling façade of laterite and sandstone blocks draped by the massive roots of fig trees. At the Bayon - a temple built as a microcosm of the heavens - we marvel at the rows of godly faces carved into the temple towers and peering sublimely in all cardinal directions. And at Angkor Wat - the national symbol of Cambodia and the largest religious structure in the world - we stroll through the inner and outer courtyards decorated with excellently conserved carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu myths, wars, life and death. We return to Siem Reap in the afternoon - with plenty of options to choose from, dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 9 Siem Reap Countryside

As the ideal sequel to the previous day, today’s focus will be getting further afield from the main sites at Angkor and leaving the touring masses behind. Departing Siem Reap by bike, we head north, initially on paved roads but soon transitioning to quiet dirt roads cutting through an expanse of rice fields and small villages. Along the way, we’ll pop into local houses for a close up look at some rural cottage industries, such as basket weaving and sugar palm production. Our ride ends at the 10th-century temple of Banteay Srey. Considered a jewel of Khmer artistry, Banteay Srey is renowned for its exquisite bas-reliefs carved into delicate, pink sandstone. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant near the temple and then transfer back to Siem Reap, giving you the afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool, enjoy a massage, or explore the town of Siem Reap. For anyone with extra energy, you are welcome to skip the transfer and cycle back to Siem Reap instead (it is around 40 km along the main road).

Day 10 Siem Reap – Battambang

Today, we take a break from cycling but it will still be an action-packed day! In the morning we visit the Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and one of Cambodia’s most treasured life-sustaining natural resources. We’ll get comfortable on a boat and cruise towards a floating village to learn about this unique waterborne way of life. After returning to the shore we hop back in the support vehicle and transfer 2.5 - 3 hours to the city of Battambang. While this is Cambodia’s second largest city, it retains a laid-back vibe and is renowned for a well-preserved façade of French colonial architecture. After lunch and some downtime we’ll spend the afternoon partaking in two quintessential Battambang experiences. First, we take a fun ride on the bamboo train, clattering along the train tracks on bamboo platforms set upon a set of wheels. Then, as dusk begins to settle, we head over to Phnom Sampov where, every day, a spectacular natural phenomenon takes place: the mesmerizing exodus of millions of bats swirling into the twilight sky from the depths of a cave. This afternoon we are going to be getting around in iconic Cambodian tuk-tuks! Note: When water levels on the lake are high enough we may transfer all the way to Battambang by boat (generally, this is the case from October - January).

Day 11 Battambang - Pailin

The longest ride of the tour, we cycle west to the border down of Pailin. Starting from our hotel, we pass an initially busy section of roads coming out of the city but then things begin to quiet down as our route takes us through the heart of Battambang Province, one of Cambodia’s most fertile agricultural regions awash with farms, plantations, and rice paddies. The paved roads are lined with traditional stilt houses, modern homes, and buzzing market towns, exposing an interesting cross section of rural living in Cambodia. Most of the ride is flat but we’ll have some undulations for the last 30 km as we climb into the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains, a long spine of jungle-clad ridges draped over the western fringes of Cambodia. After covering nearly 100 km we’ll arrive at our hotel on the rural outskirts of Pailin town. While today this part of Cambodia is a peaceful agrarian district it was, until the 1990s, a stronghold for the Khmer Rouge. We’ll learn about this legacy as well as Pailin’s position as a hub for gemstone trading.

Day 12 Pailin - Chantaburi

A short pleasant ride on the quiet scenic roads to the border crossing. This quiet rural crossing used mainly by local traders makes for a pleasant stop while we complete all the immigration formalities. Once completed, we start our bike tour in Thailand with a ride through the Thai countryside till we reach the main road and transfer with a change of guides, vehicle, and bikes to the beach, with lunch in Chantaburi.

Day 13 Chantaburi - Laem Mae Phim

We have a flat and easy ride through mangroves, shrimp farms, and along the coast. We overnight at a very local Thai beach and have the afternoon free to go for a swim or a walk on the sand.

Day 14 Laem Mae Phim – Bangkok

We have the morning to enjoy the beach before we head back to Bangkok. We arrive in the city around 3 pm. IF you'd like to extend your time in Thailand we can help you to plan extra days at the beach or a nearby island.

Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.

Nuts & Bolts

Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section.

If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension in good mechanical order.

Bike Repairs

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

The Nitty Gritty

Passports and visas.

If your nationality is not on the list for e-visa eligibility, or you need options for longer stays or multiple entries, then you may consider Visa on Arrival. The process for this is more complicated than e-visa and requires the acquisition of a visa letter prior to arrival. Please see here for a detailed overview.

Recommended vaccinations are typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days. Vietnam is a malarial area and you will need to take anti-malarial tablets. Please speak to your doctor for the most up to date information.

Weather in Vietnam is divided into 4 main regions - the far north, north, central and south.

The far north can get very cold in December and January while the dry season runs from October to late March and the wet season between April to September.

In Hanoi & the north, it is hot, wet and humid from May to October while November to April is cooler and dry.

Central Vietnam experiences hot, dry weather between January & August with temperatures ranging in the mid 30°C. High levels of rainfall are during September - November.

Southern Vietnam is dry and hot from November to April, and warm and wet between May & October, with the highest rainfall in June, July & August.

Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are Vietnamese food and features noodles, rice curries and soups. Vietnamese cuisine is world famous and we make sure you sample as much variety as possible. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere in Vietnam but is NOT included in the price.

Solo Travelers

SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.

Extra Expenses

We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$10, for incidentals. It is customary to tip local tour guides and drivers, however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide, we suggest US$ 3-4 per person per day is appropriate.

The official national currency is the Vietnam dong (d), but the US dollar is widely accepted in tourist centers. However, in smaller towns and villages the dong is preferred. ATMs are available in all major tourist destinations and big cities. Vietcombank has the best network with a single withdrawal limit of 2,000,000d (about US$125). Most major currencies can be exchanged at leading banks in Vietnam, but the US dollar is preferred away from the tourist centers. Changing US$100 will make you an instant millionaire! You cannot legally take the dong out of Vietnam but you can reconvert reasonable amounts of it into US dollars on departure.

We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.

Cambodia has two distinct seasons - wet and dry. The dry season usually lasts from October to April. The wet season starts in May until September. Within each season there are variations in temperature. The coolest being 24C around November/December and hottest hitting 35C around April/May.

Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries, and soups. Cambodian cuisine is a mixture of Thai, French and Chinese dishes and we make sure you can sample a wide variety. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.

We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$20, for incidentals.

Thai baht and US dollars are widely used in Cambodia, especially in larger cities and towns. In smaller towns and villages, Cambodian riels are usually preferred. There are ATMs in most areas, however, machines dispense US dollars. The guides will be able to show you where the ATMs are. Spend riel before departing as no one will exchange them for you once you leave.

Thailand generally has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. The North and Central region have a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. Northeast Thailand has a humid hot and dry weather alternatively with medium rain while the coastal areas of the east is humid and hot with intermittent rain. The South of Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity.

There are three seasons: from March to June it is hot and dry, with temperatures between 27˚C/80 F and 40˚C/104 F, with night temperatures in the 20s. The rainy season is from July to October, but temperatures are slightly lower, because of the effect of the rain. During this time it will not rain continuously, but in sharp bursts, and the sun can come out quickly. The cooler season is from October to February, with average temperatures between 20˚C/68 F and 30˚C/86 F.

Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries, and soups. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.

SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.

We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$20 per day, for incidentals.

The Thai currency is the baht. ATMs, which are abundant, are the easiest ways to get Thai baht. Have a supply of US dollars in cash on hand, just in case your card doesn’t work. Banks or the rarer private moneychangers offer the best foreign-exchange rates. Credit cards are accepted in big cities and resort hotels but you’ll need baht for family-run guesthouses or restaurants.

General booking info

Flexible booking conditions, confirming your booking.

Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.

TRIP STATUS

Booking online.

From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).

If you are having any problems please send us an email , or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.

BOOKING OFFLINE

Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.

DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS

We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.

The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.

In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.

In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.

The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.

FULL FLEXIBILITY FOR TOUR CANCELATIONS

If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).

If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).

Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.

Loyalty Riders Club

International flights.

The information in this document is given in good faith, and covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, however, we will always do our best to adhere to this original itinerary

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19 DAY VIETNAM - CAMBODIA - THAILAND BICYCLE TOURS

19 Days Vietnam – Cambodia - Thailand bicycle tours offer for active travelers one of incredible way to experience through three fascinating countries in Southeast Asian. Start from “ Rice bowls” of Vietnam – Mekong Delta.  It is actually rewarding trip for travellers who want to get out the crowded, interact with friendly people, admire stunning rice fields and pristine scenic beauty.  19 Day Ho  Chi Minh ( Sai Gon) – Angkor-  Siem Reap – Bang Kok -  Thai Land  Bicycle trip will start from  Hochiminh City ( Sai Gon) , We set our way to My Tho  - The gateway of Mekong delta and Vinh Long – the home of Coconut tree and its productions. Experience boat trip through rustic villages to understand their daily life. Then transfer to Can Tho – The western Capital of  Mekong Delta. Can Tho is one of the fifth big cities of Vietnam. It has been well known  as the capital of cat fish, Rice and other agriculture products. Cai Rang Floating Market is unique public activities. Opening in early morning everyday, Cai Rang Floating Market boast the best scenery and atmosphere for travellers. Joining in this market, you will experience the diversity of productions, cultural activities.  We kick off our pedal  on paved road and beaten paths through stunning rice paddy and rustic villages, vibrant floating Market to   lush scenic beauty of Cambodia . Cycling through “ Killing Field” to learn about the Dark chapter of Cambodia history.  We kick off our pedals  on paved road and beaten paths through stunning rice paddy and rustic villages, vibrant floating Market to   lush scenic beauty of Cambodia. Cycling through “ Killing Field” to learn about the Dark chapter of Cambodia history.  Our  19 Day Southern Vietnam - Mekong Delta - Phnom penh - Siem Reap - Angkor - Bangkok Thailand cycling trip continue on single track  and shaddy giant trees through Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world’s largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this is the most famous temple at Angkor. As we tour, we will begin unraveling the mysteries of the bas-reliefs that tell of tales from Hindu mythology and the Khmer empire.  Stretching for almost one kilometre, this intricate carv¬ing is a candidate for the world’s longest unbroken piece of art. We then continue to the upper levels of the inner sanctuary. The final steps to the upper terrace of Ang¬kor are quite steep, where pilgrims would stoop on their pilgrimage to encounter the Gods. Finally we see the pin¬nacle, the sacred heart of Angkor Wat. Then, late morning, we continue on to visit Angkor Thom, an immense walled city that was the masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII.  We begin our visit at the Terrace of the Leper King. We continue along the Terrace of Elephants, originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, perfor¬mances and traditional sports. At the southern end lies the Baphuon, once of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating back to the 11th century.  Our climax is the enigmatic and enchanting temple of the Bayon. Its 54 towers are each topped off with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion). Our last stage cycling trip is crossing Border to Thai Land and look forward emerald sandy beach.

Day 1: ho chi minh arrival, welcome to vietnam. arriving at tan san nhat international airport, snail adventure tours’ guide and driver will greet and pick you up to the hotel at the heart of hochiminh city . ho chi minh city or fomer  saigon  with nickname “the pearl of far east” . saigon, the largest and busiest of vietnam’s cities is surely one of the most evocative place names in asia. the most western in atmosphere of vietnam’s cities, ho chi minh city arriving in hotel, do check in and have relax by your own. if the time permits, we will spend half day city to visit some highlights of ho chi minh city such as war remnants museum,  sai gon central post office, independence palace, notre dame cathedral and ben thanh market,, return to hotel for regroup and briefing itinerary before going out for dinner summary: activities:transfer and meeting  group accommodations: the northern hotel**** meals:l/d cycling distance: transferring, day 02: ho chi minh – ben tre – tra vinh, following to hearty breakfast in hotel, setting off new cycling day from hotel, leaving hustle and  bustle city behind, our shuttle bus takes you the south west of sai gon for over hour. upon arrival cycling point, we check our bikes and learn the code of riding.  setting off the first cycling day on sealed road, passing rustic village , dozen cannals and endless rice paddy fields. stop on the way to chat with local people or visit school, clinic and temple . have luncch in local restaurant. after lunch meal. our guide will take you ride on narrow route with kids finished from schools. and our guides are also tell you about education system in mekong delta's countryside. stay your first night in town of tra vinh., summary:  activities: transferring and cycling accommodation: coco riverside ecolodge meals:/l/d cycling distance: 55 km, day 03: tra vinh – tieu can - cau ke - can tho , have hearty breakfast in hotel,  embarking on new cycling day by riding through endless rice paddy fields. you have  chance to experience why vietnam is the second export rice after thailand. then you will ride past traditional villages of khmer, most of people here still keep their own traditional way of living style. thacth houses are still popular used and associated within khmer communities in vietnam. stopping at some colourful khmer buddhist temples, right here our bike guides will tell you the big difference between two branches of buddhism. one is mahayana and other is called theravada. continue your bike adventure in the afternoon with exploring tropical fruit orchards and mingle with crowd on bike on islands of pomelo, longan and orange. the cycling of an afternoon give an opportunity to spend more time on ferry through bendy small river to outskirts of can tho city. a 30 minutes transfer will to take to hotel for beers and relax. summary: activities: cycling and transferring accommodtions: van phat riverside hotel http://vanphatriverside.com/ meals:b/l/d cycling distance: 50 km- 80 km, day 04: can tho – sa dec - cao lanh city, get up early to join in vibrantly morning boat trip to observe the highlight floating market of cai rang. this is bustling and hustling market in can tho. boats from all corner of waterways arriving to exchange their tropical products. this is amazing time to witness and experience the daily life of mekong delta people.   setting off cycling day from hotel to explore a low-level plain as dong thap where house on stilts mostly seen on all the way to cao lanh. have an hour boat to see fish farms which is also the floating villages along basac river. experience a cycling through small rural communities of muslim. stopping at monastery and sharing the country road with local scooters to work and kids biking to school. travel on bike through peaceful, seemingly undiscovered rural villages among houses which built on stilts with local materials. stay a night in none tourist city of cao lanh. summary: activities: boat trip and cycling  accommodation: nguyen minh hotel/ sao mai hotel meals: b/l/d cycling distance:  45 – 70 km, day 05: cao lanh - chau doc , setting off  your bike ride today with exploring beautiful countryside roads through mango orchards, small villages and local market. spending your pleasure time to pedal to and stop at monastery, which was built 120 years ago by the french. this is the first monastery building site in indochina, established in 1874. spending 30 minutes to walk around admire the colonial building style in the area, get back to your bike and continue explore the untouched places all the way to chau doc border town. summary: activities: cycling from hotel - hotel accommodation: victoria chau doc/ chau pho hotel. meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 50 - 80 km, day 06: cruise & cycle from chau doc to ha tien, explore the amazing riverside market at chau doc, with all its bustling activity and smorgasbord of sounds, colors and smells. the boat continues through fish farm villages to an ethnic cham village with its famous mubarak mosque. witness women weaving, using traditional methods. bicycle along pleasant roads, passing green rice fields and limestone formations, looking out for the khmer influenced pagodas as you get closer to cambodia. by late afternoon you will arrive in ha tien for your hotel check-in. summary: activities:  crusing and cycling to hotel accommodation: green island hotel**** meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 50 -90 km, day 07: bid farewell to vietnam, say hello to cambodia, after recharging  fully energy from hotel, setting off our bike ride to the border crossing of vietnam and cambodia. after completing the customs formalities, meet your cambodian cycling crew. cycle along quiet coastal dirt roads, passing through salt flats and small villages. your first port of call will be the coastal resort of kep, where you will stop for lunch. afterwards, bike the final 35 kilometers (22 miles) to kampot, where you will check-in to your hotel. summary: activities: cycling from hotel - hotel accommodation:  kampot riverside resort/ sunset villa meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 50 -90 km, day 08: cycle from kampot to takeo, depart from kampot and bicycle through inspiring limestone karst scenery. see picturesque villages, including some ethnic cham settlements, and endless rice fields. on arrival in takeo you will check-in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. you can walk along the waterfront promenade, ideal for a pleasant late afternoon sunset stroll. summary: activities: cycling from hotel - hotel accommodation:  alice villa. meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 90 km, day 09: cycle takeo to phnom penh, start early in the morning to capture pristine nature. as you leave t akeo you spin north passing through more endless rice paddies. after some time you turn off the main road to visit tonle bati, a riverside location where you have time to explore the small, yet picturesque angkorian temples of ta prohm and yeay peau. you will then avoid the ‘main’ road as much as possible and upon reaching the outskirts of phnom penh you will stop-off at the 'killing fields'. this is where khmer rouge prisoners were forcibly marched from the toul sleng prison in the city centre and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting. after some contemplation you can either negotiate the rush-hour traffic into the heart of phnom penh, cambodia's capital city, or opt for taking the support vehicle summary: activities: cycling from hotel -hotel accommodation: duong chan hotel/ anik palace meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 75 km, day 10: phnom penh city cyclo tour, today it is someone else's turn to do the cycling rest your legs as you are treated to a fun cyclo tour of phnom penh. see the city via this traditional mode of transport, and stop at the national museum, which offers a charming setting for a comprehensive collection of khmer artifacts. continue to the nearby royal palace and the neighboring silver pagoda. your cyclo driver will then take you to a local restaurant for lunch. afterwards it is back in the cyclos as you are pedaled through phnom penh to the toul sleng genocide museum, the infamous khmer rouge prison. next stop is the russian market, an excellent place to buy some souvenirs. later you will be taken back to your hotel, where you are free at leisure for the rest of the evening. summary: activities: visting and exploring city accommodation:  duong chan hotel/ anik palace meals: b/l/d cycling distance: no, day 11: cycle from phnom penh to kampong cham, this morning you can choose to bicycle through the busy streets of phnom penh, or travel in the support vehicle until the traffic thins out. 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the city, turn off the main road and enjoy a shady bike ride following the course of the mekong river along a mostly unpaved, and at times bumpy, road toward the town of kompong cham. foreigners are rare through these areas, so expect a few surprised faces as you cycle through the many traditional villages. you will witness people busy with their everyday lives; cooking, cleaning, playing, and leading the cows to the river. pass by cycling school kids, and see pagodas and monks. watch the sun drying bright red chilies, pepper, rice and fish by the side of the road, and experience the river life of the mighty mekong, which will keep coming in and out of view. there are plenty of shady and scenic spots for rest breaks, where curious locals are sure to say "hello." kompong cham retains a number of french influenced buildings and trader shop fronts, and given its small size the province is easy to explore by foot, which you are free to do after you have checked-in to your hotel. summary: activities: cycling  and trasferring accommodation: lbn asian hotel meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 97 km  + 324 – 320m https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45087844, day 12: cycle from kompong cham to beng mealea & siem reap, get up early to depart kompong cham. turn off the main highway to bicycle on a road which gradually climbs through shady rubber plantations. after 75 kilometers (45 miles) you will reach the small town of prey thom tratrav and rejoin the main highway. from here, you will travel in the support vehicle for the 150-kilometer (90 mile) drive to the market town of dom dek. re-mount your bikes and cycle the 30 kilometers (18 miles) to the temple remains of beng mealea for a truly atmospheric experience. afterwards, take the support vehicle for the final 70 kilometers (42 miles) to siem reap. after checking-in to your hotel and freshening up, you will be taken to a local restaurant for dinner. summary: activities: cycling and transferring to hotel accommodation: steung siem reap hotel meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 105 km, day 13: explore the angkor temples by bike, this morning, begin your cycle exploration of the incredible angkor temples. today you will focus on the small circuit, which features temple greats such as the pyramid of takeo, the jungle-clad ta prohm, made famous by the hollywood blockbuster "tomb raider," and sras srang, known as the king's bathing pond. see the impressive royal city of angkor thom. after lunch, it is time to bike to the majestic angkor wat, the world's largest religious building. return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure to experience siem reap's lively nightlife and fine restaurants. summary: activities: cycling to explore angkor impire accommodation: steung siem reap hotel meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 40 km, day 14: cycle to beautiful banteay srei temple, bicycle north towards banteay srei. during the trip you will see pleasant cambodian countryside and friendly villagers. stop off at a coup le of villages to get a closer look at the wooden stilted homes and local life. on arrival at banteay srei, be struck by the delicate beauty of the elaborately-decorated temple, embellished with floral motifs and scenes from the ramayana. enjoy lunch at a local village nearby, after which you will cycle back towards siem reap. if there is still time left you can explore some of the temples on the grand circuit, such as preah khan, one of the largest temples at angkor, and neak pean, surrounded by fountains and ponds; and banteay kdei. this evening, you will enjoy a hosted farewell dinner and mesmerizing apsara dance performance. summary: activities: cycling from hotel - hotel accommodation:  steung siem reap hotel meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 80 km, day 15: siem reap – battambang, we take a rest from cycling and transfer across tonle sap by boat. along the way, we’ll see the local people going about their daily lives, and if we’re lucky, we can spot some wildlife on the banks. during the end of the dry season, lake levels may be too low to allow boat passage to battambang. in this case, we’ll transfer by van to battambang. but don’t worry, once we arrive, we’ll have some time to explore the city and surrounding countryside. summary: activities: cycling  and boat trip accommodation: the sanctuary villa battambang meals: b/l/d cycling distance:  30 km, day 16:  battambang - pailin, we depart for pailin, cycling directly from our hotel. this is the toughest day as some sections of the road is in poor condition and bumpy (in dry season, can get dusty), but the scenery is the most impressive as we head towards thailand. the road undulates as we get closer to pailin, but there is nothing too steep or long. we cycle through stunning countryside, where farms and local villages can be seen along the way, and really get a feeling of riding into unchartered territory. this used to be bandit country, but don’t worry, the area is now completely safe summary: activities: cycling from hotel - hotel accommodation: memorrial palace meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 95 km, day 17: pailin - chantaburi, a short pleasant ride on the quiet scenic roads to the border crossing. this quiet rural crossing used mainly by local traders makes for a pleasant stop while we complete all the immigration formalities. once completed, we start our bike tour in thailand with a ride through the thai countryside till we reach the main road and transfer with a change of guides, vehicle, and bikes to the beach, with lunch in chantaburi. summary: activities: cycling and processing the immigration formalities accommodation:  chanchalao beach resort meals: b/l/d cycling distance:  45 km, day 18: chantaburi - laem mae phim, we have a flat and easy ride through mangroves, shrimp farms, and along the coast. we overnight at a very local thai beach and have the afternoon free to go for a swim or a walk on the sand. summary: activities: cycling from hotel - hotel accommodation: grand blue resort meals: b/l/d cycling distance: 65 km, day 19: laem mae phim – bangkok, we have the morning to enjoy the beach before we head back to bangkok. we arrive in the city around 3 pm. if you'd like to extend your time in thailand we can help you to plan extra days at the beach or a ne summary: activities: transferring by vehicle accommodation: by yourself meals: b/l/ cycling distance:  no, important notes:, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to vietnam. tour cost will be valided during 45 days from date of offer. past this date price and conditions may be readjusted. the cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines. reservations during peak times (christmas, new year, vietnamese lunar new year, national holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges. rooms at hotels are available only from 14:00 p.m on arrival day till 10:00 a.m on departure date. a supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired. please note that all the above services & tours have yet to be booked, they are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation to do so. if one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes to the program., meals: if you have any specific food requirements ( vegetarian, vegan, food allergies) please inform us in advance so that we can provide notice to our restaurant, tour guide, our partners so that they can server you better. if you are a food lover, snail adventure tours can be your culinary guide and provide you opportunity to savor tempting local food and world famous – dishes., tour included in:, english speaking cycling guide ( other languges upon requests) accommodations are based on double/ twin occupancy meals details in itineraries (19 breakfast, 19 lunc hes, 19 dinners)  mountain bikes with trek or cannondale with helmets. a/c transfer/ and transportation van or bus supported during the cycling times. truck supported for the group size from 6 and above. sightseeing excursions as outlined itineraries bike tour pump, bike tools, spares tubes, spare bikes first aid kit cold water box, small fresh towel. mineral water for drinking fruit and snack for cycling days, tour excluded in:, international airfare travel insurance items of personal nature alcoholic beverages and soft drinks in meals mineral water beyond that supplied optional excursions additional transport required due to any emergency situation personal expenses such as telephone, laundry bills. ebike visa fee departure  tax, tip for team and guide visa fee in  vietnam with 25 usd for single entry, laos with 35 usd  and cambodia with 25 usd per person upon arrival + 02 passport pictures, creating unique touring experiences:,  all the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. however, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a vietnam, laos, cambodia, and thailand tour to your individual specifications.  .

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Suppose you wish to see the temples of Angkor by cycling! It's a better way to explore every corner of the Angkor Temple complex and jungles and its surroundings. To get around Angkor Wat, you need a bicycle, no way you can walk the whole complex. The only guided bike trip could help you to discover incredible this temple complex. Cambodia officially the Kingdom of Cambodia. It's is a Southeast Asian nation whose landscape spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains, and the Gulf of Thailand coastline. Phnom Penh, its capital, is home to the Art Deco Central Market, glittering Royal Palace, and the National Museum's historical and archaeological exhibits. In the country's northwest are the ruins of Angkor Wat, a massive stone temple complex built during the Khmer Empire. Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter and around the Old Market. In the city, there are museums, traditional Apsara dance performances, a Cambodian cultural village, souvenir and handicraft shops, silk farms, rice paddies in the countryside, fishing villages, and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake, and a vibrant, cosmopolitan drinking and dining scene. Siem Reap today—being a popular tourist destination—has many hotels, resorts, restaurants, and businesses closely related to tourism. Angkor temples, the most popular tourist attraction in Cambodia. Angkor Wat- Capital of Temples is a temple complex in Cambodia and is the largest religious monument globally, on a site measuring 162.6 hectares. Originally it was constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire. The Khmer King Suryavarman II built it in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura, the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors. Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple.  Cycling Vietnam and Cambodia   Travel Vietnam and Cambodia  

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10 Tumultuous Treks Through History – Exploring Vietnam and Cambodia

Posted: March 27, 2024 | Last updated: March 27, 2024

Trekking Through History – Veteran-Led Journeys in Vietnam and Cambodia presents a unique way to explore the landscapes and histories of countries like Vietnam and Cambodia. These tours, guided by those who once walked these lands under very different circumstances, offer an unparalleled insight into the region’s tumultuous pasts and rich cultures. Veterans turned peace ambassadors and storytellers lead adventurers through jungles, up mountains, and across fields, sharing personal anecdotes and historical context that transform the terrain into living history. This guide explores various destinations within Vietnam and Cambodia, each with its own story and natural beauty, providing a comprehensive look at what makes these trekking tours an unforgettable experience. From the dense forests of the Ho Chi Minh Trail to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, travelers are invited to step off the beaten path and journey through time, led by those who know these paths best.

1. Ho Chi Minh Trail, Vietnam

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The Ho Chi Minh Trail, once a strategic supply route for the North Vietnamese, has been transformed into a path of discovery and reconciliation. Veterans who navigated this labyrinth during the war now guide trekkers through the dense jungles and rugged terrain, offering insights into the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people. The trail spans a significant portion of Vietnam, with various entry points offering different difficulty levels and exploration. Along the way, hikers can expect to encounter hidden bunkers, unspoiled natural landscapes, and remnants of the past that tell the story of Vietnam’s struggle for independence.

2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Trekking through the Angkor Wat complex with a veteran offers a unique perspective on these ancient temples. Beyond the architectural feats and historical significance, veterans share stories of Cambodia’s more recent past, including the Khmer Rouge regime and its impact on the country. The trek covers various temples, from the iconic Angkor Wat to the overgrown ruins of Ta Prohm, providing a comprehensive look at Khmer history and culture. The journey is not just about exploring ancient ruins but understanding the resilience of the Cambodian people through the eyes of those who lived through its most challenging periods.

3. Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

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The Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong, provide a stark reminder of the ingenuity and determination of the Vietnamese forces. Trekking tours led by veterans offer an authentic account of the tunnels’ significance and use during the war. Visitors have the opportunity to explore sections of the tunnels, learning about the living conditions, booby traps, and survival strategies employed by the soldiers. The experience is both educational and emotional, bridging past and present as veterans recount their experiences and the impact of the war on Vietnam’s landscape and people.

4. Khe Sanh, Vietnam

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The site of one of the longest and most controversial battles of the Vietnam War, Khe Sanh, offers a poignant backdrop for trekking tours led by veterans. The area, now peaceful and slowly returning to nature, still bears scars of the conflict, with bomb craters and remnants of fortifications dotting the landscape. Veterans share personal accounts of the siege, the tactical decisions made, and the psychological impact of the battle, providing a deeply human perspective on the events that unfolded. The surrounding countryside, with its coffee plantations and ethnic minority villages, also offers insights into this historically significant region’s current way of life.

5. The DMZ, Vietnam

Image Credit: Shutterstock / James Jiao

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Vietnam, once a buffer zone between North and South Vietnam, is now a powerful symbol of peace and reconciliation. Trekking tours led by veterans through this area offer a unique narrative on the war’s impact on the land and its people. The DMZ’s key sites include the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where entire communities lived underground, and the Hien Luong Bridge, a poignant symbol of division and reunification. These tours explore the physical remnants of the conflict and delve into the stories of endurance and hope that emerged from this once-war-torn region.

6. Battambang, Cambodia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nhut Minh Ho

Battambang, Cambodia’s second-largest city, is known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture and its history as a former Khmer Rouge stronghold. Trekking tours in this region, led by veterans, offer a blend of natural beauty and historical exploration. The tours can include visits to Phnom Sampeau, a hill with stunning views and dark history as a site of Khmer Rouge killings, and the nearby Killing Caves. Veterans share their personal stories and historical insights, providing a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s tragic past and its journey toward healing and reconciliation.

7. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / LivingSync

Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, offers a stark look into the country’s turbulent history, especially under the Khmer Rouge regime. Veterans lead tours to significant historical sites such as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school turned into a detention and torture center, and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, better known as the Killing Fields. These tours provide a somber yet essential insight into the atrocities committed, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and education to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

8. Sapa, Vietnam

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dzung Vu

Sapa, located in the northern mountains of Vietnam, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, ethnic minority villages, and terraced rice fields. While not directly related to the Vietnam War, trekking tours in Sapa led by veterans offer an exploration of Vietnam’s diverse cultures and the challenges of mountain warfare. The veterans share insights into these regions’ strategic importance and local communities’ resilience. Trekking routes vary from moderate walks to more strenuous hikes, all offering panoramic views and cultural encounters.

9. My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam

Image Credit: Shutterstock / upslim

My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Hoi An, is an ancient temple complex that was once the spiritual center of the Champa Kingdom. Veterans leading tours here provide not only historical context about the Champa civilization but also recount the sanctuary’s significance during the Vietnam War, including damage sustained from bombing. The juxtaposition of ancient history and recent conflict offers a unique perspective on Vietnam’s layered past.

10. The Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pagnarith Sao

The Cardamom Mountains in southwest Cambodia offer one of Southeast Asia’s last unspoiled wilderness areas. Veterans leading treks in this biodiverse region share stories of its strategic importance during Cambodia’s years of conflict and its role as a refuge for endangered wildlife. The dense jungles, waterfalls, and remote villages provide a backdrop for discussions on conservation efforts and the challenges of protecting such a vital ecosystem in the post-conflict era.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / worradirek

Trekking tours led by veterans offer a unique and profound way to explore these countries. These tours provide insight into the region’s history and culture through the personal experiences of those who lived through significant historical events. From the dense jungles of the Ho Chi Minh Trail to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, travelers are invited to understand the land’s past, guided by those who know it best. This approach not only enriches the trekking experience but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the local people.

As you journey through these historic landscapes, you’re witnessing the beauty of nature and connecting with the stories that have shaped these nations. This form of travel is more than an adventure; it’s an immersive lesson in history, culture, and the power of reconciliation.

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