Vietnam and Cambodia Cycling Expedition 13 days

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest and most vibrant metropolis, where historic pagodas and bustling markets coexist with modern skyscrapers and a fast-growing entrepreneurial scene. Still often called Saigon, the city offers a captivating blend of old and new.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), a transfer will take you to your hotel. If you wish to join the afternoon orientation walk, please ensure you arrive at the hotel by 16:00, when your tour leader will meet you for a welcome briefing. The guided walk will take you to key landmarks, including the Opera House (formerly the South Vietnam National Assembly), the Hotel de Ville, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the GPO building, a masterpiece of French colonial architecture.

For those arriving earlier, you may explore at your own pace - perhaps visit the Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, or simply take in the city's dynamic atmosphere. In the evening, you have the option to experience a traditional water puppet show, a unique and enchanting Vietnamese performance.

The next day begins with an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the bicycle that will be your companion in the coming adventure. After that, you take on a drive out of the hustle and bustle of the city to the peaceful countryside, heading toward the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels at Ben Duoc. This journey takes about 2 hours, and on the path, you will cycle through rural landscapes, passing by local farms and paddy fields or perhaps spot farmers tending to their crops in a sprawling field.

Once at the destination, it is time to catch a glimpse of the life of soldiers and locals during the Vietnam War. The tunnels stretch for hundreds of kilometers, and the Vietnamese soldiers lived inside this underground maze for weeks in unimaginable conditions. There were hidden entrances to them, and the surrounding land was littered with brutal booby traps and defense tactics that were used against American forces. 

NOTE: Be aware that the tunnels are narrow and low, which may feel claustrophobic for some. If this is the case, you are welcome to opt out of this part of the visit. 

Total cycling distance: 33 km

Morning

To avoid the morning traffic of Saigon, we set off early and drove for about 2 hours to Tan An. From here, you will hop on your two-wheeled transport and cycle over to My Tho, following quiet backroads and scenic riverside dirt tracks. My Tho, originally founded in the 17th century by Chinese immigrants, is the gateway to the Mekong River, where our private boat awaits.

Bringing your vehicle along, you cruise to Qui Island and have a yummy lunch made from fresh local ingredients here. After finishing eating, you return to the boat and cross to the opposite bank of the river. Here, you will switch to a small sampan and glide a quiet tributary creek, weaving along green mangroves.

Afternoon

Continue the day at a local community center, where you can enjoy honey tea, sample tropical fruits, and listen to the soulful melodies of traditional rural music. You also have a behind-the-scenes look at the local coconut candy-making process, with a chance to taste sweet treats for yourself.

Back on your bike, you peddle through the flat landscapes of the Mekong Delta, covered around by endless fields of rice, coconut palms, and fruit orchards. The fertile soil of the region supports a rich harvest, making it one of the most productive agricultural areas in Vietnam. 

By late afternoon, you will be at your accommodation in Ben Tre to relax, recharge, and reminisce about your favorite places so far.

Total cycling distance: 43 km

You will start the morning with breakfast before embarking on your bicycle. You will cross the river and cycle along quiet, less busy roads, making your way to the old church at Cai Mon. For the next site, you keep your ride going to Binh Hoa Phuoc Island, where you will have a stop for a tasty lunch. After that, you board a local ferry to go over to Vinh Long, and from there, you ride via a picturesque, fertile region on the road to Can Tho.

Can Tho is well-known for its beautiful rice fields and floating markets, which are typically held at the intersections of rivers and canals. As you cycle, you might see people working in the rice paddies or maybe even get the opportunity to visit a small business, like a fish factory or local market, depending on the route and if time allows. Rice plays a vital role in the country's economy, with about 70% of the population involved in its production.

NOTE: If you prefer, there is an option to complete the last 22 km of the ride by support vehicle.

Total cycling distance: 60 km

This morning, you will hop back on your bike and follow winding paths along the river, immersing yourself in rural Vietnam. As you ride onto narrow lanes, you observe the daily rhythms of village life, passing rice fields, fruit orchards, and small traditional houses.

One of the most fascinating sights in the Mekong Delta is its floating markets, and today, you will pay a visit to Cai Rang, the largest and most colorful in the region. A private ferry takes you up the river to the market, where you will explore a maze of boats piled high with fresh produce, household goods, and local delicacies.

The lively atmosphere, filled with the sounds of vendors calling out their wares and the scent of tropical fruits, presents a true taste of river life. When navigating the market, you also have the perfect opportunity to interact with friendly locals and see their unique trading traditions with your own eyes.

After soaking in the energy of the site, you continue your journey by boat, gliding across the water past stilted houses, abundant rice paddies, and bustling cottage industries. The boat ride gives you a chance to take in the timeless beauty of the delta at a relaxed pace, watching fishermen at work and villagers going about their everyday routines.

Once back on land, you set off on another cycling adventure, going towards narrow footpaths that weave alongside riverbanks and behind local homes. This route means a closer look at life day by day, perhaps noticing fishermen casting their nets, artisans skillfully mending baskets, or villagers repurposing old materials into something new. The ingenuity of the Vietnamese people shines through in their resourceful craftsmanship.

Total cycling distance: 16 km

Today is a day you set off on a 1.5-hour drive northeast towards Chau Doc, a pleasant city near the Cambodian border. As you pass Long Xuyen, you leave busy roads behind and begin cycling on quiet back roads, meandering alongside a trail to Chau Doc. This city is home to three different communities, namely Chinese, Cham, and Khmer, creating a unique cultural vibe riddled with many temples, churches,  and mosques.

Upon arrival, you may like to take an optional excursion to Sam Mountain, located just a few kilometers southwest of the city. The journey includes a rickshaw ride, followed by a boat trip on the Mekong River, where you can visit a floating fishery and a local Cham village.

From there, you will transfer to travel on foot to explore Sam Mountain, a hill dotted with stunning, colorful temples and pagodas heavily influenced by Chinese architecture. On a clear day, the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the border into Cambodia.

Total cycling distance: 30 km

On the seventh day, you have a short drive to the Mekong River dock, where you will board a speedboat ferry to Phnom Penh. The vehicle will move you out of the Mekong River, going through the border at Vinh Xuong (Vietnam) and Kaam Samnor (Cambodia) before proceeding on to the Cambodian capital. The boat ride will take around 4 hours, revealing a relaxing and captivating view of riverside life, local businesses, and the picturesque countryside.

You have arrived! Welcome to the “Pearl of Asia”. To be ready for an afternoon city discovery, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in and some time to rest. When the tour starts, you will head out with your guide. 

Phnom Penh, noted for its charm and fascinating history, has many French colonial buildings and landmarks to explore. First, you will go see the National Museum of Arts, which restores an impressive collection of Angkor sculptures, and then venture to the Royal Palace, where you will see the famous Silver Pagoda, so named for its floor made up of 5000 silver tiles.

The next stop is Wat Phnom, a beautiful hilltop pagoda that is linked to the founding legend of Phnom Penh. According to the story, the original pagoda was built in the 14th century to house four Buddha statues that had been washed ashore. The statues were discovered by a woman named Penh, and the city is believed to be named after her.

There will be no cycling today, so enjoy the relaxing pace and precious cultural heritage items of the city during your afternoon tour.

Morning

You will drive a short distance up the river before cycling to catch a ferry across the Mekong River to Koh Dach Island. Once on the island, you will explore by bike, going by weaving villages and stilted houses. 

Koh Dach Island, also known as Silk Island, is a small, peaceful place with a tranquil atmosphere. It covers only 30 km², offering a serene contrast to the dynamic city of Phnom Penh. Here, women weave silk scarves using wooden looms, which are then sold in the markets on the mainland.

While cycling on quiet roads, it is easy to hear the clatter of looms and see children and animals along the way. After some time exploring the island, you will return to Phnom Penh in time for lunch.

Afternoon

You will come to see two significant historical sites that introduce a stark and somber reminder of Cambodia's tragic past. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a high school, was converted into the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation center. Thousands of innocent people were detained and processed here before being sent to the infamous Killing Fields at Choeung Ek.

During the years 1975 to 1978, it is estimated that around 17,000 men, women, and children were brutally murdered. At Choeung Ek, a memorial stupa stands as a chilling tribute, popped with human skulls to remind visitors of the sheer scale of the atrocities committed under the Pol Pot regime. 

NOTE: Please keep in mind that these visits may be deeply emotional and distressing for some.

Total cycling distance: 20 km

On this day, you will have an exciting and varied day of travel by both bicycle and bus. You begin your journey in Phnom Penh, setting off by bus for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, where you will stop at an interesting insect market. 

After exploring the market, you continue your trip by bus for another 45 minutes to the town of Prae Toteung. Here, you jump onto your bike to cycle along the beautiful Mekong River towards Kampong Cham like a local. Depending on the season and weather conditions, you might need to take the highway instead of cycling along the river. Kampong Cham, Cambodia’s third-largest city, holds a rich history as an important French trading outpost, with colonial architecture still visible today.

After reaching Kampong Cham, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch, followed by a transit to Wat Nokor. This special site is an 11th-century Mahayana Buddhist shrine. What makes it so unique is that it houses a working modern temple inside ancient Khmer temple ruins. 

Once you have taken in the beauty and history of Wat Nokor, you get on the bus again for a 3-hour drive with a rest break, heading to Kampong Thom, where you will spend the night. Kampong Thom is located near the impressive Sambor Prei Kuk temples, an ancient pre-Angkorian site that will be the highlight of your next adventure.

Total cycling distance: 40 km

You will set the day early, heading off by bike directly from your hotel to Sambor Prei Kuk, a classic temple complex hidden within the beautiful countryside north of Kampong Thom. This historic site, once the capital of the Chenla Kingdom in the 7th century, is where more than 100 temples are scattered across the forest, making it one of Cambodia’s oldest and most fascinating archaeological locations.

As you ride quiet rural roads and shaded tracks, you can take in the beauty of the local landscape before arriving at one of the most well-preserved temples. Here, you will take a break from cycling to explore on foot, soaking in the serene atmosphere and intricate carvings of this wonder.

After your temple visit, you keep your journey going by road, boarding your trip bus for a 3-hour drive to Siem Reap. Arriving in this town, the gateway to legendary Angkor temples, you have the evening free to examine.

Take a stroll around energetic night markets, discover quality local shops, or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many great restaurants in town. This is the perfect way to get the most out of Siem Reap before the adventures that await in Angkor.

Total cycling distance: 28 km

Morning

The day begins early at 05:00 as we collect our temple passes and head to Angkor Wat for an unforgettable sunrise experience. This iconic temple, built in honor of Vishnu as a funerary monument for Suryavarman II, stands out with a westward orientation, symbolizing the direction of death.

As the first rays of sunlight illuminate its towering spires, the temple reveals its grandeur, ornate bas-reliefs stretching over the galleries, depicting epic tales in breathtaking detail. This moment is a highlight of any visit to Angkor.

After getting to know Angkor Wat, you will hop on your vehicle and cycle towards Banteay Srei, a temple renowned for exceptionally well-preserved and intricate carvings. Despite its smaller scale, delicate sandstone reliefs turn it into one of the most gorgeous temples in Angkor. Take your time admiring the artistry before stopping for lunch.

Afternoon

You drive south to visit Ta Prohm, a temple unlike any other, where ancient stone towers and courtyards intertwine with massive tree roots, creating a mysterious and atmospheric scene.

The blend of nature and history here is indeed mesmerizing. After soaking it all in, you will come back to Siem Reap. This evening is free for you to relax or go out exploring the city at your own pace.

Total cycling distance: 25 km

Today, let’s get started with a visit to the magnificent temples of King Jayavarman VII, one of Angkor’s greatest rulers. Your destination is the fortified city of Angkor Thom, built at the end of the 12th century.

Surrounded by an 8-meter-high wall and an ancient moat once said to be filled with crocodiles, this grand city features five monumental gates, each soaring 20 meters high and adorned with intricate carvings of stone elephant trunks. Guarding these entrances are huge statues of 54 different gods, bringing an awe-inspiring sight.

There happens one more of Angkor’s amazing structures, the Bayon Temple. While it may not appear as imposing as Angkor Wat from a distance, up close, it reveals a mesmerizing world of gothic-style towers, intricate corridors, and magical central temples. The temple is most famous for its 1,200 meters of finely detailed bas-reliefs, depicting scenes of daily life in 12th-century Cambodia.

This morning, you will get on a bus from your accommodation to a market along the route before sticking with your bike the rest of the way to Angkor Thom. Completing exploring these ruins, you will make your way back to Siem Reap in time for lunch. 

The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. You may choose to take a tuk-tuk back to Angkor to delve deeper into the temples at your own speed or opt for an unguided excursion to Tonle Sap, a vast and tranquil lake just 30 minutes south of Siem Reap (unguided).

Total cycling distance: 15 km

On the final morning of your tour, you enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Siem Reap before bidding farewell to your fellow travelers. The tour officially concludes today, and there are no scheduled activities, giving you the freedom to depart at your convenience.

If your flight is later in the day, you can store your luggage at the hotel and make the most of your remaining time in Siem Reap. You might want to explore the Old Market, where you can pick up some last-minute souvenirs, relax at a fish spa, or unwind with afternoon tea.