Vietnam & Cambodia Scenic Cycling Journey 12 days

After landing at Noi Bai Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Hanoi. After checking in and freshening up, the rest of your day is free to explore the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter.

Stroll through the bustling alleys and immerse yourself in the local nightlife - perhaps visit Ta Hien Street to sample mouthwatering street food and enjoy a refreshing drink. This leisurely evening sets the tone for the adventures ahead. Rest well overnight in your Hanoi hotel, ready to start your journey the next morning.

Distance & Est. time: Cycling 15-20 km

Begin your day with a pick-up from your hotel in the Old Quarter at 07:30. Your local guide will greet you, share important safety instructions, and treat you to a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee before the ride.

Today’s cycling tour starts with a visit to the iconic Long Bien Bridge, a relic of French colonial architecture. Next, you will glide past the serene surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake - a natural oasis in the heart of the city - and admire the striking façade of the Hanoi Opera House.

As you pedal through historic streets, you will catch glimpses of other notable landmarks including St. Joseph’s Church, the Presidential Palace, Ba Dinh Square, and the revered Tran Quoc Temple.

The route is punctuated by several stops to appreciate both the architectural marvels and the vibrant street life of Hanoi. A delicious local lunch awaits you before the ride ends. In the afternoon, your driver will escort you back to the hotel, leaving you with plenty of memories from a morning of active discovery.

NOTE:

• Attractions are seen from the outside or passed without stopping.
• Please keep in mind that we are not allowed to go inside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on Monday and Friday, and this site is closed without inside visits from June to August because of renovation purposes.

Morning

At approximately 08:00 - 08:30, you will be picked up from your Hanoi hotel and transferred by a comfortable air-conditioned coach to the picturesque valley of Mai Chau. Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty local lunch at one of the quaint restaurants nestled in this peaceful region.

Afternoon

With your bicycle ready, a knowledgeable local guide will lead you on an exploration of the countryside. Cycle along quiet country roads, where the lush green rice paddies and traditional stilt houses reveal the authentic lifestyle of the ethnic communities.

Your journey will take you past hardworking farmers tending their fields and skilled artisans creating intricate handmade scarves. Pause along the way to interact with locals and learn about their customs and traditions.

In the late afternoon, return to your homestay in Mai Chau where a delightful dinner is served, followed by a captivating performance of traditional dance. Don’t forget to sample Ruou Can - the region’s famous rice wine - which perfectly complements the evening’s cultural showcase.

After a refreshing breakfast at your homestay, today’s adventure begins with a guided walk into the heart of local Thai villages.

Your guide will lead you on a gentle stroll through the villages of Na Meo, Na Mo, and Xam Pa. Over the next 2.5 - 3 hours, you will have ample opportunity to engage in warm conversations with locals, learn about traditional customs, and observe daily activities in these tranquil settlements.

After the walk, enjoy a delicious lunch with a local host - savoring traditional flavors prepared with time-honored recipes. Once lunch concludes, it’s time to bid farewell to Mai Chau as you board a minibus for a return journey to Hanoi.

Arriving back in the city around 19:00, you will be dropped off at your hotel, concluding a day that beautifully marries cultural immersion with leisurely exploration.

Morning

Your morning begins with an early breakfast before you are transferred at 08:00 to the bustling cruise port in Halong Bay. Upon arrival, friendly cruise staff will assist you with check-in and help you settle into your cabin on board a modern, well-equipped vessel. You will be welcomed with a cool, refreshing drink and a brief introduction to the cruise and safety procedures.

As the boat sets sail into the emerald waters of Halong Bay, indulge in a sumptuous onboard lunch featuring fresh seafood and local specialties.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, choose between several exciting activities: take a dip in the bay’s clear waters, explore hidden caves by kayak, or join a Vietnamese cooking class where you will learn to prepare traditional spring rolls. Alternatively, relax on the sundeck during the “Happy Hour” program, enjoying a “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” cocktail special.

Evening brings a lavish dinner served in the elegant onboard restaurant, followed by a variety of entertainment options - board games, squid fishing, night movies, or even a karaoke session in the onboard lounge. The attentive crew, fluent in English, is always on hand to assist, ensuring your overnight cruise is both safe and unforgettable.

NOTE: Depending on the cruise you choose, the itinerary may change.

Morning

Begin your day with a soothing Tai Chi session on the sundeck at 08:00, allowing you to harmonize with the tranquil surroundings. After a hearty breakfast on board, the cruise resumes for one final exploration of Halong Bay’s breathtaking scenery.

At 10:00, the vessel makes a brief stop at another enchanting bay area, offering you one last chance to capture memorable photos and appreciate the majestic limestone karsts.

Afternoon

By noon, it’s time to pack and check out of your cabin. Enjoy a delightful brunch on board before the ship sails back toward the port. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you and transport you back to Hanoi. Once in the city, you’ll have some hours to relax or explore on your own before your next transfer.

Later, you will be escorted to the airport to catch your flight to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be met by our friendly driver and transferred to your hotel, setting the stage for a new chapter of urban exploration.

Distance & Est. time: Cycling 30-40 km

Rise early for an exciting cycling tour of Ho Chi Minh City. At 07:30, meet at Mr. Biker Saigon’s garage near District 7. Today’s journey spans 30 - 40 km and showcases the less-explored parts of the city, offering a fresh perspective beyond the typical tourist routes.

Pedal past the bustling Flower Market in District 10 and admire the historic charm of the Saigon Train Station in District 3. Cycle along quiet alleys adjacent to railway tracks in Phu Nhuan District and take in the scenic views along Thi Nghe Canal in Binh Thanh District. Next, visit the serene Jade Emperor Pagoda in District 1 and continue on to Sala City in District 2.

As you approach the city center, catch glimpses of the elegant Central Post Office and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral - all observed from the outside for preservation purposes. The tour concludes near the imposing Reunification Palace before cycling back to the garage by 12:00. This half-day excursion provides a unique blend of urban culture and historical insight that is sure to captivate.

NOTE:

• Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed for renovation.
• Please note that sites will be admired from a distance or passed by.

Distance & Est. time: Cycling 40 km

Start your day with a 7:30 hotel pickup, followed by 1-hour drive south of Saigon to a countryside café, where the team will ensure everyone is prepped for the adventure ahead.

For the next two hours, cycle along scenic dirt paths winding through lush rice paddies, many of which are elevated for irrigation. Enjoy a relatively flat ride, passing by friendly farmers, traditional Mekong-style homes, and towering coconut trees that define the region’s agriculture.

After a refreshing break at a riverside stop, continue pedaling through quiet country roads shaded by mature indigenous trees. Those looking for a break can opt to ride in the support van for this stretch.

The journey culminates at a local dock, where a 30-minute private boat tour offers a serene glide along the Mekong’s waterways. Upon arrival at a riverside restaurant, enjoy an authentic Mekong Delta lunch and unwind with a refreshing shower.

After a leisurely meal, bid farewell to the Delta and return to Saigon via private transport, arriving back at your hotel around 18:00.

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, a dedicated local driver welcomes you and promptly transfers you to your hotel, where you can check in and relax.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the vibrant streets of Siem Reap, sample delicious Khmer cuisine, or simply rest after your flight. This day marks the beginning of a new cultural chapter as you prepare to discover the ancient wonders of the Angkor temples in the coming days.

Distance & Est. time: Cycling 30 km

Start your day early at 07:00 with a briefing from your local guide at the hotel lobby. After receiving your helmet and a well-maintained bicycle, you will set off on a ride along the quiet, lesser-known roads leading to the West Gate of Angkor Thom. This route offers a rare glimpse into the authentic rural life of Cambodia, with traditional houses and vibrant local scenes unfolding along the way.

Your first stop is at the awe-inspiring Bayon Temple, famous for its 216 serene faces carved in stone. Continue your journey to the mystical Ta Prohm Temple, where nature and architecture coalesce as massive tree roots intertwine with ancient ruins.

At midday, enjoy a delicious lunch served at a local restaurant near the royal bathing pool of Srah Srang, offering you an authentic taste of Khmer cuisine. 

Energized by lunch, you will pedal onward to explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of the Angkorian empire built in the 12th century. Once your cycling tour comes to an end, a Tuk Tuk transfer will take you back to your hotel, leaving you with timeless memories of Cambodia's ancient heritage.

Distance & Est. time: Cycling 34 km

Morning

Today's adventure commences at 07:00 when you are driven to the starting point near Bakong Temple. Here, your cycling journey begins with a 15 km ride through the historical Roluos Group - an ancient center of Khmer civilization comprising the temples Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko.

As you pedal along, you will be surrounded by scenic rice paddies and swaying sugar palm trees that perfectly capture the essence of rural Cambodia.

After exploring Roluos, a local vehicle will transfer you to the shores of Tonle Sap Lake. Mount your bicycle once again and ride along the lake’s edge, absorbing the peaceful rhythm of life on the water. Your route then leads to a memorable boat ride where you visit Kampong Phluk, a traditional stilt village.

Here, you’ll observe houses that float when the lake swells, along with clusters of floating homes and flooded forests. A delightful picnic lunch is served on a floating house, offering a unique dining experience in a surreal setting.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, transfer to Roluos Pagoda before cycling an additional 12 km along a historic Angkorian road - the last remnant connecting Beng Mealea to Angkor Thom. Your destination is the hidden temple of Chau Srei Vibol, tucked away in a lush jungle setting, where you’ll pause for drinks and snacks.

Finally, a short 7 km ride brings you to Wat Tabeng, a scenic traditional village set amidst endless rice fields, providing ample opportunities for photography. Later, you will be transferred back to your hotel, concluding a day rich with history, natural beauty, and local hospitality.

NOTE:

• You will be transferred by car or van from your hotel to Bakong Temple, where your biking adventure begins. After the tour, you and your bike will be transported back to your hotel.
• Your vehicle and driver will remain on standby throughout the day, ready to assist if needed.
• Please bring essential items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer.
• Wear comfortable attire for biking, including a T-shirt, shorts, and sports shoes.

On your final morning in Siem Reap, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before taking some time for personal exploration. Stroll through local markets to pick up souvenirs, capture last-minute photos of the charming streets, or simply relax and reflect on your journey. After check-out, our staff will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. 

As you say goodbye to Cambodia, carry with you the indelible impressions of ancient temples, heartfelt local interactions, and the thrill of cycling through breathtaking landscapes.