Highlights:
The Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride takes you through 500 kilometres of
history, culture, and fantastic scenery. Ride past plantations, across
waterways, and through villages in the lush Mekong Delta and cross to
the countryside and ancient temples of Cambodia.
Set out from
bustling Ho Chi Minh City and travel south to where the Mekong River
branches over the flat planes in to thousands of small waterways. The
terrain is flat, the roads are relatively quiet, and the scenery is
spectacular!
For the first half of the journey, pedal from My
Tho down to Chau Doc, which sits near the Cambodia border. There are
endless miles of quiet backwaters and tiny roads, ancient temples and
countless colourful pagodas, havens of calm and tranquillity, bustling
markets and busy, bargaining vendors. The countryside is vibrant -
beneath the calmness there harbours a hive of activity and work that
seems unique to Vietnamese people.
Travel by boat along the
Mekong in to Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, a charming city with a
tragic past. Venture out of the current capital along country roads to
the ancient capital of Oudong, passing ox carts and villages on the
way. Continue to the floating villages of Kampong Chhnang, a small town
that is typical of rural Cambodia, before reaching Battambang in the
far west of the country.
The last leg of your journey takes
you across the massive Tonle Sap Lake in to Siem Reap, home to the
temples of Angkor. There is no better way to explore the hundreds of
temples than by bike. Spend the afternoon pedalling amongst the ruins
stopping as you wish to explore the intricate details of the imposing
buildings.
As you reflect back on your trip, we think you'll
agree: Exploring this region on two wheels is the best way to delve
deep in to the culture and lifestyle of the South Vietnamese and
Cambodian people.
Detailed Itinerary:
Saigon To Angkor Wat Siem Reap Bike Ride Tour - 11 Days 10 Nights
Day 1: Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (L/D)
Upon arrival in to Ho Chi Minh City, you will be met at the airport in transferred to your hotel. After a trip briefing and bike fitting, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the city's best restaurants.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Tra Vinh (B/L/D)
Transfer by road to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta and the start of your cycling journey. Travel through the heart of the delta along narrow paths, past fields of sugar cane, fruit plantations, and lush green paddy fields. Enjoy watching the activities of the locals and soaking in the atmosphere as you pedal along the waterways to Tra Vihn. (Today's journey is 52km of cycling)
Overnight in Tra Vinh.
Day 3: Tra Vinh - Can Tho (B/L/D)
Peaceful roads lined with Khmer temples and river scenery take you from Tra Vinh to Can Tho. Stop along the way to rest your legs and visit peaceful temples, observe the local farmers, and visit a local school to spend time with the students journey is flat and picturesque through this part of the delta. (Today's journey is 82km of cycling)
Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 4: Can Tho - Long Xuyen (B/L/D)
This morning, travel through bustling markets on the way to Phong Dien and be amazed at the contrast in activity from the previous day. Vendors and craftsmen go about their business busily during the morning hours and cycling amongst the action is a great way to experience the local life. Loop back to Can Tho for lunch and continue riding to the town of Long Xuyen. (Today's journey is 95km of cycling)
Overnight in Long Xuyen.
Day 5: Long Xuyen - Chau Doc (B/L/D)
Your last day of cycling in Vietnam's Mekong Delta takes you through different scenery as you head southwest toward Cambodia. The roads have a slight undulation and mountains begin to appear in the far distance. As you approach the town of Chau Doc, veer off toward Sam Mountain where a steep climb will reward you with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Coast back down the mountain and return to Chau Doc in time for dinner. (Today's journey is 75 km of cycling)
Overnight in Chau Doc.
Day 6: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
Travel along the Mekong and Bassaac Rivers by boat as you depart Vietnam and head to Cambodia's capital. Arrive in to Phnom Penh in time for lunch near the riverfront and soak in the town's colonial atmosphere and buzzing local life. In the afternoon, visit Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields to learn about Cambodia's turbulent past under the Khmer Rouge regime.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 7: Phnom Penh - Kampong Chhnang (B/L/D)
Depart Phnom Penh on your bike and head toward Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia, passing magnificent scenery and friendly locals. Climb to the top of Phnom Oudong for sweeping views of the countryside before pedaling on tarmac roads towards Kampong Chhnang. This quiet, riverside town is known for producing some of the country's best pottery. (Today's cycling distance is 91km)
Overnight in Kampong Chhnang.
Day 8: Kampong Chhnang - Battambang (B/L/D)
The morning's ride takes us along dirt roads through sugar palm trees and endless paddy fields, with small green hills in the background. The local children will come out to greet us as we pedal through the village watching the potters and other artisans at work. After a picnic at a local family's house, we continue along highway 5 to Battambang either by bike or by car. (Today's cycling distance is 100 km)
Overnight in Battambang.
Day 9: Battambang Cycling (B, L, D)
Although Battambang is one of Cambodia's largest towns, you certainly won't notice it as you cycle through the stunning rural scenery. A combination of tarmac and hardened dirt roads lead out to temples like Phnom Banan and Phnom Sampeau, both of which offer great viewpoints of the surrounding area. Once an area of strong Khmer Rouge activity, we will also stop at a memorial to honour the victims of this tragic era. (Today's cycling distance is 45km)
Overnight in Battambang.
Day 10: Battambang - Siem Reap (B/L/D)
Today we drive to Siem Reap, home of the temples of Angkor, built by the might Khmer empire from the 9th-14th centuries. After lunch, pedal out the Angkor Wat, the largest Hindu monument in the world, where you will explore the endless corridors, looming towers, and intricate carvings of this wondrous temple. (Today's cycling distance is 20km)
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 11: Angkor Wat - Siem Reap - Departure (B/L)
For an amazing start to the morning, there is the option to return to Angkor Wat to watch the sun rise, then, hop on your bike for your last, and perhaps most memorable day of cycling. Travel through the Angkor Archeological Park on two wheels, stopping to visit the jungle covered Ta Phrom, the enigmatic towers of Bayon, the walled city of Angkor Thom and many other fascinating ruins all the while learning about their history from your knowledgeable guide. After a full day's exploration, return to your hotel for late check-out and a transfer to the Siem Reap airport for your onward flight. (Today's cycling distance is 25km)
Saigon To Angkor Wat Siem Reap Bike Ride Tour - 11 Days 10 Nights
Tour Prices (Price per person and in US$)
Note:
Saigon To Angkor Wat Siem Reap Bike Ride Tour - 11 Days 10 Nights
Includes:
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Accommodation based on Double/Twin Room with Breakfast
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English speaking biking guides
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Private air-conditioned vehicles for transfers on tour and back up as needed
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Bottled drinking water for cycling day as itinerary
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Snack and fresh fruit, ice and refresher towels for cycling day
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Meals in local restaurants as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
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Local ferry tickets where required
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Sight seeing entrance fees where stated in the itinerary
Excludes:
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International air ticket to/from Vietnam and Cambodia
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Visa to Vietnam
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Please ensure to obtain visa before departure
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Visa on arrival for Cambodia (USD25)
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Bike rental fee
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Tips to drivers, driver assistants, local people, porters at boat station, hotels and airports, guides
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Transfer to/from the airport
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Personal travel insurance
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Personal expenditure (Drinks, telephone, laundry, shopping, camera film and so on…)
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Accommodation pre/post trip
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Any other services not clearly stated in the itinerary and trip inclusive portion
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