Cycle Southeast Asia

This adventure starts in Bangkok, the enthralling and energetic capital of Thailand. Around 6pm, say sawasdee to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Thai welcome by arranging a group dinner at a local restaurant. Want extra time in Bangkok? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

There’s an early start this morning as we transfer (approximately two hours) from Bangkok to the ancient town of Ayutthaya. Our two-hour transfer takes us into the heart of this fascinating site and we start cycling by the huge reclining Buddha. Much of the old town was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century and we will cycle through the remaining shrine towers and enormous temples to appreciate the past magnificence.

Today we follow minor roads through rural Thai landscapes including rubber and eucalyptus plantations, tapioca and rice fields. There are a few easy rolling hills but the route is mostly flat. The ride ends when we join a busier road before driving (approximately 40 minutes) to the town of Kabin Buri by bus.

Leaving our hotel early, we first take a transfer (one hour) to Thung Yao Temple in Prachantakham, where we begin our final day of cycling in Thailand. From here, our ride takes us through scenic landscapes dotted with small villages, farms and lush paddy fields to Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, one of the largest dams in Thailand. Along the way, we enjoy a leisurely lunch and can have a refreshing dip in the natural streams of Wang Takhrai Park. After recharging, we pack up our bikes and transfer (2hr 30min) to our Bangkok hotel for our final night in Thailand.

After an early breakfast, we transfer (one hour) to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) for our 1hr 5min flight to Siem Reap (SAI). Arriving mid-morning, we meet our second tour leader and have a 15-minute transfer to our hotel. Apart from growth in the capital and around Siem Reap, the way of life in the countryside is still much the same as it has been for centuries. This afternoon’s ride follows the Siem Reap River as it winds through local villages in the Angkor area. We then continue along the Angkor Wat moat, where we could be rewarded with a scenic sunset and reflections of the iconic temple on the water.

Today we may choose to have an early start to avoid the inevitable crowds drawn to the wonders of Angkor. The various temples are spread over a wide area and are linked by shady avenues; meandering our way between them by bike gives us a unique perspective. Our cycle tour will include the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, with the amazing roots of the fromager trees clinging to the ancient stones; Angkor Thom, with the Bayon temple of 37 towers (originally there were 49) topped with the four faces of the king; and, of course, the incredible Angkor Wat, which has a huge moat, long causeway and massive towers.

Today we cycle outside the main Angkor complex to the outlying temple of Banteay Srei, 21.7mi (35km) from Siem Reap town. Our route takes us past paddy fields, and through pretty villages. Banteay Srei was built in the 10th century and contains some of the finest examples of Khmer sculpture. Although much smaller than the later temples, the buildings here are covered in exquisite carvings. In the afternoon, as we cycle back to Siem Reap, we can stop and visit a few of the less-visited Angkor temples. Siem Reap town is pleasant to wander around; the market has plenty of interest and excellent shopping and there is vibrant nightlife. This afternoon, there should also be time to visit the Tonle Sap Lake. This optional trip includes a boat ride to see the floating fishing villages. Anyone wanting to do this visit may need to miss part or all of the ride back to Siem Reap, depending on timings. The cycle is approximately 43.5mi (70km) if riding the full distance to and from Banteay Srei.

Today, we have a bus journey of approximately seven hours along National Road 6 to Phnom Penh, with a couple of stops along the way. After about three hours on the road, we visit Sambor Prei Kuk, the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia, with some of the oldest structures in the country. We also pause for a traditional Khmer lunch at a community restaurant. The road is currently undergoing some resurfacing, so some sections are a bit bumpy. We should arrive in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh in the late afternoon, the perfect time for a sundowner on the Mekong.

The fortunes of Phnom Penh have shifted dramatically during its history and the terrible years of the Khmer Rouge and subsequent civil war through the 1970s and ‘80s have scarred the country. During our stay, we visit two sites on an approximately two to three-hour tour, which give us a vivid impression of some of the horrors. There is the Genocide Museum, which is the former Khmer Rouge prison known as S-21 or Tuol Sleng, in the city centre. And 9.3mi (15km) out of town is the area known as the Killing Fields, a mass grave and execution site for the former inmates of S-21. While visiting Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields may not appeal to everyone, we feel they give us an important understanding of what the country and people endured. On a more positive note, the city is on the rise again and is a fascinating place with fine examples of French colonial architecture. We tour the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda. There is also excellent shopping at the Russian market, and the lively Mekong waterfront area.

This morning, we transfer (approximately two hours) south out of Phnom Penh to the town of Takeo. Here the road becomes quieter and we mount our bikes for the 31mi (50km) ride to the Phnom Den-Tinh Bien border. Once border formalities have been completed, we cycle approximately 18.6mi (30km) to Chau Doc.

This morning, we ride from our hotel, leaving around 7.30am, along a quiet backroad lined with villages and dwellings before stopping after 31mi (50km) for lunch around 1pm. After an hour, we transfer (approximately two hours) to Vinh Long by bus. Leaving the bikes on the mainland, we take another boat (30 minutes) to reach our homestay-style guesthouse on An Binh Island in the Mekong Delta. After settling in we can explore the area on foot. The rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta form an amazing network of waterways. The area is best known for its abundant rice production, but in many areas farmers are now moving to more profitable fish farming and fruit and vegetable growing. The evening is tranquil with dinner at the homestay and true Delta hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided.

Leaving the homestay around 8am, we have a 45-minute boat ride to Cai Be, stopping en route to see cottage industries producing items such as popped rice, pancakes and wine. We then start our 22mi (35km) ride towards Cai Lay, where we take a scenic route through orchards and alongside the Mekong. We finish cycling around 1pm. After lunch, we’re back on the bus in My Tho, driving (2hr to 2hr 30min) to the heat, hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, still usually known as Saigon. This is an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a free-market city where (almost) anything goes.

The whole day is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City, shop and relax. There are many interesting things to see – the Saigon River, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral are all within easy walking distance. Alternatively, a short cyclo (cycle taxi) ride takes you to the War Remnants Museum, home to a sobering photographic record of the Vietnam War. If you’re interested, your leader can arrange an optional visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are two hours outside the city. Used by the Viet Cong during the war, the network covers three levels and approximately 149mi (240km) of tunnels. Originally these were very narrow but some areas have been widened to allow tourists to explore the system.

You’ll begin your return home after breakfast this morning. To make your journey as easy as possible, there’s a free shared transfer to the airport. If you’d like to explore this invigorating city a little more, please speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.