Many visitors to Southeast Asia spend much of their time rushing around clogged city streets. Break free and see the region from a bicycle seat on this 10-day trip. Roll past the temples of stunning Angkor Wat, cruise around Phnom Penh, and enjoy the villages and rural life around Siem Reap. 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.
At a glance
Duration
10 days
Route
Ho Chi Minh City → Siem Reap
Countries
Vietnam, Cambodia
Activity level
moderate
Style
Active & Multi-Sport, Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Vietnam & Cambodia
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalWelcome to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, one of Vietnam's most thriving cities. There are no activities planned, but there will be a scheduled group meeting in the evening around 6pm. After the meeting, opt to head out for an optional dinner to get to know the CEO and fellow group members. Until the meeting, enjoy free time to relax and explore the city. Why not take the chance to visit Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas, Ben Than Market, Reunification Palace or the War Remnants Museum?
Welcome to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, one of Vietnam's most thriving cities. There are no activities planned, but there will be a scheduled group meeting in the evening around 6pm. After the meeting, opt to head out for an optional dinner to get to know the CEO and fellow group members. Until the meeting, enjoy free time to relax and explore the city. Why not take the chance to visit Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas, Ben Than Market, Reunification Palace or the War Remnants Museum?
Day 2Cycle out to Cu Chi and visit…In the morning, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the Vietnam-American War. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a complex network of tunnels that Viet Cong forces lived in to protect themselves from the opposing forces. They stored ammunition, had underground hospitals and served as a hidden base to attack the allied forces. If you are not claustrophobic, you may want to crawl through some of the tunnel network to get a feel for what it must have been like during the war. Approximate cycling distance: 25km (15 mi)
In the morning, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the Vietnam-American War. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a complex network of tunnels that Viet Cong forces lived in to protect themselves from the opposing forces. They stored ammunition, had underground hospitals and served as a hidden base to attack the allied forces. If you are not claustrophobic, you may want to crawl through some of the tunnel network to get a feel for what it must have been like during the war. Approximate cycling distance: 25km (15 mi)
Day 3Enjoy a morning boat trip before cycling from Bến Tre to Cần ThơBreakfast this morning offers the chance to visit the market and try some local foods. Take a boat ride to explore the surrounding area, where there are a number of islands situated in the river which are sometimes not connected to the mainland other than by a small ferry. Once on the islands, it's time for some cycling.
Breakfast this morning offers the chance to visit the market and try some local foods. Take a boat ride to explore the surrounding area, where there are a number of islands situated in the river which are sometimes not connected to the mainland other than by a small ferry. Once on the islands, it's time for some cycling.
Day 4Spend a day in the Mekong DeltaUpon waking, you will be wishing your time in the Delta won't end, but there is still time to see the floating markets for which this area has become quite well known. As most people will head to the chaotic main market near Can Tho, the hosts will take us to a real, local floating market where vegetables are tossed from craft to craft and a little coffee vendor boat bounces in and out of the gaps, serving strong iced coffee to both vendors and customers. After taking some time to experience this explosion of colour and activity, return to the mainland. End up with an hour transfer to the hotel in Chau Doc city.
Upon waking, you will be wishing your time in the Delta won't end, but there is still time to see the floating markets for which this area has become quite well known. As most people will head to the chaotic main market near Can Tho, the hosts will take us to a real, local floating market where vegetables are tossed from craft to craft and a little coffee vendor boat bounces in and out of the gaps, serving strong iced coffee to both vendors and customers. After taking some time to experience this explosion of colour and activity, return to the mainland. End up with an hour transfer to the hotel in Chau Doc city.
Day 5Cross the border into Cambodia and head…Our Cambodian driver welcomes the group on the Cambodian side and takes us to Phnom Penh. Visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre on the way back to Phnom Penh. Learn about one of the darkest points in the history of Cambodia during the Khmer Rough Regime. Arrive in Phnom Penh early in the afternoon. Phnom Penh has had a turbulent history. When the French colonialists arrived, it was little more than a collection of wooden shacks by the river, but they soon changed that and in doing so created what was once considered a very beautiful city. When the Khmer Rouge evacuated the city in 1975, they started it on its way to decay and decline, a theme that had carried through until only fairly recently when the country's economic development accelerated rapidly.
Our Cambodian driver welcomes the group on the Cambodian side and takes us to Phnom Penh. Visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre on the way back to Phnom Penh. Learn about one of the darkest points in the history of Cambodia during the Khmer Rough Regime. Arrive in Phnom Penh early in the afternoon. Phnom Penh has had a turbulent history. When the French colonialists arrived, it was little more than a collection of wooden shacks by the river, but they soon changed that and in doing so created what was once considered a very beautiful city. When the Khmer Rouge evacuated the city in 1975, they started it on its way to decay and decline, a theme that had carried through until only fairly recently when the country's economic development accelerated rapidly.
Day 6Cycle the Oudong Trail
Cycle the Oudong Trail, starting along railway tracks before passing through the countryside to Oudong Mountain.
Day 7Take to bikes again and explore the surrounding areaSiem Reap
Siem Reap
Take to bikes again and explore the surrounding area, passing through charming village communities, fruit orchards, and a variety of temples. Transfer to Siem Reap.
Day 8Explore the temple complex of Angkor Wat by bikeAs first light dawns and the roosters begin to crow, the day begins at the most important religious monument in the country, looking at the triple towers of Angkor Wat across a reflecting pool. After the sun rises as a giant orange ball behind the towers, the crowds will thin out as most people return to bed. Instead, make use of the cool temperatures and soft morning light to explore Angkor Wat. Monkeys and a handful of other travellers are the only others at the site. A delicious breakfast spread awaits just a short pedal away. After filling up, continue to explore the iconic Angkor temples and some hidden treasures of the Angkor area. Ride through some lovely back trails and even ride atop the wall of Angkor Thom, overlooking the moat on the way back to Siem Reap. Tonight, opt to visit a Cambodian circus that features local culture and history. Opt to pre-book the "Phare Circus" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Angkor Wat
As first light dawns and the roosters begin to crow, the day begins at the most important religious monument in the country, looking at the triple towers of Angkor Wat across a reflecting pool. After the sun rises as a giant orange ball behind the towers, the crowds will thin out as most people return to bed. Instead, make use of the cool temperatures and soft morning light to explore Angkor Wat. Monkeys and a handful of other travellers are the only others at the site. A delicious breakfast spread awaits just a short pedal away. After filling up, continue to explore the iconic Angkor temples and some hidden treasures of the Angkor area. Ride through some lovely back trails and even ride atop the wall of Angkor Thom, overlooking the moat on the way back to Siem Reap. Tonight, opt to visit a Cambodian circus that features local culture and history. Opt to pre-book the "Phare Circus" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 9Bike to Tonle Sap LakeSiem Reap
Siem Reap
Bike to Tonle Sap Lake, visit the floating communities who make their home here and observe some of the birdlife before returning to Siem Reap.
Day 10Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover Vietnam
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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