Cycle South East Asia

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure officially begins in Hanoi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe stretch your legs with a walk around Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, taking a break along the way for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer). You could also join the queues at the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or chill out and people watch at Hoan Kiem Lake. After your group meeting, you’ll head out for an included dinner at KOTO restaurant – Vietnam's first social enterprise employing disadvantaged youth.

This morning, you’ll have some free time to explore the city at your leisure. If you haven’t already, walking through the Old Quarter is really the best way to get a feel for the city – an architectural museum where the ancient '36 Streets’ sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewellery, embroidered tablecloths, wood carvings and lacquerware. In the afternoon, take to the streets of Hanoi by bike and explore the backstreets and alleyways on a guided cycling tour. Get away from the chaos this metropolis is known for and into the heart and soul of this lively city. Tonight, why not head out for Bahn mi and a local beer – your leader will have the best recommendations!

Saddle up this morning as your cycling adventure kicks into first gear. Leave Hanoi behind and travel by bus to Hoa Binh, stopping at Vun Art on the way – a social enterprise run by people living with disabilities, specialising in craft products made from Van Phuc silk. When you arrive in Hoa Binh, you’ll jump on your bike and cycle to Cao Phong through small ethnic Thai villages and paddy fields. As limestone peaks climb in the background, you’ll take regular stops to admire the view across the valleys. When you arrive, take a short bus ride to Man Duc for lunch. Then, the bus will take you to the Da River Reservoir. Cycle along the Da River, passing karst cliffs through paddy fields. The peaceful town of Mai Chau sits in a beautiful valley surrounded by green mountains and is famed for its scenery and friendly hilltribe peoples. Tonight, you’ll enjoy some local hospitality in your simple stilt-house homestay in the village of Poom Coong. After a home cooked meal, there may be a chance to sample some of the local rice wine that’s produced here.

Say farewell to your homestay hosts and cycle from Mai Chau to Mai Hai and on to Co Luong. You’ll ride through more paddy fields, testing your skills (or suspension) with the shallow potholes along the road. Pass farmers drawn by buffalo and wave to the friendly locals as you cycle. Today is all about the lush green fields, limestone mountains and tranquil waterways. Take a bus along the Ho Chi Minh Road and when you arrive in Ninh Binh, you have the option to take another 36 km cycle around the surrounding area. This is a wonderful chance to see the everyday rural life and take in the countryside.

This morning you’ll cycle from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc to soak up one of Vietnam’s most spectacular views – the limestone karst peaks rising over the rice paddies. Mixed in with the sounds and views of the river, which winds through the fields dotted with boats, you’ll find the true meaning of serene. Cycle to Hoa Lu – once the ancient capital of Vietnam under the 10th century Dinh Dynasty, the temples here were restored in the 17th century and architecture is still in great condition. Here, you’ll take a lunch break at the Dinh or the Le Temple, then it’s back on the bus to return to your hotel. After an early dinner, transfer to Nam Dinh for an overnight train to Hue.

Arrive in Hue this morning and hop back in the saddle to explore the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue holds the treasures of the royal past – a mix of bustling streets and tranquil countryside settings. Ride through the fields to some of Hue's many remarkable sites, including temples, bunkers, tombs, ruins, pagodas and country landscapes. Visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive. The foliage-covered ruins and gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. After, kick back in a cafe or restaurant – Hue’s cuisine is considered by many Vietnamese as the best in the country, influenced both by its imperial heritage (small dishes and a focus on presentation) and its strong Buddhist heritage (reflected in the high proportion of vegetarian restaurants).

Leaving Hue, you’ll do some mountainous riding today as you conquer the Hai Van (Ocean Cloud) Pass on the way to the laidback town of Hoi An. This pass is a gorgeous stretch of highway that winds through the Truong Son Mountain Range, with views across the Bay of Danang to the south. It is 500 m above sea level and the up/down slope ranges from 5 to 10 percent. There will be plenty of well-earned breaks along the way to take in the views, snap some photos and rehydrate. When you arrive in Hoi An, you’ll be immersed in the iconic lantern-lit streets, loud markets, tailor shops, artisans, ancient architecture, colourful temples and old school boats lining the river. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved, with parts of the town looking exactly like they did more than a century ago. This makes its streets of low tiled buildings perfect for strolling. Take the evening to soak up the atmosphere, or just rest your legs at a local restaurant after a day’s riding.

Cycle to your last destination within Vietnam – the border town of Tinh Bien. On arrival you’ll stop for lunch, then go through visa formalities and cross into Cambodia. Meet your new support team and hop on your bike again on your way to Phnom Penh. You’ll be cycling along dusty and bumpy rural roads for a while, then along a paved highway which leads towards Cambodia’s capital. Avoid the busy roads and jump back into the support vehicle for the drive into the city. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to seek out the best Cambodian cuisine to help fuel up after a good day out on the bike. Phnom Penh is quickly becoming a hot destination among foodies, so you can easily load up on grilled seafood, fish curry and green mango salad.

Today, you’ll head to the gold-hued Mongkol Serei Kien Khleang Pagoda on the shores of the mighty Mekong River then take a short ferry to spend the full day on a leisurely ride around Mekong Island (Koh Dach). This 10-hectare island is also known as one of the prominent centres of traditional handicrafts in Cambodia, and you’ll visit some local artisans selling quality silks, pottery and woodcarvings. Cycle past temples and pagodas, then stop at a roadside food stall for a refreshing drink. This afternoon’s ride will take you through the small villages, rice paddies, vegetable farms and fruit orchards of the island, then on to Okhna Tey island (Koh Okhna) before you head back to the mainland for a free evening.

Today you’ll confront Cambodia’s tragic past with visits to several historical sites. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. You’ll take a guided tour of the museum where over 20,000 people were once incarcerated and tortured. Next, visit the Choeung Ek Memorial, where a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was where the prisoners of Tuol Sleng were executed and nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. Finally, learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Settle in for a long day of driving as you travel to Siem Reap. Grab a window seat on the bus if you can, as you’ll have some beautiful rural scenery along the way of tiny towns and countryside. Play some road trip games with your fellow travellers, get stuck into your book or take the opportunity to nap as you make the journey. When you arrive, maybe ask your local leader for the best dinner spots!

Today is all about the Angkor Complex – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Sitting in the jungle and hidden from the world for generations, Angkor is an ancient temple complex and with over 1000 temples there is no better way to explore the sprawling site than by bicycle. From Siem Reap, avoid the traffic and ride out off the main roads and (weather permitting) take small unsealed roads and paths to a remote small but beautiful temple practically unvisited by tourists. Enjoy the quiet then continue on small paths through the foliage to the main sites. When you arrive, you’ll park the bikes and explore the iconic Hindu temple of Angkor Wat on foot. Then, it’s back on the bike to discover the original Buddhist temple in Angkor – the amazing Bayon Temple. Cycle to Ta Phrom temple and indulge your inner Indiana Jones as you stroll through an amazing scene, where nature has taken over the ancient ruins.

Today you’ll cover a lot of distance on your visit to Banteay Srei – the 10th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple was rediscovered in 1914 and has some of the most intricate carvings in the world. It was restored shortly after discovery, using traditional techniques and materials. You’ll then have a free afternoon and evening in Siem Reap, to explore or relax at the hotel.

Start your day with a flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok’s Don Muang airport. Then, take a short drive through green fields to start your ride. Jump onto your bike and follow a quiet local road alongside a canal (khlong), then head north, following the winding Chao Praya River as it meanders its way upstream to the ancient capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya. Along the way stop off at the riverside Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a partially restored 17th-century royal Buddhist temple, then finish your ride in the heart of the city at the Ayutthaya Historical Park. This sprawling complex and its incredible array of ancient ruins and temples give an amazing insight into the history of the city that stood as the nation’s capital for around 400 years. If you have time, late afternoon is a great time to visit the park. This evening, perhaps head out for your first meal in Thailand – your leader will know all the best spots to go.

Wake up at sunrise this morning and join the locals who come to give food (alms) to the Buddhist monks from the nearby temples in exchange for blessings. After breakfast, drive to the edge of Khao Yai National Park. From here, enjoy a leisurely ride through the small district of Kabinburi, along quiet roads, past rubber trees, tapioca plantations, rice fields and villages. After a good day in the saddle there is ample time to relax and perhaps soothe those muscles with a Thai massage.

Today, you’ll drive to a small rural village, where you hop back on the bike for your last full day of cycling. Make your way to Khun Dan Dam – Thailand’s largest dam. You’ll ride past small villages, paddy fields, farms and shops. Stop for lunch along the way, then enjoy a quick swim in the dam. After you’re feeling refreshed, you’ll pack up the bikes with your group and hop in a private transfer to Bangkok, your final destination. When you arrive, maybe head out with your local leader and your group for an optional dinner and cheers to a trip well-travelled!

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you’re staying in Bangkok, maybe take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road or visit Wat Pho – home to the country's largest reclining Buddha.