Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery Tour on Bicycle
Embark on an exhilarating 10-day cycling journey that takes you from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City through the tranquil landscapes of the Mekong Delta, all the way to the ancient temples of Angkor in Cambodia. This adventure offers a perfect blend of physical challenge and cultural immersion, with each day bringing new discoveries as you pedal through two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries.
Your adventure begins with your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s dynamic southern hub. After exploring the city, you’ll set off on a full-day excursion to My Tho in the Mekong Delta, where you’ll experience the region’s unique riverine lifestyle before transferring to Tra Vinh for the night. The cycling begins in earnest as you ride through the verdant countryside of Tra Vinh, covering 60-80 km en route to Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional villages, lush rice paddies, and scenic waterways.
From Can Tho, your journey continues as you cycle 50 km to Long Xuyen, soaking in the serene beauty of the Delta. The following day, ride 60-80 km to Chau Doc, a riverside town near the Cambodian border, known for its vibrant market and diverse cultural influences. The adventure intensifies as you cross the Tinh Bien border into Cambodia, arriving in Phnom Penh, where you’ll explore the city’s rich history and culture with a guided city tour.
Leaving Phnom Penh behind, you’ll embark on a 70 km cycling journey to Kampong Thom, passing through rural landscapes and interacting with friendly locals along the way. The next leg takes you another 70 km to Siem Reap, the gateway to the legendary temples of Angkor. Spend your final day cycling 30 km around the ancient ruins, exploring the magnificent Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm, with its iconic tree-root-covered ruins.
As your journey concludes in Siem Reap, you’ll depart with unforgettable memories of a cycling adventure that has taken you through the heart of Southeast Asia, connecting you with the land, its people, and its history in a truly unique way.
Welcome to Vietnam!
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, be welcomed by our guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Ho Chi Minh City, often referred to as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam by population. Bursting with energy and creativity, it serves as the economic centre and main hub of the southern region of the country. As a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis, its blend of historic charm and modern dynamism makes it a top destination for travellers.
Meals: None
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning after breakfast, embark on a road trip to the Mekong Delta, renowned as the world’s largest delta and Vietnam's primary rice-producing region. Upon reaching My Tho City, the capital of Tien Giang Province, board a boat and navigate through the intricate canals. Experience the local way of life and enjoy the picturesque landscape of waterways and lush islands.
Disembark on Unicorn Island, where you can stroll through vibrant orchards, savour fresh tropical fruits, and listen to traditional Southern music. Continue to the Ben Tre province, where you’ll observe local artisans making coconut candy in a rural workshop, take a brief walk, and enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
Next, visit some bee-keeping households to sample fresh honey and honey tea. Afterward, return to Ho Chi Minh City for some leisure time.
Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, transfer to Tra Vinh, a journey that takes approximately 3 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Tra Vinh
Cycling distance: 60-80 km
Today, our adventure will immerse us in the captivating world of rice paddies. We’ll start the morning with a short bike ride to Ba Om Pond, an 800-year-old Khmer marvel renowned for its stunning seasonal lotus blooms.
From there, we’ll continue cycling through expansive flatlands, weaving past verdant rice paddies and winding canals in a region famed as Vietnam's second-largest rice producer. In the afternoon, we’ll journey by van to Can Tho City. Don’t miss the chance to dive into the lively atmosphere of Can Tho’s renowned night markets!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Can Tho
Cycling distance: 50km
Today's excursion is divided into two distinct yet equally captivating segments: a morning on the water and an afternoon on land.
We’ll begin our day by drifting from Can Tho on a boat towards the enchanting Cai Rang floating market. As we glide through the waterways, the market’s vibrant colours and lively chatter will envelop us, offering a kaleidoscope of local life and flavours. The 60-minute boat ride will immerse us in a world where bustling vendors and fresh produce create a tapestry of sights and sounds.
After bidding farewell to the floating market, we’ll embark on a serene cycling adventure. As we pedal along tranquil riverside paths, the gentle hum of the wheels will guide us through lush fruit orchards and quiet countryside trails. The dense forested areas will slowly give way to the vast, golden rice fields we first admired on day one. Here, surrounded by endless horizons and the whispering breeze, we’ll experience a profound sense of solitude and connection with the land, with no soul in sight for miles—a true moment for introspection and appreciation.
Our day culminates at the magical Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary, where the sky is a canvas for thousands of graceful storks in flight. You’ll have the choice to either continue cycling through this serene landscape or opt for a van transfer to Long Xuyen City. This day promises to captivate your senses and leave you with a deep sense of wonder and tranquilly.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Long Xuyen
Cycling distance: 60 - 80km
After another filling and delicious local breakfast, we will transfer 30 minutes to set off on the 55 km journey to Tra Su National Reserve and Bird Sanctuary. The route takes us through farmland frequently inundated with water, so we’ll travel predominantly on raised, reinforced platforms that offer an elevated view of the picturesque fields below.
We’ll arrive at Tra Su in the early afternoon, just as the crowds are thinning out. Here, we’ll have the chance to stroll along a floating bridge, surrounded by a stunning tapestry of vibrant algae that colors the waters. Guided boat tours will be available, allowing us to glide through the shaded, tranquil canals of the reserve and immerse ourselves in its serene beauty.
Following this peaceful exploration, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing our journey. We’ll then mount our bikes for a 25-km ride to our overnight destination in Chau Doc City. For those preferring a more relaxed end to the day, an air-conditioned van is available for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Chau Doc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Chau Doc
After another filling and delicious local breakfast, we will transfer to Tinh Bien border for transit to Phnom Penh.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by our driver and transferred to hotel for check-in. Room may not be ready until 2:00 pm.
In the afternoon, we’ll delve into the rich history and culture of the region with three compelling visits.
First, we’ll explore the Royal Palace, the grand residence of the King and a central venue for court ceremonies. Inside its majestic walls, the hustle and bustle of the city fade away, leaving a serene atmosphere where the royal heritage is palpable.
Next, we’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S21. Originally a high school, this site was repurposed by Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime into a notorious prison and torture center. It stands as a powerful and sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during that dark period.
Our final stop will be the Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong). This lively outdoor market is a treasure trove of local culture, offering an array of goods from intricately carved wooden artefacts and elegant silver jewellery to colourful silk kramas and unique souvenirs like T-shirts and CDs. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere and pick up some memorable keepsakes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Phnom Penh
Cycling distance: 70km
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we’ll check out at 8:30 AM and transfer by van to the Mekong boat pier. From there, we’ll embark on a scenic 45-minute boat ride upstream on the Mekong River to Koh Dach (Mekong Island), where our cycling adventure begins.
On the island, you’ll ride through charming villages and have the chance to observe local artisans at work, including weavers creating beautiful scarves, sarongs, and other silk products. We’ll also visit a local pagoda and school, providing insight into the community’s daily life and culture.
After our exploration, we’ll cross the river by local ferry and continue cycling along the riverside. Finally, we’ll transfer by van to Kampong Thom for check-in at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Kampong Thom
Cycling distance: 70km
For your last destination before Siem Reap, you will start pedalling from your hotel in Kampong Thom to the UNESCO-classified Sambor Prei Kuk Temple, which consists of a hundred brick Hindu temples scattered through the forest. From there, you will continue to ride through the calm countryside for a total of 65 km on this day.
Once your ride is complete, our driver will be ready to transfer you to Siem Reap. Arriving in Siem Reap in the late afternoon, you’ll check into your hotel and have some time to freshen up.
In the evening, we’ll take a short drive to Bakheng Mountain to experience a breathtaking sunset over the ancient landscape. Afterward, we’ll return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Siem Reap
Cycling distance: 30km
We’ll kick off the day with a cycling journey to the iconic Ta Prohm Temple, renowned for its enchanting overgrown ruins. From there, we’ll continue to Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple, famous for its enigmatic stone faces.
En route, we’ll pause for a special water blessing by the monks at Wat Palylie, a serene and spiritual experience.
Lunch will be served at a local family’s home, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Khmer dishes prepared with care.
Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel. If you wish, you can make an optional visit to a nearby killing field before heading back.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel, free until time to transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure flight (check-out time is 12:00 noon).
Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast
- Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers
- Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers
- Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
- Private boat for sightseeing as mentioned in the programme
- Mineral water is available as complementary
- Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival
- International & Domestic flight tickets
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary
- Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
- Visa stamping fee at the airport
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)