Cycling Tour Vietnam to Cambodia – Saigon to Siem Reap

Following breakfast, we transfer out of Saigon to avoid the heavy traffic and head to the Cu Chi tunnels, home to 5,000 VC troops during the Vietnam/U.S. War. We squeeze underground for an insight into life as a tunnel dwelling resistance fighter & remember that people lived here for months on end. We start our cycling on a great tarmac road to Trang Bang, from there we go cross country towards Hau Nghia and Duc Hoa. We transfer to a village on a small island in the middle of the river, where we spend the night in a local home. The home stay will be an unforgettable experience and can give you a unique insight into the culture of the locals. (B, L, D)

Enjoy a leisurely cycle from the homestay to visit a local rice paper factory, candy workshop and orchards. Head to cycling to Vinh Long city, we ride on the tarmac road to Long Ho then branch off and cycle through quieter countryside roads alongside rice paddies, coconut trees and orchards. Stop along the way for a short break and interact with hospitable locals. Lunch is served in a local restaurant. Our ride ends at Binh Minh where board the support vehicle and transfer to Can Tho. Overnight in Can Tho. Meals: B, L

This morning, we rise early for a unique taste of life in the Mekong, as we board a local boat and explore the colorful Cai Rang floating market. Sellers advertise their wares by crying out across the waters or tie their goods to a tall pole attached to their boat so that buyers can see from a distance what is being sold. This memorable experience makes for many excellent photo opportunities. Relax and enjoy the cruise back to the hotel where we will freshen up before we check-out to start our riding. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant along the way. Continue the ride on narrow lanes to explore the hidden backwaters of the delta and along canal banks until you reach Rach Gia a laid back fishing village, which faces the Gulf of Thailand. Our ride finishes in Rach Gia where we transfer to Ha Tien for the night. Meals: B, L

Today is a pleasant ride on quiet scenic roads to the border crossing. We complete all the immigration formalities and after a 15km ride, we drop our bikes and walk across the border to Cambodia where our new bikes await. We then enjoy a gentle ride passing through stunning rural areas introducing you to Cambodia. Tonight’s destination is the tranquil seaside town of Kep. Meals: B, L

Following breakfast, we have a full day in the saddle. Today’s ride takes us along easy tarmac roads that pass through many rural areas with occasional glimpses of the Gulf of Thailand. Cycle through Kampot and view the Damrei Mountains. This is a provincial capital with well-preserved French colonial buildings. Continue to Cambodia’s premier beach resort, Sihanoukville, where we spend the night. Meals B, L

Spend the morning at leisure on the beach before transferring from Sihanoukville by road to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. In the afternoon, ride to the Tuol Sleng Museum and the infamous Killing Fields. We enjoy our first night in fascinating Phnom Penh. Meals B, L

A full day in the incredible city of Phnom Penh and a brief break from cycling. Take a stroll along the riverside, a great place for a cold drink and watching the sunset. Tonight we meet to enjoy a welcome dinner at Friends Restaurant a ‘kindness restaurant’ where ex-street children are trained in hospitality and restaurant skills, helping them to break away from life on the streets. It’s a great experience. New Cambodia (only) tour guests join today. Meals: B, D

This morning after breakfast we will transfer to the old colonial French seaside town of Kep (3.5 hours). Upon arrival, we relax at a lovely beach before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant by Kep Crab market. In the afternoon, we cycle through the Kampot Pepper Farms following back roads through the countryside gaining an invaluable insight into local life and then stop at Chnurk Mountain to visit a cave before continuing to the small laid back town of Kampot. A quiet but a charming riverside town with some beautiful colonial buildings. Tonight you will enjoy a local cuisine dinner at the bustling Fish Market. Meals: B, L, D

Today we explore a darker side of Cambodia's history, with a cycle to Phnom Penh where we will visit the Killing Fields and S21 genocide museum. There is time available in the afternoon to visit the bustling Central market, or the bargain centre that is the Russian market and the fascinating Royal Palace. Dinner tonight will be arranged at the ‘Dine in the Dark’ restaurant. Three courses are served in the pitch black by blind waiters. Guests can choose from a choice of Western, Khmer or Vegetarian cuisine. This is a truly unique and memorable experience and the food is wonderful. Meals B & D.

A slightly earlier start today, as we cycle north initially on road via an ancient Japanese bridge and start travelling through real Cambodian countryside. We will head to Prek Phnov after which we turn onto unpaved roads passing local villages and rows of rice fields. A stop to visit the ancient capital of Udong and Udong Mountain which is still home to many of the old Royal Palaces and we inspect one of the remaining stupa’s, We continue on to Pursat. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to use the hotel pool or explore the town & river island. Tonight we enjoy a fun night at the local ‘pizza joint’, an unusual treat for this remote rural town. Meals B & D.

A later start this morning departing Pursat after breakfast and time to explore this incredible town (our personal favorite). We first drive from Pursat to a selected area in rural Battambang province, then jump on our bikes for a 42km cycle through local communities, villages & farmland on our way to Battambang. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant, feel free to explore this charming riverside city. Meals B & D.

This morning you will start with a transfer by boat to Siem Reap crossing the immense Tonle Sap Lake. The Tonle Sap Lake is the beating heart of Cambodia and nearly half of the Cambodians live off this lake. It’s the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia and its biodiversity has put the lake on the ecological 7 wonders of the world. The transfer takes about 4 hours. Upon arrival in Siem Reap we pass the floating village of Chhong Kneas. This large sized village is a bustling trade center for fish, other lake “products” and tourism. The arrival will definitely be one you will never forget. We cycle the 12km into town and settle into our hotel. We then head to our cooking class to learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine, which becomes our dinner at Champey Restaurant. A brilliant way to finish an amazing day. Meals B & D.

An early start this morning ahead of our guided cycle to and around Angkor Wat for sunrise, an incredible experience. After breakfast we cycle to explore the lesser-known temples of Angkor Thom (Bayon) and Ta Prohm (where Tomb Raider was filmed). Enjoy a picnic lunch (own arrangement) on the grounds overlooking the temples and ask questions of our local guide on the amazing history of these UNESCO listed temples. We cycle back to town and our accommodation. Dinner at the famous Cuisine Wat Damnak Restaurant. Meals B, L, D

Today is departure date, when we say good bye to our wonderful local guides, and each other. Collect emails of your new friends, and arrange your transfers to the airport or onward journey. Breakfast is included today.