SCB Itinerary Title
The Cycling - Introduction
Roads/Quiet backroads with some sections on dirt tracks and easy trails. There are hills and rolling countryside on this tour so a reasonable basic level of fitness is recommended.
Tour Highlights:
- Explore the life and history of three diverse Asian countries
- Fully aided by support vehicle
- Brilliant cycling mix of tarmac roads, dirt and forest tracks
- Discover the culture, cuisine and community of Southeast Asia
- Exhibit multiple iconic religious landmarks
- Wonder at the multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites
Usual daily distances:
50 - 78km
31 - 49 miles
International Partners:
CycleActive is proud to be a part of the worldwide cycling community, exploring the globe from the comfort of our saddles. Our trips help to bring fellow pedal propelled adventurer’s together, as this tour is run in conjunction with international partners. Led by an English-speaking local guide, we band together to collectively share these incredible cycling experiences!
Tour staff:
Local cycle guide(s) (English speaking), Support vehicle driver.
If you want to find out more about the cycling, the route or our Asia cycle tour, then please contact us and one of our team will get back to you.
Ride Description
Day 1 Sunday – Arrival, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Overview:
After landing in Ho Chi Minh airport, we recommend jumping in a local airport taxi as this is the most efficient way to transfer to our luxury hotel, nestled in the heart of the city. We’ll head out to explore major landmarks and make the most of our first night in Asia.
Accommodation: Nhat Ha L'Opera Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Ascent: 0ft, 0m
Cycling: 0 miles, 0km
Departing from the UK on Saturday afternoon we’ll arrive in Ho Chi Minh City airport the following day. The luxurious four-star, Northern Hotel is situated in the heart of Saigon’s business district.
Once we’re checked in, we’ll have the rest of the day to explore the elegant and historic boulevards that are nestled amongst Vietnam’s largest city. Our hotel is in perfect walking distance of many iconic landmarks; like the beautiful Saigon Opera House, built in 1897 to entertain French Colonists, it still stands as the heart of the city’s bustling cinema and theatre economy.
The picturesque Notre Dame Cathedral is also something not to be missed. It’s two proud bell towers, herald the cathedrals stylised Romanesque architecture, that was constructed solely with materials imported from France.
Or if you’re feeling peckish why not try the popular Vietnamese dish of Pho, a deliciously heathy noodle soup that locals eat daily for both lunch and dinner! But don’t eat too much as we’ll be dining tonight at the enchanting Temple Club Restaurant. Decorated in the air of a colonial officers’ club, the tantalising food matches its aesthetic grandeur.
Then we’ll head back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep, maybe after a quick swim in the rooftop pool!
Day 2 Monday – Ho Chi Minh City – Tra Vinh
Overview:
Our cycling adventure starts today! Leaving Ho Chi Minh we rapidly traverse off road, through dust, across rivers and past luscious vegetation towards the coastal province of Tra Vinh.
Accommodation: Cuu Long Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 2073ft, 632 m
Transfer time: 2 hrs ( Saigon to Ben Tre Province)
Cycling: 46 miles, 74km
After a sound night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast, we’ll hop onto our transfer vehicle that’ll be ready to take us out of bustling Ho Chi Minh to our first cycling destination- the coastal province, Ben Tre.
Better known as the gateway to the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre is a perfect example of authentic rural Vietnamese life; and once we’re ready we’ll saddle up onto our bikes and explore what’s been termed the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam.
Pedalling down narrow roads we’ll get the feel for life as a local. Cascaded by palm leaves we pass ripe banana plantations and fields full of sugar cane before we change gears to take an off-road adventure.
Hitting the dirt lanes, with dust following our trail, we’ll weave in and out of vibrant hamlets, forward across rivers and traverse through thick luscious vegetation; a most thrilling action-packed section of cycling!
We’ll be able to cool down after we board the ferry that will take us to the picturesque, tree lined town of Tra Vinh, one of the prettiest along the Mekong Delta. We’ll take a leisurely ride, past many of Tra Vinh’s Khmer pagodas to tonight’s hotel. The Cuu Long Hotel is a top 3-star hotel, which provides both massage and sauna services that might be well deserved after today’s grand cycle.
Day 3 Tuesday– Tra Vinh - Can Tho
Overview:
Today brings a visually stunning cycle, as we delve deeper into the Meekong delta. Our destination is Can Tho, locally known as the ‘river of poems’; it’s a charming city best known for its beautiful views and floating markets.
Accommodation: Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 1384ft, 422m
Transfer time: 30 mins ( Tra Vinh to Can Tho)
Cycling: 45 miles, 78km
With the warm sun shining down upon us, we’ll leave the leafy Tra Vinh, following rural byways under the shadow of the proud standing Khmer homes, that look vaguely alien when they’re not surrounded by flood water!
Water could be seen as the theme of the day; as we take extra precautions when crossing locally constructed wooden bridges over colourful rivers that cover the area. The bridges themselves could easily be mistaken for a shot from Indiana Jones- so we’ll dismount our bikes to ensure our safety, though the sense of heroic adventure will still be pertinent.
Nearing closer to Can Tho we’ll push on, cycling down single-track tarmac roads, admiring the natural beauty of the unchanged verdant landscape. Although, the dream like cycle may be brought back to reality as we stop briefly to let local farmers pass; in wide wooden carts pulled by mighty buffalo- which would provide a perfect opportunity for a great photograph.
Saddling back up, we’ll soon be pedalling along the southern bank of the Hau River and into Can Tho, and to tonight’s four-star, stately hotel, Ninh Kieu 2. The night can be spent at your own leisure, although the 320 metre walk to the Ninh Kieu Pier is highly recommended. Brightly illuminated at night Can Tho’s waterfront is a spectacle of floating bars and restaurants, offering a pleasant evening under the stars.
Day 4 Wednesday – Can Tho – Chau Doc
Overview:
After exploring some of the hustling Cai Rang Floating Markets, we saddle up and cycle along rural roads, venturing toward the Vietnam border. We stop along the way to visit Sam Mountain, a visually spectacular sacred Buddhist monument.
Accommodation: Chau Pho Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 1496ft, 456 m
Transfer time: 1.5 hours (Long Xuyen for lunch), 2 hrs (Can Tho to Chau Doc), 30 mins to the Hotel
Cycling: 35 miles, 56km
We’ll start Day Four fresh and early with a morning trip to the Cai Rang Floating Market. Hailing its name from its bridge of origin, the market spans half a kilometre, and is host to a rush hour like congregation of boats, selling wonderfully coloured tropical fresh fruit. The market’s joyous atmosphere will set the tone for today’s relatively flat cycle.
Leaving the morning bustle of Can Tho we pedal out into the quaint Vietnamese countryside, surrounded by the resourceful Thot Not or Toddy Palms. The palms are incredibly important to the local population, and are a large part of Khmer culture, as all parts of the tree utilised; from its leaves being purposed for roofing to its uniquely flavoured fruits.
Under the shade of these trees we make our way to Thoi Lai, where we’ll dismount for a spot of lunch and settle in for an hour transfer to Ba Chuc. Once there and when were back on our bikes, we will steadily follow the Cambodian border along striking country roads towards Chau Doc. But not before we head directly to Sam Mountain.
Although, more a hill, Sam Mountain stands as a sacred Buddhist ground and offers wonderous views of surrounding Cambodia. We’ll reach the peak in time for sundown, a sublime time to toast to a great day’s cycle and to experience the eastern sun set over local rice fields. We’ll catch a transfer to tonight’s hotel that’s settled in the heart of Chau Doc.
Day 5 Thursday – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh
Overview:
We take a break from the cycling to spend a day illuminating the dark history of Cambodia’s past. First visiting the morose landscape of The Killing Fields, that was marred by dictator Pol Pot’s regime, before moving onto The Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide.
Accommodation: Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 0ft, 0 m
Transfer time: 30mins to Tuol Sleng, 1 hour to Killing field
Cycling: 0 miles, 0km
With no cycling today, we’ll head straight out into the transfer vehicle for our day uncovering Cambodia’s recent dark history. Our first destination is The Killing Fields; their chilling beauty an artefact of the once ruling Communist Khmer Rouge Regime. Led by then leader Pol Pot, the fields functioned as a space for mass executions, where over 1 million civilians are recorded to have lost their lives.
After an emotionally exhausting day, we’ll unwind at The Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel, relaxing in their comfortable rooms and roof top pool.
Day 6 Friday – Phnom Penh – Oudong – Kampong Thom
Overview:
Today we get the best of both worlds; captivating city and organic countryside. You’ll have the morning to discover Cambodia’s sensual capital Phnom Penh at your own pace. While in the afternoon we cycle from the current to former capital, Udong Mountain.
Accommodation: Sambor Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 862ft, 263 m
Transfer time: 1hr fron the hotel, 2.5 hrs (Phnom Penh to Kampong Thom)
Cycling: 28 miles, 45km
We’ll be energised for a morning exploration of Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh. Home to 1.5 million people, Phnom Penh is a landmark for life, culture and the eccentricities of Cambodia. We’ll cautiously weave throughout the mania of motorbike traffic, spotting gracious shades of saffron, as monks’ robes filter throughout the illustrious oriental architecture.
We’ll grab some tasty lunch before sliding back onto our trusty bikes to pedal through earthy Cambodia towards Udong Mountain. The dirt roads guide us through the friendly landscape; local families wave us along as we pass now familiar stilted houses and the working oxen pulling carts.
It’ll be clear when were close to our destination as the astonishing monument of Udong sits proud on top of its hill; reminiscent of kings past, as it stood as the royal capital between 1618 and 1866. We’ll test the strength of our cycling legs as we climb the 400 steps to the peak! The intermittent workout will be worthwhile, as we gawk at the breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape painted with luscious groves of sugar palm.
From Udong we will jump onto the transfer vehicle for a long drive to tonight’s city of Kampong Thom. We’ll rest at Sambor Village; a beautiful hotel, with its own pool nestled within a tropical garden.
Day 7 Saturday – Kampong Thom – Siem Reap
Overview:
We spend the morning discovering the spectacular Sambor Prei Kuk Temple, a newly decorated UNESCO World Heritage Site, before cycling along the tranquil flat roads that connect the vibrant market village, Damdek, to the historical city of Siem Reap.
Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 646ft, 197 m
Transfer time: 1hr Thnorl Bombek to Spean Praptos, 1.5hrs Praptos to Hotel
Cycling: 40 miles, 65km
Leaving the serene tropical hotel behind us in Kampong Thom, we take a brief transfer to the ancient Sambor Prei Kuk temple. The 7th century temple nestled within dense forest was once home of King Isanavarman and served as the capital of The Chenla Empire. Recently decorated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ll have a great time exploring some of the 100 brick temples that populate this mystical site.
We’ll hop back aboard our transfer vehicle to reach Damdek, a small market town, bustling with friendly local faces. Here we’ll grab some freshly prepared market food for lunch, before we start today’s 65km cycle, towards ‘the gateway to the ancient world’- Siem Reap.
The road is long, flat and verdantly lined with shady trees, offering a tranquil cycle that you can really make your own; whether you want to breathe in the raw countryside, stop to take some artsy photos, or to focus on the cycle by picking up the pace and pedalling ahead.
We’ll soon arrive in Siem Reap’s beautiful French Quarter, to check in at the elegant Steung Siem Reap Hotel, where we’ll be staying for four nights, giving us the perfect opportunity to unpack, relax and settle down.
Day 8 Sunday – Angkor Temples
Overview:
We spend today exploring the historically magnificent temples that stand as a pertinent symbol of Cambodia. From the majestic Angkor Wat, to the cinematic Ta Prohm and ending at the gracious Terrace of Elephants.
Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 623ft, 190 m
Transfer time: N/a
Cycling: 19 miles, 30km
With a bright start to the day, we’ll mount our bikes and head off toward the majestic Angkor Wat temple. Standing as the largest religious monument in the world (at 162.6 hectares), the Khmer temple is a proud symbol of Cambodia, and even features on its national flag. You’ll want to get lost inside the intricately patterned stone walls, depicting Hindu mythology and Suryavarman II’s wars, admiring the historical beauty of the temple.
But before that can happen we’ll make way toward Ta Prohm, a Bayon style temple that may seem strangely familiar, as it was used in the Tomb Raider films! Ta Prohm is particularly special as it has been left in the same condition as it was found: the atmospherically aesthetic combination of trees growing out of the ruins within the jungle surrounding has made it a visual spectacle.
We’ll stop for some lunch right outside of Ankor Wat’s grand walls, at the homely Angkor Café where we can chow down on some authentic Cambodian dishes. Once full we’ll make our way to the Terrace of the Elephants; a 350m-long wall adorned with stone elephant heads. The wall was used as a platform for King Jayavarman VII to view his victorious returning army, and will be a great place to take some cracking photos.
After spending the day exploring these magnificent temples, we’ll get back onto our bikes, to pedal the 7k dirt road back to Siem Reap.
Day 9 Monday – Ride To Banteay Srei
Overview:
Cycling out into the country we visit the ancient Banteay Srei temple, before we pedal further onto The Valley of 1000 Lingas, for a jungle trek that’s dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu.
Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ascent: 603ft, 184 m
Transfer time: 20mins Kbal Spean to Banteay Srei, 1 hr depend on traffic (Banteay Srei to hotel)
Cycling: 35 miles, 56km
Breakfast will start the day, before we jump aboard our bikes and pedal though Cambodia’s vibrantly rural countryside toward our first destination of the day, Banteay Srai.
Banteay Srei was built in dedication to the Hindu god Shiva in 967. The temple is host to many ornate oriental buildings, that are largely constructed out of red sandstone, and as it’s a material that’s easy to decorate, many elaborate wall carvings are still prominent today. Banteay Srei’s beauty has led to locals to nickname it the ‘jewel of Khmer art’.
Leaving the temple behind us we carry on forward, changing gears and pushing down winding roads to Kbal Spean, better known as The Valley of 1000 Lingas. We’ll temporarily park our bikes, in preparation for the 3km jungle trek to the peak of the valley.
The pretty path winds its way through the trees, as we pass fascinating boulder formations along the way. We’ll reach the waterfall that falls upon stone carvings of myriads of lingams, depicted as neatly aligned bumps that scatter across the surface the sandstone bedrock, while also observing many other carvings dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu.
Carefully making our way back down the jungle path, we’ll sit down for a comfortable ride upon the transfer vehicle as we return to Siem Reap. Tonight, dinner can be taken at your own leisure, which presents an excellent opportunity to try some of the delightful local restaurants that the city has to offer!
Day 10 Tuesday – Siem Reap – Battambang
Overview:
We take a break from the cycling to instead explore Cambodia by foot, boat, van and perhaps even Tuk Tuk! Floating along Tonle Sap, we’ll reach Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city and largest rice producer.
Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 0ft, 0 m
Transfer time: 6-8 hrs by boat (Siem Reap to Battambang) depends on water level
Cycling: 0 miles, 0km
Waking to the warm morning sun, we’ll head out of our hotel on foot, as today we rest our cycling legs, instead opting to board a boat that’ll take us across the vast freshwater lake, Tonle Sap. A ‘Lake-town’ like village, populated with Khmer homes; with their stilts submerged, wooden canoes float by like cars, and ladders dip into the water to transfer locals back to their homes.
The lake is an epicentre for wildlife, and is home to over 150 different species of fish, eleven of which are globally threatened species. Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras focused for a rare glimpse of a Spot-Billed Pelican, Grey-headed Fish Eagle or a quaint Manchurian Reed Warbler.
Crossing the lake, we’ll reach Battambang, a city rich in culture since its beginnings in the 11th century. Upon arrival we’ll probably be hungry, giving us an excellent opportunity to visit some of the delicious places the city has to offer; from laidback local haunts, cheap food stalls to the arty cafes hidden down secluded backstreets, you’ll be sure to find something delightful. After arriving at the hotel and some down-time, we will take tuk-tuks to Phnom Sampov to watch the bats spectacle at dusk.
After eating we’ll explore the city, walking through the cities preserved colonial architecture that tells a tale of another time. We’ll dot from temple to temple, perhaps beginning at Wat Ek Phnom and ending at the spectacular Prasat Banan.
And before the day is over we may even get the chance catch a performance at the renowned Battambang Circus (depending on performance times)! We’ll then head back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Day 11 Wednesday – Battambang - Pailin
Overview:
A scenic cycling route through Battambang's verdant countryside leads us to local homes making popular snacks, an 11th-century Angkorian temple, and the Samrong Knong Killing Field. We’ll enjoy a ride on the bamboo train and explore the Cambodian Peace Gallery as well.
Accommodation: Memoria Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 880ft, 268m
Transfer time: N/a
Cycling: 34 miles, 54km
The countryside surrounding Battambang is alive with colorful rural landscapes, echoes of Cambodia’s rich history, and some delightful surprises. We’ll kick off our adventure with a 25 km ride along the banks of the Sangker River and nearby roads, where we’ll encounter traditional cottage industries crafting local favorites such as banana chips, rice wine, bamboo sticky rice, and prahok (a strong fermented fish paste). Our journey includes a visit to Wat Phnom Eak, an 11th-century Angkorian ruin, and a moment of reflection at the Samrong Knong Killing Field, a memorial to the genocide located within a Buddhist temple.
As we continue, we’ll pedal through lush rice paddies and bustling roadside markets, leading us to a quintessential and amusing Battambang experience: a ride on the bamboo train, clattering along the tracks on bamboo platforms powered by a small motor. Before heading back to the city, we’ll cross a hanging bridge that feels like something out of an Indiana Jones movie and explore the Cambodian Peace Gallery, a poignant exhibition focused on war and reconciliation. After some free time in the afternoon, we’ll come together for dinner at Jaan Bai, a social enterprise restaurant that serves fresh local dishes and supports employment for Cambodian youth.
Day 12 Thursday – Pailin - Chanthaburi
Overview:
We make our way swiftly from the Cambodian plains to the Gulf of Thailand with two consecutive vehicle transfers, capped off by a brief coastal ride. In the evening, we indulge in delicious Thai cuisine and spend the night by the beach.
Accommodation: Chanchaolao Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 555ft, 169m
Transfer time: 1hr
Cycling: 14 miles, 22km
It's time to move on to the third country on our tour: Thailand! We’ll begin with a morning transfer of approximately two hours from Battambang to the border crossing at Ban Pakkad. After we complete immigration procedures, the Thailand team will welcome us to the “Land of Smiles.” From there, we’ll take a 1.5-hour drive to the coast of Chanthaburi Province.
One of the highlights you’ve likely been anticipating is your first taste of delicious, world-famous Thai cuisine, and we’ll indulge that craving with lunch before we embark on a short but enjoyable afternoon ride. Starting at the headland of Laem Sing, we’ll cycle along a well-paved road that hugs the Gulf of Thailand for just over 20 km. We’ll then unwind for the evening near Chao Lao Beach, a tranquil stretch of palm-fringed sands favored by locals and less frequented by tourists. If border procedures go smoothly and take less time than expected, we can extend today’s ride by about 10 km.
Day 13 Friday – Chanthaburi – Laem Mae Phim
Overview:
From Chanthaburi we tour through the Thai countryside: from luscious mangrove forests, to gaining a taste of local industry at a bustling shrimp farm, before we settle along the serene coastline.
Accommodation: Grand Blue Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: 823ft, 251 m
Transfer time: N/a
Cycling: 36 miles, 58km
We’ll wake bright and early for a breezy cycle down the straight, flat country towards Laem Mae Phim. The ride can be taken at your own pace; whether you want to push forward and challenge yourself, or sit back and relax, absorbing the beautiful surroundings, it’s truly up to you!
The road to Leam Mae Phim takes us on a tour through luscious mangrove forests, their dense tangle of prop roots creating a fascinating spectacle, as we feel as though we are cycling through a dystopian alien tree realm. From the forest we then bike past ample shrimp farms that form a large part of the local economy. We’ll take a break from the cycling to observe the bustling production line and even have a taste of the freshly caught produce.
Hopping back onto our bikes we’ll soon reach the coast, where we turn to pedal adjacent to the lush pale sand and the tranquil azure ocean. With the cooling sea breeze complementing the clement temperatures, our cycle couldn’t feel more idyllic, and before long we’ll reach tonight’s hotel.
Sat on Mae Phim Beach, the Bandara on Sea Resort hosts modern spacious rooms, multiple swimming pools and a quaint two-minute walk from your room to the soft white sands. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the resort at your leisure, so relax and get ready for tomorrow’s final stage of the tour.
Day 14 Saturday – Laem Mae Phim - Bangkok
Overview:
Our Asian adventure ends with a pleasant morning at our hotel, before we jump aboard the transport vehicle to take us to Bangkok International Airport, where we’ll jet off home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer time: 3-4 hrs (Rayong to Bangkok)
Today sadly brings us to the end of our Asian adventure. We’ll have an easy morning at the resort, packing our belongings and recent wonderful memories away before we take the lengthy drive towards Bangkok International Airport.
We’ll arrive at the city airport for 3pm, giving us enough time to have something to eat before we catch our western bound flights back home. Marking the end of this incredible cycling tour.
Although if you want to postpone your departure to spend a couple of extra nights exploring Bangkok then we’ll happily help you organise accommodation!
What could be described as the city of contrasts; Bangkok is cultural concoction of both old and new. The glistening golden spires of religious temples are shadowed by the grand skyscrapers that tower the skyline. Vintage village homes are married alongside the unfiltered neon glow of globalisation.
You can charter your own journey around the multifaceted city. Whether you visit iconic landmarks such as The Giant Swing, a 21m crimson tower shrine to Hinduism; or have a foodie day, traversing the vast array of local food carts offering delicacies that treat the taste buds; or you may prefer to relax on a cruise along the Chao Phraya River admiring the cities traditional architecture that lines the waterfront; your day in Bangkok will most truly be phenomenal !
