BANGKOK to HO CHI MINH (SAIGON) CYCLE TOUR
from $1,695*
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16 days / 16 nights - 1,000km
Ref: BSCT-16D |
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• Beautiful Thai Beaches • Discover the REAL South East Asia • Remote Border Crossings •
• Pristine Cardamom Mountains • Traditional Village Life • Delightful River Cruise •
• Laidback Battambang • Amazing Floating Villages • Magnificent Angkor Temples •
• Vibrant Rice Paddies • Charming Phnom Penh • Local Interaction • Colonial Coastal Towns •
• Fascinating Cultures • Watery World of the Mekong Delta • Dynamic Ho Chi Minh City • |
 A cycle tour is undoubtedly the best way to really connect with a country, its people, to experience the tempo of village life, and escape the well trodden tourist trail. This Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) cycle tour is fully supported and fully guided, and it keeps you away from the main roads which many similar tours follow. Your cycle tour of Thailand begins by hugging the coast and passing some beautiful beaches, before heading inland towards the Cardamom Mountains. You cross into Cambodia at a remote border crossing and follow dirt roads to laidback Battambang. After a relaxing cruise passing fascinating floating villages you arrive in Siem Reap and discover the spectacular ancient Angkor temples of the mighty Khmer Empire. After resting in charming Phnom Penh, you head south passing endless rice paddies, and taking breaks in everyday villages, before reaching quiet colonial coastal towns. After another remote border crossing you are in Vietnam where you explore the fascinating and wonderful watery world and traditional lifestyles of the Mekong Delta, before finally arriving back into the hustle and bustle of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). For anyone wanting to discover the real Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, this is the tour for you!
Below please find the detailed itinerary... |
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Day 1: Arrive Bangkok and transfer to Laem Mae Phim Beach (30km)
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 On arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, you will be transferred south away from the busy streets of Bangkok to the laidback and beautiful Laem Mae Phim Beach. Here you will have some free time to relax, have lunch, and maybe even take a dip in the clear warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. In the afternoon you will spend some time preparing bikes and going on a gentle warm up cycle ride through the surrounding countryside, nearby villages and fruit plantations (this region of Thailand is renown for its exotic fruit). This short ride allows you to get to know your fellow cyclists as well as ensuring your bike is in fine working order. Back at the resort you will enjoy your traditional Thai ‘Welcome’ dinner. [ Terrain: Mostly flat tarmac ] |
Day 2: Cycle Laem Mae Phim Beach to Chaolao Beach (80km)
B / L / D
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An early start today as you acclimatise to the weather. The ride hugs the coastline as you pass from beach to beach on small local roads that are very quiet to traffic, the seascapes are marvellous. This is an interesting ride that lets you see the local Thai way of life, as you pass through local fishing villages, sea food markets and of course plenty of temples where you can stop for a well earned rest and refreshments. The mangrove swamps and fruit plantations add a diversity to the scenery on this very picturesque of rides. You also take some short ferry crossings which help to save some distance by taking you directly across the estuaries. You finish the ride right on the quiet beach of Chaolao. From here it is so easy to take a refreshing dip in the sea before dinner… [ Terrain: Mostly tarmac with some gentle climbs ] |
Day 3: Cycle Chaolao Beach to Pong Nam Ron (110km)
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 A big day today as you spin through 110km with some steady climbs near the end. Initially you head inland and notice the scenery changing from coastline to forests and distant mountains. Again this ride is on small paved roads that have little traffic and are a joy to ride on. You are now in Chantaburi province which is well known for its fruit and you will see (and taste!) plenty as you pass by plantations, forests and lots of small local villages. The last 12km of the ride is on a busier road and this is where the small climbs begin. However, on arrival in Pong Nam Ron the reward is the hotel’s pool where you can relax with a well earned beer, overlooking the adjacent golf course with a backdrop of forested mountains… [ Terrain: Mostly undulating tarmac with some long steady climbs, and short sections of flatish dirt roads ] |
Day 4: Cycle Pong Nam Ron to Pailin (into Cambodia!) (65km)
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This morning you head east on the road less travelled pedaling towards the quiet Thai / Cambodian border crossing nestled in the foothills of the scenic Cardamom mountains. In times gone by this was strategically important as a life line for the Khmer Rouge, both for trading gems and receiving supplies, and as an escape route when threatened by the Cambodian army. Immediately on crossing the border you will notice the difference in the fortunes of these neighbouring countries as you leave the tarmac of Thailand and cycle on the bumpy red dirt roads of Cambodia! It is also very obvious how the concrete homes of Thailand give way to the wood and thatch shacks of Cambodia. After 20km of Cambodian cycling you arrive at the small, dusty town of Pailin, which was once home to both a thriving semi-precious stone mining industry and some former high ranking officials of the expired brutal Khmer Rouge regime. [ Terrain: Tarmac in Thailand and bumpy dirt road in Cambodia ] |
Day 5: Cycle Pailin to Battambang (85km)
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Make the most of the tarmac in town as shortly after leaving Pailin the tarmac disappears and you will have the company of a winding dirt road all the way to the outskirts of Battambang. After a few early climbs the majority of the day is downhill, not that you will obviously notice it as you weave around the large potholes! Initially you cycle through cash-crop plantations such as corn, cassava, and cashew nut, however getting closer to Battambang this changes to the emerald green of endless rice paddies. You pass through various pleasant small villages made up of wooden shacks and shady trees. Excellent places to stop for a rest and get some real interaction with the curious and friendly locals. They don’t see many tourists along this route and certainly not on bicycles! About 15km from Battambang you cannot fail to miss the imposing limestone outcrop of Phnom Sampeau with its hilltop pagoda. If you still have excess energy you may choose to climb the 700+ steps and be rewarded with great views of the surrounding countryside. Battambang is a relaxed and laid back town sitting on the banks of the Sangker River and it still has a very local, untouristed, provincial atmosphere. Much of the town’s architecture is French colonial and traditional Cambodian with very few buildings over three stories. A pleasant place to explore before dinner. [ Terrain: Bumpy dirt road all the way except for short streches of tarmac in Pailin and Battambang ] |
Day 6: Cruise Battambang to Siem Reap (20km)
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An early start as you cycle through the sleepy streets of Battambang to board the boat to Siem Reap. This is arguably the most fascinating river trip in Cambodia and takes around 6 - 7 hours. Yet the timeless scenes you pass makes the time disappear: fishermen returning from the lake with their nights silvery catch; the blue smoke of fires shifting like mist in the pale pink light of dawn; the scent of breakfasts being prepared; and always, the sound of laughter and conversation. As the river winds its way into the Tonle Sap lake (South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake) you pass an amazing variety of landscapes and lives, seemingly unchanged for hundreds of years. As the river joins the Tonle Sap Lake you pass the protected wetland of Prek Toal, regarded as the single most important breeding ground for globally threatened large waterbirds in South East Asia. After crossing the vast expanse of this inland sea and heading towards Siem Reap port you pass through the floating village of Chong Khneas where we witness an entire bamboo village complete with homes, gas stations, schools, hair dressers, and even karaoke bars floating on water! Once you arrive at the port you get a chance to shake your legs as we spin the 15km into Siem Reap and to your hotel. [ Terrain: Mainly flat tarmac ]. N.B. When the water levels are low it may not be possible to take the boat trip, and the journey will be made by road. |
Day 7: Exploring the Magnificent Angkor Temples by Bike (40km)
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On your first morning in Siem Reap we head out to begin our cycle exploration of these incredible temples. Today we will focus on the Small Circuit which features temple greats such as: the pyramid of Takeo, the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’; Sras Srang, known as the King's bathing pond; and the impressive Royal City of Angkor Thom, where you will find the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you. You will also visit other important sites in this immense walled city. After lunch it is time to take on the majestic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building. After being initially inspired by its overall size you will explore in more detail, getting up close and personal to fully appreciate its architecture and intricately detailed bas-reliefs. After returning to the hotel you are free at leisure to experience Siem Reap’s nightlife which includes many fine restaurants and lively bars. [ Terrain: Mainly flat tarmac ]. |
Day 8: Cycling to Beautiful Banteay Srei Temple (80km)
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This morning you head north towards Banteay Srei. This cycle ride is a real delight and your first introduction to the wonderful Cambodian countryside and its friendly villagers. On route we will stop off at a couple of villages to get a closer look at the wooden stilted homes and every day life. One thing you will notice for sure is large black pots in people’s gardens containing a thick light brown bubbling mixture - this area is famed for its sugar palm tree sweets, sure to give any cyclist a much needed energy boost! On arrival at Banteay Srei you will be struck by its delicate beauty. It is an elaborately decorated temple, embellished with floral motifs and scenes from the Ramayana, all carved from pink sandstone. It is said the carvings must have been done by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. You will have lunch at a local restaurant, after which you cycle back towards Siem Reap, and depending on the time explore some other temples on the way. This evening you will enjoy a 'Farewell' dinner and a mesmerising Apsara dance performance [ Terrain: Mainly flat tarmac ]. |
Day 9: Transfer Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (0km)
B / - / D
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Today you are driven the 320km from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, an interesting journey as you witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through interesting provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery. On route you may wish to stop off in Kompong Kdei, to look at an ancient Angkorian bridge, plus the stone carving village of Suntok where massive half finished sculptures line the road. Closer to Phnom Penh you may wish to stop at Skoun, also known as ‘Spiderville’ due to the deep fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one? |
Day 10: Phnom Penh City Cyclo Tour (0km)
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On your first morning in charming Phnom Penh you will may be pleased to discover that today it is someone else’s turn to do the pedalling as you are treated to a fun cyclo tour, a traditional mode of transport. Your first stop will be the terracotta red National Museum which offers a charming setting for a comprehensive collection of Khmer artefacts. After this you will visit the nearby Royal Palace, on the banks of the mighty Mekong river. Inside the Palace walls you will be treated to the Throne Hall, the Chan Chaya Pavilion, and the King’s residential quarters. You will then move onto the neighbouring Silver Pagoda, so named as it is claimed its floor is made up of over 4,000 silver tiles! After lunch it is back in the cyclos as you are pedalled through the streets of Phnom Penh to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture centre. You will then visit the Russian Market an excellent place for picking up souvenirs. |
Day 11: Cycle Phnom Penh to Takeo (85km)
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This morning you leave the early morning hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh streets as you ride the 15km to Cheoung Ek, more commonly known as the 'Killing Fields'. The ‘Killing Fields’ are where Toul Sleng prisoners were forcibly marched and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting. After some contemplation you continue pedalling south through small traditional villages. After a short combination of almost traffic free dirt roads and some lightly trafficked tarmac roads you will arrive at Tonle Bati, a riverside location where we will have time to explore the small, yet picturesque Angkorian temples. After arriving in Takeo you have the opportunity to visit a local orphanage managed by ‘New Futures’. Here you will learn more about the great educational work they are doing in the surrounding poor villages, and how Asia Adventures is working together with them through its 'Pedal2Empower' cycle donation project. [ Terrain: Mainly flat tarmac, with sections of dirt road ]. |
Day 12: Cycle Takeo to Kampot (85km)
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As you leave Takeo you continue south spinning along Highway 3 leaving the flat plains of rice fields as we reach for the coastal mountains – fortunately the road passes between the hills and not over them! Today you cycle through some pleasant limestone karst scenery, picturesque villages including some ethnic Cham settlements, and endless rice fields. Kampot, yet another provincial capital, has an undeniable charm and is the favourite town of many Cambodian expats who visit at weekends for a taste of provincial Cambodia. It’s a sleepy, quaint place with a relaxed ambience and friendly locals, the streets are quiet and there is a lot of French colonial and Chinese influenced architecture still surviving, and it all that wasn’t enough there is a wonderful riverfront where you will experience possibly the most beautiful sunset in Cambodia as the sun slips down behind the nearby mountains. [ Terrain: Mainly flat tarmac road ]. |
Day 13: Farewell Cambodia, Hello Vietnam (65km)
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This morning you will cycle the short distance to the coastal resort of Kep which is now undergoing a revival after years of neglect. Here you will have time to relax, maybe on the beach, and also have lunch, you can try the tasty seafood the area is renowned for. After lunch you leave Kep and cycle along quiet coastal dirt roads passing through salt flats and small villages. You soon reach the Cambodian / Vietnam border and bid farewell to Cambodia. After you have completed the customs formalities you take the short ride to Ha Tien, a coastal town that has a forgotten feel but still retains a certain charm with its shuttered terraces, crumbling colonial buildings and mats of seafood drying in the sun… [ Terrain: Mix of flat tarmac and flat dirt roads ]. |
Day 14: Cycling & Cruising Ha Tien to Chau Doc (80km)
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As you cycle away from Ha Tien on a pleasant road you will notice Khmer style pagodas, a remaining influence of when the area was ruled by Cambodia. You will also see towering limestone formations in the distance, cross many bridges, and pass vivid green rice fields. Later you board a boat to cruise along one of the many ‘arms’ of the Mekong Delta, initially visiting an ethnic Cham village with its famous Mubarak Mosque. Here you will also witness women weaving using traditional methods. As you approach Cha Doc you sail through fish farm villages where tons and tons of fish are bred in cages beneath floating homes. On arrival in Chau Doc if time and energy permits you may wish to hike to the top of nearby Sam Mountain for great sunset views out across the rice fields of Cambodia in the distance. [ Terrain: Mostly flat surfaced roads & tracks ]. |
Day 15: Cruising & Cycling Chau Doc to Can Tho (125km)
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An early start as you board a boat and explore the amazing Chau Doc riverside market with all its bustling activity and smorgasbord of sounds, colours, and smells. Back on the bikes you are deep in the heart of the Mekong Delta with narrow roads and light traffic, and you cycle through some of the most scenic parts of the delta as you follow the Mekong through traditional villages and past fish farms and over small bridges. After a long days cycling you arrive in Can Tho, the unofficial capital of the Mekong Delta. It is a friendly lively city with rice husking mills being a major source of employment. It is an interesting town to stroll around as the sunsets before going for dinner at a local restaurant. [ Terrain: Mostly flat surfaced roads & tracks ]. |
Day 16: Cruising & Cycling Can Tho & Vinh Long, Cai Be, Saigon (55km)
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Another early start as you begin your last day of cycling with a boat trip to discover the Cai Rang floating market, one of the biggest in Vietnam. Here you will witness a mass of wooden boats of all sizes converging to sell their wares. Your small boat allows you to weave in-between these waterborne traders getting up close and personal, great for photo opportunities and buying some produce yourself! Afterwards it’s back on the bicycles crossing countless canals and rivers that irrigate this vivid, arable landscape. After a few ferry crossings, always a good opportunity to interact with the friendly locals, you arrive in Vinh Long. Here you board a boat to a local island where you will have lunch including a variety of freshly picked fruit. Afterwards you have time to explore the shady island as you spin through orchards and witness the daily life of the farmers. Then it is back on the boat as you sail to the busy port town of Cai Be. Cai Be is the end of the cycling and from here you are transferred by vehicle to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Ming (Saigon). After checking-in to your hotel you can revel in the memories and achievement of completing this challenging cycle tour through 3 very distinct South East Asian countries… [ Terrain: Mostly flat surfaced roads & tracks ]. |
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| *The cost for the above tour is $1,695 (US dollars) per person based on 6 people cycling and sharing 3 rooms
Good quality cycle hire is available for an additional charge of $160 |
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| For more information on this 16 Day Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Cycle Tour or if the suggested itinerary does not fully meet your needs please email us as we are happy to discuss your requirements. |
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- Air conditioned support vehicle
- Accommodation (aircon)
- English speaking local guide
- English speaking local cycle guide / mechanic
- All entrance fees for attractions included in the above itinerary
- Daily drinking water, cool face towels & snacks whilst cycling
- All boat trips as detailed
- All meals as detailed in the above itinerary
(B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner)
- Services not detailed in the above itinerary
- International flights to Thailand / from Vietnam
- Visa fees
- Any airport taxes
- Bicycle, however they can be hired for $160
- Expenditure of a personal nature
- Drinks with included meals
- Discretionary Tips
- Travel insurance
- Payment / money transfer charges
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Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Cycle Tour |
