| Number of Cycling Days: 13 Days | Total Cycling Distance: 820 Km |
| Accommodation: Included | Bike Hire: Included |
| Single Supplement: Supplement Charge | Tour Code: VN – SBB |
| Next departure: 08 August, 2024 | Difficulty: Moderate |
Our Saigon to Bangkok Bike Tour, you are guaranteed a peaceful ride away from other tourists. from a bicycle, of course, with the wind in your (helmet-covered) hair and tropical breeze on your face. Cycle out of busy Ho Chi Minh, through the Mekong Delta, past riverside villages and alongside paddy fields, and see life from a different perspective as we meet locals, experience their culture and eat lots of great food.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh – Mytho – Travinh
Our local guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel, we make a transfer a couple of hours out of Ho Chi Minh City to Mytho– the gateway of the Mekong delta. Arrive the starting point fit your bike and safety briefing then start cycle into the heart of the rural Mekong. Your adventure bike tours Vietnam Cambodia and Thailand begins after the ferry journey across the Tien River at Mytho. The route takes you through the lush green landscape of the delta, a section of biking cuts off road onto gravel and dirt lanes, and weaves around hamlets, across water channels, and through quiet dense vegetation. This makes for superb biking. A final ferry across the gaping expanse of Cochien river leads us to Travinh, a pretty tree lined town with a large population of ethnic Khmer.
Day 2: Travinh – Cantho
We continue our Saigon to Bangkok Bike Tour by starting with a short boat trip will be reached Vinhlong, one of the famous fruits town in Mekong. We cycle along narrow country lanes, easy dirt tracks and trails. This biking is at its most glorious-through tiny orchards, witness colorful life along the riverside, pedal pass picturesque delta homes, pause to chat with welcoming villagers. Cross narrow canals on a local sampan, before finishing at the main ferry for a refreshing boat trip across the expansive Co Chien River. Ride final few km to the very pretty Khmer town of Travinh. This gives a great first impression of the “heart of Mekong”.
Day 3: Cantho – Longxuyen
Today’s ride is split into two sections and is a contrast to the previous day’s ride. After a very early breakfast, you will take a boat trip to the famous Cai Rang floating market before riding on a narrow paved road market to Phong dien. The route weaves through morning market bustle along the banks of the very busy river. Absorb the sights of endless cottage industries, timber merchants, coconut shredders, small docks loading/unloading rice, and tiny vibrant markets. You will continue by bike on the narrow lane to the main road, which transfer along the highway back to Cantho for lunch.
Afternoon, we continue riding along a tiny road leading upstream towards Longxuyen. The ride ends with a final ferry crossing and short transfer to hotel in Long Xuyen. Overnight stay in Long Xuyen.
Day 4: Longxuyen – Chao Doc
The today’s scenery is completely different. After a short transfer to Triton, our bike tours Vietnam and Cambodia starts to gently undulate and mountains begin to loom as you ride closer and closer to Chaudoc. The presence of Thotnot trees indicates the growing proximity to Cambodia and the local people speak Vietnamese as their second language. This afternoon you will cycle to the killing fields of Vietnam at Bachuc, where Polpot’s regime massacred over 3,000 Vietnamese in 1978. The route loops round to Chaudoc from Bachuc along the border, or re-trace back to triton (depending on road conditions) and ride the rest of the way to Chaudoc along incredible country roads. Those with energy to spare can climb Sam Mountain for sunset!
Day 5: Boat trip to Cambodia – Evening Sunset cruise
This morning we continue Saigon to Bangkok Bike Tour by a short drive to the Mekong river dock. Say good bye to our Vietnamese crews then get on speedboat ferry to Phnom Penh crossing the border at Vinh Xuong (Vietnam) and Kaam Samnor (Cambodia) before continuing along the Mekong, as we head for the Cambodia capital. The boat journey will take the whole morning (4 hrs) and allows us a relaxed and fascinating view of riverside life, businesses and countryside as we pass by. Arrived in Phnom Penh boat pier, you will welcome by our local guide, who will then transfer you to your comfort hotel.
Your late afternoon will be leisure until set off on a sunset cruise along the Phnom Penh riverfront. Take in the sights and sip cocktails, beer, or soft drinks as you get a unique overview of Phnom Penh. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.
Day 6: Phnom Penh City Tour
Begin your tour with a visit to the Royal Palace overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Built in 1866 by King Norodom, the palace is now home to the reigning monarch. Within the palace grounds you will find the coronation hall, an open air theatre for the Royal Dance Troupe, and the King’s private residence. The grounds are open to the public except when the King is in residence. The grounds also house the Silver Pagoda, its floor covered by 5,000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilogram.
Next you will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which documents the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge against both their political enemies and many thousands of everyday Cambodians. In 1975 this former high school was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces and converted into Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest detention and torture centre in the country. Please note that the images on display are quite graphic and unsettling.
Then drive to Choeung Ek – the Killing Fields, where the brutal executions of more than 17,000 men, women and children took place. The large mass grave pits have all but gone, however the stupa filled with skulls is a chilling memorial. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.
Day 7: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
Today we continue our Saigon to Bangkok Bike Tour with a transferred by van to a town of Kompong Kdei in Siem Reap Province where you resume cycling. You will ride on a tree-shaded red soil road with beautiful villages along the way. This area is just 60km from Siem Reap Town, but few tourists come here. Your first break is at Makak Water Reservoir, which was constructed during the Pol Pot regime. Some survivors from the regime still come to this place to recall their hard time.
Day 8: Cycle to Angkor Wat
After breakfast at your hotel, start cycle through Angkor temple pass check – point. You will cycle through the shady road with a little pumping because of a few pot – holes. There you will begin to see Kravan temple, Banteay Kdei, and stop at the famous Ta Phrom, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom temple, which was built in 12th century by the famous King Jayavarvan VII indicated to his mother.
You will then head out to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, enter the city through the ancient Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. From here, continue to Bayon Temple, found in the center of the city famed as the enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
After you will bike to the gem of the Angkor complex, take a break at lunch and stop at the local restaurant to enjoy tasteful Cambodian dishes.
Lastly, we spend the whole afternoon to extensively visit Angkor Wat the rich history and symbolism of this unique ancient temple. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel.
Day 9: Cycle to Tonle Sap Lake – Kampong Pluk
The second day in Siem Reap of our Saigon to Bangkok Bike Tour, we explore more of the area around Siem Reap, cycling out into the countryside to Kampong Phluk fishing village. This tour will take you on the charming backroads in order to explore the local ways of life in Siem Reap. You will be greeted by friendly locals and get a deeper understanding of their lives and traditions. We pass a few Rolous group temples from the 9th Century, Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko. An ancient Khmer city here was known as Hariharalaya. The journey will end at the Tonle Sap lake, we take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap (Great Lake), where you will experience the livelihoods of Cambodian people living in the floating villages, offering you the opportunity to see how families adapt their life to living on the water. Then return back to Siem Reap by private vehicle.
Day 10: Transfer to Battambang & Explore by Bike
After breakfast we will take a transfer from your hotel to Battambang, we will reach Battambang by late morning. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon we cycle to see one of the provinces most stunning 11th-century temples at Phnom Banan before riding to Phnom Sampou where a great view can be seen from the more recently built hilltop temple. The food side of the adventure is well underway by sundown. Overnight stay in Battambang.
Day 11: Cycle from Battambang to Pailin
Today we depart from our hotel early and transfer to our starting point at Kamping Puoy Reservoir located between two mountains. Enjoy the view of a gigantic basin as clear sky is the backdrop before we embark on bikes. We will cycle through stunning countryside area where farms and local villages can be seen along the way and really get a feeling of riding into unchartered territory. Overnight stay in Pailin.
Day 12: Pailin – Thailand Border – Pong Nam Ron
Today is you last day in Cambodia part of Saigon to Bangkok Bike Tour. We head west on the road less travelled pedaling towards the quiet Cambodian / Thai 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.
Upon arrival at the Cambodia-Thailand border, our Cambodian guide will assist you with immigration procedures before meeting with our Thai crews on the other side of the border. Immediately on crossing the border you will notice the difference in the fortunes of these neighboring countries as you leave the dirt roads of Cambodia and cycle on the tarmac roads of Thailand. It is also very obvious how the concrete homes of Thailand give way to the wood and thatch shacks of Cambodia. 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. Overnight stay in Pong Nam Ron.
Day 13: Pong Nam Ron – Chaolao Beach
Today is a longest day of our Saigon to Bangkok Bike Tour package as we spin through 110km with some steady climbs and descents at the start. As the day progresses you head to the coast and notice the scenery changing from forests and distant mountains to coastline. 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. 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. Overnight stay in Chaolao Beach.
Day 14: Chaolao Beach – Laem Mae Pim Beach
We cycle 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 end the day at the laidback and beautiful Laem Mae Phim Beach. Here you will have some free time to relax, and maybe even take a dip in the clear warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Overnight stay at Laem Mae PimBeach.
Day 15: Laem Nae Pim Beach – Bangkok
Your adventure Saigon to Bangkok Bike Tour tour officially ends today.
Today you get to relax on the beach before taking a short gentle ride around the area (optional). You will then transfer to Bangkok where you will have your final night and a farewell dinner.
What’s Included
What’s Excluded
Guides
Your trip will be led by our local cycling tour guide. For a group less than 5, one English speaking cycling guide plus driver. A group of 6 or more, a Cycling Tour Leader, plus English-speaking cycling guide, drivers and assistants. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you.
Bikes & Repairs
The bikes you will be riding are well-known makes of hybrid or mountain bikes (depending on the tour.
Our guide carries a good tool kit and will help to fix any bike problems so all you normally need to carry is a daypack, for your camera etc. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be equipped for all repairs, so if you are bringing your own bike on the tour you must ensure that it is in good working order. If in doubt, have it fully serviced by a bike shop before you travel.
Support Vehicle
You will at all times have the security of a back-up vehicle. The vehicle will carry your luggage (we transport your main baggage by support vehicle from each overnight stop to the next) and yourself if you want. The backup van will be with us throughout the day stopping around every (15km).
Accommodation
We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you wish to stay in single room you have to pay extra for your single room supplement. For more information on the additional costs please see send us via email
Safety
We recommend you to wear a helmet all our biking adventures and is non-negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour guide is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding.
Terrain
The terrain of Saigon to Bangkok bike tour is varied, mainly flat and follows by the mixture of tarmac roads and dirt roads passing the countryside & rural village. You will cycle on back roads with lovely open landscapes and leisurely with plenty of stops in every 15km to enjoy snack and drink or taking photos. Our guides can also easily accommodate any type riders, in case you would not be able to complete the distance you would be able to jump into the support vehicle.
Fitness level
This Saigon to Bangkok bike tour is tailor-made to suit cyclists of all levels of experience, fitness, and all ages with different backgrounds. We requires all of the cyclists to enjoy the challenges but should respect everyone’s limits of cycling. The tours are designed so everyone can go at their own pace, and bear in mind that this is not a race.
Health & Medical Conditions
Due to the physical nature of our trips, it is extremely important that you are of good physical health and therefore able to fully participate in group tour. Prior to the start of your tour and at every trip stop during your tour, every traveller is required to provide details of any pre-existing medical conditions or to inform the tour guide if he/she feels unwell. Disclosure of this information is extremely important so as to ensure that we can act effectively in the case of an emergency.
Eating (Special diets)
Most meals are included in your trip price apart from on non cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries, and soups. Cambodian cuisine is a mixture of Thai, French and Chinese dishes and we make sure you can sample a wide variety.
Drinking
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.
Extra Expenses
Most of the things are included in the package tour, you might want to budget for food and drinks if you choose to head out at night, or additional activities. The cost of the activity depends on what you want to do. We would recommend you to bring a small cash of US$30 for incidentals.
Money
Cambodia: Thai baht and US dollars are widely used in Cambodia, especially in larger cities and towns. In smaller towns and villages, Cambodian riels are usually preferred. There are ATMs in most areas, however, machines dispense US dollars. The guides will be able to show you where the ATMs are. Spend riel before departing as no one will exchange them for you once you leave.
Vietnam: The official national currency is the Vietnam Dong, but the US dollar is widely accepted in tourist centers. However, in smaller towns and villages the Dong is preferred. ATMs are available in all major tourist destinations and big cities. Vietcombank has the best network with a single withdrawal limit of 2,000,000d (about US$125). Most major currencies can be exchanged at leading banks in Vietnam, but the US dollar is preferred away from the tourist centers. Changing US$100 will make you an instant millionaire! You cannot legally take the dong out of Vietnam but you can reconvert reasonable amounts of it into US dollars on departure.
Thailand: The Thai currency is the baht. ATMs, which are abundant, are the easiest ways to get Thai baht. Have a supply of US dollars in cash on hand, just in case your card doesn’t work. Banks or the rarer private moneychangers offer the best foreign-exchange rates. Credit cards are accepted in big cities and resort hotels but you’ll need baht for family-run guesthouses or restaurants.
Solo Travellers
We have a wide mix of cyclists on our tours from couples, friends to solo travellers. Our prices are based on twin shared accommodation. If you sign up for one of our tours as a solo traveller we will twin share you with another person of the same gender in your group. If you prefer to have your own room this is an option on most of our tours for an extra charge.
Passport & Visa
Cambodia: The visitors to Cambodia require a passport to enter the country and all travelers must hold a passport with the validation for 6 months after their planned exit from Cambodia.
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh & Siem Reap international airports without prior registration. Visa issued on arrival for most nationalities, US $30/pax, please bring 1 passport photo. You also can get a visa in advance at
www.evisa.gov.kh
Vietnam: Whilst we endeavour to provide correct and relevant information obtained directly from the relevant Embassies, High Commissions and Consulate Generals – this information is subject to frequent changes, without warning and at very short notice. Due to this, we cannot be held liable for any errors in the information provided on this site. We strongly advised you to check all information with the relevant embassy for details on your visa/passport requirements.
You must be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after date of arrival or 1 month after expiration of visa.
British and Thai passport holders do not need a visa if they stay in country less than 14 days. For information relevant to the country for which you hold a passport, check with your local Vietnam embassy for up to date advice. Your visa must be applied for in advance. You can arrange for a visa on arrival in advance of the trip and our agent can provide you with a travel document that will permit entry to Vietnam for issue of the visa. There is a £10 admin charge for this. The visa fee is payable at Noi Bai airport, Hanoi.
Thailand: All nationalities require a passport for entry into Thailand. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of your stay in the country. If staying less than 30 days then a visa in advance is not required by European, North American, Australian and many other nationalities. Please check this page to see if you qualify. You will need to show proof of an onward flight out of Thailand to be eligible for the visa on arrival. This is strictly enforced.
Insurance
It is mandatory that you are well-insured for the full duration of the tour. This must include personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation, helicopter or aircraft rescue, loss of luggage or equipment, cancellation or curtailments.
You should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in your tour. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking your trip to ensure that you are covered in the event of cancellation.
Climate
Cambodia: November in Cambodia is the start of the dry season; although the odd, short shower early in the month is not unusual. Comfortable temperatures (avg: 25 °C), low humidity and plenty of sunshine make this a popular time to travel in Cambodia. December is characterised by dry, sunny weather, low humidity and relatively cool temperatures (avg: 26 °C). In January Cambodia is well into its dry season. By August it is experiencing the rainy season, but this does not affect our cycling too much, as rain generally falls late afternoon or at night. The advantage of visiting Cambodia during the wet season is the vibrant spectacle of lush green rice fields and countryside.
Vietnam: Vietnams weather is split into two distinct weather patters Tropical and a temperate zone. The average temperature ranges from 22 to 27 degrees all year round but in the South temperatues can stay almost the same. The Southern part of Vietname has 2 distincted seasons. The cold season is from November to April and the hot season from May to October. Whilst in the North there are 4 season with distinct difference between them. It can get cool in the winter but very warm in the summer.
Thailand: Thailand generally has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. The North and Central region have a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. Northeast Thailand has a humid hot and dry weather alternatively with medium rain while the coastal areas of the east is humid and hot with intermittent rain. The South of Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity.
There are three seasons: from March to June it is hot and dry, with temperatures between 27˚C/80 F and 40˚C/104 F, with night temperatures in the 20s. The rainy season is from July to October, but temperatures are slightly lower, because of the effect of the rain. During this time it will not rain continuously, but in sharp bursts, and the sun can come out quickly. The cooler season is from October to February, with average temperatures between 20˚C/68 F and 30˚C/86 F.
Deposit
Once the trip is confirmed, we will be required you to pay a deposit to guarantee your booking with us. For the tours less than 7 days to the departure date, the deposit amount is 100% of the tour price, per person. For the tours more than 7 days to the departure date, the 30% of the tour price per person will be required.
Balance
The remaining balance must be paid 45 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
Final Tour Confirmation
Our team will send you the final tour confirmation of our Saigon to Bangkok bike tour, which are included personal details you provided us (including your flight information), visa application advice, a packing suggestion list and a detailed tour itinerary. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday.
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