Cycle Indochina: Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
10 days
From
$ 1699
Duration10 days
Many visitors to Southeast Asia spend much of their time rushing around clogged city streets. Break free and see the region from a bicycle seat on this 10-day trip. Roll past the temples of stunning Angkor Wat, cruise around Phnom Penh, and enjoy the villages and rural life around Siem Reap. It's perfect for pedal-pushers of all levels looking to explore less well-known regions at a leisurely pace. Consider this an introduction to the joys of Southeast Asia and cycling.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 10 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Average
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, one of Vietnam's most thriving cities.
There are no activities planned, but there will be a scheduled group meeting in the evening around 6pm. After the meeting, opt to head out for an optional dinner to get to know the CEO and fellow group members.
Until the meeting, enjoy free time to relax and explore the city. Why not take the chance to visit Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas, Ben Than Market, Reunification Palace or the War Remnants Museum?
There are no activities planned, but there will be a scheduled group meeting in the evening around 6pm. After the meeting, opt to head out for an optional dinner to get to know the CEO and fellow group members.
Until the meeting, enjoy free time to relax and explore the city. Why not take the chance to visit Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas, Ben Than Market, Reunification Palace or the War Remnants Museum?
Arrive at any time.
Please check at the reception desk or look for a G Adventures notice board with details of the actual meeting time. At this meeting the CEO will ask to see your travel insurance, double check your Vietnam visa, and complete some other paper work. Please note that most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. Please double check this with your travel agent or local Vietnamese Embassy.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City/Bến Tre
In the morning, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the Vietnam-American War. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a complex network of tunnels that Viet Cong forces lived in to protect themselves from the opposing forces. They stored ammunition, had underground hospitals and served as a hidden base to attack the allied forces. If you are not claustrophobic, you may want to crawl through some of the tunnel network to get a feel for what it must have been like during the war.
Approximate cycling distance: 25km (15 mi)
Approximate cycling distance: 25km (15 mi)
Cycle out to Cu Chi and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a relic from the Vietnam War.
Meals: B
Day 3: Bến Tre/Cần Thơ
Breakfast this morning offers the chance to visit the market and try some local foods. Take a boat ride to explore the surrounding area, where there are a number of islands situated in the river which are sometimes not connected to the mainland other than by a small ferry. Once on the islands, it's time for some cycling.
Enjoy a morning boat trip before cycling from Bến Tre to Cần Thơ.
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Cần Thơ/Châu Đốc
Upon waking, you will be wishing your time in the Delta won't end, but there is still time to see the floating markets for which this area has become quite well known. As most people will head to the chaotic main market near Can Tho, the hosts will take us to a real, local floating market where vegetables are tossed from craft to craft and a little coffee vendor boat bounces in and out of the gaps, serving strong iced coffee to both vendors and customers.
After taking some time to experience this explosion of colour and activity, return to the mainland. End up with an hour transfer to the hotel in Chau Doc city.
After taking some time to experience this explosion of colour and activity, return to the mainland. End up with an hour transfer to the hotel in Chau Doc city.
Spend a day in the Mekong Delta, visiting the floating markets and witnessing the hustle and bustle on the boats. Cycle through the Mekong canals between the islands of the Delta.
Meals: B
Day 5: Châu Đốc/Phnom Penh
Our Cambodian driver welcomes the group on the Cambodian side and takes us to Phnom Penh. Visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre on the way back to Phnom Penh. Learn about one of the darkest points in the history of Cambodia during the Khmer Rough Regime. Arrive in Phnom Penh early in the afternoon.
Phnom Penh has had a turbulent history. When the French colonialists arrived, it was little more than a collection of wooden shacks by the river, but they soon changed that and in doing so created what was once considered a very beautiful city. When the Khmer Rouge evacuated the city in 1975, they started it on its way to decay and decline, a theme that had carried through until only fairly recently when the country's economic development accelerated rapidly.
Phnom Penh has had a turbulent history. When the French colonialists arrived, it was little more than a collection of wooden shacks by the river, but they soon changed that and in doing so created what was once considered a very beautiful city. When the Khmer Rouge evacuated the city in 1975, they started it on its way to decay and decline, a theme that had carried through until only fairly recently when the country's economic development accelerated rapidly.
Cross the border into Cambodia and head for Phnom Penh. Explore the city at leisure.
Meals: B
Day 6: Phnom Penh
Cycle the Oudong Trail, starting along railway tracks before passing through the countryside to Oudong Mountain.
Meals: B
Day 7: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap
Enjoy this highlight ride and gain a unique perspective of Phnom Penh and its surrounds.
Take to bikes again and explore the surrounding area, passing through charming village communities, fruit orchards, and a variety of temples. Transfer to Siem Reap.
Meals: B
Day 8: Siem Reap
As first light dawns and the roosters begin to crow, the day begins at the most important religious monument in the country, looking at the triple towers of Angkor Wat across a reflecting pool. After the sun rises as a giant orange ball behind the towers, the crowds will thin out as most people return to bed. Instead, make use of the cool temperatures and soft morning light to explore Angkor Wat. Monkeys and a handful of other travellers are the only others at the site. A delicious breakfast spread awaits just a short pedal away. After filling up, continue to explore the iconic Angkor temples and some hidden treasures of the Angkor area. Ride through some lovely back trails and even ride atop the wall of Angkor Thom, overlooking the moat on the way back to Siem Reap.
Tonight, opt to visit a Cambodian circus that features local culture and history. Opt to pre-book the "Phare Circus" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Tonight, opt to visit a Cambodian circus that features local culture and history. Opt to pre-book the "Phare Circus" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Explore the temple complex of Angkor Wat by bike.
Meals: B
Day 9: Siem Reap
Bike to Tonle Sap Lake, visit the floating communities who make their home here and observe some of the birdlife before returning to Siem Reap.
Meals: B
Day 10: Siem Reap
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Bicycle hire and helmet
- Cu Chi cycling
- Cu Chi Tunnels entrance and tour
- Floating market visit
- Oudong Trail Cycling
- Tonle Sap cycling
- Angkor Wat cycling
- Angkor Wat complex entrance and guide
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Bicycle, Local bus, Private vehicle, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (8 nts), Basic family homestay (1 nt)