Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Tour 10 days
Day 1: Into the Heart of the Mekong Delta (L/Cycle 55 Km/3 star hotel)
Departure time: 7h30 AM
Today, we leave the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind. A short two-hour transfer brings us to the outskirts and deep into the Mekong Delta—a sprawling region of lush greenery, intricate waterways, and tranquil rural life.
Our cycling adventure begins in Ben Tre. We’ll ease into the rhythm of the local roads, navigating alongside the ever-present motorbikes before crossing the Ham Luong River. From here, the landscape transforms into a serene tapestry of coconut groves, banana plantations, and sugarcane fields.
The route follows narrow farm roads and quiet lanes, offering a peaceful escape. Along the way, we’ll cross several small bridges and enjoy two local ferry rides, providing an authentic glimpse into daily life on the water. The second ferry carries us across the expansive Co Chien River into the charming town of Tra Vinh, a unique cultural crossroads of Vietnamese and Khmer influences.
- Today’s Ride: 60 km (37 miles)
- Included Meals: Lunch
- Hotel: Cuu Long Hotel
Day 2: Khmer Heritage & Emerald Rice Fields
This morning, we set out on an exciting journey to uncover the region’s natural beauty and rich Khmer heritage. Just a short ride from Tra Vinh City lies the stunning Ba Om Pond. This 800-year-old architectural site, adorned with seasonal lotus flowers and ancient trees, offers a tranquil and picturesque start to the day.
As we continue our ride, we’ll pedal through a breathtaking landscape of emerald rice paddies and towering coconut trees. This region is Vietnam’s second-largest rice producer, and the vast, shimmering fields offer endless photo opportunities.
We’ll pause to visit a traditional rice paper-making workshop. Here, you’ll get a fascinating look at how locals transform simple ingredients into delicate sheets of rice paper—and you might even get the chance to try it yourself! After lunch, we take a one-hour transfer to Can Tho, the vibrant capital of the Mekong Delta. The evening is yours to explore the city’s lively night markets or enjoy rooftop views of the bustling riverfront.
- Today’s Ride: 65 km (40 miles)
- Included Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Charmant Suites Can Tho
Day 3: Floating Markets & Fruit Orchards
We begin the day with a visit to the renowned Cai Rang Floating Market, the most iconic and vibrant hub in the Mekong Delta. Traveling by boat, we’ll weave through a sea of colorful barges and small wooden boats where vendors display their goods—from piles of pineapples to fresh local delicacies. This immersive experience offers a fascinating window into the traditional river-borne commerce of the region.
After the market, we’ll navigate the intricate canal system. You’ll learn about the historical significance of these waterways, which served as vital transport routes for local communities and tactical paths during the Vietnam War.
Returning to land, we’ll mount our bikes for a journey through meandering trails and narrow lanes. We’ll cycle past charming riverside villages and lush landscapes, stopping for a well-deserved lunch along the route. In the afternoon, the ride takes us along secluded, paved roads upstream, flanked by breathtaking fruit gardens and picturesque countryside. To conclude the day, a short transfer will bring us to the coastal city of Rach Gia.
- Today’s Ride: 50 km (31 miles)
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Hotel: Sai Gon Rach Gia Hotel
Day 4: Coastal Pathways to the Cambodian Border
Embrace the local lifestyle this morning with a traditional breakfast of steamed rice noodles, fresh tropical fruit, and local coffee. Once fueled up, we’ll cycle deep into Vietnam’s stunning rural heartland. The scenery here is quintessentially Mekong: vast rice paddies, fishermen casting nets with practiced ease, and children waving from riverboats on their way to school.
Our route includes a local ferry crossing, allowing us to access hidden single-track trails on the opposite bank. These paths wind through small villages, offering unique opportunities to interact with friendly locals and observe their traditional ways of life. We’ll also pedal alongside the ancient canals that sustain the region’s agriculture.
After lunch, we continue our journey toward Chau Doc. As we approach this border town, the landscape shifts, revealing the resilience of a region shaped by annual floodwaters. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Chau Doc, a town famous for its cultural blend of Cham, Khmer, and Vietnamese influences. Relax at your hotel or take a stroll along the lively riverside to watch the sunset over the water.
- Today’s Ride: 45 km (28 miles)
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Hotel: Chau Pho Hotel
Here is the polished and corrected version of the next three days of your journey, moving from Vietnam into the heart of Cambodia.
Day 5: Cruising the Mekong to Phnom Penh
Today offers a well-deserved rest for your legs as we transition from Vietnam to Cambodia. After breakfast and check-out, you will board a comfortable speeding boat departing at 6:45 AM, heading upstream along the mighty Mekong River toward the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh.
The scenic journey takes approximately five hours, offering a unique perspective of the river’s tranquil waters and the changing landscapes of the two countries. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views; light snacks will be provided on board to keep you refreshed.
Visa Information:
At the border, the boat crew will assist with your visa arrangements. Please ensure you have:
- Two passport-sized photos (white background).
- $35 USD in cash for the visa fee.
- Note: Bills must be in pristine condition (no tears, marks, or folds) to be accepted by Cambodian immigration.
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you’ll check into your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace—take a stroll along the riverside promenade or sample the local street food.
- Included Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
- Hotel: Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel
Day 6: Silk Island & The Shadows of History
Begin your day with a peaceful bike ride along the Mekong River as the city wakes up. We’ll board a local ferry to Silk Island (Koh Dach), a serene oasis where time seems to stand still.
As we cycle through quiet backroads, we’ll visit local families who produce tofu skin and witness the intricate art of traditional silk weaving. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the artisans, hear their stories, and see how these crafts have been passed down through generations.
Returning to the city for lunch, the afternoon offers a choice of exploration:
- The Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Iconic symbols of Cambodia’s heritage and resilience.
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21): A sobering but essential visit. This site serves as a place of deep reflection, honoring the strength and spirit of the Cambodian people during a difficult chapter of their history.
- Today’s Ride: 30 km (19 miles)
- Included Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel
Day 7: Ancient Capitals & Silver Craftsmanship
We leave the bustling streets of Phnom Penh behind for a scenic ride through the Cambodian countryside. Today’s route takes us along quiet backroads past lotus ponds, emerald rice fields, and traditional Khmer stilt houses.
Our first major stop is Koh Chen, a village famed for its centuries-old tradition of silver and copper smithing. You’ll watch local craftsmen hammer intricate designs into bowls and ornaments using techniques passed down from the Angkorian era.
The journey continues to Phnom Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. This sacred hilltop is crowned with magnificent stupas and offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains. We’ll explore the site on foot to soak in its spiritual significance and historical grandeur. After the ride, we’ll take a vehicle transfer to Kampong Thom, a charming town nestled along the Stung Sen River.
- Today’s Ride: 50 km (31 miles)
- Included Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
- Hotel: Glorious Hotel & Spa
Day 8: The Ancient Capital of Sambor Prei Kuk
Today, we set off from Kampong Thom, cycling through Cambodia’s untouched countryside along the gentle curves of the Stung Sen River. This ride offers a serene escape into the heart of rural Cambodia, where golden rice fields, rows of towering sugar palms, and remote wooden hamlets dot the horizon. The quiet rhythm of village life unfolds as we pass, accompanied by the warm smiles and waves of the local community.
Our journey leads us to the ancient temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage site that predates the grandeur of Angkor. Once the capital of the Chenla Empire, these pre-Angkorian ruins are hidden within a peaceful forest. The site features moss-covered brick towers and intricate carvings that whisper stories of a bygone era. We’ll take time to wander through these ruins, soaking in the mysterious beauty of this sacred forest.
In the afternoon, we trade our bikes for a vehicle transfer to Siem Reap, the vibrant gateway to the world-famous temples of Angkor. Upon arrival, you’ll have the evening to relax at your hotel or explore the town’s lively markets and cafes.
- Today’s Ride: 60 km (37 miles)
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Hotel: Hillocks Hotel & Spa
Day 9: Sunrise and the Secrets of Angkor
We begin our day before dawn to witness a truly magical sight: sunrise over Angkor Wat. Watch as the first light of day silhouettes the iconic five towers of this ancient masterpiece. Afterward, a knowledgeable historian will guide us through the temple, uncovering the rich history and fascinating bas-reliefs that cover its walls.
Following the sunrise, we’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local family home, experiencing authentic Khmer hospitality. Then, we’ll hop back on our bikes to navigate the hidden jungle trails of the Angkor Archaeological Park. These shaded paths allow us to escape the crowds and experience the park’s tranquil beauty.
Our cycling route takes us through the grand gates of Angkor Thom. We’ll marvel at the enigmatic smiling faces of the Bayon Temple and discover hidden structures tucked deep within the foliage. After a delicious Khmer lunch near the royal reservoir of Srah Srang, we conclude our adventure at Ta Prohm. Famous for being left to the elements, this “Tomb Raider” temple features massive tree roots entwined with ancient stones, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene.
- Today’s Ride: 35 km (22 miles)
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Hotel: Hillocks Hotel & Spa
Day 10: The Birth of Angkor & The Stilted Villages
We begin our final full day of exploration with a scenic ride to the Roluos Group, home to some of the earliest permanent structures built by the Khmer Empire. Often overlooked by the mainstream crowds, these 9th-century brick temples—including Bakong and Preah Ko—offer a serene and intimate glimpse into the foundations of Angkorian architecture.
For lunch, we enjoy a meaningful community-based dining experience. You’ll savor authentic, home-cooked Cambodian dishes prepared by local families. This initiative directly supports the village, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect with the residents and learn about their daily lives and traditions.
In the afternoon, our adventure continues along the Tonle Sap trails. We’ll cycle through picturesque countryside and vibrant hamlets toward Kampong Phluk, a fascinating village where houses are built on towering stilts (some up to 10 meters high) to adapt to the dramatic seasonal rise of the Tonle Sap Lake. We’ll explore the village to witness the incredible resilience of this community, from their unique fishing methods to their water-based commerce, before returning to Siem Reap for our final evening.
- Today’s Ride: 45 km (28 miles)
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Hotel: Hillocks Hotel & Spa