Cycling Saigon to Angkor Wat 10D/9N

We begin today’s journey with a one-hour transfer south to the rural village of Ben Luc, gateway to the lush Mekong Delta. From here, we set off by bicycle, riding through scenic farmlands where locals cultivate dragon fruit and rice paddies stretching to the horizon.

Pedaling along quiet backroads, we weave through a network of irrigation canals and rustic villages en route to My Tho. The morning ride covers approximately 25 km, though it can be adjusted between 25–35 km to suit your pace.

After lunch in My Tho, we transfer to a peaceful village in Cai Lay and continue cycling toward Cai Be in the afternoon. Along the way, soak in the vibrant river life—bustling waterways, floating activities, and charming riverside communities—before taking a ferry across to An Binh Island.

If you’re an early riser, begin your day with a peaceful walk through the village, observing the rhythm of local life as it unfolds in the morning. Return to your homestay to enjoy freshly brewed tea or coffee, followed by breakfast while watching daily activities along the waterways just outside your door.

From the homestay, we set off by bicycle to explore the communities of Binh Hoa Phuoc and Phu Phung before continuing on to Cho Lach. The route offers a delightful mix of terrain—dirt tracks, concrete paths, and quiet asphalt backroads—winding through lush fruit orchards, ornamental tree farms, tranquil canals, and charming rural villages.

Along the way, we pass through lively local markets, cross narrow bridges over small rivers, and ride beside the Mekong River toward Cai Mon. Lunch is served at a welcoming local home set within a beautiful nursery garden. Afterward, enjoy a short rest before transferring to Mo Cay for an afternoon ride to Tra Vinh.

This scenic stretch takes you through peaceful villages, shaded coconut groves, and waterways lined with water palms. The smooth, flat routes wind through a maze of irrigation canals and verdant landscapes. We’ll also visit local family-run workshops producing coconut-based products before cycling to the ferry crossing the Co Chien River, arriving in Tra Vinh by late afternoon.

Tra Vinh is home to a large population of the Khmer Krom people—descendants of the ancient Khmer Empire, whose communities were shaped by centuries of political and historical change. Today, the Mekong Delta stands as one of their important homelands, offering a rich cultural landscape. This ride provides a unique opportunity to gain deeper insight into Khmer history and traditions.

We cycle along narrow village paths, passing simple thatched houses shaded by coconut palms and stretching across vast rice paddies. Along the way, we visit Khmer homes and vibrant, centuries-old temples. The routes connect quiet hamlets via small concrete lanes and a network of agricultural canals that sustain local farming life. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Khmer culture—meeting monks at temple grounds, observing women in conical hats working in the fields, and sampling fresh fruits and local snacks at bustling village markets.

After a relaxing lunch in a small town, we transfer to another starting point for an exciting afternoon ride. This section is particularly scenic, featuring crossings on small ferry boats through the Mekong’s intricate waterways. We then cycle along the lively riverbanks, through the lush countryside of Vinh Long Province, before finishing the day on the outskirts of Can Tho. A final transfer takes us across the region’s longest suspension bridge into the heart of Can Tho city.

Cai Rang is the largest wholesale floating market in the Mekong Delta, attracting visitors year-round for its authenticity and vibrant atmosphere. After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a 40-minute motorized boat ride from Ninh Kieu Pier to the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market. Here, hundreds of small boats trade fresh agricultural products directly from vessel to vessel. As your boat glides slowly through the market, you’ll witness locals skillfully exchanging goods between sampans—an incredible opportunity to observe daily life and capture vivid scenes of river commerce. Each boat displays its offerings on a tall upright pole at the bow, with samples such as bananas, pineapples, sweet potatoes, and watermelons hanging visibly for buyers.

After exploring the market, we disembark and continue by bicycle toward Long Xuyen, where we will stay overnight. The ride follows scenic rivers and the tranquil backwaters of Phong Dien, offering beautiful views of lush landscapes and waterways. We stop for lunch in a small town in Thoi Lai rural district.

In the afternoon, the journey leads deeper into the countryside, passing through quiet hamlets, rice husking mills, duck and frog farms, and traditional thatched houses. Cycling along the region’s intricate agricultural network, we cross vast stretches of rice paddies en route to Lo Te Junction. From there, we transfer to Long Xuyen City to conclude the day.

Chau Doc is a charming border town and a key gateway to Phnom Penh, accessible by both boat and land. Located approximately 65 km from Long Xuyen by road—or about 80 km by bicycle—it offers a rewarding journey through the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Your day begins at 7:30 AM with a short 30-minute transfer out of Long Xuyen, leading into a scenic ride across the peaceful “rice bowl” of the Mekong Delta. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in some of the region’s most picturesque landscapes.

In the morning, cycle through vast emerald rice paddies, pass traditional brick kilns and small local factories, and visit impressive stilt houses set among remote hamlets and intricate agricultural canals. After lunch, enjoy a 1.5-hour transfer to the rural village of Tri Ton, where the afternoon adventure begins.

The afternoon ride takes you along a network of dirt tracks through vibrant Khmer communities, dotted with ornate pagodas and temples. Pedal beneath shady palm-lined paths while taking in views of Sam Mountain, as the terrain gently undulates toward Tra Su Forest.

Arriving at the perfect time of day, you’ll explore Tra Su Forest as flocks of birds return to roost. Glide silently through this enchanting landscape by motorboat and sampan, navigating waterways covered in vivid green duckweed, lotus flowers, and water lilies. The tour includes a stop at a 23-meter-high bird observation tower, offering panoramic views of the sanctuary.

Tra Su Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 70 species of birds, including storks, egrets, and herons. The best time to visit is during the flooding season, from July to November, when the cajeput forest comes alive with rich biodiversity and lush scenery.

After your forest exploration, continue cycling toward Sam Mountain, passing tranquil lotus fields and colorful Buddhist pagodas, before transferring to Chau Doc town for the evening. Farewell dinner.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your Vietnamese team and board a speedboat at 7:15 AM for Cambodia. The journey travels upstream along the Mekong River and takes approximately 4.5 hours—an ideal opportunity to observe daily life on the waterways and enjoy the scenic beauty along the riverbanks.

A healthy packed lunch will be served on board. A local guide will accompany you to assist with exit procedures at Vinh Xuong Water Border Gate, as well as visa processing at Kaamsamnor Border Gate upon entry into Cambodia.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the dock by the Vietnam Backroads team and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After some time to rest, you are free to explore Phnom Penh at your leisure before dinner in town.

Note: Travelers who have not obtained a Cambodian visa in advance will apply for one at the border. Please bring three passport-sized photos with you.

Kindly keep your passport, visa photos, and all necessary documents in your day bag for easy access during the visa process. Your guide will assist you at both the Vietnamese and Cambodian border checkpoints. Please do not pack your passport or related documents in your suitcase.

• Exit point: Song Tien Border Gate
• Entry point: Kaamsamnor Border Gate

After breakfast, depart on a scenic five-hour shuttle transfer to Damdek, with a lunch stop along the way. En route, pause to visit the historic Kampong Kdei Bridge—one of Cambodia’s oldest laterite bridges, dating back to the Angkor period.

From Damdek, continue with a leisurely bicycle ride through picturesque countryside villages, taking in the charm of rural life as you make your way toward Siem Reap. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take time to relax. The evening is yours to explore Siem Reap at your own pace and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant of your choice.

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, which emerged in the 9th century north of Tonle Sap Lake. At its height, the empire encompassed much of Southeast Asia and exerted significant political and cultural influence across the region until its decline in the 14th century. Owing to its power and the remarkable artistic masterpieces that remain, Angkor was designated a World Heritage Site.

Today, we explore the extraordinary Angkor temple complex and its surrounding landscapes, including the jungle, by bicycle. We begin with a bus journey to Angkor to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Afterwards, we visit iconic temples such as Ta Prohm, followed by the famed sites of Angkor Thom, including the Victory Gate, Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. We then cycle through the jungle to discover additional ancient Angkor sites before returning to Siem Reap by vehicle.

Your day begins early with a transfer to Angkor Temple to witness the breathtaking sunrise casting golden hues over the ancient ruins. As the first light of day illuminates the temple’s iconic silhouette, soak in the peaceful and unforgettable atmosphere.

After sunrise, continue your exploration of the magnificent Angkor Wat. Discover its intricate carvings and architectural grandeur, and ascend to the upper levels for sweeping panoramic views of the vast temple complex and the surrounding lush jungle.

Following your visit, return to your hotel for a well-deserved breakfast. Later, transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your onward journey. Tour ends with unforgettable memories of Angkor.