Epic Saigon to Bokor Hill to Siem Reap– 12 Days

We begin today’s cycling journey with a 1.5-hour transfer to a small hamlet in Can Duoc District, about 45 km from Ho Chi Minh City. From here, we set off along quiet dirt tracks through peaceful countryside, passing fragrant jasmine rice paddies and remote villages. Along the way, we join locals crossing rivers by ferry and explore scenic waterways lined with lush nipa palms and traditional stilt houses.

As we ride, we experience the unhurried rhythm of rural life—passing fish and shrimp farms, pedaling along the Vàm Cỏ River, and winding through rustic hamlets tucked into verdant farmland. There will be opportunities to see locals harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables, offering a glimpse into everyday life in the Mekong Delta region.

We pause in a rural village to visit Alluvia Farm & Chocolate Factory, where we learn the step-by-step process of crafting fine chocolate. Enjoy tasting fresh cacao fruit and locally made chocolate, followed by a delicious lunch featuring banh xeo at the farm.

After a hearty breakfast, we transfer to the Ha Luong River to begin our journey. We explore small villages shaded by coconut palms, sharing space with locals on tiny ferry boats and passing by villagers on mopeds along narrow pathways. Along the way, we visit local markets and enjoy fresh fruits and coconut milk. Afterwards, we continue to Cai Mon, known for its ornamental gardens, bonsai trees, and lush nursery plants.

These rural villages are a paradise for nature and plant lovers. As we ride through the countryside, we immerse ourselves in the greenery of durian and mangosteen orchards. Most of our route follows shaded paths, crossing numerous rivers via small bridges and ferries. Lunch will be enjoyed en route. We then continue cycling toward Cai Mon town, taking in the endless stretches of lush vegetation. From there, we cross the Co Chien River by ferry, enjoying its peaceful scenery on the way to Vinh Long.

In the afternoon, we cycle past rice paddies and verdant orchards, passing several brick factories along the rivers. The routes become more open and slightly wider than the morning paths, winding along lively waterways and quieter streams. The intricate network of canals and fertile farmlands creates stunning landscapes and offers encounters with some of the friendliest locals. As navigation becomes more complex, our guide will carefully manage the pace. Finally, our support vehicle will meet us in Long Ho township for a one-hour transfer to Can Tho city.

Can Tho, often referred to as “Tay Do,” is the capital of the Mekong Delta. It is best known for its vibrant floating markets, especially Cai Rang and Phong Dien, located just outside the city.

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Ninh Kieu Pier and board a motorboat for a 40-minute cruise. Along the way, you’ll see water taxis and numerous commercial sampans advertising their goods over loudspeakers. Every morning, hundreds of boats gather here to trade a wide variety of products—from freshly harvested fruits and vegetables to rice, coffee, noodle soup, and even broken rice dishes—all sold directly on the water. You’ll also observe floating homes and grocery boats, offering a fascinating glimpse into daily life on the river.

After disembarking, we hop on our bikes and explore lively villages nestled among lush nipa palms in the Phong Dien countryside. This off-the-beaten-path journey allows us to experience the peaceful rhythm of Mekong life as we cycle along shaded paths beside winding waterways toward Vi Thanh.

We stop for lunch in a small town before continuing along quiet rural roads, crossing expansive rice fields on our way to Giong Rieng. The afternoon ride takes us through vast paddies, following smooth concrete paths along agricultural canals in a tranquil setting.

Upon reaching Giong Rieng township, we transfer by vehicle to Rach Gia City. Known for its fresh seafood, the city offers the perfect setting to end the day with a delicious seafood dinner.

Depart at 7:30 a.m. from the hotel for a 30-minute transfer to a rural township. From there, we begin cycling along the stunning coastline of Cay Duong Bay. Riding right on the beach, you’ll gain a firsthand glimpse into the daily lives of local communities in seaside villages of the Mekong Delta. The route features a mix of gentle undulations and flat stretches, with a few small hills near Hon Chong, while the middle section remains largely flat and easy.

Along the way, we stop at small towns set along irrigation canals that flow out to the sea, and visit traditional fishing villages scattered along the route. While Cay Duong Bay offers plenty to see, its waters are not the typical turquoise, and the shoreline is more rugged than sandy. We also have the opportunity to visit Khmer hamlets and explore vibrant Khmer temples.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in a quiet town before continuing the ride toward Hon Chong. This coastal area is known for its striking rock pinnacles, limestone karsts, and caves adorned with colorful pagodas. It’s an ideal spot to relax with a coffee and take in the scenery before a one-hour transfer to Ha Tien.

After an early, leisurely breakfast, transfer 15 minutes to the Xa Xia border crossing. Complete exit formalities, pass through customs, and meet your new team on the Cambodian side. Continue with a 30-minute vehicle transfer to Kampong Trach, where you begin a full-day ride to Kampot.

Cycle across expansive rice paddies and through rustic villages before reaching the dramatic landscapes of Kampong Trach Mountain Park. Here, limestone karsts rise from the plains, concealing a network of caves and caverns, offering striking views and a sense of adventure.

The cycling route follows gentle dirt tracks with some rolling, undulating sections. Along the way, continue riding through pepper farms and vast plantations. Kampot pepper is among the most renowned in the world, prized for its unique flavor and quality. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about its cultivation and processing firsthand.

Ride past Brateak Krola Lake, taking in scenic lotus fields, and continue through lush farmland to Tuek Chhou. After a short stretch on the main road, turn onto quiet country lanes leading to the salt fields. Meet local farmers and cycle across the salt paddies before reaching the riverside. Follow peaceful riverside roads all the way into Kampot city.

Important Note:
Travelers are required to obtain a visa for Cambodia during the trip. Please bring three passport photos with you.

Keep your passport, visa photos, and all necessary documents in your day bag for easy access during the visa application process. Your local guide will assist you with exit and entry procedures at both Vietnamese and Cambodian border checkpoints.

• Exit point: Ha Tien Border Gate
• Entry point: Prek Chak Border Gate

Bokor Hill Station is a collection of French colonial buildings constructed in the early 1920s as a peaceful mountain retreat for colonial residents. Perched atop Bokor Mountain in Preah Monivong National Park, about 37 km west of Kampot in southern Cambodia, the area sits at an elevation of approximately 1,027 metres above sea level. Surrounded by lush forests and diverse wildlife, it is one of the highlights of the region.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer by shuttle to Bokor Hill Station. Upon arrival, explore the atmospheric ruins of colonial buildings, including an old church and former hotels, while enjoying spectacular panoramic views from the mountaintop. Along the way, stop at the lake and visit nearby waterfalls, then continue to Sampov Pram Pagoda and admire the elegant Thansur Sokha Hotel.

Take time to discover the unique charm of Bokor Hill Station and its surrounding landscapes, with sweeping views across the national park. Afterwards, return to the hotel to check out and enjoy lunch before a 3.5-hour transfer to Phnom Penh.

Oudong was an ancient city of the post-Angkorian period (1618–1863 CE), located in present-day Psadek Commune, Punhea Loeu District, Kandal Province, about 35 km northwest of Phnom Penh via National Road No. 5. The city is bordered by Kampong Loung village and the Tonle Sap River to the east, Vang Chas village and Oudong Market to the north, National Road No. 5 to the south, and Prasith Mountain to the southwest. It lies approximately 10 km from another post-Angkorian capital, Longvek.

After breakfast, you will depart Phnom Penh and transfer to Preaek Pnov, where the cycling begins. Enjoy a leisurely ride through Khmer communities, rural farmlands, and remote hamlets. The route features varied terrain, from paved roads to gravel tracks winding through stilt-house villages. Cycle past rice paddies, with stops along the way to learn about the region’s rich culture and history.

Continue to explore Oudong Mountain, including a visit to Preah Reach Troap Mountain, where you can take in stunning panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and lush fields. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local home, then continue cycling along the outskirts of Oudong toward Kampong Chhnang. Later, rejoin the support vehicle in a rural village for your transfer to Kampong Chhnang.

Kampong Chhnang is a charming small town located near the Tonle Sap. Centuries ago, it was a coastal trading port along the route between China and India. Over time, sedimentation from the Mekong River pushed the coastline much farther out to sea. When the Tonle Sap River later changed its course, the city lost its main water source and was eventually abandoned, with residents relocating to Kampong Tralach. Gradually, a new town developed in the area, bringing renewed life to Kampong Chhnang. Today, a local museum showcases the archaeological history of this fascinating region.

This morning, we set off early as we have a long journey to Battambang. After a 1.5-hour transfer to Krakor township, we begin cycling toward the remarkable Kampong Luong Floating Village. Here, we take a 30-minute boat ride to experience daily life on the water—passing floating grocery shops, schools, petrol stations, pagodas, hospitals, and even ice factories. You’ll also see locals producing dried fish, carefully arranged in neat rows on skewers and left to dry in the sun, where they can be preserved for up to a year. Life in the village revolves entirely around floating houses and boats.

After the boat excursion, we continue cycling along dirt tracks through lowland farms filled with mixed vegetables and rice paddies. Along the way, we pass ancient temples and traditional stilt houses. The route follows a mix of trails and shaded palm-lined paths, running alongside the peaceful Pursat River. We stop for a picnic lunch en route before finishing the day’s ride in Pursat town. From there, we transfer to Battambang.

Battambang is located in northwest Cambodia, along the Sangker River. It is known for its colonial architecture and the historic railway—now famous for the “bamboo train.” The railway was abandoned for many decades, after which locals began using the tracks to transport goods and farm products on simple bamboo platforms. Enjoy a short bamboo train ride through the lush countryside before continuing your journey.

In the morning, your half-day tour combines cycling and a bamboo train experience, allowing you to explore verdant agricultural fields, ancient temples, and vibrant villages. Along the way, learn more about local businesses and industries, with stops at workshops where traditional snacks are made from rice, bananas, and tapioca, as well as sticky rice cooked in bamboo.

In the afternoon, following lunch, you have two options:

• Take an afternoon boat ride from Battambang to Siem Reap during the rainy season, when water levels are high (typically from late July to early January).
• Take a transfer from Battambang to Siem Reap during the dry season, when water levels are low (typically from late January to early July).

Angkor is one of Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological treasures. Spanning approximately 400 square kilometers, including forested areas, the Angkor Archaeological Park houses the majestic remnants of several Khmer Empire capitals, dating from the 9th to the 15th century. Highlights include the iconic Angkor Wat Temple and the richly decorated Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom. Recognizing its cultural value, UNESCO has launched a comprehensive preservation program to protect this extraordinary site and its surroundings. 

This is a highlight of your journey. You'll transfer to the entrance of Angkor Wat to begin a scenic cycling route that weaves through the ancient ruins. Ride past some of the most notable temples, including Ta Prohm—famous for its tree-entwined structures—before heading to Angkor Thom to explore Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. Marvel at the enigmatic stone faces and intricate carvings that adorn these timeless monuments. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration of Angkor’s hidden corners and jungle trails. After a fulfilling day of discovery, return to Siem Reap.

After enjoying the tranquil beauty of sunrise, continue your journey with a guided exploration of the iconic Angkor Wat. Ascend to its upper tiers for sweeping views of the grand temple complex and the verdant jungle beyond. Following your visit, return to the hotel to relax and enjoy breakfast. Later, you will be transferred to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight. Tour End!