Cycling Bangkok to Saigon 15 days/14 nights

Depart the hotel for a two-hour transfer to the starting point of today’s ride in Pattaya, once a U.S. Marine base and now a lively destination known for its vibrant tourism and nightlife. Upon arrival, collect your bikes and adjust the saddles for comfort before setting off on a scenic ride along the striking coastline of the Gulf of Thailand. Pedal along picturesque coastal roads, enjoying sweeping ocean views. Pause for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, then continue the journey to Rayong, arriving in the afternoon.

After an early breakfast, we transfer to a tranquil rural area to begin our ride. Today’s route leads us to the Pak Nam Prasae Mangrove Forest, home to one of Thailand’s most successful forest restoration projects. Cycling along scenic backroads, we pass through charming fishing villages and serene coastal communities.

In the afternoon, we continue along the picturesque coastal roads of Kung Wiman Bay, enjoying sweeping views of the bay, colorful fishing boats, and lush fruit orchards and rubber plantations set against the slopes of the Cardamom Mountains in Chantaburi. We conclude the day’s ride at a relaxing resort on Chaolao Beach.

After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer to Pongnamron to begin a scenic morning ride toward the Ban Pakkad Border. Upon arrival, we enjoy lunch and bid farewell to our Vietnamese team before completing immigration formalities and crossing into Cambodia. On the other side, our Cambodian team will be waiting with bikes prepared and gear ready.

From the border gate, we turn onto quiet back roads and cycle 18 kilometers through charming villages, rice paddies, and fertile farmland en route to Pailin. Nestled at the northern edge of the Cardamom Mountains near the Thai border, Pailin is known for its natural beauty—mountains, waterfalls, and coffee and pepper plantations—as well as its frontier-town atmosphere. It also serves as an important gateway for international travelers between Cambodia and Thailand.

After refilling our water bottles and receiving a briefing on the day’s activities, we set off from the border town and ride deeper into the picturesque countryside. The route takes us along dirt tracks and quiet rural roads, weaving through a patchwork of cornfields, peanut farms, and rice paddies. Along the way, we pass charming villages set across open plains and gentle hills, where friendly locals greet us with warm smiles—you may even find yourself the center of attention.

In the afternoon, we explore Battambang’s rural districts, cycling past vibrant temples and tranquil villages before reaching the outskirts of the city. In the evening, we settle in for a delicious local-style dinner in town.

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart from the hotel at 7:30 a.m. Spend the morning exploring local highlights while learning about traditional food and snack-making. Along the way, experience daily life in small villages and take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Battambang is known for its stunning landscapes, with rice paddies, scattered temples, and charming rural communities. Visit a local family and workshop, sample regional specialties and seasonal fruits, and enjoy a short ride on the iconic bamboo train.

Conclude the morning bike ride with a visit to the Wat Samrong Khnong memorial site, honoring victims of the Khmer Rouge, before returning to the hotel.

After check-out, enjoy lunch in town, followed by a 3-hour transfer to Siem Reap in the afternoon. There will be an optional visit to Angkor at sunset.

If you didn’t visit Angkor yesterday afternoon, today’s experience begins at sunrise. Set out early for a transfer to Angkor Wat, where you’ll take your place by the reflection pond to watch the sun rise magnificently behind the five iconic towers of the world’s largest religious monument.

After breakfast, continue exploring the Angkor Wat temple complex and surrounding jungle by bicycle. Ride onward to Angkor Thom, the ancient walled city, and focus on the impressive Bayon Temple, renowned for its 216 serene stone faces of Avalokiteshvara and 54 towers. Nearby, visit the Terrace of the Elephants before cycling on to the atmospheric Ta Prohm, where ancient trees entwine with temple ruins.

End the day with a scenic ride along jungle trails, followed by lunch before returning to Siem Reap. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner accompanied by a captivating Apsara dance performance.

After a short transfer from Siem Reap, we collect our bikes and set off along quiet rural dirt roads winding through lush rice paddies, peaceful villages, and scenic temple landscapes. Along the way, we visit Banteay Srei—often called the “Citadel of Women”—a remarkable 10th-century temple carved from pink sandstone, renowned for its intricate and exceptionally well-preserved carvings.

Following our temple visit, we complete the morning ride and transfer by support vehicle to Kbal Spean, the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” hidden deep in the jungle northeast of Angkor. A short forest trek leads us to this unique archaeological site, where sacred carvings lie beneath the flowing riverbed.

After lunch, we return to Siem Reap by support vehicle, making a meaningful stop at the Landmine Museum to learn about Cambodia’s past and its ongoing efforts toward recovery.

After breakfast, we depart Siem Reap early, leaving the city behind by vehicle. Before long, we’ll hop on our bikes and begin a scenic ride through the tranquil countryside, following quiet back roads past rustic villages and lush farmlands. This gentle morning journey covers approximately 25 kilometers, offering an authentic glimpse into rural life around Siem Reap.

Following the ride, we rejoin our support vehicle for a longer transfer to Phnom Penh, a drive of around five hours. Along the way, we pause in Kampong Kdei to visit its remarkable Angkor-era bridge—one of the best-preserved ancient bridges in the region.

We arrive in Phnom Penh in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to unwind or explore the capital at your own pace.

There is no cycling today as we explore the capital city. In the morning, we begin with a visit to the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, followed by the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom. After returning to the hotel to check out, enjoy a delicious lunch before boarding a speedboat for a downstream journey along the Mekong River to Chau Doc, Vietnam. The boat ride takes approximately four hours.

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Vietnamese team at the dock and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide, who will also brief you on the detailed itinerary for the coming days as you continue your journey through the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City.

Begin your day with a leisurely ride through the vibrant villages surrounding Chau Doc. Cycle along scenic riverbanks as local life unfolds around you, with stops at bustling markets to take in the colors, aromas, and rhythms of daily trade. Continue pedaling through lush rice paddies, quiet farming canals, and blooming lotus fields en route to the serene Tra Su Cajuput Forest.

Upon arrival, enjoy a peaceful sampan ride through the flooded forest, where you’ll discover its rich ecosystem and diverse birdlife—making Tra Su a true haven for nature lovers. After the boat excursion, savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant set amid the forest’s tranquil surroundings.

In the afternoon, return to your hotel and unwind by the pool, reflecting on a day immersed in the natural beauty and cultural charm of the Mekong Delta.

Chau Doc is a small yet well-known town, thanks to its international border crossings—both by land and water—that connect Vietnam and Cambodia. Our cycling journey here is gentle and relaxing, following the scenic banks of the Mekong River. Along the way, we’ll visit a local mosque and ride through quiet village paths, where you can watch farmers tending vegetables, chili, eggplants, rice paddies, and fish farms nestled along natural creeks.

In the afternoon, we explore Gieng Islet by bicycle, passing an architecturally striking monastery, lively local markets, and traditional stilt houses before taking a ferry back to the mainland. We then continue along peaceful backroads through lush mango orchards, making our way to Cao Lanh City.

Your journey begins after breakfast with a pickup from your hotel, setting off along scenic back roads that provide plenty of photo opportunities and the freedom to cycle at your own pace. 

We’ll pause for a short river crossing aboard a local ferry, adding a touch of adventure to the ride. Continuing onward, we arrive in Sa Dec, where you’ll explore the town’s famous flower village—home to bonsai growers and vibrant nursery gardens that reflect an important part of local life.

A highlight of the visit is the historic house of Huynh Thuy Le, brought to fame by the novel and film The Lover. Your guide will share the captivating story of Marguerite Duras and her connection to this remarkable home. Lunch will be served here, offering a unique dining experience steeped in literary and cultural significance.

In the afternoon, we continue cycling along peaceful country roads that wind through lush rice paddies, sweet potato fields, and a network of narrow waterways. The day concludes with a short transfer by van or bus to Can Tho City, wrapping up a journey filled with authentic encounters and scenic discovery.

After breakfast, we check out and set off on a scenic boat ride to the bustling floating market. Following this lively experience on the water, we disembark and transfer a short distance to the cycling starting point. From here, we begin riding along quiet riverside trails beside the Mekong, exploring river islands and visiting lush pomelo orchards. Along the way, we enjoy a tasting of fresh tropical fruits before boarding a second ferry to another island, where we gain insight into authentic local life before reaching the mainland at Tra On.

We pause for lunch in a charming small town, then continue with an afternoon transfer to Cau Ke. Later, we explore the rural Khmer villages of the Tra Vinh region in the Mekong Delta. Our cycling route leads us deeper into peaceful hamlets, passing rice paddies and traditional thatch-roof houses. There is time to stroll through the villages, interact with friendly local residents, and take in the region’s distinctive cultural atmosphere.

Our final day of cycling showcases some of the most picturesque scenery of the entire journey. We follow a narrow, winding lane that meanders through tranquil rural villages, shaded groves of water palms, lush banana plantations, and over charming suspension bridges.

As we reach the outskirts of Ben Tre, our cycling adventure comes to a close. From here, we board the support vehicle for a transfer to My Tho, where a well-deserved lunch awaits. In the afternoon, we enjoy a- 1.5-hour shuttle to Ho Chi Minh City. Tour ends.