Vietnam and Cambodia by bicycle: between rice paddies, temples and traditions

In the morning, cyclists will be transferred by minibus to a local café in the Mekong Delta where their equipped bicycles will be waiting. After a briefing at the café, we will board and begin our adventure.

70% of today's route will be shaded by coconut palms, providing respite from the Mekong sun. Cyclists will cross numerous small bridges over the canal and admire the region's lush vegetation. This glimpse into local agriculture will lead to a coconut processing plant.

After lunch, the cyclists will continue their adventure, admiring the coconut groves as they give way to charming houses and villages of the delta. As we progress, we will follow generally flat, paved routes, but we will have the opportunity to push our limits on narrow sections through the coconut groves.

We will end in Tra Vinh, where we will relax before enjoying a community dinner and an evening of exploration.

After spending the first day in the Kingdom of Coconut, today we will see rice paddies occupying a prominent place in our landscapes.

In the morning, we'll cycle a short distance to Ba Om Pond, an 800-year-old Khmer architectural marvel, to admire its famous seasonal lotus flower. Afterwards, we'll spend the rest of the morning cycling through plains bordered by rice paddies and canals. This region is renowned as the second-largest rice producer in Vietnam.

In the afternoon, transfer by minibus to Can Tho, where we'll enjoy the nightlife and panoramic views from the rooftop restaurants in the city center. Don't miss Can Tho's famous night markets!

The excursion will be divided into two parts: the morning on the water and the afternoon on land. Departing from Can Tho, we will take a boat to the famous Cai Rang floating market, a 60-minute journey. Once at the Cai Rang floating market, we will have time to explore the surroundings and shop from the vendors.

After visiting the floating market by boat, we'll cycle along the river on secluded paved roads, admiring the region's orchards that line the country lanes. The riverside forest paths will then give way to the vast rice paddies we crossed on day three. Cycling through this region, we often feel like we're the only people in the world for miles. It's a peaceful and tranquil place, ideal for reflecting on the value of solitude and community. Our final stop: a visit to the Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary.

Cyclists have the option of covering the remaining distance to Long Xuyen town by bicycle or van.

After another hearty and delicious local breakfast, we will take our private shuttle to the seat of the Kingdom of Southern Vietnam, as it was known 2,000 years ago, a journey of 60 minutes. We will visit a local museum to learn more about its history.

We will then begin a 55km journey to the Tra Su National Bird Sanctuary and Reserve. As the farmland is frequently flooded, most of the journey will be on reinforced platforms raised above the fields.

We will arrive at Tra Su in the early afternoon, after most of the tourists have left. We will have the opportunity to walk on a floating bridge amidst brightly colored seaweed. Guided boat trips will be offered on the shaded canals of the reserve.

After this relaxing experience, lunch will be served before you get back on your bikes for a 25km ride to our accommodation in Chau Doc. An air-conditioned minibus is also available for transfers if you wish to end the day.

Today, your legs will enjoy a well-deserved rest after boarding a comfortable speedboat bound for Cambodia at 6:45 am.

The crossing will take approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, during which you can enjoy some snacks. The crew will assist you with obtaining your visa at the border. Please prepare a printed copy of your e-Visa and USD 35 in undamaged cash for the border.

You will have the rest of the day to explore Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

After breakfast, at 8 a.m., you will begin the day with a bicycle ride along the boulevard to the Independence Monument. You will be able to admire Phnom Penh from the riverbanks and make a few stops to take photos of the quays and the Royal Palace, and watch local dancers on the roadside.

After your bike ride, you can enjoy a free day to sunbathe and relax by the pool, explore the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, or visit the historic Killing Fields and the S-21 Museum. This day is entirely up to you; whether you wish to explore further or simply relax, the choice is yours!

We will meet you the following morning and leave from there.

You will have breakfast at the hotel, then be transferred by minibus to the Mekong River pier for a 45-minute boat trip upriver to Koh Dach (Mekong Island), our starting point. You will travel through the island's villages and stop to visit villagers who weave and make scarves, sarongs, and other silk items. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local pagoda and school.

You will cross the river by local ferry to travel along the banks before being transferred by minibus to your charming hotel in the heart of this charming town.

For your final stop before Siem Reap, you'll depart from your hotel and head towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sambor Prei Kuk. This Hindu brick temple is nestled in the forest. From there, you'll continue cycling through the peaceful countryside for a total of 65 km. Our driver will be waiting to take you to your destination, Siem Reap.

Today, we offer a guided bike tour of Angkor Wat and all the other temples in the complex. Led by a local cycling guide, this tour is packed with fascinating information and anecdotes about the site, one of the last two wonders of the world.

After breakfast, we'll head towards the village of Krabei Riel, passing through rice paddies, traditional Khmer houses, and pagodas. After lunch, we'll continue our journey by bicycle to Tonle Sap Lake and board a local boat upon arrival. We'll cruise leisurely to the floating village of Mechrey on Tonle Sap Lake. You'll then return by boat to the dock and choose between cycling and a minibus to Siem Reap, where we'll arrange a farewell dinner and exchange New Year's greetings with the locals.

On this last day, you can relax and explore the city on your own before continuing your journey or returning home. Check-out from the hotel is scheduled for noon if you need to go to the airport or another destination.