Southeast Asia Cycling Escape

Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand’s enthralling and energetic capital. Around 6pm we meet our tour leader and fellow travellers to get acquainted and hear more about the journey ahead, then we share a warm Thai welcome with a group dinner at a local restaurant. If you want extra time in Bangkok, you can arrange pre–tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

We make an early start for a two–hour transfer from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, where we begin cycling by the vast reclining Buddha. We pedal among shrine towers and enormous temple remains – vivid reminders of the city’s former grandeur before much of it was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century.

We follow quiet minor roads through rural Thailand, passing rubber and eucalyptus plantations plus tapioca and rice fields. The route is mostly flat with a few gentle rolling rises. We end the ride on the edge of a busier road, then drive approximately 40 minutes to Kabin Buri.

We leave early and transfer one hour to Thung Yao Temple in Prachantakham to start our final day of cycling in Thailand. We ride through small villages, farms and lush paddy fields to Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, pausing for a leisurely lunch and a refreshing dip in the natural streams of Wang Takhrai Park. After recharging, we pack our bikes and transfer 2 hr 30 min to our Bangkok hotel for our final night in Thailand.

After an early breakfast we transfer one hour to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) for our 1hr 5min flight to Siem Reap (SAI). Arriving mid–morning, we meet our second tour leader and take a 15–minute transfer to the hotel. This afternoon we ride along the Siem Reap River through local villages and continue beside the Angkor Wat moat – sunset reflections on the water can be superb.

We may opt for an early start to stay ahead of the Angkor crowds. The temples are linked by shady avenues that make cycling an ideal way to explore. We visit the jungle–clad Ta Prohm, where fromager roots grip ancient stones, Angkor Thom with the Bayon’s 37 serene towers (originally 49), and the magnificent Angkor Wat with its vast moat, long causeway and soaring towers.

We pedal beyond the main Angkor complex to Banteay Srei, 35km from Siem Reap, riding past paddy fields and pretty villages. Built in the 10th century, this small complex is famed for exquisite Khmer carvings. In the afternoon we cycle back towards Siem Reap with stops at lesser–visited temples. Siem Reap town is pleasant to wander – the market is excellent for shopping and the nightlife is lively. There should also be time to visit Tonle Sap Lake; you can take an optional boat ride to the floating fishing villages, though you may need to miss part or all of the return ride depending on timings. The distance is approximately 70km if you ride the full out–and–back.

We travel by bus for about seven hours along National Road 6 to Phnom Penh, stopping a couple of times. After roughly three hours we visit Sambor Prei Kuk, one of the most impressive groups of pre–Angkorian monuments in Cambodia, and enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a community restaurant. Some resurfacing makes sections of the road bumpy. We should reach the capital in the late afternoon – perfect timing if you fancy a Mekong sundowner.

Phnom Penh’s fortunes have shifted dramatically, and the Khmer Rouge era left deep scars. This morning we visit two sites on a 2–3 hour tour: the Genocide Museum at Tuol Sleng (S–21) and, 15km out of town, the Killing Fields. While harrowing, these visits give vital context to the country’s recent history. On a more positive note, the city is vibrant again and rich in French–colonial architecture; we also tour the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda. You can browse the Russian Market and stroll the lively Mekong waterfront.

This morning we transfer about two hours south from Phnom Penh to Takeo, where the road quietens and we begin riding. We cycle 50km to the Phnom Den–Tinh Bien border, complete formalities, then continue by bike for approximately 30km to Chau Doc.

We set off from our hotel around 7.30am, cycling a quiet backroad lined with villages before stopping after 50km for lunch at about 1pm. After an hour’s break we transfer roughly two hours by bus to Vinh Long, leave the bikes on the mainland and board a 30–minute boat to our homestay–style guesthouse on An Binh Island. After settling in, we explore on foot. The Mekong Delta’s waterways form an intricate network; rice is abundant, though many farmers now favour fish farming and fruit and vegetable growing. Dinner is at the homestay and we enjoy warm Delta hospitality. We overnight in a simple guesthouse built in local style – bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided.

Leaving the homestay around 8am, we take a 45–minute boat to Cai Be, stopping en route to see cottage industries producing popped rice, pancakes and wine. We then ride 35km towards Cai Lay on a scenic route through orchards and along the Mekong, finishing around 1pm. After lunch we rejoin the bus in My Tho for the 2–2.5 hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City, a thrilling place where scooters swarm the streets and temples stand beside modern towers. Devastated by war, it is now a free–market city where almost anything goes.

Today is free for you to explore, shop and relax in Ho Chi Minh City. The Saigon River, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral are all within easy walking distance. Alternatively, you can take a short cyclo ride to the War Remnants Museum, home to a sobering photographic record of the Vietnam War. If you wish, your leader can organise an optional excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels – about two hours from the city – a 240km, three–level network once used by the Viet Cong. Originally very narrow, some sections have been widened for visitors.

After breakfast you begin your journey home, with a free shared transfer to the airport. If you would like to explore this invigorating city a little longer, you can speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.