Cambodia to Vietnam

On the first day of the tour, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the joining hotel. There will be a group meeting with introductions and to discuss the trip ahead. Your guide will do a bike fitting and provide an overview of Cambodia.

Siem Reap is a riverside town with colonial architecture and the famous temple ruins of Angkor nearby. There is a military museum and arts & crafts markets to explore. This evening we take you to a local restaurant; you will hear more from your guide about traditional cuisine and Cambodian culture.

Accommodation: Hotel (D)

We set off from our hotel, cycling through the Angkor pass checkpoint. As we ride along shady roads we may need to stop to re-inflate our tyres because of a few potholes. The Banteay Kdei temple will come into view before we make a stop at the famous Ta Phrom shrine, encircled by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. We spend about an hour looking around the temple. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th Century for King Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his mother. Whilst clearing back the forest, archaeologists decided to leave the vegetation of Ta Prohm in place to serve as a reminder of how the Angkor temples were first discovered. Many trees have grown around and through the remains and soar high above the temples.

We continue cycling this small circuit, passing Ta Keo Temple, Chau Say Tevoda and Tommanon before reaching Angkor Thom City. Angkor Thom was also built by Jayavarman VII. Here you will see the Terrace of the Leper King, the Terrace of the Elephant and Baphuon, Phimeanakas. We stop at Bayon Temple to have a look around (45 – 60 mins). We will have lunch at the temple area before we visit Angkor Wat, one of the most famous temples in Cambodia. After that we cycle back to our hotel.

Cycle Distance: 30km (19 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

From our hotel we cycle along Siem Reap River and out into the countryside to Kampong Phluk fishing village. On our way we pass a few Rolous group temples from the 9th Century, Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko. An ancient Khmer city here was known as Hariharalaya. We take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap (Great Lake) the largest freshwater lake in Asia. Back on shore we transfer to our hotel in Siem Reap.

Cycle Distance: 40km (25 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B, L)

We set off from the hotel, cycling 30km on small dirt roads through a landscape of paddy fields, passing through Cambodian villages. We will be greeted by the smiling faces of local people. We stop to visit a silk farm then have a vehicle transfer to Banteay Meanchey town for lunch and then continue to Battambong. After check-in at our hotel, we have a late afternoon cycle out to the Bamboo Train. This is a unique railway. From O Dambong, 3.7km east of Battambang’s old French bridge (Wat Kor Bridge), all that remains of the track is 7km southeast to O Sra. The journey takes 20 minutes each way, with a 20-minute stop at O Sra Lav in between.

Each bamboo train (nori) – consists of a 3m-long wooden frame, covered with slats made of bamboo powered by a petrol engine.

Cycle Distance: 50km (31 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

This morning we cycle to the villages just outside Battambang to learn about the lives of local people living along the river. We stop to see rice paper making, banana drying, rice wine and prahok production, we can sample one of the most famous snacks in Cambodia, the kralanh (sticky rice cooked in the bamboo pipe). After that, we cycle back to Battambang. After lunch we transfer by vehicle to Kampong Chhnang. Late this afternoon we will visit floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake.

Cycle Distance: 30km (19 miles)
Accommodation: Basic Hotel (B,L,D)

We set off from our hotel cycling to visit the pottery villages of Kampong Chhnang, we continue on riding through the rice paddies enjoying beautiful countryside. We make a stop to visit Oudong Mountain, the Capital of Cambodia for more than 200 years from the 17th to 19th Centuries. The two mounds of the mountain are connected by a ridge and dotted with stupas and shrines dedicated to former kings. After visiting the mountain-top temple we will ride on quiet back roads through the countryside to our hotel.

Cycle Distance: 100km (62 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)

Today you are free to explore Phnom Penh. You can visit the sumptuous Silver Pagoda with 5000 silver floor tiles, located in the Royal Complex, the Royal Palace or the ancient Wat Phnom temple, set apart from the bustling streets. The city’s Psar Tuol Tom Pong (Russian Market) or the art-deco Psar Thmei (Central Market) offer the opportunity to do some bartering.

Accommodation: Hotel (B)

We cycle from our hotel this morning to catch a ferry boat across the Mekong. Disembarking we enjoy a 25km cycle ride through local villages where silk weaving is a principal industry. We take another ferry boat to Call Kah Oknha Tei Island and cycle through market gardens where crops of corn, papaya and mangoes grow and learn about the people who live on the island.

We transfer back to Phnom Penh and this afternoon, bidding farewell to Cambodia, we take a speed boat to Chau Doc in Vietnam. As we reach our destination, we’ll see floating houses, people washing clothes and children bathing in the river. Chau Doc’s cultural diversity with mosques, temples, churches and nearby pilgrimage sites, makes it a fascinating place to explore. The area is defined by Sam Mountain a small but imposing pinnacle that rises dramatically out of the flat landscape. From the peak there are views right across the delta to Cambodia. The mountain is a sacred site for Buddhists, there are brightly painted temples and tombs and an unusual trail of ceramic dinosaurs that leads to the summit. A lookout tower is manned by Vietnamese military monitoring the Cambodian border.

It possible to ascend the peak at dawn and watch the sunrise from the mountain top.

Cycle Distance: 25km (15.5 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,D)

We cycle along the Vinh Te canal to visit Ba Chuc killing fields. Pol Pot soldiers massacred over 3000 Vietnamese people here in 1978. An ossuary and memorial room mark these events. Our ride continues along the riverside where there are numerous brick kilns and we will see local workers farming the mud for brick production. We continue riding on village roads passing rice fields and frog farms.

Cycle Distance: 70km (43.5 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

We begin today with a short transfer to visit Bang Lang Stork Garden, a bird sanctuary with astonishing views of thousands of resident storks and snowy egrets. There is a tall viewing platform we can climb to survey the area. We begin cycling on quiet village backroads witnessing scenes of daily rural life in action. There are timber merchants, coconut shredders and rice farmers at work. Can Tho is the main city of the Mekong Delta.

Cycle Distance: 85km (53 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

We begin our day with a trip to the local floating market in Can Tho where we will see an array of fresh produce for sale. Back on dry land we set off, riding along small paths through rice fields. We make a stop to take photos and learn about the rice production and harvest. We cycle on to visit a Khmer temple and lotus pond on the way. Your guide will give you the local history of the site. About 300,000 ethnic Khmer live in Tra Vinh province; they are Vietnamese speaking communities and there’s nothing distinctively different about their clothing or life style however, Khmer culture thrives in these areas of Vietnam. There is also a small Chinese community in Tra Vinh, one of few that remain in the Mekong Delta region.

Cycle Distance: 80km (50 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Today we ride on paved country roads through the ‘coconut kingdom of Vietnam’, our route includes a ferry crossing, rice fields, and coconut farms. Our cycling ends at Ben Tre. Packing up the bikes we have a 2-hour transfer to our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cycle Distance: 65km (40 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)

Our journey continues through small communities on quiet back roads, trails and paths. As we ride past rubber plantations, see rice paper making and learn more about these village industries. Visiting Cu Chi our local guide will explain the workings of the tunnel network and what was essentially a subterranean settlement. Arriving at Cu Chi we have a guided tour. This war museum site of over 120 km of underground tunnels offers visitors a glimpse of the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers back in 1948; with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, hospitals, and command centres. After the war against the French, Vietnamese soldiers expanded the tunnels and included effective air filtration systems, which helped them survive the Chu Chi carpet-bombings in 1969.

We will transfer by vehicle back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Cycle Distance: 40km (25 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)

The tour ends today. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

(B)

• International flights
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Visa fees (if applicable)
• Alcoholic drinks
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Tips for guides and support staff
• Bike hire
• Cycle helmets
• Single room supplements

Tour Start

• Start location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Airport transfers provided on the tour start date, regardless of arrival time
• Early arrivals may need to wait for hotel check-in (subject to availability)

Tour End

• End location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Airport transfers provided if departing on the final tour day
• Extra nights and transfers can be arranged at additional cost

Flights

• International flights are not included
• We recommend booking an an open-jaw flight arriving in Siem Reap on Day 1 of the Itinerary and departing from Ho Chi Minh City on the final day of the tour
• We are happy to advise on suitable arrival and departure airports

• We choose accommodation based on comfort rather than luxury.
• Our prices are based on sharing a twin room.
• Should you wish to have a room to yourself there is a single supplement option on most of our tours.

Meals on Tour
Most meals are included in your tour price, except on rest days and a few other occasions.
Please check the itinerary for all meals provided.

Dietary Requirements
If you have any special dietary needs, please let us know at the time of booking.
We can cater for most diets, but advance notice is essential to ensure the best experience.

Cambodian Cuisine

Cambodian food is flavourful, balanced, and often centred around fresh, local ingredients. A typical meal might include:

• Soup
• Salad
• Fish dish
• Vegetables
• Rice
• Fruit-based desserts often made with sticky rice
• National Dish: Fish Amok: A creamy, coconut-based curry made with freshwater catfish and steamed in banana leaves—a must-try!
• Trey Dang Dau
  Small river fish, commonly served deep-fried and seasoned.
• While fish is the most common protein, pork and chicken are also staples in Cambodian meals.
• Iced Coffee – Cambodia’s most popular soft drink, brewed fresh and served with sweetened condensed milk
• Fresh Coconut – Widely available and safe to drink directly from the shell—perfect for staying hydrated in the heat

Vietnamese Cuisine
Vietnamese meals are flavourful and fresh, typically including:

• Soup with rice noodles (a national staple)
• Meat, fish & vegetable dishes
• Aromatic herbs: basil, mint, lemongrass, coriander
• Desserts made with fresh fruit or sweet cakes

Common drinks include:

• Tea & coffee
• Local beer
• Rice wine
• Snacks like spring rolls, rice paper wraps, and noodle dishes are found everywhere — perfect fuel for cyclists!

Support Vehicle

• A support vehicle accompanies the group throughout the tour
• Transports main luggage between overnight stops
• Available for rest breaks or if you need a lift
• Typically stops every 20 km / 12 miles

On-Ride Support

• Guides carry tools for minor repairs
• You only need a small daypack while riding

Helmet Policy

• Helmets are mandatory while cycling
• Helmet hire or purchase cannot be guaranteed locally
• You must bring your own helmet

Currency in Cambodia & Vietnam

• Cambodia: The local currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted—especially in tourist areas. Prices are often listed in USD, and change may be given in a mix of USD and Riel.
• Vietnam: Once across the border, the Vietnamese Dong (VND) becomes the primary currency. USD is not widely accepted, so you’ll need to exchange or withdraw VND for purchases.
• In Cambodia, Riel is typically used for small items like snacks or tuk-tuk rides. In Vietnam, all transactions are in VND.

What to Bring

• Travellers from the US: Bring clean, undamaged USD in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20).
• Travellers from the UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, NZ: Bring USD, or exchange your local currency into USD before departure.
• Torn or heavily worn notes may not be accepted.

Where to Exchange

• ATMs: Widely available in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and major Vietnamese towns. Many dispense USD in Cambodia. A withdrawal fee may apply.
• Currency Exchange: Licensed money changers offer good rates. Avoid airport exchange desks where rates are typically poor.
• Cards: Accepted in some hotels and restaurants in larger cities, but cash is essential—especially in rural areas.
• Let your bank know you’re travelling to avoid card blocks.
• Suggested Spending Money: Spending varies based on your preferences, but we recommend budgeting £260 / $350 for the 14-day tour, which should be more than sufficient.

Staff Tipping (optional but customary)

• Tipping is always at your discretion but very much appreciated. As a rough guideline:
• $50 per customer for the Cambodia team
• $50 per customer for the Vietnam team
  (Tips should be paid in USD.)
• Tips are not part of staff wages and are a personal thank-you. Your guide will collect and fairly distribute them among the wider crew.

• Bike hire or e-bike hire
• Single room supplement
• Extra nights before or after the tour
• Airport transfers before or after the tour
• Optional excursions or rest-day activities

• Solo travellers are very welcome
• Prices are based on twin-share accommodation
• We will pair solo travellers with someone of the same gender where possible
• Single rooms are usually available for an additional charge

• You must hold a valid passport in order to travel.  Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return from any overseas destination.
• Visa and entry requirements for most countries can and do change from time to time and so we strongly recommend that you consult the government travel website for where your passport was issued.
• For UK nationals, please visit the gov.uk website for up to date information about entry requirements for Cambodia and Vietnam.  The website also provides vaccination advice as well as the option to sign up for Alerts so that you are aware if requirements have changed.

Apply for a Cambodia e-Visa (tourist)

•  https://www.evisa.gov.kh/
  This is the official Cambodian government e-Visa portal where travellers from most countries (including UK & US) can apply for a visa online before travel.

Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa (tourist)

• https://evisa.gov.vn/ This is the official Vietnam government e-Visa website where travellers of most nationalities can apply for a visa online. At the time of writing UK nationals can visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without the need for a visa (Feb 2026)
• You will cross the border from Cambodia to Vietnam on Day 8 of the itinerary. We cross from Cambodia into Vietnam at the Vĩnh Xương – Kaam Samnor International Border Gate on the Mekong River.
• Vĩnh Xương International Border Gate: Vietnamese: Cửa khẩu Quốc tế Vĩnh Xương: Full Vietnamese: Trạm Xuất Nhập Cảnh Vĩnh Xương
• On the Cambodia side, the corresponding crossing is: Kaam Samnor International Border Gate
• Khmer: ច្រកទ្វារអន្តរជាតិកាំសំណរ :Often written as K’am Samnar / Kaam Samnor

Travel Insurance

Mandatory for all participants and must cover:

• Medical expenses and emergency evacuation
• Cycling and adventure activities
• Loss or damage to luggage and hired equipment
• Trip cancellation or curtailment
• Insurance should be taken out at the time of booking

Health & Vaccinations

• Consult your GP or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before departure
• Follow advice from official travel health authorities

Cambodia
Cambodia has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry and wet.

November – January
Start of the dry season. Expect comfortable temperatures (25–26°C), low humidity, and plenty of sunshine – ideal for cycling.
You may encounter a brief shower in early November.

August
This falls in the wet season, but rain usually arrives in the late afternoon or overnight, meaning it rarely disrupts our rides.
The countryside becomes especially lush and scenic during this time.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s weather varies by region with both tropical and temperate zones.

South Vietnam (e.g. Ho Chi Minh City)

• Dry Season: November – April
• Wet Season: May – October
• Temperatures remain consistently warm year-round (avg. 27°C).

North Vietnam

• Four distinct seasons.
• Cool winters (can drop below 20°C) and hot summers (above 30°C).
• Cycling is enjoyable year-round thanks to our carefully planned routes.
• Wet season rides are lush, cooler, and often quieter in terms of tourism.

Staying Hydrated on Hot Rides – 6 Tips for Cyclists
As a cycling company, we know how important proper hydration is—especially when you’re out riding in hot conditions. Below are some general hydration tips that riders find helpful for staying fuelled and feeling strong on the bike.

Please note: We are not medical professionals and this information should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Each cyclist is different, so if you have specific health concerns or conditions, it is always best to consult your doctor and adhere to their advice.

1. Prioritize Gut Health

• Why it matters: A healthy gut boosts absorption of water and nutrients.
• How to do it: Feed your microbiome with probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) and prebiotics (garlic, onions, bananas) to keep digestion and hydration strong.

2. Time Your Hydration

• Why it matters: When you drink can matter as much as how much.
• How to do it: Start the day with a big glass of water—add lemon or a pinch of sea salt for an extra boost.

3. Hydrate Beyond Water

• Why it matters: Water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated.
• How to do it: Include coconut water, bone broth, or other nutrient-rich drinks to hydrate and replace electrolytes—especially during long rides or after heavy sweating.

4. Don’t Forget the Minerals

• Why it matters: Minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium help retain water.
• How to do it: Eat mineral-rich foods such as salted nuts, seeds, and dairy—or take a quality mineral supplement if needed.

5. Absorb Water Better

• Why it matters: Drinking water too fast can flush out nutrients and reduce absorption.
• How to do it: Sip steadily throughout the day. Add a pinch of sea salt to your bottle and eat water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and pineapple.

6. Keep Your Electrolytes in Check

• Why it matters: Electrolytes regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
• How to do it: Eat potassium- and magnesium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, and leafy greens. Add electrolyte tablets or sea salt to your water after intense sweat sessions.

• Cycling Helmet – Mandatory and to be worn at all times when cycling
• Sunglasses – For sun and wind protection
• Water bottles or CamelBak – Stay well-hydrated
• Fingerless Cycling Gloves – Comfort and grip
• Waterproof Jacket – Lightweight and breathable
• Padded Cycling Shorts – For long-distance comfort
• Cycling Shoes or Trekking Footwear

Clothing

• Trekking Shorts – Lightweight and breathable
• T-shirts and Long-Sleeved Shirts
• Long Trousers – For cooler evenings or sun protection
• Swimwear – For beach or pool days
• Fleece or Light Pullover – Evenings can be cool
• Sun Hat or Cap – Protection from the sun
• Buff or Scarf – Versatile and protective
• Lightweight Hiking Shoes or Trainers

Accessories

• Torch or Headlamp – With spare batteries
• Sunscreen & Lip Balm – High SPF recommended
• Insect Repellent – Essential for evenings
• Camera – To capture the journey
• Energy Bars / Gels – Quick fuel for the ride
• Recovery Drinks – Optional but useful for active days

Personal First Aid Kit

(Our guides carry a group kit, but we recommend bringing your preferences)

• Paracetamol / Ibuprofen (or whatever you prefer)
• Anti-diarrhoeal (eg. Imodium)
• Rehydration Salts (eg. Dioralyte)
• Antiseptic Cream / Wipes
• Throat Lozenges
• Plasters (Band-Aids)
• Nasal Spray & Eye Drops
• Earplugs
• Hand Sanitiser / Anti-bacterial Gel

• Cambodia: Plug types A (two flat pins), C (two round pins) and G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz
• Vietnam: Plug types A (two flat pins, US standard), C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz

Kingdom of Cambodia

• Capital: Phnom Penh
• Population: 16 million (UN, 2012)
• Area: 181,035 sq km (69,898 sq miles)
• Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR)
• Major Language: Khmer
• Major Religion: Buddhism
• Life Expectancy: Men: 66 years/ Women: 71 years

Socialist Republic of Vietnam

• Capital: Hanoi
• Population: 92 million
• Area: 329,247 sq km (127,123 sq miles)
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Major Language: Vietnamese
• Major Religion: Buddhism
• Life Expectancy: Men: 73 years/ Women: 81 years