MEKONG DELTA & ANGKOR WAT

THROUGH S. VIETNAM TO CAMBODIA




This is a fantastic cycling tour for people looking for a challenge and crossing 2 countries by bicycle. We start from Saigon, Ho Chi Minh city, with a cultural exploration, then the cycling adventure starts exploring deeply the Mekong delta crossing various villages and ending with the visit to the majestic Angkor Wat and its impressive archeological park. 
 
During this tour the terrain is mainly flat with no elevation and this allow to cycle for longer distances every day with less effort. During these days you will experience and learn about 2 different cultures the South Vietnamese culture and the Khmer culture seeing their differences but also some similarities.  You will cycle too along 2 different trails: in Vietnam the trail is mainly flat with narrow concrete paths crossing endless rice fields, local villages and different plantations; while in Cambodia we will cycling in a dirt road crossing deeply the Cambodian countryside and local villages. In both countries we will have time to interact with locals and learn about their cultures and traditions.
 
What makes these regions and tour so great and perfect: Thanks to its flatter topography, the Mekong Delta and Cambodia are perfect for cycling, allowing to explore various areas easily by bicycle and accessing to remote and unique places; Roads vary from small concrete path to off-road dirt paths that meander through villages; You will visit some small caratteristic villages along the Mekong delta and you will be surround by a peaceful atmosphere and unique landscapes while cycling; You will have the chance to visit incredible places in Cambodia difficult to access by normal 4 wheels vehicle and you will be surrounded by nature and meeting incredible and smiling local people; Visit some of the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about the culture and history of Cambodia



OVERVIEW

ToSouth Vietnam and Angkor Wat
Length 12 nights/ 13 days
Start Day 1 (with arrival in Saigon)
Finish Day 12 (departure Siem Reap airport)
Type

Good for Individuals, Small Groups, / possible to privatize the tour.Precisely For people who practice sport all year long and like cycling.
Skill 3 ?
Route

HO CHI MINH - VINH LONG - TRA VINH - CAN THO - CHAU DOC - PHNOM PENH - KOMPONG CHAM - KOMPONG THOM - SIEM REAP
Season Best time from November to Mid-March. Possible in April, May but with high temperature. June, July, August green season, nice time to cycle with a greener landscape but possible get some occasional rainfalls  

HIGHLIGHTS

An introduction to the most famous historic landmarks of the colonial city once known as Saigon.

Cross bountiful rice fields, exotic fruit plantations and the tranquil Cambodian countryside as you cycle along the Mekong Delta.

Discover colorful Phnom Penh’s secret gems, from hidden temples and monuments to fortune tellers on the riverside.

Visit Cambodia’s most recently nominated UNESCO World Heritage site: the ancient Sambor Prei Kuk, one of the region’s oldest temple complexes.

Explore the lesser visited Angkorian temple of Beng Mealea, a slumbering giant lost for centuries in the forests of Cambodia.

Experience the morning majesty of a sunrise at the Angkor Wat Archaeological Park, and slowly meander through the awe-inspiring temple complex by bicycle.

Visit a stilted community on the Tonle Sap and get a glimpse into the way of life in the floating villages of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

SKETCH ITINERARY

Day 1:

Arrive at Ho Chi Minh International Airport, travel to your hotel. In the early afternoon meet your guide and start exploring the city visiting some cultural sights. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 2:

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Vinh Long // Start your cycling adventure. Today you will observe and learn about the different artisanal skills from the region, like paper making, coconut candy making, and popped rice making. Overnight Vinh Long 
Day 3: Vinh Long - Tra Vinh // Vinh Long, is a famous fruit town on the Mekong – cycling along various plantations today before reaching Tra Vinh
Day 4: Tra Vinh - Can Tho // Start cycling from the hotel first explore a Khmer temple before handling towards the countryside and crossing some local villages. Overnight Can Tho
Day 5:

Can Tho - Long Xuyen // Start the day with a boat trip to Cai Rang Market, after start cycling crossing various charming villages 
Day 6:

Long Xuyen - Chau Doc // During this day you will ride along the busy river channels and traditional brick factories and visit the impressive Tra Su Nature Reserve. 
Day 7:

Chau Doc - Phnom Penh / Today is a rest day, take the speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh and in the afternoon explore the Cambodia capital with the local tuk tuk. 
Day 8:

Phnom Penh – Kompong Cham // Start you cycling adventure in Cambodia by riding your bicycle along the Mekong river till you reach your hotel. Overnight Kompong Cham
Day 9:

Kompong Cham - Sambor Prei Kuk - Kompong Thom // the highlight of today is Sambor Prei Kuk, an ancient temple UNESCO world heritage site 
Day 10:

Kampong Thom - Beng Mealea - Siem Reap // Cycle through the Cambodia countryside and remote local villages before arriving to Beng Mealea another impressive ancient Khmer temple surrounded by the forest
Day 11:

Siem Reap – Angkor Complex // Admire the sunrise at the majestic Angkor Wat, then start exploring the Archeological park and other impressive temples by bicycle  
Day 12:

Siem Reap – Countryside and Floating Village // explore the countryside of Siem Reap crossing some rural villages and end the day with the visit to Kompong Klhean floating village 
Day 13:

Siem Reap – Departure 


Need a detailed itinerary? Write to us at  info@offbeat.travel

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