Backroads Cycling Adventure: Cambodia & Vietnam

After a leisurely breakfast, we take a short transfer to the cycling starting point, just 1.5 km from the hotel. Riding along quiet riverside roads, we cycle through peaceful villages and fertile farmlands, enjoying glimpses of everyday Cambodian countryside life. Along the way, see farmers working rice paddies with water buffaloes, villagers selling fresh produce, and locals harvesting lotus flowers from the ponds.

We continue riding through the vast wetlands bordering Tonle Sap, Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Following scenic dirt tracks and quiet backroads, we pass local farmers and fishermen going about their daily routines amid beautiful wetland landscapes. En route to Kampong Phluk, we stop to explore a lively local market before visiting the famous floating village. With your guide, walk through fascinating stilt-house communities and learn how local families adapt to life during the flood season when rising waters transform the landscape.

We then board a private canoe to explore the floating village and flooded mangrove forest. Glide along narrow waterways lined with stilted homes, floating grocery boats, and fishing vessels, offering fantastic photo opportunities and an authentic glimpse into life on Tonle Sap. After lunch, you may choose to cycle back to Siem Reap along a different scenic route or enjoy a transfer back to the hotel.

Start the early morning journey with a scenic shuttle transfer across the iconic bridges and towering gateways, traveling south of Siem Reap through charming rural towns and picturesque countryside to the vibrant provincial center of Kampong Thom. Along the way, we make a brief stop at the ancient Naga Bridge in Kampong Kdei, one of Cambodia’s finest Angkor-era bridges.

Upon reaching Kampong Thom, we begin cycling toward the remarkable temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk (615–650 AD), the former capital of the powerful Chenla Empire. Hidden within a tranquil jungle setting, these atmospheric pre-Angkorian temples date back to the 7th century and offer a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia’s early history. Enjoy time to explore the ancient ruins and peaceful forest surroundings before lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue riding along quiet dirt tracks and scenic backroads through authentic Cambodian countryside. Pedal beneath swaying sugar palm trees, pass traditional stilted wooden houses, and cycle across vast emerald rice paddies as local village life unfolds around you. The day concludes in Kampong Thom City with check-in at the charming Sambor Village Hotel.

We begin the day with an early morning transfer to Udong, the former royal capital of Cambodia, located about 2.5 hours from Phnom Penh. Climbing the 400-plus steps to the hilltop pagodas may challenge the legs, but the reward is breathtaking panoramic views across the vast Cambodian countryside and endless rice plains. After time to wander through the peaceful temple grounds and surrounding area, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before setting off on a memorable afternoon cycling adventure to Prek Pnov.

The ride follows scenic dirt roads through the heart of rural Cambodia, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional village life. Pedal past stilted wooden houses, emerald rice paddies, ox carts, colorful Buddhist temples, lively schools, and tiny roadside markets. Friendly children wave enthusiastically as we cycle through charming countryside villages, while the tranquil landscapes reveal the timeless beauty of Cambodia beyond the tourist trail.

A final 45-minute transfer brings us back to vibrant Phnom Penh. The evening is free for you to relax or explore the Cambodian capital at your own pace and enjoy dinner in town.

After a leisurely breakfast, we spend half a day sightseeing in the capital city. Visit sites associated with the Khmer Rouge regime, including the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields. This former school was transformed into a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. We then explore the Russian Market before returning to the hotel to check out and enjoy lunch prior to departing Cambodia for Vietnam.

Board a speedboat along the Mekong River, crossing the immigration checkpoint at the Cambodia–Vietnam border. Along the journey, enjoy scenic views of life on the riverbanks and witness the daily activities of Cambodian and Vietnamese communities living along the waterways. Relax and take in the ever-changing landscapes as we cruise through the mighty Mekong Delta toward Chau Doc, the vibrant Vietnamese border town.

Upon arrival at the dock in Chau Doc around 6:00 PM, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in, followed by dinner with your Vietnamese team.

Note: Please keep your passport, visa photos, and other necessary documents in your day bag for the visa application process. Your local guide will assist you with exit, entry, and visa procedures at both the Cambodian and Vietnamese border gates.

• Exit point: Kaam Samnor Border Gate

• Entry point: Song Tien Border Gate

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we begin cycling through a Muslim village, where we will have time to walk around the mosque and experience local life along the Mekong River. Along the way, we stop at small local markets and verdant vegetable farms before crossing the Bassac River by local ferry.

We continue riding along quiet country trails and narrow paths through lush farmlands and rustic villages toward the Vam Nao River. After a ferry crossing to the rural district of Cho Moi, An Giang Province, we resume cycling, crossing numerous small bridges over canals and creeks, with plenty of opportunities to interact with local villagers along the route. We also stop to enjoy fresh tropical fruits at local orchards.

Today’s lunch will be freshly prepared and served at a local home. In the afternoon, the ride becomes more leisurely as we pass fish farms, Buddhist pagodas, and traditional brick factories. We then take a ferry to outskirts of Long Xuyen City, and have a short transfer to the hotel.

We begin today with a scenic 30-minute transfer to Thot Not, where our cycling adventure starts with a visit to the enchanting Bang Lang Stork Garden — a tranquil bird sanctuary home to thousands of storks, cormorants, and graceful snowy egrets. Enjoy time to stroll through the peaceful wetlands before setting off along quiet village backroads and riverside lanes toward Song Hau Farmlands.

After a refreshing coffee break in the small town, we continue riding to Thoi Lai, passing traditional rice-husking mills and pedaling along shaded canal paths lined with lush tropical vegetation. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Thoi Lai.

In the afternoon, the ride offers an intimate glimpse into daily life in the Mekong Delta as we cycle beside winding creeks, serene waterways, and charming rural hamlets. We continue exploring the picturesque backwaters of Phong Dien before a short transfer brings us to the vibrant riverside city of Can Tho.

Your day begins with a scenic boat trip to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. As the sun rises, you'll witness the daily routines of locals along the riverbanks and experience the market in full swing, where vendors trade goods directly from boat to boat in a vibrant, floating exchange. After the market visit, we’ll cross the Hau Giang–Mekong River by short transfer and begin our cycling journey through the rural Binh Minh area.

In the morning, you’ll ride through quiet island paths, pedal along riverside trails, hop on a few local ferries, and sample fresh, seasonal fruits straight from the source. This immersive ride ends in Tra On township, where we’ll transfer to Cau Ke for a well-earned lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue deeper into the Khmer heartland, cycling past peaceful villages and elegant temples. You’ll visit local homes and experience the warmth of Khmer hospitality firsthand. The day concludes with a transfer to your bungalow homestay, where you can relax and reflect on a full day of cultural discovery and scenic adventure.

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a scenic shuttle transfer to the ferry dock along the tranquil Co Chien River, where your final day of adventure begins in the charming countryside of Ben Tre. Cycle along peaceful coconut-shaded paths, cross picturesque waterways, and visit traditional family-run workshops producing coconut jelly, coconut fiber handicrafts, and other local specialties.

The ride winds through authentic rural villages and lush tropical landscapes before ending at Mo Cay Nam on the banks of the serene Ham Luong River. From here, rejoin the shuttle for a comfortable transfer to My Tho, where a delicious farewell lunch awaits. Afterward, relax on a two-hour drive back to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Tour ends.