Cycle Vietnam & Cambodia-Saigon to Siem Reap

Leave the center of Saigon and enjoy a scenic drive along the national highway. After approximately one hour of transfer, we begin our ride in Long An, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Blessed with fertile soil and abundant freshwater year-round, the Mekong region is known as the country’s “rice bowl,” featuring vast verdant fields and numerous orchards spread across flat, easy-to-explore terrain.

Cycle along quiet rural paths, crossing agricultural lands and soaking in the lush scenery. Discover the rustic charm of local hamlets and gain insight into the daily lives of farmers. The route offers a variety of terrains—concrete paths, dirt lanes, and gravel roads—winding through green rice paddies and vibrant villages in the rural districts of Long An and My Tho. Enjoy a delicious local lunch in My Tho.

In the afternoon, transfer to Ham Luong Bridge for the next stage of your adventure. Ride along smooth concrete paths shaded by coconut trees as you pass through peaceful villages. Cross rivers via ferries and narrow bridges, including small suspension bridges, and explore coconut-processing workshops and family-run businesses.

The countryside reveals ever-changing scenery, from rustic villages to lush water palm-lined canals. Finally, in the late afternoon, take a ferry across to Tra Vinh City, marking the end of a rewarding day’s journey.

After breakfast, a short 20-minute transfer takes you out of town for a scenic morning ride into the heartland of the Khmer ethnic community, where Theravada Buddhism — a spiritual tradition with roots in India — remains deeply woven into daily life. Visit the peaceful Ba Om Pond and one of the region’s beautiful ancient Khmer pagodas before cycling past lively local markets and into the authentic countryside. Along the way, you may encounter monks walking through the villages collecting alms, a daily ritual that reflects the community’s strong spiritual traditions and cultural heritage.

The ride continues through farmlands, traditional homes, and quiet rural hamlets, offering a closer look at local life and the fascinating history of the Khmer Empire and its enduring culture. Lunch is served in a Cau Ke town after completing the morning ride of approximately 42 km.

In the afternoon, continue toward Can Tho, the vibrant capital of the Mekong Delta. After a short ride through Cau Ke town, turn onto narrow country lanes winding through rustic villages to the first ferry crossing. On the other side, cycle across a peaceful islet before boarding a second ferry to Luc Si Island, where the journey continues through tranquil waterways and charming island communities. Take time to explore local life on the island, with its lush orchards, quiet paths, and welcoming atmosphere.

The final ferry crossing brings you to Tra On town, where a one-hour transfer concludes the day in Can Tho City.

After breakfast, we check out and embark on a boat excursion to the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, where traders from surrounding villages gather each morning to exchange fresh produce directly from their boats. After soaking up the lively atmosphere of this iconic Mekong Delta market, we cross the Hau Giang River via the region’s longest suspension bridge and begin cycling along quiet countryside lanes through peaceful farmlands and rural communities. En route, we visit a local family workshop producing rice and sticky rice flour using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Our journey continues to Sa Dec, where we explore the historic Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, a beautifully preserved Sino-French residence famously linked to Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover. After enjoying lunch at the house, we ride through Sa Dec’s renowned flower village, a colorful landscape filled with ornamental plants and blooming gardens. Along the way, we pause to admire the vibrant scenery and meet local gardeners before transferring to Cao Lanh City, crossing the Mekong River by ferry to conclude the day’s adventure.

In the morning, we explore the lush wetlands of the Mekong Delta and the peaceful waterways of Gieng Island in An Giang Province. Cycling along quiet country lanes shaded by coconut palms, we pass traditional riverside stilt houses and lively rural markets, offering a glimpse into everyday Delta life. A scenic ferry ride brings us to Cu Lao Gieng, one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the Mekong Delta, where we cycle through rustic villages, visit the impressive monastery complex, and stop at one of the island’s beautiful Roman churches.

Leaving the island via a newly built bridge, we enjoy views of floating catfish farms before a short transfer to Cho Moi for lunch. In the afternoon, the bike ride starts at Bac Cai Dam Market as we continue cycling through charming countryside dotted with pagodas, fruit orchards, and peaceful riverside hamlets along the Bassac River. After a ferry crossing over the Bassac River, we continue biking through colorful Cham Muslim villages and scenic market towns before ending the day with another ferry crossing to the vibrant border town of Chau Doc.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your cycling team and transfer to the pier to board the speedboat departing at 7:15 AM for Phnom Penh. Travelers who have not arranged a Cambodian visa in advance can obtain one at the border crossing; please bring three passport-sized photos for the application process.

This scenic five-hour journey along the Mekong waterways is one of the most memorable ways to travel between Vietnam and Cambodia. As the boat glides upriver, enjoy ever-changing views of life along the Mekong Delta — floating fishing villages, bamboo stilt houses, bustling river communities, and local ferries weaving between the banks. The journey offers a fascinating glimpse into the timeless rhythm of daily life on Southeast Asia’s great river.

Arrive in Phnom Penh around midday, where your guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to local restaurant for lunch before check in the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, giving you time to relax or begin exploring the vibrant Cambodian capital at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy dinner in town with your guide, who will provide a briefing on the exciting days ahead in Cambodia.

Important reminder:
Please keep your passport, visa photos, and all necessary documents in your day bag for easy access during the visa application process. Do not pack these items in your suitcase. Your guide will assist you with both exit and entry procedures at the Vietnamese and Cambodian border checkpoints.

Border Information:

• Exit point: Song Tien Border Gate

• Entry point: Kaamsamnor Border Gate

Oudong is one of Cambodia’s ancient towns, located at the base of Phnom Udong Mountain, northwest of Phnom Penh. It served as the royal capital from the 17th to the 19th centuries and is home to numerous historical sites and remnants of former royal palaces.

After breakfast, transfer to Prek Phnov Bridge to begin a leisurely cycling journey through rural Cambodia. The route passes small village communities and farmlands, with varied terrain ranging from paved roads to gravel paths winding through traditional stilt-house villages. Cycle past rice paddies and stop along the way to learn about the region’s rich culture and history.

Continue to explore Oudong Mountain, including a visit to Preah Reach Troap Mountain. Enjoy the stunning scenery and panoramic views over the surrounding green fields. A delicious lunch will be served at a local home.

In the afternoon, the ride continues along the outskirts of Oudong toward Kampong Chhnang. Along the way, rejoin the support vehicle in a rural village and transfer to Kampong Chhnang.

Kampong Chhnang is a charming small town near Tonlé Sap Lake. Centuries ago, the province was a coastal trading hub along the route between China and India. Over time, sediment from the Mekong River pushed the coastline farther out to sea. When the Tonlé Sap River later changed its course, the city lost its primary water source and was eventually abandoned, with residents relocating to nearby Kampong Tralach. A new town gradually developed, bringing fresh life to Kampong Chhnang. Today, a local museum showcases archaeological evidence of the region’s rich history.

This morning, we set off early for the long journey to Battambang. After a 1.5-hour transfer to Krakor township, we begin cycling toward the remarkable Kampong Luong Floating Village. Here, we take a 30-minute boat ride to observe daily life on the water—passing floating grocery shops, schools, petrol stations, pagodas, hospitals, and even ice factories. You’ll see locals producing dried fish, neatly arranged on bamboo racks to dry in the sun and preserved for up to a year. Life in the village unfolds entirely on floating houses and boats.

After the visit, we continue cycling along dirt tracks through lowland farms of mixed vegetables and rice paddies, passing several ancient temples along the way. The route follows scenic trails shaded by palm trees and continues along the Pursat River. Lunch is served en route. The day’s ride concludes in Pursat town, where you’ll transfer onward to Battambang.

Battambang is a charming small town known for its blend of French colonial architecture and beautiful surrounding countryside. Founded in the 11th century during the Khmer Empire, it is now Cambodia’s leading rice-producing province.

This morning, explore the warmth and smiles of the locals by bicycle, and experience the unique bamboo train. Along the way, stop to visit traditional rice paper production, local Buddhist monasteries, and a rice wine workshop. Enjoy the scenery as you cycle at your own pace through the peaceful countryside.

After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Sangker River. Drift past fishing villages, palm trees, and lush rice paddies before arriving at the Tonle Sap dock. From here, transfer to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.

In the afternoon, following lunch, there are two options depending on the season:

• Rainy season (late July to early January, high water levels): Take a boat ride from Battambang to Siem Reap.

• Dry season (late January to early July, low water levels): Travel by road transfer from Battambang to Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. As the highlight of your journey, you’ll transfer to the entrance of this iconic temple to begin your exploration.

We cycle along a scenic route connecting some of the most remarkable temples in the area. Our first stop is Ta Prohm, famously entwined with towering tree roots that create a mystical, jungle-like atmosphere. We then continue to Angkor Thom to visit the captivating Bayon and the impressive Terrace of the Elephants.

Along the way, marvel at the enigmatic giant stone faces and the intricate carvings that showcase the extraordinary artistry of the Khmer Empire. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your unforgettable discovery of the Angkor temples.

Your morning begins early with a sunrise visit to Angkor. Climb to the top of the temple to enjoy breathtaking views over the majestic complex and the surrounding jungle. Afterwards, return to your hotel for breakfast before transferring to Siem Reap Airport. The tour concludes.