Vietnam and Cambodia both have very difficult and complicated histories, but they are well worth considering for an adventure holiday vacation where you not only get to enjoy the great views but interact with the people and understand things from their perspective as well. Karen Campbell and Norm Sealing share their experience on this cycling holiday adventure with Art of Bicycle Trips. Starting in Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh, Karen and Norm spent fourteen days towards Siem Reap, Cambodia, following canals and rivers up on a boat ride on the Mekong Delta. They talk about what they did, how they planned the trip, what it feels like being with the locals, and how they got through cycling the intricacies along the way.
Cycling across Vietnam and Cambodia
Arguably the best way to see Vietnam and Cambodia in southeast Asia! Taking a guided cycling tour through these two charming countries allows you to explore these fascinating cultures up close and personal! You’ll have far more interactions with the locals, get to cover a lot of ground and arrive at each day’s destination energetic enough to explore.
Our guests today, Karen Campbell and Norm Sealing, tell us about their Vietnam and Cambodia cycling holiday with Art of Bicycle Trips. This couple has traveled A LOT and consider this cycling vacation in their Top Two!
I’m an affiliate of Art of Bicycle Trips, which means I can save you money on any of their amazing cycling tours, but you will also be helping to support the program at no additional cost to you! Email me for the current Art of Bicycle Trips Promo Code HERE.
When you take a cycling (or long distance walking holiday), you are not just exploring new cultures like staring through a fishbowl, YOU are actually PART of the landscape and become part of the local’s day as well!
This tour starts in Saigon/ho Chi Mihn City in Vietnam and ends fourteen days later in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Travel like a local through an amazing array of agricultural fields: banana, coffee, rubber, an array of fruits, past lotus and rice patties and more! Stop in small villages. Pick up a snack or beverage from locals selling their wares on the roadsides.
Norm and Karen traveled with Art of Bicycle Trips (their second trip with them) and gave them their highest rating!
Vietnam Culture and Angkor Wat Cambodia
The above video has some great shots taken in Vietnam sure to whet your appetite for visiting the country! Below is drone footage of Angkor Wat.
Here is Art of Bicycle Trips South Vietnam and Grand Cambodia Bicycle Tour Adventure Itinerary:
Day 1: Saigon “ Arrival & Walking Tour
The morning is free for you to explore the city. Post-lunch, 12:30pm, our guide meets you at your hotel for a walking tour to explore some of the most popular sites (Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Opera House, Continental Hotel, The Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Post Office, The War Remnants Museum). This walking tour gives an excellent introduction to the city™s history and provide you with plenty of opportunities to soak up the unique mix of chaos and tranquility that is modern-day Saigon. We convene tonight to celebrate the start of our awesome journey on a bike.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Tra Vinh
A short shuttle transfer brings us to Long An province, outskirts of Saigon. Ride along small creek to Mekong estuary past gorgeous paddy fields and lotus farms. Arrive at Con Phung Island and break for lunch here at a local restaurant. Later trade bike with small boat and cruise through small canals surrounded with lush water-coconut trees. You may also see how local people use water-coconut leaves to make thatch roofs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 36mi*
Day 3: Can Tho
Another classic day on a bike as we ride through the interior trails of Mekong Delta to Vinh Long and then take a shuttle or ride further to Can Tho. Apart from rice fields, the region is dotted with many plantations of banana, coconut, and citrus tress. Set on the southern bank of the Hau River, Can Tho is known for its network of canals and nearby floating markets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 50km / 30mi
Day 4: Chau Doc
Experience early morning Cai Rang floating market on a boat ride and later ride to the culturally diverse Chau Doc as you get to see mosques, temples and churches here. If we make it on time, take a boat trip to the Cham communities across the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 42mi
Day 5: Ha Tien
Another stretch of riverside villages and exquisite countryside awaits us today. Here, we begin cycling towards Tra Su, a national reserve forest and a bird sanctuary. The road is quite hilly, but the path is unique. At national forest, experience a classic boat ride through the forest including rowed sampan boats and hiking amidst Cajeput trees. The wetlands here attract tremendous variety of birds including storks, egrets, cormorants, peafowl and water cocks. Witness dramatic limestone formations along the way and later ride to the quaint riverside town of Ha Tien.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 80km / 48mi*
Day 6: Kep
Our Cambodian representative welcomes you at the border. Today, it’s short coastal ride to Kep through salt flats and coastal villages. We ride slowly, taking pictures along the way and taking in the stunning vistas.
Kep’s seaside front is the perfect place for weary legs to feel rejuvenated. Earthy colours and breezy wind make for the perfect ambience to unwind.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 40km / 24mi*
Day 7: Ta Keo “ Killing Fields and countryside trail
The topography that will be forever etched in your mind is that of a sprawling countryside of fields, palm trees and lotus farms. Ta Keo is a small town situated amidst beautiful lakes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 42mi*
Day 8: Phnom Penh
Get ready for a ride towards Phnom Penh past some amazing lake scenery surrounded with paddy fields and lotus farms. We stop by along the way at Phnom Chiso Temple, situated on the top of a hill with 400 steps to climb up. Later ride to Killing Fields. An essential on the itinerary due to the historic hook and for understanding the country better, we walk through the killing fields. Experience the painful story of country that lead to death of 2 million Cambodian people between 1974-1979.
We take a shuttle and arrive at the capital city of Cambodia via boat, Phnom Penh, at the edge of the Mekong River. Historical splendours are spread in every corner whether it’s the local palace or the horrific remnants of the Khmer atrocities.
In the evening, taste some local khmer cuisine at one of Phnom Penh’s finest dining place Romdeng. End day with a walk or tuk-tuk ride back to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 42mi*
Day 9: Phnom Penh “ Walking Tour
Today get ready to be immersed in the Cambodian culture and history of the city as we kick off our walking tour from Independence Monument. Enjoy walking along the Tonle Sap river, considered as lifeline of the region. Continue towards National Museum, houses several national treasures from three different eras: Pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and Post-Angkorian, giving the flavour of diverse culture and architecture. The last leg of our walk takes us to gilded Royal Palace, shimmering with silver tiles and sculptures of Buddha, that gives an insight about Cambodian Royal Life. After the museum, hike up the steps of a small hill to see Wat Phnom Temple, the birthplace of Phnom Penh.
Get ready to taste some local khmer cuisine at one of Phnom Penh’s finest dining place ˜Romdeng. End day with a walk or tuk-tuk ride back to hotel. Enjoy some leisure evening time walking around the beautiful river-front.
We insist that you step outside for dinner after a short break, to enjoy the local nightlife and enjoy the street food. Traditional dishes like amok (coconut fish curry served in a banana leaf), bobor (rice porridge) and lok lak (stir-fried beef) are easy to find by the streets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Kampong Cham “ Mekong trail”
After a short transfer to the outskirts of Phnom Penh, ride along the Mekong river for a good part, and through tropical plantation landscape consisting of rubber, cashew and cotton. Today’s ride takes us through remote bucolic villages, and past beautiful wats and riverside towns. Kampong Cham is a less visited place yet have a charm of beautiful riverside town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 36mi*
Day 11: Kampong Thom “ Hinterland trail”
A short ride along Mekong river bring us to Wat Hanchey, an 8th century hilltop pagoda offering best views of Mekong in Cambodia. Continue riding along tropical farmlands dotted with cashew and rubber plantations and bucolic villages. Later take a transfer and arrive at Kompong Thom.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 36mi*
Day 12: Siem Reap Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex
In the morning, ride around Kampong Thom’s Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, which predates Angkor Wat by at least 200 years.
Later, ride through bucolic countryside with spectacular view of paddy fields and lotus farms all around.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 36mi*
Day 13: Siem Reap “Angkor Loop”
The Angkor temple complex is synonymous to Cambodia, so a ride around the temple is essential. We start riding directly from hotel and reach the moat of Angkor Wat. Exquisite sculptures, tall towers and maze like trails flanked by large banyan roots, you might want to spend ample time photographing as you would have seen nothing like this before. We will loop back to Angkor Wat for a detailed tour at the end of our ride.
Continue riding towards Angkor Thom and enter the city from South gate. Beat the crowd and climb the surrounding wall of city and ride on top of it. Take a break here for a rich fascinating account of the city from our guide. A further ride through East gate takes us to Bayon, a richly decorated face temple within the Angkor complex is one of the highlights here. Exit from second East gate of city and ride towards jungle clad TA Prohm. Our guide shares historical anecdotes and walks you through temples along the way.
The Angkor Wat requires more than a morning, so we loop back for a more detailed guided tour. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the largest religious complexes in the world and its bound to enthrall you. If time permits, climb Phnom Bakheng for a classic view of Angkor during sunset.
In the evening, explore some of the local food in the cafes that flank the narrow roads.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance cycled: ~ 30km / 18mi
Day 14: Siem Reap – onward travel
Please make plans as per your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
*with shuttle – short transfers
The topography that will be forever etched in your mind is that of a sprawling countryside of fields, palm trees and lotus farms. Ta Keo is a small town situated amidst beautiful lakes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 42mi*
Day 8: Phnom Penh
Get ready for a ride towards Phnom Penh past some amazing lake scenery surrounded with paddy fields and lotus farms. We stop by along the way at Phnom Chiso Temple, situated on the top of a hill with 400 steps to climb up. Later ride to Killing Fields. An essential on the itinerary due to the historic hook and for understanding the country better, we walk through the killing fields. Experience the painful story of country that lead to death of 2 million Cambodian people between 1974-1979.
We take a shuttle and arrive at the capital city of Cambodia via boat, Phnom Penh, at the edge of the Mekong River. Historical splendours are spread in every corner whether it’s the local palace or the horrific remnants of the Khmer atrocities.
In the evening, taste some local khmer cuisine at one of Phnom Penh’s finest dining place Romdeng. End day with a walk or tuk-tuk ride back to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 42mi*
Day 9: Phnom Penh Walking Tour
Today get ready to be immersed in the Cambodian culture and history of the city as we kick off our walking tour from Independence Monument. Enjoy walking along the Tonle Sap river, considered as lifeline of the region. Continue towards National Museum, houses several national treasures from three different eras: Pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and Post-Angkorian, giving the flavour of diverse culture and architecture. The last leg of our walk takes us to gilded Royal Palace, shimmering with silver tiles and sculptures of Buddha, that gives an insight about Cambodian Royal Life. After the museum, hike up the steps of a small hill to see Wat Phnom Temple, the birthplace of Phnom Penh.
Get ready to taste some local khmer cuisine at one of Phnom Penh’s finest dining place ˜Romdeng”. End day with a walk or tuk-tuk ride back to hotel. Enjoy some leisure evening time walking around the beautiful river-front.
We insist that you step outside for dinner after a short break, to enjoy the local nightlife and enjoy the street food. Traditional dishes like amok (coconut fish curry served in a banana leaf), bobor (rice porridge) and lok lak (stir-fried beef) are easy to find by the streets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Kampong Cham Mekong trail
After a short transfer to the outskirts of Phnom Penh, ride along the Mekong river for a good part, and through tropical plantation landscape consisting of rubber, cashew and cotton. Today’s ride takes us through remote bucolic villages, and past beautiful wats and riverside towns. Kampong Cham is a less visited place yet have a charm of beautiful riverside town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 36mi*
Day 11: Kampong Thom – Hinterland trail
A short ride along Mekong river bring us to Wat Hanchey, an 8th century hilltop pagoda offering best views of Mekong in Cambodia. Continue riding along tropical farmlands dotted with cashew and rubber plantations and bucolic villages. Later take a transfer and arrive at Kompong Thom.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 36mi*
Day 12: Siem Reap – Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex
In the morning, ride around Kampong Thom’s Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, which predates Angkor Wat by at least 200 years.
Later, ride through bucolic countryside with spectacular view of paddy fields and lotus farms all around.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 36mi*
Day 13: Siem Reap – Angkor Loop
The Angkor temple complex is synonymous to Cambodia, so a ride around the temple is essential. We start riding directly from hotel and reach the moat of Angkor Wat. Exquisite sculptures, tall towers and maze like trails flanked by large banyan roots, you might want to spend ample time photographing as you would have seen nothing like this before. We will loop back to Angkor Wat for a detailed tour at the end of our ride.
Continue riding towards Angkor Thom and enter the city from South gate. Beat the crowd and climb the surrounding wall of city and ride on top of it. Take a break here for a rich fascinating account of the city from our guide. A further ride through East gate takes us to Bayon, a richly decorated face temple within the Angkor complex is one of the highlights here. Exit from second East gate of city and ride towards jungle clad TA Prohm. Our guide shares historical anecdotes and walks you through temples along the way.
The Angkor Wat requires more than a morning, so we loop back for a more detailed guided tour. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the largest religious complexes in the world and its bound to enthrall you. If time permits, climb Phnom Bakheng for a classic view of Angkor during sunset.
In the evening, explore some of the local food in the cafes that flank the narrow roads.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance cycled: ~ 30km / 18mi
Day 14: Siem Reap – onward travel
Please make plans as per your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
*with shuttle – short transfers
This itinerary accurate as of 2019. Â Please visit the Art of Bicycle Trips website to make sure you have the most up-to-date info.
Cycling across Vietnam and Cambodia
Take a supported bicycle tour across Vietnam and Cambodia – a van carries your gear and at the end of the day, you are transported in a comfy air conditioned van along with a cold beverage to your plush accommodations.
Having the van support is also handy in case you just don’t want to peddle anymore or you find yourself in a monsoon!
Having local guides also allows you to be able to converse with the locals even if you can’t speak Vietnamese or Khmer (although I do recommend learning a few polite phrases – download the FREE Bike Vietnam and Cambodia Travel Planner.
Markets in Vietnam and Cambodia
One of the most fun things to do in Vietnam and Cambodia is to visit the markets, whether on the streets or floating markets where the boats glide up to you to show you today’s wares! It’s a cacophony of sights, sounds and smells!
And the food: did I tell you the food is delicious??? Super fresh and local. And if you are squeamish about eating some of the unknown squiggly things, remember that there is a heavy French influence from the colonial period, so you can find comfort in fabulous coffee, a traditional breakfast and other recognizable foods throughout the day if you want. But I encourage you to be like Norm, our guest today and try some of the more unusual dishes. He said they were all delicious, included the stuffed frog and the river snails.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the world’s largest religious sites, measuring over 400 acres/160 hectares!
Originally built for Hindus, in the 12th century it became a Buddhist temple and is Cambodia’s most recognized symbol (appearing even on it’s flag).
Angkor Wat is surrounded by a 3 mile/5km moat and then a 2 mile/3km wall.
Touring by bike is preferable as it is VERY crowded and you get almost secret access when you go by bike because the temple area is so large and most people congregate at the main entrance.
The temple is noted for its many bas reliefs and devatas adorning the walls. The HUMONGOUS roots overtaking the structures are pretty cool as well:)
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