Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle
Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle
Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle
14 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and ending in Bangkok, Thailand
Visiting: Ho Chi Minh City, Trà Vinh, Can Tho, Châu Đốc, Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom Province, Oudongk, Krong Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, Krong Battambang, Battambang Province, Pailin Province, Chanthaburi, Laem Mae Phim Beach, Bangkok
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MCT-MSB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
Min age:18
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Want to experience three of South East Asia's most fascinating countries? This southeast asian bicycle tour introduces the best of three extraordinary cultures and countries: Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Journey from the iconic Mekong Delta to the spiritual temples of Angkor Wat. Ride along quiet backroads, and cross mighty rivers. From shining capitals and colonial relics to tribal trails and humble homesteads. Your next incredible bike touring journey awaits.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet In Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Northern Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We start our adventure through southeast Asia meeting at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (please contact us if you need rooms or flights from Bangkok). You are free to explore the city on your own today, discovering the sites, smells, and sounds of Vietnam’s former capital. In the evening, we dine at one of Ho Chi Minh City’s finest restaurants!
Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh - Tra Vinh
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Trà Vinh
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Accommodation Name: Tra Vinh Provincial Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we transfer a couple of hours out of Ho Chi Minh to Ben Tre - the gateway to the Mekong Delta. We start our bike tour in Vietnam cycling into the heart of rural Mekong, pedaling down narrow roads and lanes, past banana plantations and fields of sugarcane. A section of biking takes us off road onto gravel and dirt lanes, weaving through hamlets, across rivers, and through quite thick vegetation; this makes for superb biking. A final ferry crossing takes to Tra Vinh, a pretty tree-lined town home to many ethnic Khmers.
Ride: 65km
Elevation: +249m
Descent: -254m
Day 3 : Tra Vinh - Can Tho
Location: Can Tho, Trà Vinh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The route today is peaceful, and the road is scenic all the way to our destination of Can Tho. There is plenty to see along the way from contrasting architectural styles of Khmer homes and temples to the rich and colourful river scenes when crossing many small bridges.
Ride: 92km
Elevation: +341m
Descent: -339m
Day 4 : Can Tho - Chau Doc
Location: Can Tho, Châu Đốc
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chau Po Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A morning visit to Cai Rang Floating market sets the mood for our cycle through the Mekong Delta. We ride through quaint countryside, under useful Thot Not, or toddy palms. All parts of the Thot Not can be used, from the stem to leaves and the fruit. Once reaching Thoi Lai, we transfer to lunch. We can relax after lunch as we have a one-hour transfer to Ba Chuc, where we will have a sombre visit to the Killing Fields of Vietnam, where Pol Pot’s regime massacred over 3,000 Vietnamese in 1978. We then loop around Ba Chuc along the Cambodian border and ride the rest of the way to Chau Doc, along incredible country roads. We cycle directly to Sam Mountain, which is more of a hill, where we arrive in time for sundowners and take in the setting sun over the rice fields. A very short transfer takes us to our hotel.
Ride: 70km
Elevation: +365m
Descent:-367m
Day 5 : Chau Doc – Phnom Penh
Location: Châu Đốc, Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh from our overnight stop at Chau Doc. We get a chance to rest our legs as we see many scenes of local daily life along one of Asia’s great rivers. As we head into Cambodia, we stop at the capital Phnom Penh before heading north to cycle among 1,000 years of Khmer history. In the afternoon, we visit Tuol Sleng Prison (S21) and the Killing Fields to learn about Cambodia's turbulent past under the Khmer Rouge regime.
Day 6 : Phnom Penh - Oudong - Kampong Thom
Location: Kampong Thom Province, Phnom Penh, Oudongk
Accommodation Name: Sambor Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have a late start to give you time to explore Phnom Penh. We then transfer out of Cambodia's capital, stopping for lunch. Afterwards, we start cycling toward Phnom Pra Reach, or Oudong Mountain, the former capital of Cambodia. The 400-plus steps to the top will get the legs working over-time, but the view is worth it! This ride gives us a chance to see rural Cambodia - stilted houses, ox carts, waving children, and, of course, the friendly Khmer people. After our visit, we transfer 3-4 hours to Kampong Thom, where we will overnight.
Ride: 25km
Elevation: +83m
Descent: -77m
Day 7 : Kampong Thom - Siem Reap
Location: Krong Siem Reap, Kampong Thom Province
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We start the day with a short transfer to the ancient temple site of Sambor Prey Kuk. This temple site was constructed in the 7th century and functioned as the capital of the Chenla Empire. After our guided tour through the temples, we have a short transfer to the small town of Damdek, where we offload the bikes and begin cycling toward Siem Reap for 65 km.
Ride: 65km
Elevation: +197m
Descent: -194m
Day 8 : Angkor Temples
Location: Angkor Wat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we start our bike ride to the entrance of Angkor Wat and head to Ta Prohm, famous from the film “Tomb Raider”, deliberately left by French conservationists in the same condition as it was discovered: overgrown by strangler fig and silk-cotton trees, giving it a mystical and romantic appeal. We continue to Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and the Terrace of the Elephants.We enjoy lunch at Sala Suessey Lakeside Restaurant before we explore the biggest religious Hindu edifice in the world - Angkor Wat. Considered the masterpiece of Khmer architecture, this Vishnuite temple is the king’s funerary temple, which is why the temple faces west. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. After our visit to these magnificent temples, we cycle back the 7 km to Siem Reap.
Ride: 30km
Elevation: +190m
Descent: -190m
Day 9 : Banteay Srei
Location: Banteay Srei
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we head onwards to Banteay Srei temple. We cycle through rural countryside to this famous temple which has the best-preserved bas-reliefs and stone carvings in Cambodia. The temple is small in size, but of huge significance in understanding the Angkor Era. From here, we continue cycling on rural roads, taking a break for a restaurant lunch before we reach Kbal Spean, also known as the Valley of 1,000 Lingas. We put the bikes aside for a moderate 3-km trek uphill through jungle to a river bed with submersed carvings and a beautiful waterfall (in rainy season only). After our visit, we return to Siem Reap by vehicle. Dinner is at your leisure.
Ride: 56km
Elevation: +239m
Descent: -184m
Day 10 : Siem Reap – Battambang
Location: Krong Battambang, Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Steung Sangke Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We take a rest from cycling and transfer across Tonle Sap by boat. Along the way, we’ll see the local people going about their daily lives, and if we’re lucky, we can spot some wildlife on the banks. During the end of the dry season, lake levels may be too low to allow boat passage to Battambang. In this case, we’ll transfer by van to Battambang. But don’t worry, once we arrive, we’ll have some time to explore the city and surrounding countryside.
Day 11 : Battambang - Pailin
Location: Battambang Province, Pailin Province
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Memoria Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We depart for Pailin, cycling directly from our hotel. This is the toughest day as some sections of the road is in poor condition and bumpy (in dry season, can get dusty), but the scenery is the most impressive as we head towards Thailand. The road undulates as we get closer to Pailin, but there is nothing too steep or long. We cycle through stunning countryside, where farms and local villages can be seen along the way, and really get a feeling of riding into unchartered territory. This used to be bandit country, but don’t worry, the area is now completely safe!
Ride: 95km
Elevation: +625m
Descent: -433m
Day 12 : Pailin - Chantaburi
Location: Pailin Province, Chanthaburi
Accommodation: Resort, Resort
Accommodation Name: Chanchalao Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short pleasant ride on the quiet scenic roads to the border crossing. This quiet rural crossing used mainly by local traders makes for a pleasant stop while we complete all the immigration formalities. Once completed, we start our bike tour in Thailand with a ride through the Thai countryside till we reach the main road and transfer with a change of guides, vehicle, and bikes to the beach, with lunch in Chantaburi.
Ride: 44km
Elevation: +376m
Descent: -365m
Day 13 : Chantaburi - Laem Mae Phim
Location: Chanthaburi, Laem Mae Phim Beach
Accommodation: Resort, Resort
Accommodation Name: Grande Blue Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have a flat and easy ride through mangroves, shrimp farms, and along the coast. We overnight at a very local Thai beach and have the afternoon free to go for a swim or a walk on the sand.
Ride: 65km
Elevation: +251m
Descent: -245m
Day 14 : Laem Mae Phim – Bangkok
Location: Bangkok, Laem Mae Phim Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have the morning to enjoy the beach before we head back to Bangkok. We arrive in the city around 3 pm. IF you'd like to extend your time in Thailand we can help you to plan extra days at the beach or a nearby island.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Fully Guided
Experienced local English-speaking guide on this tour.
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Meals
As detailed in itinerary.
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SpiceRoads jersey
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Water bottle
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Support vehicle
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Snacks and drinks
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport pick up and drop off service are not included.
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International Travel
International flight are not included.
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Visa fees
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Alcohol
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Tips
Bike Hire
Mountain Bike: US$ 250, E-Bike*: US$ 575
Single Supplement
US$ 525
Mode of Transport
Bikes
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. The bikes are well-known makes of mountain bikes with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes, and Shimano components and front suspension. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, in good mechanical order.
Bike Repairs
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is US$ 525.
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What is the maximum group size?
The max group size is 16 peoples.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This tour is classed as MODERATE. Moderate trips are for the recreational cyclist looking for a bit more of a challenge. Riders can expect distances of over 75 kilometers on flat terrain, or maximum daily climbing of up to 500 meters over a shorter distance. Moderate trips have more variety in day to day riding, and can include a longer or more challenging climbing day or two. Road conditions may be rough or hard-packed dirt, but with no off-road or technical sections. Cycling experience and good fitness are strongly recommended.To prepare yourself, aim to ride twice a week, with a long ride on the weekend so that you’ll be comfortable riding for several hours at a time. Add variety to your cycling experience, like new routes and in new areas, to build confidence.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport pick up and drop off are not included.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
All nationalities require a visa and a passport valid for 6 months after their planned exit from Cambodia. A 30-day visa on arrival is available at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airports and at some land border crossings. You can also obtain a visa online through e-Visa. There is a 3-day processing time and you'll need a scanned copy of the passport. Not all border crossings accept the e-Visa, please check this port of entry page which provides a list of which checkpoints support the e-Visa service.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.
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What is the minimum group size?
The min group size is 2 peoples.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International and Domestic are not included.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Yes! SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident. This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour. If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.
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Is the trip guaranteed to depart and does it require a minimum number of people?
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please contact us.
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Why hire a bike from SpiceRoads?
SpiceRoads bikes are never just "fit for duty" but a key component of our riders’ tour experience and satisfaction. For tours with bike hire option, renting one of our bikes saves hassle, not to mention precious luggage allowance. All SpiceRoads tours use well-known makes of mountain, hybrid or road bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes or disc brakes and Shimano components. Mountain bikes all have front suspension. We renew bikes in our fleet every two seasons. When in use, our bikes are well-cared for, including full service before each trip and daily cleaning while on tour. SpiceRoads tour support vehicles carry plenty of spares and extra tubes for every emergency.
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Do you have E-Bikes?
Electric "pedal assist" e-bikes are available on select tours. E-bikes can help manage long distances and climbing terrain through the use of a pedal-activated electric motor. Unlike other e-bikes, "pedal assistedr" e-bikes feel more natural to the rider. We recommend e-bikes for riders interested in tours that might normally be too challenging for them, or for groups of riders with mixed ability. E-bikes provide assistance for long distance or more challenging terrain, but they can’t do all the work for you! Always chose a tour within the range of your own abilities to ensure your own enjoyment when exploring a new destination. Contact us for a complete list of e-bike available tours.
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What do I need to bring if I rent a SpiceRoads bike?
Bikes rented for tours always come with a helmet, a single water bottle cage, and a standard saddle. If you prefer to bring your own saddle (just the saddle, not the seat post), additional water bottle cage, or SPD pedals, we will fit them to your bike for the tour. Don’t forgot to bring your shoes and cleats if you bring SPD pedals! Women specific seats are recommended for longer tours. We have a limited supply of gel seat covers to soften the ride, and of strap-on toe cages. Please enquire about adding these during your booking.
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Do you have details of the SpiceRoads fleet?
In Thailand we have a fleet of Verve city bikes, TREK 4300 and X-Caliber 7 mountain bikes, TREK 7.2 X, FX 3 and 7200 hybrid bikes and Trek 2.1 C, Domane 2.0, Lexa SL and carbon Émonda S5 road bikes. We also carry Giant 2019 Explore E+ 3 e-bikes. Our bicycles are available in sizes ranging from 13 inches to 22 1/2 inches or 47 cm to 62 cm. Please note that a certain frame model is not guaranteed. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, baby seats, tag-alongs, and child bikes for children are available. In Bangkok the single-wheeled tag-along bike attach to the seat-post of an adult bike, allowing a child to pedal along behind the adult. There's no age limit to the tag-along bike, but there is a 36 kg weight limit. Bike hire is include in the tour price for short tours, while longer tours offer bike hire as a supplement, as many riders opt to bring their own bike for our cycling tours. Depending on the destination, length of tour, and type of bike, hire costs vary.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
SpiceRoads Cycling allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform spiceroads cycling, 40 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
SpiceRoads Cycling requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of spiceroads cycling charges.
At 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.