Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City by Bike - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrival day.

Today we depart from Bangkok but not before we attend a traditional Blessing Ceremony at one of Bangkok’s most famous Temples. We will cycle from the hotel to the temple where we sit before a monk. Prayers are chanted and we and are bikes are sprinkled with holy water. After the ceremony we’ll prepare for our minivan trip to Khao Yai National Park. After arrival we familiarise ourselves with the park and the surrounds. (B)

Two days in which to explore the thick jungle on foot and by bike, following narrow paths that take us past spectacular waterfalls and steep-sided mountains. The scenery is stunning and there is a huge variety of wildlife.

We cycle out of the park, and continue cycling on good roads to Kabinburi. (L)

Another full day of cycling to Aranyaprathet. (L)

A free day to relax. For those who are reluctant to leave their bicycles behind, there is the opportunity to cycle to nearby temples. You can also visit the extensive markets at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, or enjoy a traditional massage and a final taste of Thailand's delicious cuisine.

An early start brings us to the border. Once we have completed the crossing we cycle to Sisophon, our first overnight stop in Cambodia. (L)

Continue cycling through rural Cambodia. It is here that our mode of transport really begins to pay off, as we are able to stop, take in the scenery and exchange smiles and possibly even a few words with the local people.

We have three full days to explore the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat and the many surrounding sites. Today we rise early and cycle to the temples to see the sun rise over Angkor Wat, then enjoy a guided tour.

We continue cycling through scenic Cambodia. We cycle north of Tonle Sap Lake. Day 13 is approximately 150 kilometres on flat roads. We’ll be greeted by waving kids and locals as we ride through their villages. Day 14 we’ll stop at the village of Skone famous for its fried tarantulas! Why not try one? We continue next day into the Cambodian capital and transfer to our hotel.

There is plenty of time to explore the city and gain an insight into the appalling regime of Pol Pot who ruled Cambodia by terror. The infamous killing fields at Choeung Ek and the torture centre of Tuol Sleng are not far from the city (S21).

We take a boat down the Mekong river to the Vietnamese border, then cycle 40km to the town of Chau Doc, enjoying our first glimpse of Vietnam and a great introduction to the Mekong Delta.

From Chau Doc we transfer to our Sampan and cruise through the waterways of the Mekong Delta, an area of islands and rivers, full of floating markets and friendly villages. (BLD)

More cruising the Delta.  There are opportunities to take the bike on shore and cycle in sections whilst on the cruise. After lunch we will transfer to our vehicles for the journey into Saigon. (BL)

We take a walking tour around the fascinating heart of this city. It’s relaxing parks, wide boulevards, bustling markets and exquisite French Colonial Architecture. (B)

Free day to have a bit of a cycle, look around or pack your bike for your homeward journey. If you decide not to take your bike home your tour leader can help you arrange donating it to one of many worthwhile charities in Saigon. (B)

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)