Description
Old Saigon & the Mekong Delta
Arriving in the Vietnamese capital we discover the city on foot before taking to our bikes in the countryside near the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels - an underground base that hid 10,000 Viet Cong troops during the war. Our meanderings take us south to the stunning Mekong Delta for the chance to discover more about village life at a homestay and explore the floating markets and stilt houses that line the waterways.
Cambodia by Boat & Bike
From Chau Doc we board speedboats to journey along the Mekong into Cambodia and on to the fascinating capital Phnom Penh. As well as sightseeing in the city we cycle out of town on a thought provoking visit to the horrific “Killing Fields” of Choeung Ek. Following the river north we pass through the country of the Chams, a Muslim minority people with their own language and cultural identity. At Kompong Thom we ride along an old logging trail to the pre-Angkorian temple site at Sambor Prei Kuk.
Lost Cities of Angkor
Our journey ends in Siem Reap, the base for our discovery of the vast ruins of the fabled royal city of Angkor, which lay lost and forgotten for over 5000 years in the Cambodian jungle. Some 150 square kilometres are scattered with walled cities and magnificent stone temples, sculptures, reservoirs and causeways and an exploration by bike is probably the best way to investigate both the main highlights and some of the lesser known and newly opened sites.
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Join Ho Chi Minh City; orientation walk.
Day 2
Drive to Cu Chi Tunnels, visit tunnels, cycle in countryside.
Day 3
Cycle to Mekong Delta, boat trip, cycle to homestay at Ben Tre.
Day 4
Cycle and drive via Vinh Long to Can Tho.
Day 5
Cruise on Mekong, visit floating market and explore villages by bike.
Day 6
Drive and cycle to Chau Doc.
Day 7
Speedboat to Phnom Penh, PM city tour.
Day 8
AM cycle to Tuol Sleng Museum and the “Killing Fields” PM optional cycle to Cham Craft Village.
Day 9
Cycle along Mekong River to Kompong Cham, visit Wat Nokor, drive Kompong Thom.
Day 10
Cycle to Sambor Prei Kuk temple; drive to near Roluos, cycle ride and visit to temples, drive to Siem Reap.
Day 11
Drive to Banteay Srei and visit temple, cycle to Siem Reap via temples.
Day 12
Cycle from Siem Reap to Angkor temples.
Day 13
End Siem Reap.