Bangkok to Saigon by Bike
Bangkok to Saigon by Bike
Bangkok to Saigon by Bike
14 Days Starting in Bangkok and ending in Ho Chi Minh City
Visiting: Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park, Aranyaprathet, Krong Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Mekong River Delta, Châu Đốc, Bình Hòa Phước, Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Overview
Join us for a cycle trip that explores the classic highlights of South East Asia in an active way. Travel by bike, bus and boat to discover cultural diversity, natural beauty and fascinating history. Along the way we visit Khao Yai National Park, Angkor, the Killing Fields and silk weaving villages on the Mekong Delta.
Khao Yai National Park - Cycle amid beautiful scenery and waterfalls
Temples of Angkor - Cycle through the jungle between Khmer temples
Cycle the Mekong Delta - Boats and bikes along the labyrinthine waterways of the mighty Mekong
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Bangkok; Optional Longtail Canal Trip
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Rattankosin Hotel
Arrive in Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand famous for its street vendors serving up tasty Thai food, bright lights, tuk tuks and longtail khlong boats plying the network of canals and waterways.
Our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner afterwards. There are no other included activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Bangkok at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you will need to arrive into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International airport (BKK), which is around an hour from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Please note that if you wish to join the optional khlong canal trip today, the Tour Leader will be in reception at 12noon to get numbers of those interested and the excursion will depart at 1pm, returning at around 4pm. The traditional longtail boat is an ideal way to explore Bangkok's network of backwaters that branch off from the Chao Phraya River. You will also visit Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) - built to represent the towering slopes of Mount Meru. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 10am.
Day 2: Cycle Bangkok's Hidden Urban Oasis. Night Bike Ride
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Rattankosin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From busy downtown Bangkok we take a short hop across the Chao Praya River to an extraordinary place known to locals as Bang Kra Jao. Crossing the river is like taking a journey back in time where we find a peaceful place with a maze of waterways, small villages, temples and real tropical jungle. If it wasn't for Bangkok's skyline, you would never believe you were so close to the city and there is no traffic! We ride through the local communities, temples and schools stopping for a snack at a river pier across from Thailand's naval academy. Next we visit a fascinating temple, built in the Ayutthaya period more than 250 years ago with a unique teak wood roof, windows and shutters painted in the ancient Mon style. We cycle on to the relaxing Sri Narkon Park and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for some downtime. Later this afternoon we see another side to Bangkok on our night ride, visiting a night market and the flower market. Please note for safety reasons we will only operate the night ride with a maximum of 9 passengers. For larger groups we will run a night walk instead.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30-40 kilometres/18.6-24.9 miles (flat)
Day 3: Explore Khoa Yai National Park By Bike
Location: Khao Yai National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Juntra Resort & Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we drive for about 1.5 hours to Nakornnayok Province, where we spend the rest of the day cycling in Khoa Yai National Park. On our ride we will take in the impressive sight of Thailand's largest dam, Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, where we can enjoy panoramic views from the top. We then cycle to Heaw Narok waterfall with 3 cascades and at the base of the falls are a few rustic restaurants where you can get some great authentic Thai food and a cool beer. We recommend you try the somtam (spicy papaya salad) with grilled chicken and sticky rice. We then have a short drive to our hotel for the night.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31.1 miles.
Day 4: Rural Thailand Cycling To The Cambodia Border
Location: Aranyaprathet
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The VELO'S Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we drive for about 2 hours toward Aranyaprathet. We break up today's bus journey with an afternoon ride past typical scenes of rural Thailand. We will cycle through villages and enjoy the relaxed pace of life in the countryside. Rong Kluea Market also known as Ban Khlong Luek Border Market, it is said to be one of Thailand's most frequented border markets. Once we have finished exploring the market we take a short drive to our hotel in Aranyaprathet and freshen up before dinner.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40-50 kilometres/24.9-31.1 miles.
Day 5: Drive To Siem Reap In Cambodia
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tara Angkor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we drive just 15 minutes to Poipet International border. After completing the Cambodia visa formalities we say farewell to our Thai support team and bikes and meet our hosts for the rest of the trip. The drive will take us about 4 hours to get to Siem Reap, the gateway town for the incredible Khmer temples of Angkor. On arrival in Siem Reap, we will check into our hotel and have time to visit the temple of Bayon and the South Gate of Angkor Thom by bus for sunset. This evening is free for you to explore the town and its restaurants.
No cycling today
Day 6: Explore The Magnificent Temples Of Angkor By Bike
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tara Angkor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we drive a short distance to Angkor Wat to collect our bikes which we will use for the rest of our trip, then set off to discover several of the ancient temple cities by bike. We cycle to the impressive Ta Prohm Temple, which remains in the clutches of the encroaching jungle. Here we spend time visiting the temple, before pedalling along small hidden trails to the ruins at Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terraces, the Bayon, Baphoun and Preah Khan. In the afternoon we visit magnificent Angkor Wat with its extraordinary architecture and bas-reliefs. At the end of the day we cycle back to our hotel.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 25 kilometres/15.5 miles. 80% of todays riding is off road but not technical.
Day 7: Floating Village, Rural Cambodia And Home Hosted Lunch
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tara Angkor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we will leave the crowds behind on a cycle ride to the small village of Rolous where we visit the temples, before continuing to a local market. After a rest and time to explore the stalls we take a boat to the floating village of Kompong Phluk. Our ride through rural Cambodia offers plenty of opportunities to once more connect with local people. The fascinating village of Kompong Phluk is built on stilts in Tonle Sap Lake. Its residents live a communal lifestyle and you will see everything from floating pig pens to young children paddling around in what looks like a bowl selling souvenirs and singing songs. After our boat trip we enjoy a home hosted lunch where we can ask questions and learn about local cuisine as well as everyday life. The the afternoon we take to our bus to visit Banteay Srey, where we collect our bikes again and cycle 25 kilometres/15.5 miles to either Pre Rup to enjoy watching the sunset, before either cycling or driving back to Siem Reap.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 56 kilometres/34.8 miles.
Day 8: Drive And Cycle To Phnom Penh Via Koh Dach Silk Weaving Village
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HM Grand Central Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we leave the temples of Angkor behind and drive south to Phnom Penh. It's a longer day in the bus today with about 6 to 7 hours driving. On the way as well as comfort stops, we'll stop at the famous ancient bridge at Kompong Kdei. We continue on to the capital, then leave the highway and from drive to Koh Dach ferry dock. From the dock, we take an excursion by local ferry along the Mekong River to Koh Dach Island where we visit a traditional Khmer weaving village. There are many handicrafts that come from this sleepy island but they are best known for the silk weaving. You will see how the villagers produce their own dyes and weave silk on old looms. Discover and learn about the traditional way of life as you cycle for about 22 kilometres/13.7 miles around the island. We return to our bus by the same ferry before driving the short distance on to busy Phnom Penh.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres/23 miles.
Day 9: Exploring Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HM Grand Central Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Phnom Penh is a lively city with many French colonial buildings and plenty to see. Angkor was Cambodia's capital city until the 1440s when it switched to Phnom Penh. Today we explore the emotive Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school that became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation centre; the National Museum, a treasure trove of beautifully preserved carvings and lintels rescued from Angkor; the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, all with a local guide. We then drive out of the city to the infamous Killing fields of Choeung Ek - the memorial stypa is a glass tower filled with human skulls - a gruesome reminder of the scale of Pol Pot's atrocities.
No cycling today
Day 10: Cross The Border To Vietnam Then Cycle Around Ha Tien On The Mekong Delta
Location: Mekong River Delta
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: River Hotel Ha Tien
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we drive for about 3 hours directly to Prek Chak and cross the border. Once we have completed the Vietnamese visa formalities we continue the short distance by bus to Ha Tien town. Getting on the bikes we spend the afternoon cycling around this charming, colourful town alive with vibrant riverside markets. Dramatic limestone formations are scattered around and, with its location sitting right on the Gulf of Thailand, this is a truly scenic spot to spend the night.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles.
Day 11: Cycle The Canal Between Vietnam And Cambodia To Chau Doc
Location: Châu Đốc
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chau Pho Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We drive for about 30 kilometres/18.6 miles from Ha Tien town before starting today's ride. The journey takes us on flat terrain along the Vinh te Canal which once marked the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. At Tri Ton via Ba Chuc we see the Bone Pagoda, another ghastly reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime. We explore the emerald green wetlands of Tra Su Cajeput forest with its many water hyacinths and water lilies. Our ride ends at Chau Doc, a lovely little town on the banks of the Hau Giang River where we will spend the night.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31.1 miles.
Day 12: Rural Village Cycling, Homestay With Traditional Vietnamese Dinner Included
Location: Bình Hòa Phước
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Ut Trinh & Ut Quynh Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we drive from Chau Doc to Long Xuyen, which should take us less than a couple of hours. After catching the ferry we get back on the bikes for a ride to Dinh Yen village where sedge mattresses are weaved from seagrass. Continue cycling through Lai Vung and Tan Quy; districts famous for their mandarin oranges. The final short section of todays journey is by bus before arriving at our homestay for the night in Binh Hoa Phuoc. We stay in a traditional house that is equipped for tourism and the owners live next door. Rooms are simple and clean with fans, mosquito nets and ensuite bathrooms. There is a living room, as well as indoor and outdoor dining options. Dinner is included and will consist of local dishes made from fresh locally sourced ingredients, a great opportunity to try traditional dishes and learn more about Vietnamese cuisine and cooking methods.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31.1 miles.
Day 13: Cycling On Binh Hoa Phuoc Island, Drive To Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Huong Sen Annex Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We enjoy our last ride today with a cycle around the beautiful island of Binh Hoa Phuoc. The island is littered with tropical fruit orchards and as well as admiring the colour and variety of fruits we will also stop to sample produce along the way. We take leave from the bikes and travel by boat to Cai Be. Back on land we drive the final leg to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city and most vibrant.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres/18.6 miles.
Day 14: Trip Ends Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Ho Chi Minh City at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Saigon's Tan Son Nhat International Airport (airport code SGN) which is between 45 minutes and an hour from the hotel.
What's Included
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 13
Lunch: 2
Dinner: 2 -
Fully Guided
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Bike
No e-bike available on this trip
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Accommodation
What's Not Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
Why Book this Tour
Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet.
Meals
Breakfasts: 13
Lunches: 2
Dinners: 2
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Are e-bikes available on this trip?
E-bikes are not available on this trip but there is a support vehicle
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderate
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
3 nights
1 nights simple homestay
9 nights comfortable hotel -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Transfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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