Cambodia & Vietnam Cycling Adventure (extended)

Introduction

Delve deep into both and Vietnam, two very different countries yet both othering gorgeous scenery, vibrant cultures, friendly faces, and delicious cuisines. Take in some of Southeast Asia’s most famous sites such as the extraordinary Wat and bustling city of Saigon, but also get off the beaten path, get to know the locals, and explore charming village communities.

Day 1. Arrive to Siem Reap; Phare Circus Welcome to Cambodia! Upon your arrival to Siem Reap International Airport, our driver will await ready to transfer you to your accommodation. A comfortable centrally-located hotel will put you in good stead for an afternoon of relaxing by the pool or exploring the nearby Old Market area. This evening, you have front row seats at the 8pm show of Phare: The Cambodian Circus. More than just a circus, Phare performers use theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. Accommodation: Riversoul ​

Day 2. Sunrise at Angkor, Explore the Temples

30km cycling As the roosters begin to crow, you will be out at the most important religious monument in Cambodia, watching the sun rise over the triple towers of Angkor Wat. Even in the wet season, this is a magical time to see Angkor. As the crowds thin, take an unforgettable walk through the temple, where the soft light and cool temperatures present Angkor at its best. A short pedal away a delicious breakfast spread awaits. After breakfast, we ride around the hidden trails of the Angkor complex to visit some of the best-kept secrets and the iconic temples of the Bayon, Ta Prom and The Elephant Terrace. As the day heats up, we lunch with a view of Sra Srang Lake and then return to your hotel by a vehicle around 2pm. Enjoy the evening at your leisure; your guide will be happy to recommend some dining options. Meals: BL Accommodation: Riversoul ​

Day 3. Transfer Siem Reap to Kampong Thom & Cycle Sambor Prei Kuk

55km cycling Today you begin your adventure from Siem Reap to Saigon. Starting with an early pickup from the hotel, we have a 2.5 hour drive to reach Kampong Thom, the neighbouring province to Siem Reap. We set off on a ride north of the town to find the sprawling complex of pre-Angkorian temples known as Sambor Prei Kuk. These ruins date back as far as the 7th century and are remarkably intact for their age. The leafy surrounds and absence of tourists makes this a really special experience. After we see out the heat of the day in the shade, we return to Kampong Thom by a different route and enjoy a tasty, authentic meal. Meals: BLD Accommodation: Sambor Village Hotel ​

Day 4. Transfer & Cycle to 45km cycling Following a laid back start in order to time our day correctly, we drive around three hours to Oudong Mountain, the former capital of Cambodia, and today a hilltop temple with fine views. We enjoy a Cambodian style picnic and then take an afternoon ride on lovely village roads and trails, mostly unpaved. We zig zag our way through rice fields and farmland, passing Oudong's smaller brother, Basset Mountain. Crossing a recently refurbished but as yet un-operational railway line, the scenery changes rapidly. For those comfortable cycling in traffic you can ride right up to the hotel door. For those that are not game, the support vehicle awaits. Dinner tonight will be had by the Tonle Sap River, not far from where the three main rivers of Cambodia converge. Meals: BLD Accommodation: Ohana Palace Hotel ​

Day 5. Cycle the Islands of the Mekong, Afternoon Free to Explore

30km cycling This morning we take to bikes again and explore the nearby Mekong islands where we pass through charming village communities, fruit orchards, traditional silk weaving workshops and a variety of temples from a more recent time. This is a highlight ride and gives a unique perspective to Phnom Penh and its surrounds. Phnom Penh has a turbulent history. Little more than a collection of wooden shacks when the French first arrived, the colonials transformed it into a beautiful city. With the evacuation of the city by the in 1975 its decay and decline began, with regeneration and rapid economic development only a recent trend. Your guide can dispense a great deal of advice on how the city can be explored and will offer a late afternoon walk to introduce you to some of the lesser-known aspects of this eccentric city Meals: BL Accommodation: Ohana Palace Hotel ​

Day 6. Morning Free & Boat to Chau Doc Today we are off the bike. In the morning we can have a bit of leisure to enjoy the pool or a bit of wonder around Phnom Penh. After an early lunch we board the international boat down the Mekong River and enter Vietnam via Chau Doc, a bustling Delta town with a specialisation in salted fish. Meals: BLD Accommodation: Chau Pho Hotel ​

Day 7. Cycle to Long Xuyen 75km cycling Our Delta adventure starts in earnest today. The first of many short ferry rides comes after about 15km and the rest of the day will involve crossing numerous canals by bridge and boat and following a path through the maze of waterways. You will likely be struck by the fertility of the land as every square inch is cultivated for food production and each person in sight works hard to grow,

harvest, process or transport these products. The riding is predominantly on small, paved canal paths with only bicycles and motor scooters. We roll into the substantial town of Long Xuyen in the late afternoon. Meals: BLD Accommodation: Dong Xuyen Hotel ​

Day 8. Cycle & Boat to Can Tho 70km cycling Our final ride of the group trip continues on canal paths which become even more interesting as we go. The countryside is just as scenic as yesterday, but with an even higher concentration of canals and the farm produce now includes large hanging fruit such as jackfruit. We encounter mat weaving and wooden boat building today as well as yet another amazing lunch. We finish up with a boat ride and arrive into the pleasant, bustling town of Can Tho in the late afternoon. Meals: BLD Accommodation: Kim Tho Hotel ​

Day 9. Floating Markets & Transfer to Saigon

An early morning visit to the floating markets is on offer today. It's an impressive site with boats of varying sizes and all manner of fruit and vegetables being bought and sold. After breakfast, we pack up and board the van for a 3 hour drive into Saigon. After lunch we enjoy a walking tour of the city centre and major historical sites such as the Opera House, former Presidential Palace, and Ben Thanh Market. This evening we enjoy a celebratory/farewell group dinner. Meals: BLD Accommodation: Emm Hotel Saigon ​

Day 10. Explore Saigon by Vespa; Free Afternoon

For those heading out: Transfer to the airport is provided. For those staying on in Vietnam: This morning we enjoy a unique tour on the back of a vintage Vespa. With an experienced driver maneuvering the busy city streets, you can just sit back and relax as we zoom by famous Saigon sites as well as discover some gems that most visitors never even hear about or see. We'll take you through the Chinese district, stop to see a sweet smelling flower market, and visit a breathtaking yet hidden Buddhist pagoda. Also visit the must-see landmarks such as the famous Saigon Cathedral & Post Office which were designed by Gustave Eiffel. Finally, get a brief history lesson in front of the Reunification Palace before concluding with a tasty lunch at Café Zoom. Enjoy this afternoon at your leisure, perhaps paying a visit to the War Remnants Museum to gain powerful insight into the history of the country, or wandering the streets to find some more good eats, or simply relaxing by your hotel pool. Meals: BL Accommodation: Emm Hotel Saigon ​

Day 11. Fly to Hoi An; Free Day After breakfast this morning we fly to the central coast of Vietnam. The small city of Hoi An has a long history dating back as far as the first century, but is known mostly for its role as a trading port for Chinese and Japanese sea merchants during the 17th and 18th centuries. The beauty of the town was miraculously spared the damage that many towns suffered during the American-Vietnam war and today Hoi An is a UNESCO world heritage listed town that cannot be compared to anywhere else in Indochina. It is an intriguing, photogenic old town, located just a short distance from a beautiful beach where you can sit and sip a coconut. The town is packed with eating options and there is lots of beautiful stuff to spend money on and take home for your loved ones. There is also the famous tailoring, although a little less cost effective these days, the Tailors of Hoi An are legendary and can turn out a suit or a formal dress in as little as 2 days. Meals: B Accommodation: MGallery Royal Hoi An or Emm Hotel Hoi An ​ ​ ​

Day 12. Bike & Kayak Hoi An

25 cycling Our ride this morning begins by exploring the hidden passageways and winding alleyways of Hoi An, stopping to photograph the iconic Japanese bridge. Crossing first the canal bridge near the night market, we continue to the new metal bike bridge connecting Hoi An proper and its southern villages. Not far from the bridge we visit a local family making Banh Dap using the traditional method. We continue riding to one of Hoi An's most beautiful villages, stopping at a family home to learn about the tradition of family chapels. Our host is nearly 90 and fought in the American war. Next, we pedal past rice fields and vegetable farms along small canals and waterways towards a boat building site.The roads narrow again to concrete paths and we stop at a traditional mat weaving shop as well as a family rice wine distillery. A home-made lunch of Hoi An specialties will be served at a local house. After this satisfying meal, we will cycle along the riverside and board the kayaks on the Thu Bon River. We paddle past water-coconut plantations, shrimp farms and little fishing hamlets. If you’re lucky, you can see the fishermen emptying their nets, which is a spectacular sight. On the way, we make a stop at one of the little islands rest and enjoy the views. You will arrive to Cam Thanh area of Hoi An, from where our minivan will bring you back to your hotel by 2:30 pm. Meals: BL Accommodation: MGallery Royal Hoi An or Emm Hotel Hoi An ​ ​ ​

Day 13. Depart Today you bid farewell to your Southeast Asia adventure, but the memories are sure to last a lifetime! Transfer to Da Nang airport (40mins) is provided today. If you would like to discuss further extensions to explore Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay (or a pre-tour extension to spend more time in Siem Reap or perhaps visit Luang Prabang, Laos) -- feel free to be in touch with the Grasshopper team! Meals: B

Services & Inclusions

Inclusions Exclusions

● Bikes, helmets, handlebar bags ● Visas ● Accommodation as outlined in the ● Drinks other than water itinerary, 2 people per room ● Laundry and other expenses of a ● English speaking cycling guide personal nature ● Air-conditioned support vehicle ● Tips for guide/driver ● Luggage transfers ● Airport pick-up and drop-off ● Domestic flight ● Meals as indicated in the program ● Tips for restaurant and hotel staff ● Memento cycling jersey & water bottle