Ho Chi Minh To Angkor Wat Cycle- 12 Days

This morning, we embark on an exciting day of exploration, starting with a brief bus ride to Hoc Mon town. From there, we'll mount our bicycles and pedal through picturesque rice fields and rubber plantations on our way to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels. This extensive network of narrow, subterranean passages was utilized by the Viet Cong as their base and living quarters during the Vietnam War. We’ll gain insights into the life of the Viet Cong underground and have the opportunity to walk through some of these tunnels. After a local lunch, we'll head back to Ho Chi Minh City to visit key landmarks. We start with the Reunification Palace, a notable example of 1960s architecture with a significant place in modern history - it was the site where the Vietnam War concluded in 1975 when a North Vietnamese tank breached its gates, leading to the renaming of Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City. Following this, we’ll explore other major city attractions, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a grand neo-Romanesque structure from the late 19th century, and the Saigon Post Office, a splendid French colonial building adorned with a large portrait of 'Uncle Ho' and intricate architectural details. To cap off the day, consider visiting the famous Ben Thanh Market. This bustling, expansive covered market offers a diverse array of goods, from fresh produce and seafood to clothing, souvenirs, and traditional handicrafts. Bargaining is part of the experience, but even if you’re just browsing, the market is a vibrant and photogenic spectacle.

To avoid the hustle and bustle of city traffic, we begin the day with a car transfer to the Mekong Delta region. Once we arrive and have our bikes ready, we set out on peaceful country roads towards the Mekong Delta. This area is known for its rural charm, where friendly locals and traditional agricultural and craft practices offer an authentic glimpse into daily life. After riding approximately 20 kilometers, we take a break for a light picnic lunch at a charming garden café. In the afternoon, we continue our journey south, traversing from one island in the vast river delta to another, including a ferry ride to cross between islands. Our evening will be spent at a modest yet cozy local guesthouse.

After breakfast, we mount our bikes and head south towards the Tam Binh region, nestled deep in the Mekong Delta. We ride leisurely along scenic backroads, taking time to savor the peaceful surroundings and stopping along the way to enjoy tea and snacks with local residents. A traditional lunch will be served at a welcoming local home, offering us a deeper understanding of the area’s lifestyle. In the afternoon, we board a boat at Tra On for a cruise up the Hau River to Can Tho, the Mekong Delta's largest town. Please note that boat schedules can change without prior notice. If the boat service is unavailable, we will be transferred by vehicle to Can Tho, which takes approximately an hour.

Wake up early to explore the Cai Rang floating market, a quintessential delta experience. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll cycle along the scenic roads beside the Hau River, heading northwest to Long Xuyen, a bustling market town known for its fish, rice, and cashew nut trade. Along the way, we’ll visit the Bang Lang Stork Garden, a 1.3-hectare bird sanctuary that offers spectacular views of thousands of resident storks and snowy egrets. A high observation platform provides a great vantage point to watch the birds in their natural habitat. We’ll reach Long Xuyen in the late afternoon and check into our comfortable lodging.

We begin the day with a vehicle transfer before transitioning to bicycles for our journey to Chau Doc, a key port town known for its vibrant Chinese, Cham, and Khmer communities. The town's rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its mosques, temples, churches, and local pilgrimage sites, making it an intriguing place to discover. Prior to reaching Chau Doc, we'll have the opportunity to explore the lush, waterlogged beauty of the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, an impressive wetland and mangrove nature reserve.

Today is a rest day from cycling as we take an early morning boat across the Vinh Xuong/Kaam Samnor border into Cambodia, heading towards its capital, Phnom Penh. Once considered the 'Pearl of Asia' in the 1950s and 60s, Phnom Penh was admired for its city planning and architecture, serving as an inspiration for cities like Singapore. Although the city has faced challenges from revolution and conflict, it is steadily reclaiming its former glory. Known for its vibrant riverfront, Phnom Penh is now a dynamic city with a thriving café culture, lively bars, and an exceptional food scene. Visitors can explore the emotional highs and lows of Cambodia’s history at the National Museum and the poignant Khmer Rouge sites. After checking into our comfortable city-center accommodation, we will enjoy a taste of Khmer cuisine, and the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. Please note that Cambodian e-visas cannot be processed at the Vinh Xuong/Kaam Samnor border; a visa on arrival service will be used.

Today’s itinerary begins with a trip to Koh Dach, also known as Silk Island, where we will explore rural charm within an urban setting. We will take a ferry to the island and cycle through picturesque villages, visit silk weaving workshops, and admire local pagodas while interacting with friendly residents. Following this, we return to Phnom Penh and climb the steps of Wat Phnom Temple, a historic site considered the birthplace of the city.

Next, we will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school that became Security Prison 21 (S-21) during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. Afterward, enjoy a cyclo ride through the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh, passing landmarks such as the Central Market, Independence Monument, and the riverside.

Our exploration continues at the Royal Palace, which overlooks the Mekong River. The adjacent Silver Pagoda, built in 1962, is renowned for its ornate silver floor and precious metal and stone Buddha statues. We will then visit the National Museum, also known as Musée des Beaux-Arts, where Cambodia’s Angkorian statues are preserved.

The day concludes with shopping at the Toul Tompong Market (Russian Market), where you can experience the lively atmosphere of local daily life and discover a variety of Cambodian specialties and colonial-style architecture. Please remember that appropriate attire is required for the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: wear trousers or shorts that cover the knees and tops that cover the shoulders to gain entry.

Today, we take a break from cycling as we travel by private bus to Siem Reap. Our journey takes us through charming rural landscapes, with stops to explore local villages. We will visit Skuon, famously known as Spiderville, where you can try the unique local delicacy of deep-fried spider. Continuing our trip, we drive through Kampong Thom, passing by farmland, rubber plantations, and traditional Khmer villages before reaching this scenic town situated on the Stung Sen River.

After lunch in Kampong Thom, we will tour Sambor Prei Kuk, a notable site featuring 7th-century temple ruins that once served as the capital of the Chenla Kingdom, prior to the Angkorian era. We then proceed to our hotel in Siem Reap. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Today, we dedicate the entire day to exploring the renowned Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by bike—an ideal way to immerse yourself in this majestic location. To avoid the crowds, we begin early at Ta Prohm, a temple that has been left in its natural state since its rediscovery, featuring a captivating blend of trees entwined with ancient ruins amidst a jungle setting. Next, we'll visit Ta Keo, perched high, and then proceed through one of the four grand gatehouses into the historic city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom, the final capital of the Khmer Empire under Jayavarman VII, was once the world's largest city with a population of 2 million. The city's centerpiece is the Bayon Temple, a 12th-century marvel renowned for its magnificent bas-reliefs and 54 towers adorned with 216 imposing faces.

After a lunch break, we will continue to Angkor Wat, the grandest of all temples and the largest religious structure in the world, showcasing the pinnacle of Khmer architectural brilliance. This evening, enjoy a special performance by PHARE, the Cambodian Circus, known for their remarkable shows that blend traditional folklore with contemporary themes. This NGO, which trains disadvantaged youth in performance arts, is celebrated globally and promises a captivating experience.

Note: When visiting the Angkor Temples, please ensure your attire is appropriate—bottoms should cover the knees, and tops should cover the shoulders. These are sacred sites, and revealing clothing is not permitted. Visitors not adhering to these guidelines may be turned away.

After breakfast, you'll set out to explore the Roluos group of temples, situated just outside Siem Reap. These structures, dating back to the late 9th century, mark the beginning of the ‘classic period’ in Khmer architecture. From there, you'll journey south to the expansive wetlands bordering Tonle Sap, Asia's largest freshwater lake. The lake’s area and depth can increase up to six times during the annual monsoon rains, and the local communities have adapted ingeniously to the shifting waters. Kampong Kleang, a village built on stilts that rises up to ten meters above the water, houses over 20,000 residents. Here, you can gain insights into the daily lives of families who depend on fishing for their livelihood. After lunch, you'll travel north to Beng Mealea, a vast temple complex enveloped by jungle and covering over one square kilometer. This less-visited site, partially overtaken by vegetation, offers an atmospheric, ‘lost temple’ experience with moss-covered towers and trees providing excellent photo opportunities. Note: From March to August/September, water levels in Tonle Sap Lake may significantly decrease, which could affect the itinerary.

You have the morning free to explore Siem Reap at your own pace before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. The tour concludes.