The Grand Tours Cycling Across 3 Countries of Indochina 15 Days

Start your day early to adjust to the weather. Embark on a scenic bike ride along the coastline, traversing tranquil local roads with minimal traffic. Marvel at the breathtaking seascapes as you pass from one beautiful beach to another. This route provides a fascinating glimpse into the local Thai way of life, taking you through fishing villages, seafood markets, and numerous temples where you can take a well-deserved break and enjoy refreshments. The picturesque scenery includes mangrove swamps and fruit plantations, adding diversity to the journey. You'll also experience short ferry crossings, which offer a direct route across estuaries and help save on distance. Conclude the bike ride on the serene beach of Chaolao, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim in the sea before dinner.

Get ready for an exciting day of cycling as you embark on a 110km journey, featuring some gradual climbs towards the end. The route takes you inland, revealing a changing landscape from the coastal views to lush forests and distant mountains. Enjoy the pleasure of riding on small, low-traffic paved roads. As you enter Chantaburi Province, renowned for its fruit, you'll have the opportunity to pass by plantations, forests, and charming local villages. The final stretch of the ride covers 12km on a busier road with small climbs. Your destination, Pong Nam Ron, awaits with its inviting hotel pool, where you can unwind with a well-deserved beer while admiring the adjacent golf course and the backdrop of forested mountains.

Today, you'll venture eastward on lesser-traveled roads, heading towards the peaceful Thai-Cambodian border crossing nestled in the scenic Cardamom mountains. As you cross the border, the contrasting fortunes of the neighboring countries become apparent, with the smooth tarmac of Thailand giving way to Cambodia's bumpy red dirt roads. The transition is also evident in the shift from concrete homes in Thailand to wooden and thatched shacks in Cambodia. After 20km of cycling in Cambodia, you'll reach Pailin, a small dusty town that was once a hub for semi-precious stone mining and housed former high-ranking officials of the Khmer Rouge regime, known for its brutal rule.

Embark on a smooth tarmac road that leads you to the outskirts of Battambang. After a few initial climbs, the majority of the day's ride is downhill. Witness the captivating transformation of the landscape as you pass through cash-crop plantations featuring corn, cassava, and cashew nuts, which gradually give way to endless emerald green rice paddies as you approach Battambang. Around 15km before reaching Battambang, the striking limestone outcrop of Phnom Sampeau with its hilltop pagoda comes into view. If you have the energy, you can choose to climb the 700+ steps and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. If time permits, we'll also experience the Bamboo Train, a unique attraction originally used by villagers for transporting goods. The basic yet charming train consists of a bamboo platform on four wheels powered by a small motor. Finally, we arrive in Battambang, a serene and unhurried town situated on the banks of the Sangker River. Its architecture showcases a blend of French colonial and traditional Cambodian styles, with few buildings exceeding three stories. After checking in and freshening up, we'll visit the bat cave, where you can witness millions of bats emerging and creating mesmerizing patterns as they gracefully fly across the sky—a nightly natural spectacle. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Embark on an early morning adventure as you pedal through the serene streets of Battambang, heading towards the boat pier for your journey to Siem Reap. Prepare to be captivated by the most captivating river voyage in Cambodia, spanning approximately 6-7 hours. As you traverse the waterways, time seems to slip away amidst timeless scenes: fishermen returning with their shimmering nocturnal catch, wisps of blue smoke dancing like mist in the delicate pink hues of dawn, and the aroma of breakfasts being prepared. The river meanders its way into the vast Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, revealing a diverse tapestry of landscapes and lives that appear untouched for centuries. You'll pass through the protected wetland of Prek Toal, a vital sanctuary for endangered large water birds in Southeast Asia. Crossing the expansive inland sea, you'll approach Siem Reap port, encountering the floating village of Chong Khneas. Here, an entire bamboo village emerges, complete with homes, gas stations, schools, hairdressers, and even karaoke bars, all gently floating on the water's surface. Meals included: B, L Distance cycled: 20km.

Embark on an early start to beat the crowds flocking to the awe-inspiring Angkor complex. Spread across a vast area, the temples are interconnected by tranquil tree-lined pathways. Exploring them by bike offers a unique perspective. Our cycling tour will encompass the mystical Ta Prohm, enveloped by lush jungle with ancient stone structures entwined by the impressive roots of fromager trees; Angkor Thom, featuring the renowned Bayon temple adorned with 37 towers (originally 49), each crowned with the likeness of the king's four faces; and the magnificent Angkor Wat, boasting a vast moat, a lengthy causeway, and towering structures.

Uncover the hidden gems of Siem Reap on a half-day small-group tour, traversing the city aboard a remork (Cambodian tuk-tuk). Embark on a boat journey along the Tonle Sap Lake, passing through floating and stilted villages. Witness the seasonal agricultural activities, from rice planting and harvesting to fish paste production, duck farming, and cricket catching! Immerse yourself in a local village, where you'll savor Cambodian snacks and visit a Buddhist monastery.

Embark on a scenic seven-hour bus journey along National Road 6 to Phnom Penh, with enchanting stops along the way. Explore the remarkable Sambor Prei Kuk, a collection of pre-Angkorian monuments boasting some of Cambodia's oldest structures. Indulge in a traditional Khmer lunch at a community restaurant, immersing yourself in local flavors. Note that the road is currently undergoing resurfacing, resulting in some bumpy sections. In the late afternoon, we'll reach the vibrant Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, offering a perfect opportunity for a refreshing sundowner by the Mekong River.

Phnom Penh has witnessed profound transformations throughout its history, enduring the harrowing years of the Khmer Rouge regime and subsequent conflicts. Today, we visit two significant sites that provide a poignant glimpse into the country's past. In the city center, we explore the Genocide Museum, formerly known as S-21 or Tuol Sleng, a Khmer Rouge prison. Located 9.3 miles (15 km) from the city, we visit the Killing Fields, a somber mass grave and execution site for S-21 prisoners. While these visits may be emotionally challenging, they offer crucial insights into Cambodia's resilience. On a more positive note, Phnom Penh showcases captivating French colonial architecture, including the Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda. Enjoy shopping at the bustling Russian market and strolling along the lively Mekong waterfront.

We depart Phnom Penh and head south to Takeo, where tranquility sets in. Mounting our bikes, we embark on a 31-mile (50 km) ride to the Phnom Den-Tinh Bien border. After completing border formalities, we continue cycling approximately 18.6 miles (30 km) to reach Chau Doc, Vietnam.

Embarking on a picturesque journey, we begin our day by cycling along a serene and secluded route, adorned with charming villages and dwellings. After a delightful lunch break, we switch to a bus for the remaining distance to Vinh Long. Leaving our bicycles behind, we board a boat (20 minutes) to reach our homestay guesthouse situated on an island within the bountiful Mekong Delta, renowned as Vietnam's "rice bowl." Upon arrival, we settle in and have the opportunity to explore the surroundings on foot. The Mekong Delta's intricate web of rivers and canals offers a captivating spectacle. While the region is famous for its rice production, many farmers have transitioned to more profitable endeavors like fish farming, and fruit and vegetable cultivation. As evening descends, we enjoy a tranquil dinner at the homestay, experiencing authentic Delta hospitality. Our accommodations resemble traditional local houses, providing basic amenities such as bedding, a mosquito net, and a small towel.

We begin our day with a boat excursion, making a captivating stop at the lively Cai Be floating market. Here, abundant boats laden with an assortment of fruits and vegetables anchor on the Mekong River. This bustling wholesale market offers a glimpse into local trade and commerce. While Cai Be's size has diminished due to the convenience of trucks and a new bridge, it remains an excellent opportunity to witness traditional trading on a smaller scale. Continuing our journey, we pause briefly to explore cottage industries that produce delicacies like popped rice, pancakes, and homemade wine. Our cycling adventure commences as we follow a scenic path through picturesque orchards and alongside the enchanting Mekong River. After reaching Cai Lay, we return to the bus in My Tho and make our way to the vibrant and dynamic city of Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon. This captivating metropolis seamlessly combines ancient temples with modern developments, bustling streets filled with scooters, and the resilience of a city that has emerged from the devastation of the Vietnam War. Welcome to a city where almost anything is possible in its thriving free-market environment.

Embark on a captivating journey through history with a visit to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. Delve into the remarkable guerrilla warfare tactics of Vietnam's past as you venture into the intricate underground network. These tunnels, ingeniously rigged with booby traps, played a pivotal role in the conflict. Originally constructed by local fighters during the Indochina conflict, the Cu Chi tunnels served as a vital stronghold for the Viet Cong and the National Liberation Front. Witness the resourcefulness of the soldiers and residents who lived within these tunnels, carrying out their daily lives amid the chaos of war. As you traverse the tunnels, which began as a refuge from French air raids in 1948 and eventually expanded to an astounding 200 kilometers, gain a profound understanding of the hardships and resilience of the Viet Cong soldiers.

Concluding your journey, a seamless departure awaits you after breakfast. Enjoy the convenience of a complimentary shared transfer to the airport, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey back home.