Cycle South East Asia

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, work your legs with a walk around Hanoi’s charming shaded boulevards and squat on a short street-corner stool for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) in the Old Quarter, or join the queues at the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. After your group meeting head out for an included dinner at the KOTO restaurant, Vietnam's first social enterprise.

This morning, you’ll have some free time to explore the city at your leisure. If you haven’t already, walking through the Old Quarter is really the best way to get a feel for the city – an architectural museum where the ancient '36 Streets’ sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewellery, embroidered tablecloths, wood carvings and lacquerware. This afternoon, you’ll cycle through the city on a quiet ride around West Lake. Pass by lotus lakes, old school villas and iconic temples including the Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. Tonight, why not head out for Bahn mi and a local beer – your leader will have the best recommendations!

Saddle up this morning as your cycling adventure kicks into first gear. Leave Hanoi behind and travel by bus to Hoa Binh, stopping at Vun Art on the way – a social enterprise run by people living with disabilities, specialising in craft products made from Van Phuc silk. When you arrive in Hoa Binh, you’ll jump on your bike and cycle to Cao Phong through small ethnic Thai villages and paddy fields. As limestone peaks climb in the background, you’ll take regular stops to admire the view across the valleys. When you arrive, take a short bus ride to Man Duc for lunch. Then, the bus will take you to the Da River Reservoir. Cycle along the Da River, passing karst cliffs through paddy fields. The peaceful town of Mai Chau sits in a beautiful valley surrounded by green mountains and is famed for its scenery and friendly hilltribe peoples. Tonight, you’ll enjoy some local hospitality in your simple stilt-house homestay in the village of Poom Coong. After a home cooked meal, there may be a chance to sample some of the local rice wine that’s produced here.

This morning you farewell your homestay hosts and cycle from Mai Chau to Mai Hai, and then on to Co Luong. You’ll ride through more paddy fields and test your riding skills (or suspension) with the shallow potholes that can be found on the road. Pass farmers riding atop their load drawn by lumbering water buffalo, ride through small towns and wave to friendly locals on your way through picture-perfect Vietnam – lush green fields, towering limestone mountains, tranquil waterways and charming historic sites.

A bus trip then takes you along the Ho Chi Minh Road with a lunch stop before Ninh Binh. If you arrive in Ninh Binh with time (and energy) to spare you can take a 36 km cycle around the surrounding area. This is a wonderful chance to see everyday rural life in action as well as take in the beautiful countryside.

This morning you’ll cycle from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc, when you’ll really have the opportunity to soak up one of Vietnam’s most spectacular views – limestone karst peaks thrusting out of serene rice paddies, the sounds and views of the river, which winds through the fields and has boats parading up and down its length. You will also cycle to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam under the 10th-century Dinh Dynasty, the remains of which can be seen in the lasting beautiful archways and temples. Here you’ll take a lunch break at the Dinh or the Le Temple. Then it’s back on the bus to return to your hotel, where you can use the day room to take a shower and freshen up. After an early dinner you’ll transfer to Nam Dinh for an overnight train to Hue.

Arrive in Hue and hop back in the saddle to begin your exploration of the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and is a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Today you will ride through the fields to visit many of Hue's remarkable sites, including temples, bunkers, tombs, ruins, pagodas and spectacular scenery.

On your cycle you will visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. The itinerary is flexible and you have ample time for stops along the way to admire the sites. Later, kick back in a cafe or restaurant. Hue’s cuisine is considered by many Vietnamese as the best in the country, and is influenced both by its imperial heritage (small dishes and a focus on aesthetic presentation) as well as its strong Buddhist heritage, reflected in the high proportion of vegetarian restaurants in the region. The bustling Dong Ba Market offers a wealth of goods and foods to see and snack on. It's a good place to try some of the local specialities that graced the Nguyen emperors' banquet tables, such as the ‘banh khoai’, Hue's answer to the pancake.

Today will be big on riding and big on spectacular views. Leaving Hue, you will do some mountainous riding as you conquer the Hai Van (Ocean Cloud) Pass on the way to the tropical south and the laidback town of Hoi An. The pass is a stunning stretch of highway the winds through the Truong Son mountain range, with views across the Bay of Danang to the south. It is 500 m about sea level and the up/down slope ranges from 5-10%, and there will be plenty of well-earned breaks along the way to take in the views, snap some photos and rehydrate.

After the rewarding vistas on the cycle in, you’ll also be spoiled with the town of Hoi An – with lantern-lit streets, vibrant markets, skilled tailors, artisan shops, ancient houses, colourful temples and beautiful smiles, it’s a Vietnamese wonderland. Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved, with parts of the town looking exactly like they did more than a century ago. This makes its streets of low tiled buildings perfect for strolling. Take the evening to soak up the atmosphere, or just rest your legs at a local restaurant after a day’s riding.

This morning you leader with take you on a walking tour of the town, which used to be a busy port for the Cham people before the river silted up. There’s also a strong Chinese influence, and you’ll see it as you walk past the pagodas and assembly halls. On your tour you’ll take in a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. The afternoon is free for you to do whatever takes your fancy. For those who love to shop then Hoi An is a mecca, with much to browse and buy. There are original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. If you want to get some new threads then the town is also famous for its tailoring – pick a fabric and a design and it’ll be ready the same day. If you feel like keeping active then there are the options to take a 15-20 km ride into the surrounding countryside, to cycle to nearby Cua Dai Beach, or to take a stroll through fields of rice, sesame, banana and peanuts.

Continue south, down scenic Highway One on the road to Quy Nhon, one of the routes that is less visited by travellers, past paddy fields, wheat drying for Beer Hoi, and locals playing chess to Phu. Climb back on the bikes to cycle to the coastal city of Quy Nhon. The city is filled with long stretches of beach and relaxed boulevards, and as it’s pretty undiscovered by visitors, is a great place to get an authentic slice of coastal life.

Today’s cycle is one of the most breathtaking stretches of road you’ll ride – the highway hugs huge granite cliffs and looks out across the deep blue sea.

Following parts of the Reunification railway, you’ll enjoy scenery of islands and lagoons. Join the scooter riders on the waterfront promenade as you arrive in the idyllic coastal town of Nha Trang, once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient', and whose sandy palm-lined beach and island-dotted bay still make a pretty idyllic picture. Here there’s consistently good weather, a vibrant nightlife and excellent diving.

Today you’ll swap your bike for a boat as you head out to explore the nearby islands. This excursion is often the highlight of the trip for many travellers, as you’ll get to know some of the locals and indulge in the beauty of the place. Starting on the main boat, you’ll then take a small basket boat to shore and visit a fishing village, snorkel in the turquoise waters and feast on a fresh seafood buffet for lunch. You can enjoy this rest day by lazing in a deck chair, going for another swim or perhaps taking a mud baths to soothe away sore muscles.

Head up through the Bidoup-Nui Ba Pass into the cooler climes of the South Central Highlands, where some of the country's best fruits, flowers and coffee beans are grown. The road is winding and steep but if you're fit and ready for a challenge, you may want to conquer the whole mountain on your bike. If you're not so physically inclined, take it easy and flag a lift from the bus. Whichever way you choose to get to the top, you'll still be treated to magnificent views once you reach the summit. After a short photo stop here, you will descend to Dalat. One of Vietnam's most delightful cities, Dalat is a perfect base to explore this pleasant region. With an appealing Swiss-French feel, along with pleasant lakes, palaces, pine tree-covered hills, flower gardens and pagodas, Dalat is often called the 'city of eternal spring' for its temperate climate.

This morning you’ll take a city tour of Dalat, making the journey to Bao Dai's striking regal summer palace. He was the final emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, and the last to rule Vietnam until 1945. You’ll then discover the wacky and weird architecture of Hang Nga Crazy House. Echoing Gaudi's unconventional designs, and described as a 'fairytale house', explore the twisted tree roots, cave shaped hallways and animal themed rooms of this surreal guesthouse. Drop by the train station and the central market before continuing to Di Linh, where tea is the main industry and there are large plantations in the surrounding hills. After lunch, pedal down the forest-lined Gia Bac Pass, then cycle along from Malam to Phan Thiet and it's beautiful beaches.

Before heading for the big city, take in the views along the beach on your ride to Lang Long. After a picnic lunch, keep cycling to Cu Bi. From there it’s goodbye to your two-wheeled friend as you take the support bus the final leg to Ho Chi Minh City. Here daily life plays out on the streets and the dynamic atmosphere is a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. Maybe spend the evening exploring the food stalls at Ben Thanh market or cheers to your new friends leaving the trip with a few glasses of street-side beer hoi.

Today is a free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City until the evening group meeting at 6pm, where you'll meet your leader and new fellow travellers to discuss the next stage of your journey."

Take a bus ride to the Mekong Delta. Known as the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam’, the fertile delta is famous for its harvest of tropical fruit, flowers and rice, as well as the views over the canals. When you arrive in the region, get on your bike for the first full day of cycling. Ride along quiet backroads, past farms and villages and make a stop for lunch. You’ll also get to visit orchards and some local cottage industries. Around sunset, make your way up one of the canals by boat and reach your homestay. Stay with a family for the night and enjoy a wonderful meal of local specialties.

Start the day early with a boat ride, then take a bus to riverside Sadec, where you’ll start today’s ride. Shake out your sea legs with a cycle through the bustling settlements along the river. Here, you’ll see more of how local life is dependent on the river, stopping for lunch in a local community. Cycle on to the ferry and then take a bus to Chau Doc, which sits right next to the Cambodian border. When you arrive, head out in search of the city’s famous hot noodles and a cold beer. The rest of the night is free to explore at your own pace or get some rest in tonight’s hotel.

Cycle to your last destination within Vietnam – the border town of Tinh Bien. On arrival you’ll stop for lunch, then go through visa formalities and cross into Cambodia. Meet your new support team and hop on your bike again on your way to Phnom Penh. You’ll be cycling along dusty and bumpy rural roads for a while, then along a paved highway which leads towards Cambodia’s capital. Avoid the busy roads and jump back into the support vehicle for the drive into the city. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to seek out the best Cambodian cuisine to help fuel up after a good day out on the bike. Phnom Penh is quickly becoming a hot destination among foodies, so you can easily load up on grilled seafood, fish curry and green mango salad.

Today, you’ll head to the gold-hued Mongkol Serei Kien Khleang Pagoda on the shores of the mighty Mekong River then take a short ferry to spend the full day on a leisurely ride around Mekong Island (Koh Dach). This 10-hectare island is also known as one of the prominent centres of traditional handicrafts in Cambodia, and you’ll visit some local artisans selling quality silks, pottery and woodcarvings. Cycle past temples and pagodas, then stop at a roadside food stall for a refreshing drink. This afternoon’s ride will take you through the small villages, rice paddies, vegetable farms and fruit orchards of the island, then on to Okhna Tey island (Koh Okhna) before you head back to the mainland for a free evening.

Today you’ll confront Cambodia’s tragic past with visits to several historical sites. First stop is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. You’ll take a guided tour of the museum where over 20,000 people were once incarcerated and tortured. Next you’ll visit the Choeung Ek Memorial, where a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was where the prisoners of Tuol Sleng were executed and nearly 9,000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. Finally, learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Settle in for a long day of driving as we travel to Siem Reap. The bus ride will take about seven hours but will be full of stunning rural views of tiny towns, and it also gives you the chance to catch up on some shut-eye.

Riding distance: none

Today is all about the Angkor Complex – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Sitting in the jungle and hidden from the world for generations, Angkor is an ancient temple complex and with over 1000 temples there is no better way to explore the sprawling site than by bicycle. From Siem Reap, avoid the traffic and ride out off the main roads and (weather permitting) take small unsealed roads and paths to a remote small but beautiful temple practically unvisited by tourists. Enjoy the quiet then continue on small paths through the foliage to the main sites. When you arrive, you’ll park the bikes and explore the iconic Hindu temple of Angkor Wat on foot. Then, it’s back on the bike to discover the original Buddhist temple in Angkor – the amazing Bayon Temple. Cycle to Ta Phrom temple and indulge your inner Indiana Jones as you stroll through an amazing scene, where nature has taken over the ancient ruins.

Today you’ll cover a lot of distance on your visit to Banteay Srei – the 10th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple was rediscovered in 1914 and has some of the most intricate carvings in the world. It was restored shortly after discovery, using traditional techniques and materials. You’ll then have a free afternoon and evening in Siem Reap, to explore or relax at the hotel.

Leave from Siem Reap early in the morning and head for the border. Your crossing at Poipet/Aranyaprathet should take around 4 hours including the driving and processing time. From the border, you'll transfer to the Tha Kabark Dam. You can have a quick swim and some lunch before the next cycling leg to Sa Kaew where you'll stay for the night.

Wake up at sunrise and make your way to the local market. Here you’ll see the Buddhist monks from nearby temples who come to receive food from the villagers in exchange for blessings. Perhaps offer the monks some alms before continuing on your way. Spend the rest of the day cycling along mostly flat terrain towards the small district of Kabinburi. You’ll pass rubber tree and tapioca plantations as well as lush rice fields.

Make your way to Khun Dan Dam, Thailand’s largest dam, for your last full day of cycling. You’ll ride past small villages, paddy fields, farms and shops. Stop for lunch along the way, then enjoy a quick swim. After, pack up the bikes before transferring to Bangkok, your final destination.

There are no activities planned for today and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. Perhaps take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road or pay a visit to Wat Pho, home to the country's largest reclining Buddha. Explore the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or travel by long tail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore Bangkok’s famous khlongs (canals).