Cultural Road from Hoi An to Siem Reap

Riding along the Vietnamese coastline we visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hoi An, Southeast Asia’s major trading ports during the 17th and 18th centuries, and My Son, the ancient centre of the Cham civilization. We stop at My Lai for a somber tour of one of the worst massacres of the American/Vietnam War, then head into the central highlands, riding through scenic countryside before reaching Pleiku, home of the best coffee in Vietnam. The next day we cross the border to Cambodia to explore the local Khmer life. Take a cruise on the Mekong River to see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and ride through the picturesque town of Siem Reap which hosts the magnificent temple sites of the Angkor Wat complex.

Tour Cost	US$2,350	Single Supplement	US$425
Bike Hire	US$165	Total Cycling Distance	776 kilometres
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	14 Days/13 Nights
Number of Cycling Days	11 full	Tour Meets	Hoi An, Vietnam
Tour Ends	Siem Reap, Cambodia	Countries Visited	Vietnam, Cambodia
Group Size	Min. 2, Max. 16	Minimum age on scheduled departures	18 years old

Day 1

We meet in the charming town of Hoi An, which was one of Southeast Asia's major trading ports during the 17th and 18th centuries, for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.

Day 2

We ride to see My Son, the ancient centre of the Cham civilization. Although many of the temples were destroyed during the war, there is still enough of the archaeological site to impress most visitors.

Day 3

This morning we transfer from Hoi An toward Quang Ngai and begin our ride from a small village. The road is shaded by arching palm trees and surrounded by tended rice paddies. We stop at My Lai, the site of one of the worst massacres of the American/Vietnam War.

Day 4

Today we leave the coast and head into the central highlands towards Quang Nam and on to Kon Tum. We have a pass to conquer today, Viloluk Pass (1000m above sea level) but then are rewarded with a 20 km descent.

Day 5

We cycle through Jarai and Bhanar villages and see their communal houses with very steep and tall roofs. Next on our route we enter tea and coffee plantations before reaching Pleiku, home of the best coffee in Vietnam.

Day 6

After breakfast we head to the border with Cambodia. Start riding to Banlung, one of the most far-flung of the Khmer provincial capitals and spend the night in the rustic surroundings of Terres Rouge Lodge.

Day 7

Day of relaxation to enjoy a morning market or take a picnic lunch and explore the mysterious crater lake of Boneng Yeak Laom and visit the remaining indigenous tribal villages of the Kreung people or just enjoy staying at the lodge where we meet up for dinner.

Day 8

Get back in the saddle to Stung Treng province along a rustic highway.Ride through rice paddies and stop to enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life as we cycle towards the setting sun. Tonight, experience delicious Khmer food paired with very personalized service at Tonlé Tourism Training Center.

Day 9

Today we cycle through rural villages then board a boat at Kratie to enjoy an afternoon cruise on the Mekong River to see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. At night, enjoy views of the Mekong from the roof top terrace of your hotel.

Day 10

We take a ferry across the Mekong to the town of Chhlong, ride through the French colonial houses and Buddhist pagodas. Then cycle up to Wat Han Chey, an 8th century pre-Angkorian temple, enjoy a picnic lunch and stunning views of the Mekong.

Day 11

We ride over dirt and tarmac roads along the Mekong to Kampong Thom, a picturesque town on the banks of the Stung Saen River which hosts a magnificent Khmer temple site.

Day 12

Today we take a short transfer to the rarely visited Sambor Prei Kuk, enlisted to potentially become Cambodia's next UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to Siem Reap, ride through the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century.

Day 13

This morning we start our bike ride to Angkor Wat complex and see the biggest religious Hindu edifice in the world. We also visit Ta Prohm, famous from the film Tomb Raider. We continue to Angkor Thom, Bayon temple and the Terrace of the Elephants.

Day 14

You are free in the morning until we transfer you to the airport.

• Top ten things I enjoyed:
  1. Biking small back roads.
  2. The small tour group (only 5 people).
  3. All of the children shouting "hello" to us.
  4. Learning about the local cultures.
  5. The support from our drivers- always having snacks and drinks.
  6. The insights from our guides.
  7. Seeing places at the pace of a bicycle.
  8. Visiting anchient temples.
  9. The food.
  10. Great location for the rest day in Banlung.

  Christopher Barnes - January 2012