Rider Favourite

Cultural Road from Hoi An to Siem Reap

Price from
US$ 2,900
Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Distance
732 km
Tour Code
MCT-MHS
Next departure
13-Oct-2024
Number of Cycling Days11
Average Distance Per Day: 67
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 650
0
2,250 m
Total Cycling Distance732 kilometres
AccommodationIncluded
Bike HireMountain Bike: US$ 185, E-Bike*: US$ 560
Single SupplementUS$ 470
Client Rating (based on 16 reviews)
*E-bikes are in limited supply, please enquire to reserve one.

About this Cycle Tour

Vietnam and Cambodia are inextricably linked and yet starkly different, divided by the rugged Annamite Mountain range in the north and the Mekong River basin in the south. Both offer distinctive cuisine, arts, religious practices, and traditions, and they are home to a remarkable variety of ethnic minority groups, many of whose ancestral lands straddle the border that we will cross. On this 14-day tour, we will trace the coastline and rivers of Vietnam on the South China sea, ascend to the Central Highlands, enter Cambodia across the mountainous jungle frontier, follow the Mekong River and its tributaries, and finally arrive in Siem Reap to explore the ancient Khmer capital of Angkor. Along the way, we will see four UNESCO World Heritage sites from different historical periods, and every day will bring us new cultural and natural riches in these vibrant countries.

Our tour begins in the historic port of Hoi An. We ride up up the Thu Bon River to My Son, capital of the Hindu Cham empire that once ruled this region, then along pleasant rural and coastal roads to a remote fishing village. We also visit My Lai, memorial site to a wartime massacre. We leave the coast and climb into the diverse Central Highlands to the town of Kon Tum, followed by a valley ride through the villages of Jarai and Bhanar people to Pleiku. Entering Cambodia, we ride to Banlung, a well-preserved market town with a crater lake nearby. We take a day to appreciate this natural beauty with hikes, walks through town, or a rest at our elegant lodge. Back on the bikes, we explore agricultural regions where Muslim and Buddhist communities live side by side, and delve into the ecosystem of the Mekong River on longer rides with boat cruises where we may spot dolphins and other wildlife. We pedal through the Tonle Sap Lake biosphere to the pre-Angkorian temple complex of Prasat Sambor, then arrive in Siem Reap, the land of Cambodia’s most famous temples. Our final day of cycling immerses us in the ancient Khmer kingdom with time to explore its many marvels, including the temples of Ta Prohm, Bayon, and Angkor Wat.

Join us as we weave our way through the cultures and landscapes of these two countries, at once deeply rooted in the past and thriving in the present!

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Itinerary

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 along the Thu Bon River and through its lush ecosystem to My Son, the mountain valley capital of the ancient Cham. After lunch and exploration of the temples on foot, return to Hoi An by transfer to relax or see more of the town before gathering for dinner.

Day 3

Cycle from Hoi An with views over the estuary, then pedal south to a pretty beach village for a seafood lunch. We transfer to My Lai, site of the wartime massacre by American troops, for a guided tour. Arrive at our idyllic resort via a short transfer.

Day 4

We leave the coast by transfer and head into the central highlands, where we will hop on our bikes and pedal towards Kon Tum. Today we climb the Violak Pass, a fitting introduction to the Annamite Mountains!

Day 5

We cycle a beautiful valley through Jarai and Bhanar villages past communal houses with their steep and tall thatched roofs. Next, we enter tea and coffee plantations before reaching Pleiku, home of the Vietnam’s best coffee!

Day 6

We transfer to the Cambodian border and leave Vietnam. Once across, we start riding to Banlung, one of the most far-flung of the Khmer provincial capitals and spend the night in an elegant traditional lodge.

Day 7

This is a free day of relaxation off the bike to enjoy a morning market or take a picnic lunch and explore the mysterious crater lake of Boneng Yeak Laom. You can also enjoy staying at the lodge where we meet up for dinner.

Day 8

Get back in the saddle and ride 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 to the shore of the Mekong!

Day 9

We cycle through rural villages along the Mekong, then board a boat at Kratie to enjoy an afternoon cruise to see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Tonight, experience delicious Khmer food paired with very personalized service at the Tonle Tourism Training Centre.

Day 10

We transfer to Chlong and ride past French colonial houses, Buddhist pagodas, and Cham Muslim mosques, then take a bridge across the river. Cycle up to Wat Han Chey, an 8th century pre-Angkor temple, to enjoy a picnic lunch and stunning views of the Mekong.

Day 11

We ride north through prosperous farms and marshlands to Kampong Thma, an agricultural community that is part of the Tonle Sap Lake Biosphere. We then transfer to Kampong Thom, on the banks of the Stung Saen River.

Day 12

We ride out of Stung Saen upstream along the winding river to Sambor Prei Kuk temple, remnant of the Chenla Kingdom. After exploring this peaceful UNESCO-protected site, we continue our ride, finishing with a local lunch. We then transfer to Siem Reap, home of ancient Angkor!

Day 13

We ride into the Angkor park for a ride that connects the greatest of the temples beneath the jungle canopy. We visit Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom and Bayon, ending at the jewel of all the temples, Angkor Wat. This evening, we gather for our farewell dinner.

Day 14

This morning, we say goodbye. You may choose to depart Cambodia today, spend more time in Siem Reap or transfer to another location. Please let us know if we can help with any arrangements!

Elevation Profiles

Day 2 - Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An Ride 47km. +217m / -188m.
Day 2 - Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An Ride 47km. +217m / -188m.

Reviews

SpiceRoads has the best guides and support, hands down. Their expert knowledge of the area really enhanced the tour. Also- they have cultivated relationships with off the beaten path restaurants that are amazing.

Jennifer BauerleFebruary 2024

This is our second adventure with SpiceRoads in SE Asia and they did not disappoint. The guides and support team do their best to make the experience as extraordinary as possible - the culture, food and support throughout the trip is always remarkable.

John GlazaFebruary 2019

A fantastic way to see the country and experience the local culture and food. The guides are truly incredible and look after you so well and you get to meet people and enjoy experiences along the way.

I would just like to reiterate how much we enjoyed the guides on this tour, Mr Thang was very knowledgeable and the food was incredible and Phea and Nan made an excellent team and made the whole experience so enjoyable - with their attention to detail and their funny personalities - I would definitely recommend a tour to anybody who asked. Please pass on our appreciation to Thang and Phea - they certainly made our experience a great one.

Julie WebbSeptember 2018

Other suggestions for you