Saigon to Bangkok
Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand Bike Tours
Explore three Southeast Asian countries by bike.
- Skill Level
- Length14 days
- Prices from$3375 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This bike tour in Southeast Asia explores three fascinating countries: Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Beginning in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, this adventure dleads into the "water world" of the Mekong Delta; Vietnam's rice bowl, a unique, lush, agricultural wonderland. Although it is a densely populated area, you will cycle quiet back roads lined with coconut trees and bamboo, passing lotus flower ponds. A serene beauty awaits.
You enter Cambodia by boat, en route to Phnom Penh, on one of Asia's great rivers, the Mekong. In the final stage of this adventure, you cross into Thailand at a small immigration point nestled in the mountains. Cycling a shortcut then to the main road, you are then transferred to the beach to enjoy a much-needed rest.
Combining three countries together in one tour gives great insight into Southeast Asia, its culture, its scenery, and its wonderful and friendly people.
Highlights
- Siem Reap
- Colonial city of Battambang
- Temples of Kampong Thom
- Angkor
- Mekong River
- Floating market
If this trip isn't quite your speed, check out all of our bike tours in Vietnam and Thailand.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Tra Vinh, 41 mi, (65 km)
Day 3: Tra Vinh - Can Tho, 57 mi. (92 km)
Day 4: Can Tho - Chau Doc, 44 mi. (70 km)
Day 5: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 6: Phnom Penh - Oudong - Kampong Thom
Day 7: Kampong Thom - Siem Reap, 40 mi. (65 km)
Day 8: Angkor temples, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 9: Ride to Banteay Srei, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 10: Siem Reap - Battambang
Day 11: Battambang - Pailin, 59 mi. (95 km)
Day 12: Pailin - Chantaburi, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 13: Beach day
Day 14: Chantaburi - BangkokThis cycling adventure goes beyond the beaten track and the rides are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. The guarantee a trip will not be changed unless for safety or to improve it.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Meet at Northern Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, the pulse of this emerging country. Here, your guide will give you a briefing of the tour at around 6 pm. You will have an opportunity to test out the bikes before heading to dinner at one of the city's finest restaurants. (D)Accommodation: Northern Hotel
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Tra Vinh, 41 mi, (65 km)
After breakfast, a transfer of approximately two hours is provided from Ho Chi Minh to Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Today’s ride leads into the heart of rural Mekong, as you pedal down narrow roads and lanes, past banana plantations and fields of sugarcane. A section of biking is "off-road" onto gravel and dirt lanes, weaving through hamlets, across rivers, and through thick vegetation. There is a final ferry crossing to Tra Vinh, a pretty tree-lined town with many ethnic Khmers. (B,L,D)Accommodation: Tra Vinh Provincial Guesthouse
Elevation gain/loss: +249 m/-254 mDay 3: Tra Vinh - Can Tho, 57 mi. (92 km)
The route today is peaceful and scenic to Can Tho with much to see along the way, from contrasting architectural styles of Khmer homes and temples to the rich and colorful river scenes. (B,L,D)Accommodation: Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel
Elevation gain/loss: +341 m/-339 mDay 4: Can Tho - Chau Doc, 56 mi. (90 km)
First on the agenda is the Cai Rang Floating Market before a one hour transfer to the start of the day's cycling. Once more the scenery is diverse. From Tri Ton the terrain starts to gently undulate and mountains begin to loom as you ride closer and closer to Chau Doc. The presence of Thot Not trees indicates the growing proximity to Cambodia. Here the local people speak Vietnamese as their second language. A somber site, the Killing Fields of Vietnam at Ba Chuc is included in the agenda. It is here that Pol Pot’s regime massacred over 3,000 Vietnamese in 1978. The cycling continues with a loop around Ba Chuc along the border and then to Chau Doc along incredible country roads. Those with energy to spare can climb Sam Mountain for the sunset! (B,L,D)Accommodation: Chau Po Hotel
Elevation gain/loss: +365 m/-367 mDay 5: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh
Cruise up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh from our overnight stopping place Chau Doc. We get a chance to rest our legs as we see many scenes of local daily life alongside one of Asia’s great rivers. As we head into Cambodia we stop at the capital Phnom Penh before heading north to cycle among 1000 years of Khmer history. In the afternoon we will visit Tuol Sleng Prison (S21) and the Killing Fields to learn about Cambodia's turbulent past under the Khmer Rouge regime. (B,L,D)Accommodation: Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel
Day 6: Phnom Penh - Oudong - Kampong Thom, 16 mi. (25 km)
The bike ride begins later in the day giving you time to explore Phnom Penh. A 30-minute transfer takes you to the start of the tour. Cycle towards Cambodia's former capital, Oudong. The 400-plus steps to the top will get the legs a good workout, but the view is worth it! This ride gives you the chance to see rural Cambodia, stilted houses, rice paddies, ox carts, waving children, and of course the friendly Khmer people. After today's ride, you'll be transferred to Kampong Thom (approx 3 - 4 hours). (B,L,D)Accommodation: Sambor Village
Elevation gain/loss: +83 m /-77 mDay 7: Kampong Thom - Siem Reap, 40 mi. (65 km)
The day begins with a short transfer to the ancient temple site of Sambor Prey Kuk. This temple site was constructed in the 7th-century and functioned as the capital of the Chenla Empire. After a guided tour through the temples, a short transfer takes you to the small town of Damdek, where you will unload the bikes and begin cycling toward Siem Reap for 65 km. (B,L,D)Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
Elevation gain/loss: +197 m /-194 mDay 8: Angkor temples, 19 mi. (30 km)
Pedaling en route to Ta Prohm, famous from the film Tomb Raider, and deliberately left by French conservationists in the same condition as it was discovered, once again, you are surrounded by a unique landscape. Overgrown by strangler fig and silk-cotton trees, the surroundings give the temple a mystical and romantic appeal. Continuing on to Angkor Thom, Bayon temple, and the Terrace of the Elephants, the journey continues. Lunch will be enjoyed at the Angkor Café before exploring the biggest religious Hindu edifice in the world, Angkor Wat. Considered the masterpiece of Khmer architecture, this Vishnuite temple is the King’s funerary temple, which is why the temple is orientated to the West. Inside the temple, the walls are covered by carvings depicting Hindu mythology and the wars that Suryavarman II fought during his reign. After visiting these magnificent temples, the final 7 km is completed to Siem Reap. (B,L,D)Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
Elevation gain/loss: +190 m /-190 mDay 9: Ride to Banteay Srei, 35 mi. (56 km)
This day begins pedaling through rural countryside to the famous temple of Banteay Srei which has the best-preserved bas-reliefs and other stone carvings in Cambodia. The temple is small in size but of huge significance in understanding the Angkorian Era. From here, once again on rural roads with a break for lunch, the destination is Kbal Spean, also known as the "Valley of 1000 Lingas". A moderate 3 km trek is on the agenda, uphill through the jungle to a river bed with submersed carvings and a beautiful waterfall (in rainy season only). Return to Siem Reap by vehicle. Dinner is at your leisure. (B,L)Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
Elevation gain/loss: +239 /-184 mDay 10: Siem Reap - Battambang
Today you'll take a rest from cycling and transfer across Tonle Sap by boat. Along the way you'll see the local people going about their daily lives and perhaps if you're lucky, spot some wildlife on the banks. During the end of the dry season, lake levels may be too low to allow boat passage to Battambang. In this case, a van takes you to Battambang. (B,L,D)Accommodation: Steung Sangke Hotel
Day 11: Battambang - Pailin, 59 mi. (95 km)
Today you depart for Pailin, cycling directly from the hotel. This is the toughest day as the road in sections is in poor condition and bumpy (in the dry season can get dusty) but the scenery is the most impressive as you head towards Thailand. The road undulates as you get closer to Pailin but there is nothing too steep or long. You will cycle through stunning countryside area where farms and local villages can be seen along the way and really get a feeling of riding into unchartered territory. (B,L,D)Accommodation: Memoria Palace
Elevation gain/loss: +625 m /-433 mDay 12: Pailin - Chantaburi, 27 mi. (44 km)
A quiet rural crossing used mainly by local traders leads to the border crossing to complete all the immigration formalities, followed by a ride through the Thai countryside and then, by transfer, to the beach! Lunch en route in Chantaburi. (B,L,D)Accommodation: Chanchalao Beach Resort
Elevation gain/loss: +376/-365 mDay 13: Chantaburi - Laem Mae Phim, 40 mi. (65 km)
Today is a flat and easy ride through mangroves, shrimp farms, and along the coast. Overnight at a very local Thai beach. Enjoy a free afternoon to go for a swim or a walk on the sand. (B,L,D)Accommodation: Aksorn Rayong
Elevation gain/loss: +251 m/- 245 mDay 14: Laem Mae Phim - Bangkok
The morning is free to enjoy the beach before heading back to Bangkok. Arrival back in Bangkok at approximately 3 pm. Ask about an extension to the beach or Koh Samet. (B)If you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured tours, specials, and news.
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations in 3-star hotels. On each day’s itinerary, you will find the preferred accommodation listed. If for any reason, a change is necessary due to availability or other circumstance, the alternative will always be of the same standard or better.
Bicycles
Front Suspension Mountain Bike
The bikes are well-known makes of mountain bikes with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes, Shimano components, and front suspension.
Electric Bike
Bike details will be sent upon request.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 13 nights
- Meals as per the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
- Snacks, local fruits, & water provided throughout the day when cycling
- 24 to 27-speed mountain bike rental
- English-speaking guide (two guides if the group is larger than 9)
- Air-conditioned vehicle for transfer & support
- Entrance fees of sights mentioned in the itinerary
- Boat fees
- Complimentary water bottle & bike jersey
What’s Not Included
- Transport to/from the start/finish
- Meals not mentioned as included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Visa fees
- Gratuities
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Sundays
January 29, February 12, March 5, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 20, October 22, November 26 & December 10, 2023
Group size: 2-16 riders
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Twin/double: $ 5175 £ 2815 $ 4,752 € 3194 ₪ 12374 ¥ 450107 NZ$ 5548 NOK 36036 kr 36686 $ 3,375 Single supplement*: $ 805 £ 438 $ 739 € 497 ₪ 1925 ¥ 70017 NZ$ 863 NOK 5606 kr 5707 $ 525
*You can avoid the single surcharge if you are willing to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender. If a roommate is not found, you will enjoy a single room at no extra charge. A single supplement will be incurred if you prefer not to share a room.
Extra Options
Electric bike: $ 498 £ 271 $ 458 € 308 ₪ 1192 ¥ 43344 NZ$ 534 NOK 3470 kr 3533 $ 325
Extra nights before or after your tour are available on request and based on availability. Ask us for pricing.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This is a moderate to difficult guided bike tour. The route requires a good level of fitness. Electric bikes are available! You will ride a total distance of 607 km with an average daily distance of 61 km. The average climbing per day is 292 m. You will ride a variety of road surfaces consisting of good quality tarmac, wide dirt tracks, and broken roads that are sometimes badly potholed but easily navigable by bike. The terrain is predominantly flat, and only on a few days do you cover longer distances (90-95 km). A support vehicle is almost always available except on some parts of the very narrow paths of the Vietnam Delta. Your guides will be with you the entire time.
Airport Info
Your tour begins in Hoh Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam and ends in Bangkok (Thailand).
Fly into Saigon Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and fly out of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).Local Travel
On arrival taxi from the airport to Hoh Chi Minh City ($10 to $15) each way. On departure, taxi from your hotel to the airport for your departure flight.
A private transfer can be arranged. Prices depend on the number of passengers. Please ask!Climate
Cambodia: Has two distinct seasons - wet and dry. The dry season usually lasts from October to April. The wet season starts in May until September. Within each season there are variations in temperature. The coolest being 24° C around November/December and the hottest hitting 35°C around April/May.
Thailand: Generally has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. The North and Central region have a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. Northeast Thailand has a humid, hot, and dry weather alternating with medium rain while the coastal areas of the east are humid and hot with intermittent rain. The South of Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity.
Vietnam: Weather in Vietnam is divided into 4 main regions - the far north, north, central, and south. In Hanoi and the north, it is hot, wet, and humid from May to October while November to April is cooler and dry.Recommended
Please visit your health care provider and ask about typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis A vaccines. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days. Vietnam is a malarial area and you are advised to take anti-malarial tablets. Please speak to your doctor for the most up to date information. It is compulsory that you take out travel insurance.
Remarks
Wearing a helmet is required and is non-negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding.
Important to know
Travel documents
PASSPORTS AND VISAS:
All nationalities require a valid passport for entry into all three countries. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of your stay in the country
Vietnam: Most nationalities require a visa in advance, (please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry) and check if your nationality is exempt from visa requirement. For 46 nationalities, including Australians, Canadians, and Americans, an e-visa can be obtained. This must be applied for and received before departure to Vietnam. To check for the E-visa and tourist fee for single entry and multiple entries please check the Visa fee. You must scan a copy of your photo and passport when applying and get your approval letter for your visa on arrival at the international airport of Vietnam. The processing time is 1-3 working days (not including Saturday, Sunday, and Vietnamese holiday).Cambodia: Visas can be obtained easily at any Cambodian Embassy around the world in advance and may avoid potential overcharging at some land crossings. If you do not have time or for some reason, it is difficult to get a visa in advance, it is possible to get a visa on arrival at the Vietnam/Cambodian border at a cost of $30 (please also bring two extra passport photos). There may be a small service charge of a few dollars. An e-visa is not valid for overland crossings. We can provide more information upon request.
Thailand: If staying less than 30 days, then a visa in advance is not required of European, North American, Australian and many other nationalities. You will need to show proof of an onward flight out of Thailand to be eligible for the visa on arrival. This is strictly enforced. Please check this page to see if you qualify. You will need to show proof of an onward flight out of Thailand to be eligible for the visa on arrival. This is strictly enforced.
Please note: A tourist visa is valid for a single 30 day stay. You must specify your arrival date when applying for a visa and it is from this date that the 30 days will be calculated. Read the visa carefully to make sure that you do not arrive before it begins or stay after it expires.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding visa issues please do not hesitate to contact us.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Spice Roads.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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