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Cycle through 3 countries from Thailand to Vietnam
There will be a group meeting and briefing with your leader in the evening followed by an optional group dinner for those that would like to join. Your main luggage will be transported ahead of you to the start point early in the morning so please bring this with you to the meeting; just hang on to what you need for the night/morning - you will be with your luggage again mid-morning tomorrow. *Ramada Plaza Bangkok Mae Nam Riverside Hotel or similar*
An early start this morning as we venture out of Bangkok to the ancient town of Ayutthaya. Our two hour transfer takes us into the heart of this fascinating site and we start cycling by the huge reclining Buddha. Much of the old town was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century and we will cycle through the remaining shrine towers and enormous temples to appreciate the past magnificence. *The Kantary Ayutthaya Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 30
Distance in Miles: 17
Today we follow minor roads through rural Thai landscapes including rubber and eucalyptus plantations as well as tapioca and rice fields. There are a few easy rolling hills but the route is mostly flat. The ride ends when we join a busier road before driving the final short distance to the town of Kabin Buri by bus. *Kantary Kabinburi Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 90
Distance in Miles: 55
Leaving our hotel early in the morning we ride towards Tha Krabak where we can stop by a reservoir for a swim and a view of the untouched jungle on the other side. We will break for lunch before carrying on cycling on quiet but well-maintained scenic roads on the way to Aranyaprathet, 10km from the Cambodian border. *The VELO's Hotel & Pumptrack or similar*
Distance in Km: 85
Distance in Miles: 52
After breakfast we drive to the busy border and complete customs formalities as we cross into Cambodia at Poipet. We then drive to Siem Reap. Due to years of civil war the country is poorer and less developed than its neighbours. Apart from growth in the capital and around Siem Reap, the way of life in the countryside is still very much the same as it has been for centuries. This afternoon's ride from Siem Reap takes us past Wat Athvea, a modern temple in the grounds of the ruins of an Angkorian temple, and ends at a market and picnic area outside of Siem Reap. *Steung Siem Reap Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 20
Distance in Miles: 12
Today we may choose to have an early start to avoid the inevitable crowds drawn to the wonders of Angkor. The various temples are spread over a wide area and are linked by shady avenues; meandering our way between them by bike gives us a unique perspective. Our cycle tour will include the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, with the amazing roots of the Fromagier trees clinging to the ancient stones, Angkor Thom with the famous Bayon temple of 37 towers (originally there were 49) topped with the four faces of the king, and of course the incredible Angkor Wat, with its huge moat, long causeway and massive towers - it is the largest temple complex in Asia. *Steung Siem Reap Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 30
Distance in Miles: 18
Today we cycle outside the main Angkor complex to the outlying temple of Banteay Srei, 35km from Siem Reap town. Our route takes us past paddy fields, and through pretty villages. Banteay Srei was built in the 10th Century and contains some of the finest examples of Khmer sculpture. Although much smaller than the later temples, here all of the buildings are covered in exquisite carvings. In the afternoon as we cycle back to Siem Reap we can stop and visit a few of the less visited Angkor temples. Siem Reap town is pleasant to wander around; the market has plenty of interest and excellent shopping and there is a vibrant nightlife scene. This afternoon there should also be time to visit the Tonle Sap Lake, which is a branch of the Mekong River. This optional trip includes a boat ride to see the floating fishing villages. Anyone wanting to do this visit may need to miss part or all of the ride back to Siem Reap, depending on timings. Cycle approx. 70 km. if riding the full distance to and from Banteay Srei. *Steung Siem Reap Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 43
Today we take a bus journey of approximately 7 hours along National Road 6 to Phnom Penh, with a couple of stops along the way. We visit Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia's most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments with some of the oldest structures in the country. We'll also pause for a traditional Khmer lunch at a community restaurant before stopping in the town Skuon, which is known for its local delicacy of fried spiders. The road is currently undergoing some resurfacing so some sections will be a bit of a bumpy ride! We should arrive in Phnom Penh for late afternoon, the perfect time for a sundowner on the Mekong. *Patio Hotel or similar*
The fortunes of Phnom Penh have shifted dramatically during its history and the terrible years of the Khmer Rouge and subsequent civil war through the 1970s and 1980s have scarred the country. During our stay we visit two sites which give us a vivid impression of some of the horrors. There is the Genocide Museum, which is the former Khmer Rouge prison known as S-21 or Tuol Sleng, in the centre of the city. And 15kms of out of town is the area known as the 'Killing Fields,' a mass grave and execution site for the former inmates of S-21. While visiting Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields may not appeal to everyone, we feel they give us an important understanding of what the country and its people had to endure just a few decades ago. On a more positive note, the city is very much on the rise again and is a fascinating place with fine examples of French colonial architecture. We tour the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda. There is also excellent shopping at the 'Russian' market, and the lively Mekong waterfront area. *Patio Hotel or similar*
This morning we transfer south out of Phnom Penh to the town of Takeo. Here the road becomes quieter and we mount our bikes for the 50km ride to the Phnom Den / Tinh Bien border. Once border formalities have been completed, we cycle approximately 30km to Chau Doc. *Victoria Chau Doc Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 80
Distance in Miles: 49
This morning we ride from our hotel along a lovely quiet backroad, lined with small villages and dwellings before stopping for lunch and transferring the rest of the way to Vinh Long by bus. Leaving the bikes on the mainland, we take another boat (20 minutes) to reach our homestay guesthouse on an island in the Mekong Delta, known as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam. After settling in we can explore the area on foot. The rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta form an amazing network of waterways. The area is famous for its abundant rice production but in many areas farmers are now moving to more profitable fish-farming and fruit and vegetable growing. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner at the homestay and enjoy some 'Delta' hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a simple guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. *Homestay Guesthouse Mekong Delta*
Distance in Km: 57
Distance in Miles: 35
We leave by boat, stopping en route for a look at the Cai Be floating market. Here large boats moor up in the Mekong River, weighed down with fruit and vegetable produce. Local traders and shop owners buy in bulk in this strictly 'wholesale' market. Recently, Cai Be floating market is becoming less crowded and smaller as fruit trading is mostly now done by trucks due to the bridge being built. However, this is still a great opportunity to see a local market and trade being conducted traditionally on a smaller scale. A little further on we make a short stop to see cottage industries producing such items as popped rice, pancakes, wine and other homemade products. We start our ride towards Cai Lay where we take a scenic route through fruit orchards and along the Mekong riverbank. Back on the bus in My Tho, we drive on to the heat, hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, still usually known as Saigon. This is an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a free market city where anything goes. *Sila Urban Living Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 35
Distance in Miles: 21
The whole day is free to explore Saigon, do some shopping and to relax. There are a number of interesting things to see - the Saigon River, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral are all within easy walking distance. Alternatively a short cyclo (cycle taxi) ride will take you to the War Remnants Museum with an interesting (if a little gruesome) photographic record of the Vietnam/American War. For those that are interested your leader can arrange an optional visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located 2 hours outside the city. Used by the Viet Cong during the war, the network covers 3 levels and approximately 240km of tunnels. Originally these were very narrow but some areas have been widened to allow tourists to explore the system. Claustrophobes may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine! *Sila Urban Living Hotel or similar*
* 12 nights hotels (all with en suite facilities) and 1 night homestay
guesthouse to experience some 'Mekong Delta' hospitality
* 9 days cycling with 95% vehicle support
* Generally good tarmac in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, with some easy
dirt roads in Thailand and Vietnam.
* Traffic levels higher near the larger towns, so you should be comfortable
riding occasionally in traffic
All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners are included.
The food on this trip is a real highlight for many. Southeast Asian cuisine
is known for its abundance of freshly prepared dishes with strong aromatic
flavours. There is a focus on herbs and citrus to ensure each dish packs a
punch; chilli does feature highly too but is easily avoided if desired.
Typically most dishes will come with rice and many are often served in a
banana leaf with a variety of dips and herbs served separately.
The three countries visited ensure a different culinary experience every time
you cross the border; ensure you try the freshly made Pad Thai noodles from
the street stalls of Bangkok, the fish amok curry in Cambodia for a creamy
coconut-based fragrant curry and the Banh Xeo (huge sizzling pancakes) found
in Vietnam cannot be missed!
Western food is readily available almost everywhere except in the Mekong
Delta region.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests.
Please note that the availability of certain specialized products for
restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent
and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from
home.
You may find it beneficial to bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home
if you have high energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride.
However, on premium cycling departures a included snack kitty is provided
usually consisting of fresh fruit, nuts, biscuits and local snacks along with
drinks and electrolyte powders.
* 12 nights hotels (all with en suite facilities) and 1 night homestay
guesthouse to experience some 'Mekong Delta' hospitality
* 9 days cycling with 95% vehicle support
* Generally good tarmac in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, with some easy
dirt roads in Thailand and Vietnam.
* Traffic levels higher near the larger towns, so you should be comfortable
riding occasionally in traffic
*This trip is rated Activity Level 3- Moderate and classified Road.*
9 days cycling, average daily distance 47km/day (29 miles), 95% vehicle
support.
*Terrain and Route:* road quality is generally good tarmac in Thailand,
Cambodia and Vietnam, with some easy dirt roads in Thailand and Vietnam.
Conditions will be hot and humid and there are some long days, but there are
very few hills. Traffic levels in South East Asia are higher near the larger
towns, so you should be comfortable riding occasionally in traffic. Though
many of the roads are in good condition you should expect potholes and
occasional poor road conditions.
Certain departures of this trip are Premium Departures. On these departures
some elements of the trip have been changed to provide more comfort - this
will generally mean we have raised the standard of hotels or switched from
camping to comfortable lodges, but it may also include other changes, for
example, where a long train journey has been replaced by an internal flight.
Specific details about what elements of the trip have been changed can be
found in the relevant sections of this Trip Note.
Upgraded Hotels and Guesthouses
You will spend 12 nights in hotels (all rooms en suite) and 1 night in a
standard homestay guesthouse to experience some 'Mekong Delta'
hospitality. En suite facilities are not available on the night at the
homestay guesthouse in the Mekong Delta.
Please note that double beds are not always widely available in South East
Asia.
Our premium departures either stay in the same hotels we usually use on our
standard trips but in upgraded rooms with balconies or larger rooms, as some
examples of the main differences. Some of the hotels have been upgraded and
changed entirely.
We will still stay in the standard homestay guesthouse in the Mekong Delta on
premium trips despite this not being premium accommodation, as this is
regarded as a highlight by many people.
Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location on the day
to day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some
departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and
quality.
*Single Supplements*
Single rooms are available for a supplement (on request) for hotel nights
only (12 nights). Please advise the sales team at the time of booking if you
would like to request a single supplement.
*Extra Accommodation*
Is available in Bangkok and Saigon before and after your trip please ask
your sales consultant if you wish to book extra nights. Due to high demand
for rooms there is a chance it may be in a different hotel to the end hotel
of your trip.
Generally we use different staff and vehicles for each country, but all
groups will be accompanied by one experienced cycling Tour Leader from start
to finish, either Thai, Cambodian or Vietnamese. The tour leader will be
assisted by a second cycling leader, and if required local guides from each
country.
All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners are included.
The food on this trip is a real highlight for many. Southeast Asian cuisine
is known for its abundance of freshly prepared dishes with strong aromatic
flavours. There is a focus on herbs and citrus to ensure each dish packs a
punch; chilli does feature highly too but is easily avoided if desired.
Typically most dishes will come with rice and many are often served in a
banana leaf with a variety of dips and herbs served separately.
The three countries visited ensure a different culinary experience every time
you cross the border; ensure you try the freshly made Pad Thai noodles from
the street stalls of Bangkok, the fish amok curry in Cambodia for a creamy
coconut-based fragrant curry and the Banh Xeo (huge sizzling pancakes) found
in Vietnam cannot be missed!
Western food is readily available almost everywhere except in the Mekong
Delta region.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests.
Please note that the availability of certain specialized products for
restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent
and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from
home.
You may find it beneficial to bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home
if you have high energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride.
However, on premium cycling departures a included snack kitty is provided
usually consisting of fresh fruit, nuts, biscuits and local snacks along with
drinks and electrolyte powders.
Throughout the tour use a private coach/mini-bus, usually with
air-conditioning. There are a couple of long driving days on this trip (up to
7 hours). Road conditions are often not good, and progress can be slow. Boats
are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private
and vary from converted trawlers to small riverboats.
We use different vehicle set-ups in each country, as our vehicles do not
cross international borders. In Thailand we have 100% vehicle support. There
will be one or two support buses, plus a support truck for the bikes and
baggage. In Cambodia, there is 95% vehicle support, with vehicles to carry
both clients and bikes. In Vietnam we have 80% vehicle support with vehicles
to carry both clients and bikes nearby if needed whilst in the Mekong Delta.
*Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year)*
During the Tet holiday period, 10-17 February 2021 and 31 January- 4 February
2022 and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor
change as despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are
difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are
travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes
will occur and if they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative
accommodation.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Malaysian Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Bangkok, ending in Saigon*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Bangkok in the evening of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Free transfers are only applicable if booked in advance directly through
Exodus before a trip commences.
In Thailand and Cambodia the weather will be hot and humid all year round.
The dry season runs from November to April with the monsoon between May and
October. April and October are transition months. The dry season is
characterized by hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect
the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by short, sharp bursts of rain
and can be a very atmospheric time to travel but an umbrella may be useful!
In Vietnam the weather patterns are very similar to Cambodia and you should
expect year round temperatures from 25-39C. The rainy season will normally
run from June to September when you should expect short sharp showers, but
the sun will normally break through for extended periods.
From the end of March to May the temperatures become very hot and humid with
temperatures into the high 30’s between Bangkok and Siem Reap as this is
the build up to the monsoon season.
* Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing is
recommended for most of the trip when not on the bike. Locals generally
dress conservatively and it is recommended that you do also.
* Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho/umbrella
* Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
* Strong sun cream
* Torch
* Light cotton trousers & lightweight long sleeved shirt
* Favourite energy snacks
* A sun hat and sunglasses
* A swimming costume will be well used
* A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own
first aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets,
plasters and a blister treatment kit.
* Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is
thought to be highly effective.
* Refillable water bottle (1-2 litre capacity)
There will be plenty of opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very
affordable price so fine to pack light. Please remember that you will be
expected to cover your legs (to the ankle) and arms (to the elbow) during
visits to some temples and palaces.
We believe in reducing our negative environmental impacts wherever possible,
this goes for when you need to spend a penny in the great outdoors! If no
toilet facilities are available at some of the planned stops or during our
ride, there may come a time when you need to go to the loo behind a
tree/bush/rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind we recommend taking
biodegradable dog poo/sandwich bags with you. Once you have done your
business you can pop the used toilet roll in here and take it with you to
dispose of when there are appropriate facilities available.
* Fingerless cycling gloves
* Handlebar bag to carry personal items whilst cycling
* You might wish to pack a bandana/cloth as this does help some cyclists to
keep cool in the heat
*Local Bike Details:* Your trip will either use Late model Trek Marlin 7 or
late model Specialized Pitch Comp 650B Hard Tail Mountain Bikes which include
Disc Brakes, all terrain tires & lockable front suspension (on
Thailand/Cambodia rides), Giant Rincon disc mountain bike with front
suspension (on Vietnam rides).
*Discount for bringing your own bike:* £150.
You should need about GBP 225-275/USD 300-360 for meals not included, which
will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to
cover drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
This is entirely at your own discretion however; we suggest that you allow
some money for tips for the local guides and staff. In the countries visited,
with the increase in tourism, tipping has become customary. The local staff
will probably expect some gratuity and we suggest you allow for this. The
leader will suggest to the group that they contribute a sum of approx GBP
45/USD 55 per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for
tipping of local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. It is basically to
ensure that the hassle is taken out of various activities for you. If you do
not wish to contribute to a central pool for tips you are of course free to
do so.
If you feel that your leader and assistant leader have performed well over
the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their
services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide,
GBP 2/USD 3 per person per day would be a reasonable starting point.
The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely separate from any
contribution to the tour leaders. Our local staff are paid well and fairly
for their work with Exodus.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request - hotel nights only)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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