CYCLE INDOCHINA AND ANGKOR WAT

Itinerary

• Flight Inclusive itinerary
• Land Only itinerary

Day 1

Depart London on the scheduled overnight service of Malaysian Airlines to Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2

On arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, we will be met and transferred by bus to our hotel near Khao Yai National Park (three hour drive). We stay in a pleasant resort with a swimming pool. In the afternoon we have a short warm up ride through the nearby villages (ride approx. 10-20 km). Those not flying with the group from London will meet the tour leader at the Hotel in Bangkok at 0900h and will transfer to the airport to meet the rest of the group there.

Day 3

Our cycle route today is 90 kms from door-to-door, but we suggest you don't attempt to cycle the full distance unless you are well acclimatized to the heat. The support vehicle follows us throughout the day, and you can cycle as much or as little as you like. Our route follows minor roads, byways and the occasional dirt trail as we skirt Khao Yai, which translates as 'the Big Mountain'. We will pass through small villages, past monasteries and paddy fields. Continuing the ride along country backroads we arrive at our rustic resort nestled on the riverbank at Gaeng Hin Poeng in the late afternoon. Ride approx. up to 90km.

Day 4

Riding directly from the resort, we follow minor roads through Thai rural landscapes including rubber and eucalyptus plantations as well as Tapioca and rice fields. Today there are a few easy rolling hills, but the route is mostly flat. There will be plenty opportunities to stop and chat with the friendly Thais. The ride ends with a short section on a busier road as we enter the town of Sa Keaw. Ride approx. 70km.

Day 5

Leaving our hotel early in the morning, we ride towards the beautiful Pang Sida National Park, where we can stop by a reservoir for a swim and a view of the untouched jungle on the other side. The afternoon's ride follows very quiet, but well-maintained scenic roads on the way to Aranyaprathet 10km from the Cambodian border. Ride approx. 90km.

Day 6

After breakfast transfer to the border and complete customs formalities as we cross the busy border into Cambodia. On arrival in Poipet we change bikes, then travel in the support vehicle to the town of Sisophon. During the journey our new local leader will introduce us to life in Cambodia. Due to years of civil war the country is poorer and less developed, and this is immediately obvious to us from the state of the roads. 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. We do not cycle on the first part of the road as it is in a state of disrepair with a mix of stones, dirt & traffic. However, approx 35km before Siem Reap the road improves and riding becomes more pleasant and we should be cycling into Siem Reap late afternoon. Ride approx 40km.

Day 7 - 8

Today we cycle outside the main Angkor complex to the outlying temple of Banteay Srei, 28km 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 and the market has plenty of interest and excellent shopping, and there is a vibrant nightlife. On one of our afternoons there should also be time to visit the amazing Tonle Sap Lake, which is a branch of the Mekong River. This optional trip includes a boat trip to see the floating fishing villages and dinner on a houseboat. Ride approx 70 km.

Day 9

We leave our bikes for the next two days as we head towards the busy capital. A bus journey of 5-6 hours along National Road 6 takes us to Phnom Penh. We will have a couple of stops, one in the town Skuon, which is known for its local delicacy of fried spiders. We should be in the capital in time for a late lunch. After lunch we should have time to visit one of the sites from Cambodia's shocking recent history.

Day 10

The fortunes of Phnom Penh have shifted dramatically during its history and the terrible years of the Khmer Rouge and subsequent civil war through 1970s and 1980s have scarred the country. During our stay we visit two sites, which give us a small 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. 15 kms 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 these gruesome spots 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 and Wat Phnom. There is also excellent shopping at the 'Russian' market, and the lively Mekong waterfront area, where our hotel is located.

Day 11

This morning we transfer by bus approx 1.5 hours south along National Highway 2 to the small town of Takeo. On arrival we mount our bikes and cycle approx 50km's along paved, flat and relatively quiet rural road to the Cambodia (Phnom Den) / Vietnam (Tinh Bien) border. We leave our bikes in Cambodia and once border formalities are completed we will meet our Vietnamese leader and another set of bikes for the approx 20km cycle around Sam Mountain and straight to our hotel in Chau Doc. Hotel

Day 12

A morning transfer by road to Long Xuyen where we take a public ferry across the river. From here we ride along a lovely quiet backroad, lined with small villages and dwellings towards Vinh Long. Leaving the bikes on the mainland, we take another boat (20 mins) to reach our homestay on an island in the Mekong delta. After settling in we can explore the area around the home stay 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 veg growing.

Day 13

We leave our homestay 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 veg produce. Local traders and shop owners buy in bulk in this strictly 'wholesale' market. A little further on we make a short stop to see local cottage industries producing such items as popped rice, popcorn and other homemade products. We continue by bus to Cai Lay where we take a scenic ride 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 know by most as Saigon.

Day 14

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 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 1 hour outside the city.

Day 15

The early morning is free in Saigon before we transfer to the airport and depart for London via Kuala Lumpur. Those not flying with the group to London will leave us in Saigon after breakfast.

Day 16

Arrive London.