Current as of: April 25, 2024 - 08:08
Cycle Indochina & Angkor Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 14 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MOC
- Carbon Footprint: 23kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Cycle through awe-inspiring ancient monuments across three countries
This journey takes us through three countries with divergent histories and subtly different cultures. From the bustling streets of Bangkok, to the serene tranquility of the shimmering paddy fields, to the magnificence of Angkor’s temples, we see a little piece of everything these amazing countries have to offer. In Vietnam, we enter the Mekong Delta, a spectacular patchwork of paddies and waterways. Our journey ends in Ho Chi Minh City where the frenetic pace contrasts starkly with the rural areas we have cycled through.
At a Glance
- 12 nights hotel and one night homestay guesthouse to experience Mekong Delta hospitality
- Nine days cycling with 95 percent vehicle support
- Generally well-paved routes 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
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E-bikes available for an additional cost
Highlights
- Cycle through three countries
- Discover awe-inspiring ancient monuments
- Explore incredible Angkor by bike
- Wander the streets of Phnom Penh, the exciting capital city of Cambodia
- Discover the fertile Mekong Delta and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City
- Experience a taste sensation with mouth-watering cuisine
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and classified Road. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
There are nine cycling days; average daily distance: 29.2mi (47km) per day; 95 percent vehicle support
Terrain and Route: The road is generally well paved 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, expect potholes and occasional poor road conditions.
Group
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.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Bangkok
- End City: Ho Chi Minh City
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Start Bangkok
There will be a group meeting and briefing in the evening with your leader, followed by an optional group dinner. 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 reunited with your luggage mid-morning tomorrow.
Accommodation: Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (or similar)
Arrive Bangkok
There will be a group meeting and briefing in the evening with your leader 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.
Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel or similar
Early transfer to the old kingdom of Ayutthaya; warm-up ride on trail
There’s 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.
Accommodation: iRabbit Hotel (or similar)
Cycle to Kabin Buri
Today we follow minor roads through rural Thai landscapes including rubber and eucalyptus plantations, 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.
Accommodation: Serenity Hotel & Spa Onsen (or similar)
Ride to Aranyaprathet
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 cycling on quiet but well-maintained scenic roads on the way to Aranyaprathet, 6.2mi (10km) from the Cambodian border.
Accommodation: La Villa Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Into Cambodia and on to Siem Reap
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 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.
Accommodation: Angkor Holiday (or similar)
First of two full days to explore the temple complex of Angkor by bus and bike, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, the Bayon and Banteay Srei
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 fromager trees clinging to the ancient stones; Angkor Thom, with the Bayon temple of 37 towers (originally there were 49) topped with the four faces of the king; and, of course, the incredible Angkor Wat, which has a huge moat, long causeway and massive towers.
Accommodation: Angkor Holiday (or similar)
Second day at the Angkor temple complex
Today we cycle outside the main Angkor complex to the outlying temple of Banteay Srei, 21.7mi (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, the buildings here 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 vibrant nightlife. This afternoon, there should also be time to visit the Tonle Sap Lake, 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. The cycle is approximately 43.5mi (70km) if riding the full distance to and from Banteay Srei.
Accommodation: Angkor Holiday (or similar)
Drive to Phnom Penh, stopping at Sambor Pre Kuk
Today we take a bus journey of approximately seven hours along National Road 6 to Phnom Penh, with a couple of stops along the way.
We visit Sambor Prei Kuk, the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia, with some of the oldest structures in the country. We’ll also pause for a traditional Khmer lunch at a community restaurant. The road is currently undergoing some resurfacing, so some sections will be a bit bumpy.
We should arrive in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh in the late afternoon, the perfect time for a sundowner on the Mekong.
Accommodation: Ohana Hotel (or similar)
Sightseeing including Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields
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 ‘80s 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 city centre. And 9.3mi (15km) 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 people endured.
On a more positive note, the city is 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.
Accommodation: Ohana Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to Takeo then cycle to Vietnam border and Chau Doc
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 31mi (50km) ride to the Phnom Den-Tinh Bien border. Once border formalities have been completed, we cycle approximately 18.6mi (30km) to Chau Doc.
Accommodation: Chau Pho hotel (or similar)
Drive/cycle through the Mekong Delta to Vinh Long; catch boat to homestay guesthouse
This morning, we ride from our hotel along a lovely quiet backroad lined with 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 best known 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 with dinner at the homestay and true 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.
Accommodation: Homestay Guesthouse Mekong Delta
Transfer to Cai Be for floating market; scenic cycle along Mekong river bank; transfer to Ho Chi Minh City
We leave by boat, stopping en route to see Cai Be floating market, a small-scale traditional trading spot. A little further, we make a short stop to see cottage industries producing items such as popped rice, pancakes, wine and other homemade products. We start our ride towards Cai Lay, where we take a scenic route through orchards and alongside the Mekong. Back on the bus in My Tho, we drive 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 alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a free-market city where (almost) anything goes.
Accommodation: Acnos Hotel (or similar)
Free day in Ho Chi Minh City
The whole day is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City, shop and relax. There are many 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 takes you to the War Remnants Museum, home to a sobering photographic record of the Vietnam War. If you’re interested, your leader can arrange an optional visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are two hours outside the city. Used by the Viet Cong during the war, the network covers three levels and approximately 149mi (240km) of tunnels. Originally these were very narrow but some areas have been widened to allow tourists to explore the system.
Accommodation: Acnos Hotel (or similar)
End Ho Chi Minh City
You’ll begin your return home after breakfast this morning. To make your journey as easy as possible, there’s a free shared transfer to the airport. To utilise the free departure transfer, this must be requested with Exodus before your trip. And if you’d like to explore this invigorating city a little more, you can always speak to your sales consultant about extending your stay at the hotel.
Fly to London
Arrive London
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotels and a Mekong Delta guesthouse
We spend 12 nights in hotels and one night in a guesthouse on the Mekong Delta. The hotels typically used are named in the day-to-day itinerary. Below are some of the standout accommodations on this trip.
Phnom Penh: Ohana Hotel
Neighbouring the Tonle Sap River, this modern hotel is in the action. It’s just a seven-minute riverside walk to the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, while the National Museum and Royal Palace are both within a 10-minute stroll. The hotel itself has a rooftop restaurant-bar, plus there’s a first-floor pool.
Mekong Delta: Island homestay
Our time in a guesthouse allows us to experience true Delta hospitality, as we are looked after by local people and stay by the Mekong River. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight is the hospitality of our hosts, the lush garden, and the food (homemade southern Vietnamese cuisine).
Siem Reap: Angkor Holiday Hotel
A short drive from the Angkor temple complex, this hotel is ideally placed for our adventures in Siem Reap. When you’re not out exploring, there’s a swimming pool to splash around in plus a restaurant serving Asian, Khmer and Western cuisines.
Worth knowing
- Double beds are not widely available in Southeast Asia
- Extra accommodation is available in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City before and after your trip; please ask your sales representative 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.
- Single rooms are available for a supplement (on request) for hotel nights only (12 nights). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
- The accommodations listed in each location on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where we stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.
Single supplement from £ 445
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner are included.
The food on this trip is a real highlight for many. South East 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 is also a common feature, but it’s 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; try 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) in Vietnam.
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 specialised products for restricted diets, eg 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 cycling snacks with you from home if you use high-energy bars or gels while cycling. If you wish to contribute, a kitty is normally arranged (see extra expenses); fresh fruit, nuts, biscuits and local snacks are all provided from the snack kitty along with drinks and electrolyte powders.
Transport
Throughout the tour, we have the use of a private coach/minibus, usually with air-conditioning. There are a couple of long driving days on this trip (up to seven hours). The roads are often poor, 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 percent vehicle support. There will be one or two support buses, plus a support truck for the bikes and baggage. In Cambodia, there is 95 percent vehicle support, with vehicles to carry both clients and bikes. In Vietnam, we have 80 percent vehicle support with vehicles to carry both clients and bikes nearby if needed while in the Mekong Delta.
Tết Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year)
During the Tết holiday period, 9-15 February 2024 and 28 January to 3 February 2025, 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.
Weather & Seasonality
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 characterised 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 similar to Cambodia; expect year-round temperatures from 25C-39C (77F-102F). The rainy season typically runs from June to September; expect short, sharp showers with the sun breaking through for extended periods. From the end of March to May, just before the monsoon season, it’s hot and humid with temperatures approaching 40C (around 104F) between Bangkok and Siem Reap.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 60 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Bangkok
Location end: Ho Chi Minh City
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- 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
- Strong sunblock
- Torch (flashlight)
- Light cotton trousers (pants) and lightweight long-sleeve shirt
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear
- A first-aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own 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
- Large refillable water bottle
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 nature calls. 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 behind a tree/bush/rock. To avoid leaving paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, pop the used toilet roll one and dispose when there are appropriate facilities available.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Optional Equipment
- Fingerless cycling gloves
- Handlebar bag to carry personal items while cycling
- A bandana/cloth, which helps some cyclists keep cool in the heat
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bikes for this trip are either late-model Trek Marlin 7 or late-model specialised Pitch Comp 650B hardtail mountain bikes, which include disc brakes, all-terrain tyres and lockable front suspension (on Thailand/Cambodia rides), Giant Rincon disc mountain bike with front suspension (on Vietnam rides).
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip (subject to availability) for an additional cost. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For this cycling trip we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
- Energy snacks
Practical Information
Passport
To enter Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia your passport must:
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Have an expiry date at least six months after the day you arrive in each country
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Be undamaged (including no water damage)
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Be complete (no pages missing)
Vietnam also specifically requests that you have at least two blank pages, though you will also need sufficient blank pages for Thailand and Cambodia.
Visa
It’s your responsibility to obtain any visas required for this trip. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and destination, so please check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations
• United Kingdom: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Vaccinations and Health
Thailand
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm all the above with your doctor or travel clinic.
Dengue and zika, both viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are a known risk in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available, so take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Cambodia
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm your vaccine recommendations and requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Vietnam
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to speak to your doctor or travel clinic about vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may want to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
Similarly, dengue and zika, both viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in Vietnam. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.
Local Time
Thailand's time zone: Asia/Bangkok (UTC +07:00)
Cambodia's time zone: Asia/Phnom_Penh (UTC +07:00)
Vietnam's time zone: Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh (UTC +07:00)
Electricity
Thailand's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins, US standard), B (three pins, US standard), C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Cambodia's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins), C (two round pins) and G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Vietnam's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins, US standard), C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Money
Thailand's currency: Thai baht (THB)
Cambodia's currency: Cambodian riel (KHR); however, US dollars are widely accepted
Vietnam's currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
ATM Availability
ATMs are widespread in South East Asian cities and are the easiest way of obtaining money. There is a minimum 150 baht fee for all ATM transactions in Thailand. In Vietnam, it is possible to draw a maximum 2m dong (US$85) in major cities in one go. ATMs in Cambodia dispense money in US dollars or riel.
Credit card acceptance is now widespread in South East Asian cities at restaurants and shops catering for tourists.
We advise getting local currency out in each country but if you would like to bring cash there will be ample opportunity for you to change this. Sterling and US dollars are both easily exchanged. As you will probably be carrying much of your money in cash, we strongly recommend using a money belt.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You should need about US$300-US$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.
Most groups also find it useful to operate a snacks kitty system to buy snacks and drinks for the group on the cycling days. If the group would like the leader to arrange this, the suggested amount is around US$25 per person depending on the group size. The leader will be able to provide fruit, snacks, water, electrolytes and drinks en route. Please note, this is not included in the Tipping Kitty as outlined below.
Tipping
This is entirely at your own discretion; however, we suggest 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 staff will probably expect gratuity and we suggest you allow for this. The leader will suggest to the group that they contribute about US$85 per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for tipping local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. That ensures the hassle is taken out of various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute to a central pool, 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, 72,000 dong (US$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.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of local guides means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities. During the trip, we use one local leader from either Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia and different local support teams and assistant cycling staff in each country so clients have the opportunity to interact with support staff from all countries.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprises.
- Guests will have the opportunity to stay overnight and eat a delicious home-cooked meal in a homestay guesthouse in the Mekong Delta.
- We do a lot to celebrate the cottage industries on this tour, as this is not only a way to directly benefit the locals but also fascinating and enjoyable for travellers. For example, in the Mekong Delta we visit a lot of these small businesses and factories selling handmade coconut sweets, rice paper, soya bean sauce and popped rice among other things.
- There is also the option to see a traditional folk dancing or water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City. This encourages local customs to continue and creates employment opportunities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we tread lightly to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment. On this trip, some parts of the itinerary stay in smaller towns using accommodation outside of busy cities.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
- When visiting landmarks, cultural sites and national parks, such as Pang Sida, Angkor Wat and the Genocide Museum, our fees contribute to the upkeep and maintenence of these places.
- We provide clients with a reusable tote bag at the start of the tour (made in Bangkok), offering an alternative to single-use plastic bags and a souvenir to take home.
- Some departures of this trip provide the opportunity for you to collect water samples for the International eBioAtlas initiative which collects vital DNA information to assist in essential conservation initiatives.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us and the eBioAtlas.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about Exodus Travels’ Planet Promise here, including our rewilding and carbon compensation commitments for every customer who travels.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food, which has not been transported long distances.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Cultural respect:- Please remember that you will be expected to cover your legs and arms (to the elbow) during visits to temples and sacred sites so packing a sarong or other suitable clothing is recommended. Also remember to remove hats when visiting a sacred site.
- Do not rest your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice as this symbolises the burning of incense (which is usually reserved for times of mourning).
- One should not show the soles of their feet or touch someone’s head, both are considered disrespectful.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.