Compare Thailand to Cambodia 11 Days 9 Nights by Affordable World vs Cycle Indochina & Angkor - Premium Adventure by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 1,899 | $ 5,850 |
| Price Per Day | $ 173 | $ 418 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | No |
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| Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 1 Dinner |
All breakfasts, five lunches and six 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. Typically, most dishes 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 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 banh xeo (huge sizzling pancakes) in Vietnam. Western food is 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, 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 energy bars or gels with you from home to use during a ride. However, on Premium Adventure cycling departures, an included snack kitty is provided usually consisting of fresh fruit, nuts, biscuits and local snacks along with drinks and electrolyte powders. |
| Description |
Floating markets, tropical beaches, shimmering temples and the enchanting Angkor Wat come together on a 9-night journey around the best of South East Asia. Uncover the treasures of Thailand, from bustling Bangkok to historic River Kwai and Ayutthaya to the palm-fringed sands of Pattaya. From there, explore enchanting Cambodia, and drink in the mystique of Angkor Wat. |
This expertly led premium cycling adventure covers three Southeast Asian countries with divergent histories and subtly different cultures. From the energetic streets of Bangkok to tranquil paddy fields, to the magnificence of Angkor’s temples and alluring Phnom Penh. We experience a piece of everything these remarkable countries have to offer while staying in premium accommodation, including three nights at the Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa in Siem Reap. Heading into Vietnam, we enter the Mekong Delta, a spectacular patchwork of paddies and waterways before our journey ends in Ho Chi Minh City, where the frenetic pace and vibrant street life contrasts starkly with the rural areas we have cycled through.Our classic multi-country Asian cycling adventure – enhanced with upgraded accommodation, extra meals and handpicked leaders |
Day 1 & 2: USA – Bangkok
Accommodation: Centara Grand At Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok or Similar
Board our transpacific flight to Bangkok, the starting point of our Thailand Delight journey. *Thailand entry visa is not required for USA passport holders. For passports other than US passport, please get the entry visa on your own. Please click http://www.affordableworld.com/infocenter/passport-visa/thailand for more information.
Touch down in Beijing and catch a connecting flight to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. Guests flying with Cathay Pacific, will board a connecting flight in Hong Kong. Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, enjoy a transfer to your hotel and the remainder of the evening to rest and relax.
Day 3: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Centara Grand At Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok or Similar
Bangkok is a city of gleaming modernity firmly rooted in ancient Buddhist tradition and beliefs. Depart on a half-day tour after breakfast to witness some of Bangkok’s most interesting sights. Visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Trimitr) to see its solid-gold Buddha, and peek inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), known for its monumental horizontal Buddha. Stroll through the Paklong Talat flower market, a whirlwind of stalls selling masses of perfumed orchids, marigolds and roses. After a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the afternoon independently, or explore Bangkok’s must-sees on our optional Landmark of Bangkok tour. Tour the splendid Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, see the riverside Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), and ride a motorboat along the Chao Phraya River.
*Men and women must have their shoulders, arms and legs covered when visiting the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple*
Optional Tours: The Landmark of Bangkok Tour with Boat Ride $45 pp
Day 4: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Centara Grand At Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok or Similar
Following breakfast, depart Bangkok for Damnoen Saduak, one of Thailand’s most famous floating markets. Ride a long-tail speedboat around the lively canals, passing boats and stalls laden with fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning back to the hotel. Spend the evening as you wish or join our optional tour to Asiatique Riverfront Night Market and enjoy a classic Thai dinner and dance show.
Optional Tours: Asiatique Riverfront Night Market + Thai Dinner & Dance Show $40 pp
Day 5: Bangkok - River Kwai
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Felix River Kwai Resort or Similar
After an early start, travel into scenic Kanchanaburi province and visit the Bridge over the River Kwai, famously connected to the 'Death Railway' of World War II, and the poignant Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, home to 9,000 Allied war graves. Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Alternatively, make the most of your time with our optional tour to the Elephant World Sanctuary for rescued elephants. Admire, feed and help bathe these incredible animals in the river before enjoying lunch at the camp.
Optional Tours: Elephant World Sanctuary with Lunch $75 pp
Day 6: River Kwai – Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Krungsri River Hotel or similar
After breakfast, journey to Ayutthaya, home to the UNESCO-listed ruins of the medieval capital of Siam. Founded in 1350, this royal city was a major power for over 400 years, until Burmese forces destroyed it in the 1700s. Stroll around the remains of this once-thriving city, seeing the restored chedi of the crumbled Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the blackened remnants of monasteries, the carved Buddha face entangled in tree roots, and the working Wat Yai Chaimongkol temple. Your tour also includes time at the Bang Pa In palace, a beautiful lakeside retreat of Thailand’s kings during the 19th century. Tonight, make the most of Ayutthaya’s setting by joining us for an optional dinner cruise on a traditional wooden rice barge.
Optional Tours: Ayutthaya at night by Tuk Tuk $40 pp
DAY 7: Ayutthaya – Pattaya
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Long Beach Garden Hotel & Spa or similar
Relax over breakfast before a scenic drive to Pattaya, a popular vacation spot on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand whose beaches and entertainments draw thousands of visitors annually. On arrival, experience the virtual ‘Theme Park - Dark Ride’ at a gems gallery, learning about Thailand’s most prized gemstones. Then, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day as you please, perhaps relaxing on the sands or by the pool. Later, you may wish to take our optional Pattaya by Night tour, savoring a sumptuous seafood dinner and cabaret show.
Optional Tours: Pattaya by Night/ Cabaret Show/ Seafood dinner $50 pp
DAY 8: Pattaya - Bangkok - Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Royal Angkor Resort Hotel or Similar
After breakfast, check out of your Bangkok hotel and transfer to Bangkok International Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the capital of Cambodia’s northwestern Siem Reap province, and the gateway to the stupendous temples of Angkor Wat. On arrival, meet your local tour guide and enjoy a convenient transfer to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day to relax and make use of your hotel’s comforts and amenities.
DAY 9: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Royal Angkor Resort Hotel or Similar
Today is devoted to UNESCO-LISTED Angkor Wat, the jewel in Cambodia’s historical and cultural crown, and the world’s largest religious monument. Following breakfast at your hotel, set off on a guided tour of this magnificent complex, once the heart of the ancient Khmer empire that reigned supreme here between the 9th and 12th centuries. Your tour encompasses the fortified city of Angkor Thom, together with the stunning Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper Kings, the remains of the Baphuon temple, and the Royal Enclosure, pyramid-shaped Phimeanakas, and Bayon, famous for its incredible sculpted heads, all carved with smiles. To finish, head to the top of an Angkor temple to witness a stunning Cambodian sunset, watching as the orange sun sinks below the spires, temples and palms.
DAY 10: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Angkor Resort Hotel or Similar
Leave after breakfast to visit the romantic temple of Ta Prohm, another of Angkor’s gems. This beautiful temple was the only one left in its original, dilapidated state by 19th-century archaeologists, and makes a magical sight, with its crumbled buildings and terraces enveloped in jungle foliage and giant tree roots. Continue from here to the 10th-century temple of Ta Keo, the 12th-century Chau Say Tevoda temple, and the Roluos group of temples, the earliest of Angkor Wat’s treasures. Cap your day with a visit to Les Chantiers Ecole, a vocational center dedicated to preserving Cambodian culture by teaching young locals traditional arts and crafts skills. Explore the workshops, seeing the students making stone- and wood carvings, painting delicate silks and crafting lacquerware and other items.
DAY 11: Siem Reap - Bangkok – USA
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy today free to explore Siem Reap, perhaps sampling some Cambodian cuisine at the restaurants or shopping for last-minute souvenirs. This evening, take the bus to Siem Reap International Airport for your return flight to the USA. If you are flying with Air China, your homebound flight departs in the early morning of the next day.
Day 1 Start Bangkok; welcome dinner
Welcome to Bangkok. You are free to arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome group meeting and briefing with your leader in the early evening followed by an included group welcome 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 welcome meeting; just hold onto what you need for the night/morning – you will be with your luggage again by mid-morning tomorrow. Premium accommodation: U Sathorn Bangkok, Bangkok (four-star)
Day 2 Early transfer to the old kingdom of Ayutthaya; warm-up ride on trail
It’s an early start 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. Premium accommodation: The Kantary Ayutthaya Hotel, Ayutthaya (four-star)
Day 3 Cycle to Kabin Buri
Today we follow minor roads through rural landscapes, including rubber and eucalyptus plantations, and tapioca and rice fields. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. 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. For dinner, join our tour leader and group for traditional Thai cuisine. Premium accommodation: Kantary Kabinburi Hotel, Kabin Buri (four-star)
Day 4 Ride to Aranyaprathet
Leaving our hotel early, 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 along the way before cycling on quiet but well-maintained scenic roads en route to Aranyaprathet, 6mi (10km) from the Cambodian border. Premium accommodation: The VELO's Hotel & Pumptrack, Aranyaprathet (four-star)
Day 5 Farewell to Thailand; travel into Cambodia and on to atmospheric Siem Reap staying at the Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Thailand and drive to the busy border, completing customs formalities as we cross into Cambodia at Poipet. Due to years of civil war, Cambodia is poorer and less developed than its neighbours. Apart from growth in the capital and around Siem Reap, countryside life is still much the same as it has been for centuries. Arriving into Cambodia, we transfer to Siem Reap (approximately 2hr 30min). Here the group spends the next three nights at the intimate Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa – the perfect base to explore Angkor. This afternoon's shorter 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 Siem Reap. Premium accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa, Siem Reap (four-star)
Day 6 First of two full days to explore the magnificent 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 provides a unique perspective. Our cycle tour will include: the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, with amazing fromagier tree roots clinging to the ancient stones; Angkor Thom, with the Bayon temple of 37 towers (originally 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. Premium accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa, Siem Reap (four-star)
Day 7 Second day at Angkor temple complex including a visit to a local village; learn about local life and the art of Khmer noodle making
Today we cycle outside the main Angkor complex to the outlying temple of Banteay Srei, 22mi (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 the buildings are covered in exquisite carvings. We also stop along the way at a village where we'll have to chance to meet the local people and learn from them about their way of life, including the art of Khmer noodle making. Here we can taste this popular Cambodian dish and sugar palm. In the afternoon, as we cycle back to Siem Reap, we can stop at a few of the lesser visited Angkor temples. Siem Reap town is pleasant to wander around; the market has plenty of interesting and excellent shopping opportunities and there is a vibrant nightlife. This afternoon there may also be time to visit the Tonle Sap Lake, which is a branch of the Mekong River. Time permitting, this optional trip includes a boat ride to see floating fishing villages. Anyone wanting to do this visit may need to miss part (or all) the ride back to Siem Reap, depending on timings. Cycle approximately 43.5mi (70 km) if riding the full distance to and from Banteay Srei. Premium accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa, Siem Reap (four-star)
Day 8 Drive to Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, stopping at Sambor Prei Kuk
Today we rest our legs and take a private transfer (approximately seven hours) 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 here. The road is currently undergoing some resurfacing, so some sections will be bumpy. We should arrive in Phnom Penh for late afternoon, the perfect time for a sundowner on the Mekong. Premium accommodation: Patio Hotel and Urban Resort, Phnom Penh (four-star)
Day 9 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 1980s have scarred the country. During our stay, we visit two sites that 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 9mi (15km) out of town is 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. Now, the city is on the rise again and is a fascinating place with fine examples of French colonial architecture. We will also tour the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda. Afterwards, there is also excellent shopping at the Russian market if you wish. There may also be the option to enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong, your leader will advise locally. Premium accommodation: Patio Hotel and Urban Resort, Phnom Penh (four-star)
Day 10 Transfer to Takeo then cycle to Vietnam border; on to Chau Doc
This morning, we transfer south 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 we bid farewell to Cambodia (and border formalities have been completed), we cycle approximately 19mi (30km) to the Vietnamese town of Chau Doc, situated along the banks of the Hau Giang River. This evening, we dine overlooking the river and get our first taste of southern Mekong cuisine. Premium accommodation: Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, Chau Doc (four-star)
Day 11 Cycle/drive through the Mekong Delta; visit the ancient village of Long Dien B; overnight stay at Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa
This morning we depart our hotel and transfer to Chau Giang ferry for a short transfer before cycling along a lovely, quiet backroad, lined with small villages and dwellings, before lunch at a local restaurant. We then visit the ancient village of Long Dien B, home to female artists known for maintaining their ancestors’ special technique of glass painting. Here we have the chance to observe and learn about this traditional culture and art over a cup of tea. The rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta form an amazing network of waterways. The area is famous for its abundant rice production, but many are now moving to more profitable fish farming and fruit and vegetable growing. Afterwards, we transfer to the Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa, where we stay overnight. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner at the resort and enjoy Delta hospitality. Premium accommodation: Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa, Mekong Delta (four-star)
Day 12 Transfer to Cai Be for floating market; scenic cycle along Mekong riverbank; transfer to Ho Chi Minh City
Those who wish can rise early to enjoy the sunrise and kayak on the Mekong from the resort before breakfast (optional). We then leave by boat, stopping en route to see Cai Be floating market, a small-scale traditional trading spot. A little further on, 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 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 alongside modern developments. Premium accommodation: The Odys Boutique Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City (four-star)
Day 13 Free day in Ho Chi Minh City; farewell dinner
The whole day is free for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City, do some shopping and relax. There are several 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, which has an extensive photographic record of the Vietnam/American War. Please be aware that some images at the museum are very graphic. For those interested, the 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 with approximately 150mi (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. In the evening, we have a final farewell dinner together, feasting on delicious Vietnamese specialties. Premium accommodation: The Odys Boutique Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City (four-star)
Day 14 End Ho Chi Minh City
The trip ends this morning after breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City. If you'd like to extend your stay and discover more of this vibrant city, please enquire with your sales representative at time of booking about requesting additional accommodation.
