Compare Cycle Indochina & Angkor by Exodus Travels vs Exploring the Mekong and Angkor Wat by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 2,645 | $ 4,314 |
| Price Per Day | $ 189 | $ 308 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 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. | N/A |
| Description |
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.Cycle through awe-inspiring ancient monuments across three countries |
Cruise through the lush Mekong Delta region and visit the floating markets. Watch the sunrise stream through the giant creeper fig trees at Ta Prohm. Soak up the atmosphere of Saigon. Learn about Cambodia's modern and ancient history in Phnom Penh. |
Day 1 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)
Day 2 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)
Day 3 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)
Day 4 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)
Day 5 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)
Day 6 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)
Day 7 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)
Day 8 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)
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 ‘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)
Day 10 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)
Day 11 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
Day 12 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)
Day 13 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)
Day 14 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.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Saigon.
Day 2 : Saigon
Arriving into Saigon you will be met and taken to your hotel, with the rest of the day to relax.
Day 3 : Saigon
Discover this city where east meets west; stroll along the wide boulevards lined with pretty colonial buildings before venturing into the bustling Chinatown area of Cholon.Drive out of Saigon this afternoon and visit the famous tunnels of Cu Chi. Originally built during the wars with the French, the series of intricate passages were later used to devastating effect by the Viet Cong against the Americans.
Day 4 : Saigon
Today you leave the city and embark on an overnight cruise through the lush and charming Mekong Delta region, learning about life of the 'Nine Dragon River' en route.
Day 5 : Can Tho
You rise today and have breakfast floating towards the famous floating markets of Cai Rang.Disembark around midday and transfer to your hotel in Can Tho, the largest town in the Delta.After settling in, you will be taken on a bike tour of the pretty backwater streets.
Day 6 : Chau Doc
Today you will head on towards the border town of Chau Doc, an attractive spot on the banks of the Mekong.
Day 7 : Phnom Penh
Leave Vietnam today and transfer by speedboat along the Mekong river into Cambodia, where you arrive at the bustling waterfront of Phnom Penh, the capital.
Day 8 : Phnom Penh
The full day city tour takes in both Phnom Penh's ancient past with a visit to the Grand Palace as well as its more recent, turbulent history with visits to the Killing Fields and the infamous S-21 prison. Audley recommends the Friends restaurant in the centre of the city for a great place to stop and have lunch.
Day 9 : Siem Reap
Depart Phnom Penh and fly north to the city of Siem Reap, the home of the ancient temples of Angkor. This afternoon you will head out to see the sun set over the largest; visiting Angkor Wat is an incredible experience.
Day 10 : Siem Reap
An early start today is the only way to ensure that you see the magnificent colours of the Khmer sunrise whilst being surrounded by the crumbling, jungle clad ruins of Ta Prohm. You will have the place to yourself at dawn and the mist rising from this ancient ruin really adds to the eeriness of Ta Prohm.You return to the site later in the day to explore the remaining temples on the main complex.
Day 11 : Siem Reap
Venture out of the main complex and explore the ancient sites of Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre, rarely visited and often overlooked.
Day 12 : Siem Reap
Today you travel away from Siem Reap to the massive Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. As well as being the lifeline of the country, the lake is also home to thousands of inhabitants in the numerous floating villages. A number of rare species of birds also call Tonle Sap home.
Day 13 : International return flight
You have the majority of the day at leisure to explore as you wish or just relax at your hotel before your flight.
Day 14 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
