Day 1 - Hoi An - Arrival (Bike Fiting) (D)
This afternoon, we meet at the hotel lobby for trip briefing then start an easy riding into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An's Old Town, an ancient trading centre and former seaport on the banks of the Thu Bon River. The local architecture reflects the influence of trade with the Portuguese, French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese as far back as the 16th Century. After a tour around, our path leads through unspoiled nature to a fishing village where time seems to have stopped 100 years ago. A small boat will bring us along the Thu Bon to a traditional ceramics studio. Short visit the village then cycle back to hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An
(Ride up to 15-20km)
Day 2 - Hoi An - My Lai - Sa Huynh (Cycling) (B,L,D)
This morning, transfer from Hoi An toward Quang Ngai for the start of today’s ride. The road is shaded by arching palm trees and surrounded by tended rice paddies as you cruise toward My Lai, the site of one of the worst massacres of the American/Vietnam War. After lunch, take a sobering guided tour of the site and museum, and then continue your ride through the Vietnamese countryside to visit a traditional pagoda. Continue cycling toward Sa Huynh for a chance to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Overnight in Sa Huynh.
(Ride up to 46km)
Day 3 - Sa Huynh - Kontum (B,L,D)
Today is a more challenging day as we leave the coast and head into the central highlands towards Quang Nam and on to Kon Tum. We will cycle only part of today, along undulating roads through thick pine forests and with stunning photo opportunities. We will transfer about 2 hours to the town of Bato in the highlands and cycle 15 km uphill to the top of Viloluk Pass (1000m above sea level) and the brand new town of Mangden. This is an incredible experience followed by a 20 km descent to the bottom of the pass. From here the route undulates past many remote villages, tropical forests, over bridges and along quiet and scenic roads.
Overnight in Kontum.
(Ride up to 90km)
Day 4 - Kontum - Pleiku (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we ride out into the countryside to visit some local villages of the Jarai and Bhanar ethnic minorities. These tribes still practice animist beliefs, believing that demons inhabit all of creation, as part of their daily life. The area is well known for their communal houses with very steep and tall roofs. Each village takes great pride in these unique designs as they define the regional landscape. After a local lunch we then pedal to the town of Pleiku, home of the best coffee in Vietnam. This is an easier day and you will notice the change in scenery as you cycle through a wide valley surrounded by mountains punctuated by tea and coffee plantations along the route.
(Ride up to 55km)
Overinght in Pleiku
Day 5 - Pleiku - Ban Lung (B)
Two hours transfer by car after breakfast takes you to the border with Cambodia. At this point it is time to say goodbye to the Vietnamese team. After the immigration formalities at the Le Thanh border check point, our team will wait for you at the Cambodia side
We start our ride from the border to Banlung town of Ratanakiri. Banlung is one of the most far-flung of the Khmer provincial capitals. We spend the night in the surroundings of Terres Rouge a traditional style Khmer house oozing with old world charm in this remote part of Cambodia.
Overnight at Rattanak Resort
Day 6 - Ban Lung (B,L,D)
Wake this morning to a well-deserved day of rest and relaxation. The day is yours to do as you wish. For the early bird there is the early morning market buzzing with merchants of every description hawking their wares. Take a picnic lunch and explore the mysterious crater lake of Boneng Yeak Laom, believed to be the home of water demons and so deep its bottom has never been touched. Visit one of the few remaining indigenous tribal villages of the Kreung people and see a different side of Cambodia. Or just stay and enjoy the lodge, where we meet up for dinner beneath the stars.
No cycling
Day 7 - Ban Lung - Stueng Treng (B,L,D)
After a day of rest it's time to get back in the saddle. In the morning we set out on our cycle to Stung Treng province along a rustic highway. On route you can expect to see the true rural Cambodia. Rice paddies roll away from the raised road as the flat expanse of the landscape is met by electric blue skies. En route we stop to enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life in Rattanakiri. Making our way into Steung Treng we are welcomed by the shade of lush green plantations lining the road as we cycle towards the setting sun. Tonight, experience a special dinner at Tonlé Tourism Training Center, where young locals are being trained in the principles of hospitality to ensure a better future in Stung Treng. Dining here means most delicious Khmer food paired with a very personalized service. The students are as excited to meet their guests as the guests are to meet the students.
(Ride up to 110km)
Overnight at Golden River Hotel
Day 8 - Stueng Treng - Kratie (B,L,D)
Today we rise early for our breakfast in town. We have a long day of riding ahead of us, towards Kratie, a small provincial capital located right on the Mekong River. This place is primarily known for the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins, whose largest population worldwide can be found here, near Kratie. After a transfer of 30 km we'll start cycling. The first 60 km of cycling is over a perfect road through rural villages and without much traffic. Here we need to watch out for playing kids, chickens, cows, dogs, ducks and oxen. Just before we arrive in Kratie we board a boat and enjoy an afternoon cruise over the Mekong to see the Irrawaddy dolphins. We will transfer to the hotel where you can enjoy views of the Mekong from the roof top terrace of your hotel.
85km bike
Overnight at Ly Cheu Hotel
Day 9 - Kratie - Kampong Cham (B,L,D)
We transfer south through the town of Chhlong and take a ferry to the western bank of the Mekong to start riding from Phnom Han Chey on quiet roads along the river, through small rural villages and scenic countryside. We stop for a drink and snack at the tiny town of Chhlong. The many French colonial houses in this town are amongst the most beautiful in Cambodia. It is a scenic ride as we pass many Cham communities which are predominantly Muslim. Buddhist pagodas form a pretty contrast with small mosques and the particularly friendly locals will welcome you warmly in each village you pass. We cycle up to Wat Han chey, a small hilltop pagoda that houses an 8th century pre-Angkorian temple and offers spectacular views over the Mekong. Here we can enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch complimented by sweeping views of the Mekong. From here we will cycle the last 22 km to Kampong Cham, where you can relax at the hotel.
(Ride up to 85km)
Overnight at VIP monorom
Day 10 - Kampong Cham - Siem Reap (B,L,D)
Early in the morning, we transfer directly to the outskirts of Siem Reap province. We stop en-route to visit the magnificent temple site Sambor Prei Kuk, built in the 6th and 7th century.
Sambor Prei Kuk is one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites in the country that is enlisted to potentially become Cambodia’s next UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sambor Prey Kuk was built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th century and there are over 100 well preserved temples scattered in the forest. The three main sites are linked by small and shady tracks. Enjoy your packed lunch after a beautiful walk through the jungle with breathtaking views. Your visit supports a community-based tourism project.
After this we continue our transfer to Siem Reap. Before reaching the Siem Reap town, we take a short ride to Roulous group of temples; the short journey takes you away from the main tourist trail, and provides a good relaxed way to spend the evening.
After transferring back to your hotel and a refreshing shower dinner will be at Viroth’s Restaurant served in a traditional Khmer house with a charming warm interior.
(Ride up to 18km)
Overnight in Royal Crown Resort & Spa
Day 11 - Siem Reap - Angkor Sunrise - Departure (B,L)
This very early morning you will transfer by private vehicle and accompany by your English Speaking guide to view sunrise at Angkor Wat. Then, will return to hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast at your hotel, we will transfer to the famous temple is Angkor Wat. Angkor wat itself is just one of the many temples in the region but is one of the best preserved and most impressive. It is worth climbing the remarkably steep and narrow steps of the central spire for the view over the whole temple surrounded by jungle. Continue to Angkor Thom, was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. The city is surrounded by an 8m high wall; each side of the city is 4km long. It draws a perfect square on the map and you can access the town through 5 gates; 4 of gate used for exiting the dead out of the city.
After passing through the south gate, you will go down along this shady road to the Bayon temple. This temple lies exactly in the center of the city. The particularity of this monument is the 54 towers representing the 54 provinces of the ancient Great Khmer Empire. Each tower has 4 Bayon faces. This is the only temple in Cambodia depicting scenes of everyday life at the time of the empire. Also not to be missed is the temple of Ta Prohm, which has been left to be reclaimed by nature and features incredible tree roots breaking through the stone carvings and walls, a fascinating tribute to the power of nature over man and an experience reminiscent of ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Tomb Raider’.
No cycling
Early evening (dependent upon flight availability) you will transfer to Siem Reap airport for your return flight.
“This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your guide will have the final say.”
