40 Days Grand Indochian Cycling Tours to Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam-Laos

Explore Real Indochina By Bike– 40 Days – The trip will start in Bangkok where mountain bikes are prepared and the guide will brief on the cycling tour. From the border to Pailin, the road is dirt with some potholes as well as from Pailin to Battambang. From Battambang to Siem Reap, we will cross Tonle Sap lake by boat. Real Vietnam, Laos by bike is the best way. We ride on asphalt roads and singletracks and sometimes broken road or vehicle-width dirt roads, which may be smooth, gritty, stony, rocky, rutted, loose, or hard-packed. The 85km from Pailin to Battambang is probably the worst road but still interesting things to see along the road.
TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Bangkok -Rayong (Cycling 50km) ( L )
8:00 Meet with our guide at your hotel in Bangkok and brief on the tour and check the bike. Then transfer to Pattaya. It used to be US marine base, now booming with nightlife activities. Start cycling by taking the coastline road by the sea around 50km. Stop for lunch. Late afternoon, we arrive in Rayong. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Rayong at the beach hotel.
Day 2: Rayong-Chantaburi (Cycling 60km) ( B, L )
Breakfast at the hotel. Start biking to the mangrove study center at around 60km. On the way, we stop and pay visits and talk to local people, and see how they earn their livings. At the mangrove, we can walk around and visit one of the most successful forest restoration projects in Thailand. Then check-in and spend the night in Chantaburi.

Dinner at local restaurant Overnight in Chantaburi.

Day 3: Chantaburi-Pailin (Cycling 47km) ( B, L )
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Pongnamron and start cycling to the border 27km. After the immigration, lunch at a local restaurant. Then cycling 20km to Pailin town located on the foothills of the scenic Cardamom mountains. Pailin used to be Khmer Rouge Strong-hold survived by trading gemstones. Until 1998, Khmer Rouge demobilized their forces into the government army, then the town had got completely peace. The town is now home to some of the former Khmer Rouge leaders who are – now in jail awaiting an international tribunal. After cycling on the dirt red bumpy road, we arrive in the small dusty town of Pailin. View sunset at Phnom Yat to overlook Pailin. This temple on Phnom Yat hill is more for the Kula Muslim minority who earn their living in the gemstone business. The Muslim minority made up 5% of the whole population in Cambodia. Return to the hotel for a shower and welcome dinner.

Overnight in Pailin.

Day 4: Pailin-Battambang (85km) ( B , L )
Breakfast at the hotel. Fill the water and briefing on the road condition and water stop. After the town, there are a few climbs and then downhill. Watch for large potholes, and cows might be crossing the road with the string so there might a trap. We cycle along this Cadarmom mountain range passing the rice field and we won’t be tired as the kids like to say hello and wave from their houses. Recently, the road from Pailin to Battambang has been improved. We stop for water, snack, and drink under a big shade of a tree. Then continue cycling another 20km before stopping for lunch in Sneung overlooking a nearby temple near the road. A little rest on the mat would be good. After lunch we cycle another 20km to Phnom Sampov, overlooking the hilltop pagoda and the cave. Just 15km to Battambang, we do a bit of transfer to avoid the busy traffic in town. Battambang used to be the second biggest city but now become a relaxed town where Siem Reap is getting more boom. Situated on the bank of the Sangker River, Battambang has many French colonial buildings and traditional Cambodian houses. It is worth taking the Bamboo train as the local railway is running only twice a week for passenger trains and the cargo train is running more often. So local people enjoy taking more bamboo trains.

Overnight in Battambang.

Day 5: Battambang-Siem Reap (25 km) ( B , L )
An early breakfast before cycling for 15 minutes to board the boat to Siem Reap. The boat has a toilet and life jacket and takes about 6 – 7 hours. It is one of the best boat trips in Cambodia to cross the Sangker river viewing the fishermen and all their activities on the river. Then crossing Tonle Sap lake (South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake). It is the main reserve for water when the Mekong is flooded, without the lake, Cambodia will be flooded every year. In the rainy season, the water reaches 10,000 square Km when it is only 5,000 square km in the dry season. The lake is as important for the human being and the fish, birds, and other wild animals. One hour before reaching the dock, the boat passes Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary home and breeding area for thousands of water birds.

After crossing Tonle Sap lake, we arrive at Chong Kneas floating village. The village combines Cambodian, Muslim, and Vietnamese and they move up and down depending on the season. All the houses are floating with the support of bamboo. After arrival at the dock, get off and prepare to ride a bicycle 15km to our hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 6: Siem Reap-Angkor Complex (30km by bicycle) ( B, L )
Depart from the hotel on the main road and cycle through the Angkor pass checkpoint. Cycling through the shady road with a little pumping because of the few potholes. There you will begin to see Kravan temple, Banteay Kdei, and stop at the famous Ta Phrom, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom (45 minutes-1 hour). It was built in the 12th century by the famous King Jayavarvan VII indicated to his mother. While clearing back the forest archaeologists decided to leave the vegetation of Ta Phrom in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discoverers found it and the other Angkor temples.

Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains and soar high above the temples. Continue the cycling through a small circuit passing Ta Keo temple, Chao Say Tevoda, and Tommanon before reaching Angkor Thom city. There you will see, the Terrace of Leper King, the Terrace of Elephant, Baphoun, and Phimean Akas. Stop at Bayon temple and start the visit (45 minutes-1 hour). Angkor Thom was built by Cambodia’s great king, Jayavarman VII.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Banteay Srei and River of Thousand Lingas (90km) ( B, L )
Depart from the hotel on the main road. Arrive at Angkor Wat and turn left to the west. Continue to cycle 2km before turning right to the rural road. The road is good for cycling as you can avoid the busy traffic but you can see rice fields, villages, and a pagoda. Arrive in Banteay Srei before lunch. Visit (45 minutes) Banteay Srei temple known as the women’s citadel (built in 967 A.D dedicated to Brahma). While some temples are impressive because of their sheer size, Banteay Srei stands alone in the quality of its construction and decoration. Its pink sandstone walls are decorated with what some consider the best carving of all, and are still in an excellent state of preservation.

Continue cycling to visit Kbal Spean, the River of Thousands Lingas, lying under the river bed, people believe it brings fertility and blessing Angkor area as the river flows to Siem Reap. Walk 1,200meters to visit the Lingas and enjoy lunch and the waterfall. On the way back, cycle on the main road to visit the Landmine Museum of Mr. Akira. Mr. Ra is dedicated to clearing the Cambodian countryside of landmines laid during the years of conflict and relies entirely on visitors’ donations to fund his work.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8: Rolous Group & Tonle Sap Lake (50km) ( B, L )
Depart from the hotel, crossing the bridge at Old Market to cycle 15km toward Rolous Group. The first 2km, is on the tarmac road toward the bus station. Then, passing the rice field and the village. Rolous Group was the first capital of the Angkor Empire during 800 A.D. Visit the Pre-Angkorian temples including Preak Ko, Bakong, and Lo Lei. Afternoon, cycling to Tonle Sap Lake. Turn left at the crocodile farm crossing the bridge. Then cycle on a small road along the river through villages, pagodas, and schools. This road is good for cycling to avoid busy traffic. After cycling 8km, turn right across the bridge to the main road as there is no further access on the small road. Continue cycling toward the hill about 3km (July-December) where the boat stop. (Note: January-June, the water is low and the boat will stop further 3km). Board the boat to visit the floating village, floating school, and fishing farm. After a 1-hour boat drive. Return the Siem Reap on the main road to avoid cycling on the same road.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9: Siem Reap-Phnom Penh (18km) ( B, L )
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to board speedboat to Phnom Penh. This boat trip takes 6 hours; the boat has a life jacket and toilet. It is one of the best boat trips to cross Tonle Sap lake, one of the biggest freshwater lakes in South-East Asia. When the boat leaves the dock, immediately you will be able to view the picturesque floating village. This community comprises Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Muslim minorities. The market, gas station, and school are also floating. They move up and down depending on the season. In the rainy season, Tonle Sap lake reaches 10,000 square Km, but in the dry season, it’s got only 5,000 square Km. Arrive in Phnom Penh port, afternoon visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 10: Phnom Penh City Tour (35 km) ( B, L )
Breakfast at the hotel. Today be guided through this bustling city to explore the main sights by bike, including Wat Phnom and Cheung Ek killing field. Phnom Penh has got more than 1 million population and the traffic has become very busy now. There is another option to visit the city by van. In the afternoon, visit the Independence Monument, Tuol Sleng Museum, and Russian Market.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 11: Phnom Penh – Takeo (65 km) ( B , L )
After breakfast. Transfer 15km out of the busy traffic in Phnom Penh. Begin to cycle to visit Ta Phrom and Yeary Pov temples (12 century). Take a break for water and a snack before heading to Phnom Chisor to visit the hilltop 11th-century temple. Enjoy packed lunch and overlook the scenery of the countryside. Afternoon, cycle to Takeo passing Ta Mok’s house, the former general commander of the Khmer Rouge. Takeo is a less visited town with many relations to the history. Board on the boat for sunset to Phnom Da to visit the hilltop temple former the capital of the Khmer Empire in the early century known as Funan.

Overnight in Mittapheap Guesthouse.

Day 12: Takeo-Chau Doc (80 km) ( B, L )
Early breakfast. Fill in water and check the visa for Vietnam one more time as the Vietnam visa has to be done in advance. Cycle 53km to Phnom Den border crossing point. Take a break in half for a water stop. After immigration, say goodbye to our Cambodian driver. Lunch at the local restaurant at the border. After lunch, cycle to discover along the Mekong Delta road into the beautiful green countryside. Along the way, you will see rice fields and water buffalos nearby the road. Arrive in Chau Doc, those with energy to spare can climb Sam Mountain for sunset!

Dinner and overnight in Chau Doc.
Day 13: Chau Doc – Can Tho (50km+cycling ) ( B, L )
After breakfast, we leave for the floating houses on the upper Mekong river by boat where we can see plenty of catfishes, and red snappers… breeding under right their houses. What is an amazing life! Then keep boating to visit the Cham village with about 12.000 people who those are weaving sarongs, hats…by hands as keeping their ancestral tradition. Walk to the mosques where Muslims pray and teach Cham kids in Arabic for a while. Then we start cycling along incredible country roads from Chau Doc to Bachuc along the border or re-trace back to triton (depending on road conditions). The cycling starts to gently undulate and mountains begin to loom as you ride out off Chau Doc. The presence of Thot Not trees indicates the growing proximity to Cambodia and the local people speak Vietnamese as their second language. This afternoon, you will cycle to the killing fields of Vietnam at Bachuc, where Polpot’s regime massacred over 3,000 Vietnamese in 1978.

Dinner and overnight in Can Tho.
Day 14: Cantho – Travinh (80km+cycling) ( B, L )
After breakfast, there will be time to explore side tracks and trails as the cycling distance today is not far. This gives a great first impression of the “heart of Mekong”. We take the first short boat trip to Vinh Long, one of the famous fruit towns in the Mekong. Then you bike along narrow country lanes, easy dirt tracks, and trails. This biking is at its most glorious-through tiny orchards, witness colorful life along the riverside, pedal pass picturesque delta homes, pause to chat with welcoming villagers, and clack across innumerable wooden bridges. Cross narrow canals on a local sampan, before finishing at the main ferry for refreshing boat trips across the expansive Co Chien River. Ride the final few km to the very pretty Khmer town of Tra Vinh.

Overnight in Tra Vinh.

Day 15: Tra Vinh – Mytho – Ho Chi Minh (50km+ cycling) ( B, L )
After breakfast, start with a section of biking that cuts off road onto gravel and dirt lanes, and weaves around hamlets, across water channels, and through quiet dense vegetation. This makes for superb biking after a ferry across the gaping expanse of Cochien river from Travinh, the pretty tree-lined town with a large population of ethnic Khmer. Then another section of crossing rivers and canals by numerous, ubiquitous, fascinating ferries, we bike through the route takes us through narrow roads and lanes, past banana plantations, fields of sugar cane, through the lush green landscape of the delta. The ride leads us right into the heart of the rural Mekong before arriving at Mytho – the gateway of the Mekong delta to end our cycling trip. From Mytho, we transfer a couple of hours to Ho Chi Minh City to avoid the busy traffic. Check in our hotel.

Day 16: Saigon –Free Day (B)
Breakfast and all-day free to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own.

Day 17: Saigon – Dalat (B, L) (Cycle 40 km)
7:30 Am pick up at your hotel in Saigon. Enjoy 2 hours driving to Dong Nai province. Ride through coffee plantation, and pepper on hilly country roads in the surrounding area of Nam Cat Tien park. Have in Madagui and have another stop at Bao Loc, the homeland of coffee and green tea. Enjoy delicious specialty snacks, coffee and tea. Then have a transfer and cycle to Dalat,

Summary

Cycling Distance: 40 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Dai Loi Hotel

Day 18 : Dalat – Nha Trang (B/L/)
Start to ride from your hotel in Dalat. Ride through majestic mountains and valleys. Have a picnic lunch in Khanh Vinh town. In the afternoon, we ride on backroads through villages to Dien Khanh where we get on a van/bus for a short trip to Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 80 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hanoi Gold Hotel

Day 19: Nha Trang – Quy Nhon (B/L )
Visit the Po Nagar Cham tower in the city of Nha Trang and have a transfer out of Nha Trang city, pedal on quiet country roads through rice paddies and beautiful village coastal roads. Enjoy lunch on the beach, then continue pedaling on back roads through fishing farms and villages to Tuy Hoa. Transfer 2 hours to Quy Nhon city.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 60 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sao Viet Hotel

Day 20: Quy Nhon – Quang Ngai (B/L/)
Transfer 30 minutes from our busy city of Qui Nhon. Begin with cycling through a rice paddy to mountain areas. Cycle past many little villages to ocean roads. Today you will have the opportunity to admire beautiful coastal roads. In the afternoon, cycle uphill through mountains, rice fields, and coconut plantations. Transfer by bus/van in the late afternoon to Quang Ngai.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 75 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: My Tra River Side Hotel

Day 21 : Quang Ngai – Hoi An (B/L/)
Have breakfast at the hotel and start to ride to My Lai village from the hotel. Have a short visit and talk to locals about the massacre of more than 504 locals in 1968. Continue riding 35 km on hilly roads before having lunch in town. After lunch, ride on back roads, passing by white dunes. Cycle on broken track trails along the ocean to fish farms. Then continue biking to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 75 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Venus Hotel

Day 22: Hoi An – Free Day (B )
Free day to visit Hoi An on your own. Stay one more night in Hoi An

Summary

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Venus Hotel

Day 23: Hoi An – Hue (B/L/)
Van/bus takes you out of Hoi An, have a little time to warm up your body before pedaling uphill to the peak of Hai Van pass. Then travel by back roads to the ocean, cycling through fishing villages and an ancient burial ground of Hue (called a “ghost city” by the locals), to Hue city. Another option, keep biking on little country roads to Hue city.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 70 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Asia Hotel

Day 24: Hue – Phong Nha Cave (B, L )
This morning we will visit the forbidden city, the capital of Vietnam from the 17th to 20th centuries, continue riding on single track trails to visit the Thien Mu pagoda before transferring out of Hue to Dong Ha, and in the afternoon we will cycle on Ho Chi Minh Trails to Phong Nha National Park.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 60 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sai Gon -Phong Nha Hotel

Day 25 : Phong Nha Cave – Huong Khe (B , L )
Explore Phong Nha Cave in the early morning. Continue riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Huong Khe. Ride nearly 70 km of winding roads up the Truong Son mountain range to Phong Nha. From here, if time permitting–cycle gentle rolling hills to Huong Ke Town.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 70 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Duc Tai Hotel

Day 26 : Huong Khe – Vinh City (B/L/)
In the morning, ride to Dong Loc, the T-junction, which has become unforgettable memorial history in the country from 1964-to 1972, when soldiers, young volunteers, cadres, and workers guaranteed safe transport to the battlefield. Many people from different localities laid down their lives. In particular, the death of 10 young volunteer girls at Dong Loc T-junction has come to symbolize the patriotism of the era. Now, the Dong Loc T-junction relic has become a commemorative area for the national young volunteer force. In the afternoon, ride to Vinh City.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 70 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Beijing Hotel

Day 27 : Vinh City – Thai Hoa (B/L/)
Today, we have a chance to visit Uncle Ho’s house. Nam Dan district, Kiem Lien village is not only the homeland of Ho Chi Minh but also the hometown of many anti-colonist leaders. Ride on the new Ho Chi Minh highway to Kiem Lien village via Tan Ky and Do Luong. Visit Uncle Ho’s house in the afternoon, and have a short drive to Thai Hoa Town. Overnight in Thai Hoa Hotel.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 70 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Guest House

Day 28 : Thai Hoa – Cam Thuy ( B/L/ )
Early morning starts to beat the heat of the day. The route takes us away from the river and appears to contour through the same range of mountains that stretch from Thai Hoa to Cam Thuy on Ho Chi Minh trails. The road gets more beautiful the closer you ride to Ngoc Lac with looming karst limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The route is tarmac all the way but quite hard riding due to the undulating terrain. We ride for the first time on the newly built two-lane Ho Chi Minh Highway. It hardly warrants two lanes as there is no traffic! The road makes for smooth fast riding, and for those who prefer there is always the old highway dirt and gravel – that weaves around the new highway allowing for plenty of exploring possibilities along the way. Ride to Muc Son, on the banks of River Song Chu. On the outskirts of this small town are the famous Kan Linh historical relics – a pagoda where the first king of the Ly dynasty, Le Thai To, ruled, in 1428. Continue riding on the trail to Yen Cat. The distance covered today is quite long and there will be the chance to transfer some sections by the backup vehicle to rest weary legs. There are fewer villages today as the route cuts through forests and jungle lunch en route. Overnight in Cam Thuy.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 80 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Guest House

Day 29 : Cam Thuy – Mai Chau ( B , L , D)
Breakfast at the local restaurant and cycle through the village house before setting off along a spectacularly beautiful river valley towards Hoi Xuan along an undulating tarmac road. The road follows the flow of River Song Ma. This is an old supply route of the HCM Trail that fed the main trail with ammunitions during the American War with Vietnam.. just passing scenes of local village life and rice paddies. . Arrive Mai Chau villages and overnight in the homestay of white Thai ethnic.

Summary

Cycling Distance: 80 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Thai Homestay

Day 30 : Mai Chau – Hanoi ( B , L )
Breakfast and short cycling around the Thai villages and transfer to Cao Phong picturesque landscapes. Start to cycle to Bai Chao village via Kim Boi hot spring and Bai Chao villages. Lunch at a local restaurant. cycling to Luong Son. Transfer by van to the hotel in Hanoi

Summary

Cycling Distance: 50 km cycling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: ATS hotel

Day 31: Hanoi cycle to Yen Bai ( B, L )

Pick up at your hotel at 7:30 and transfer by vehicle to Trung Ha and start cycling to Yen Bai on the banks of the Red River. Arrive late afternoon. Stay 1 night.

Accommodation: Hoa Ban Hotel

Cycling distance: 80 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 32 : Yen Bai cycle to Sapa ( B ,L)

After breakfast. A demanding, hilly, day along the mountain and river range culminating with the ascent of the spectacular, visiting the Vietnam & China border gate if time permitting. Stay 2 nights.

Accommodation : Sapa Hotel

Cycling distance: 70 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 33: Sapa Cycling to the Village ( B )

Start from your hotel at 8:30 Am, and bike to explore Sa Pa an old French hill station, in a spectacular location close to the Chinese border. This morning we will cycle to Village, Lao Chai, and Ta Van village ( Red Dzao and Hmong people ). Cycling uphill back to Sapa, lunch, and dinner by yourself.

Accommodation : Sapa Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Biking Distance: 20 km

Meals: Breakfast

Day 34 : Sapa Cycle to Lai Chau ( B ,L )

Retrace our route back over the Tram Ton pass to Binh Lu junction and follow the road 4D northwest to Tam Duong and Lai Chau. O / N in hotel.

Distance: 80 km

Ride: 90 km on good quality asphalt road

Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch

Accommodation: Lai Chau Hotel

Day 35: Lai Chau Cycle to Muong Lay ( Old Lai Chau ) ( B, L )

Cycle to old Lai Chau via the Hang Tom suspension bridge, following the Nam Na through spectacular gorges and Black Dao villages. A long day with some climbs. Stay 1 night. Hoang Long Hotel,

Distance: 110 km

Ride: 80 km on good quality asphalt road, transfer 30 km.

Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch

Accommodation: Hoa Binh Hotel

Day 36 : Muong Lay Cycle to Dien Bien Phu ( B, L )

Our full day in Vietnam. Cycle to Dien Bien Phu – 104 kms. Dien Bien Phu was the scene of the historic French defeat in 1954. Stay 1 night. O / N in Him Lam Hotel & resort.

Distance: 130 km

Ride: 90 km on good quality asphalt road, transfer 40 km.

Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch

Accommodation: Him Lam resort

Day 37 : Dien Bien Phu to Muang Khua, Laos ( B ,L )
We depart Dien Bien and cross into Northeast Laos at Tay Trang and say goodbye to, the Vietnamese team. The Laos team will pick us up at the border. This is the least populated section of Laos. We continue to Muang Khua on the banks of the Nam Ou river.
Distance: 160 km
Ride: 80 km on a dirt road, transfer 80 km.
Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch
Accommodation: local guesthouse

Day 38 : Muang Khua to Odomxai ( B ,L )
This is a scenic lightly traveled road to bustling Odomxai. Odomxai seems to be undergoing a renaissance. Lots of construction and activity in the town these days. They have an airport here also (with less than daily service). We stay at the nicest place in town.
Distance: 110 km
Ride: 70 km on a dirt road, transfer 40 km.
Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch
Accommodation: local guesthouse

Day 39 : Odomxai to Pak Mong ( B ,L )
A tough climbing day at the start and then rolling hills with magnificent scenery before a 29 k Descent to Pak Mong.
Distance: 100 km
Ride: 60 km on good quality asphalt road, transfer 40 km.
Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch
Accommodation: local guesthouse

Day 40 : Pak Mong to Luang Prabang ( B ,L ,D )
On to the historic and enchanting city of Luang Prabang. We follow the banks of the Mekong before entering the city proper. It’s also possible, with planning, to bike the 20k in the opposite direction to Nong Khiaw Transfer to Luang Prabang. Farewell dinner. End The Tour.
Distance: 100 km
Ride: 40 km on good quality asphalt road, transfer 60 km.
Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch
Accommodation: Luang Prabang Guest House .