Bangkok to Saigon by Bike

Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital, known for its street vendors, tasty Thai food, bright lights and tuk-tuks.

Our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting, and for those who wish, there's the option to go out for dinner afterwards.

You're free to arrive in Bangkok at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), about an hour from the hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, the tour leader will fill you in on any essential details when you catch up.

For those interested, there is an optional canal trip this afternoon. Our tour leader will meet you in reception at 12pm to confirm numbers, and the excursion will depart at 1pm, returning around 4pm. A longtail boat cruise is the perfect way to explore Bangkok's network of backwaters and get an initial feel for the city. If you're booking your own flights, we recommend arriving by 10am to allow time to clear the airport.

We take a short hop across the Chao Praya River to Bang Kra Jao, a peaceful green oasis known to locals as the 'green lung' of Bangkok. It's a world away from the city's bustling streets, offering a maze of waterways, small villages, temples, and tropical jungle. We'll cycle through local communities, temples, and schools, stopping for a snack at a river pier opposite Thailand's naval academy. Afterward, we'll visit a fascinating temple built over 250 years ago in the Ayutthaya period, featuring a unique teak wood roof.

Next, we'll cycle to Sri Narkon Park and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the hotel for some downtime.

In the evening, we'll experience another side of Bangkok on our night ride, visiting a night market and the flower market. For safety reasons, we limit the night ride to a maximum of ninepassengers. For larger groups, we'll offer a night walk instead.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30-40 kilometres/18.6-24.9 miles on flat terrain.

We begin our day early this morning as we set off on our journey to Siem Reap, Cambodia - the gateway to the iconic temples of Angkor and a city rich in culture and history.

Our morning starts with a drive to Bangkok's international airport, where we catch a short flight to Siem Reap. The flight typically takes about an hour, and we expect to arrive before midday.

In the afternoon, our tour leader will guide us on an introductory walk around Siem Reap. This orientation walk is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the city's layout, discover local landmarks, and learn about Cambodian customs, traditions, and recent history. From colonial architecture to bustling local markets and temples, Siem Reap offers a fascinating mix of old and new, and this stroll will help us begin to understand the context of the sites we'll explore in the days ahead.

To make the most of our first day, there are a couple of optional activities available, depending on your interests. If you're keen to learn about the remarkable efforts being made to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance from Cambodia's countryside, you can visit the APOPO Visitor Centre. This centre is dedicated to the work of APOPO, a non-profit organisation that trains rats (known as HeroRATs) to detect landmines. It's an eye-opening and educational experience that highlights both the country's recent struggles and the innovative ways in which Cambodia is working toward a safer future.

In the evening, you might choose to attend a performance by Phare, the Cambodian Circus. This energetic and socially impactful circus combines theatre, music, dance, and acrobatics to tell uniquely Cambodian stories. Created by graduates of a non-profit arts school in Battambang, Phare is not just entertainment - it's also a powerful platform for youth empowerment and cultural expression.

There is no cycling today.

This morning, we take a short drive to the legendary Angkor Wat, where we'll collect our bikes for the rest of the journey.

Our cycling adventure begins with a ride to Angkor Thom, the 'Great City'. Enclosed by massive walls and entered through five monumental gates, this former capital is a masterpiece of Khmer engineering and art. Inside, we explore the magnificent Bayon Temple, renowned for its labyrinth of corridors and over 200 giant, serene stone faces gazing out in all directions.

Next, we visit the atmospheric Ta Prohm, where the jungle has reclaimed the ruins. Towering trees and their sprawling roots intertwine with ancient stonework, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene made famous by the film Tomb Raider.

Our final stop is the iconic Angkor Wat itself - perhaps the most celebrated of all the temples. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it was later transformed into a sacred Buddhist site. As one of the largest religious monuments in the world, its galleries are adorned with intricate carvings that narrate tales of gods, battles, and legends.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 25 kilometres/15.5 miles. Around 80% of today's riding is off-road but not technical.

Today, we leave the crowds behind and pedal through the peaceful countryside to Rolous, one of the earliest Khmer capitals. Here, we explore its ancient temples, beautifully preserved examples of early Angkorian architecture, before continuing to a lively local market - a wonderful opportunity to observe daily life and sample regional snacks.

After a short rest, we board a boat to a floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake. This fascinating community is entirely afloat, with everything from floating pig pens and schools to children paddling between homes. It's a captivating glimpse into a way of life deeply connected to the water.

Following our boat trip, we're welcomed into a local family's home for lunch, where we'll enjoy traditional Cambodian dishes and learn more about local cuisine and everyday customs.

In the afternoon, we visit the intricately carved Banteay Srei Temple, often called the 'Citadel of Women' for its delicate pink sandstone and fine detail. From here, we continue our 25 km (15 miles) cycle to Pre Rup, a striking temple-mountain where we'll watch the sun set over the plains.

We then return to Siem Reap for a well-earned rest.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 56 kilometres/34.8 miles.

This morning, we start with a ride from the hotel along the Siem Reap River, then leave the main roads behind to follow quiet dirt paths through the countryside. The route passes through small villages and farmland, offering a clear view of everyday rural life - from rice fields and local schools to pagodas and workshops where villagers use traditional rattan-weaving techniques to make handicrafts.

We finish our ride at Phsar Pouk, then continue by bus to Battambang stopping long the way for lunch.

On arrival, we visit Phnom Sampov, a limestone hill that holds an important place in Cambodia's history and home to a few monkey's residents. Here, we explore the Killing Cave, a site that reflects the country's difficult past.

As evening approaches, we walk towards Bat Cave, where thousands of bats fly out at dusk - an impressive natural sight.

We then drive to our hotel for the next two nights.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 43 km/27 miles.

CTV25Jan, 01Feb, 22Feb26 - please note that due to the FCDO travel advice we will not be travelling to Battambang on these departures. This is because of the ongoing border dispute with Thailand. Please rest assured it is completely safe to travel in Thailand and Cambodia. Should the situation continue we will adjust the itinerary for later departures and update accordingly. Here follows the alternative itinerary on days 6, 7 and 8:

Travel to Smiling Gecko in Kampong Chhang

This morning, we cycle from the hotel along the Siem Reap River, then follow quiet dirt paths through villages and farmland, offering glimpses of rural life, rice fields, pagodas, and traditional rattan weaving. We finish at Phsar Pouk and continue by bus toward Smiling Gecko, travelling through scenic countryside with stops for photos, breaks, and lunch - a journey of approximately five hours.

En route, we visit Angkor Silk Farm and the 12th-century Kampong Kdei Bridgeone of the best-preserved Angkorian stone bridges. We then continue to Skun, the famous Spider Village, known for its unique local snacks. From Skun, we drive onward to Smiling Gecko, where guests check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, making use of the hotel's facilities.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 43 km/27 miles, mostly on the flat.

Overnight at Smiling Gecko Farmhouse Resort and Spa

Today, we spend the day cycling through the rural landscapes surrounding Battambang, an area often considered Cambodia's agricultural heartland. The ride follows quiet backroads and dirt tracks lined with rice paddies, palm trees, and traditional wooden houses on stilts, offering a genuine look at daily life outside the city.

Begin your journey in a local village, where we'll gain an intimate insight into daily life, traditions, and community values. Along the way, we pause to savour an assortment of homemade local desserts - a delightful introduction to the authentic flavors of Cambodia.

We then, continue cycling beneath a canopy of towering trees as colonies of fruit bats glide overhead. Then, we ascend the gentle slopes of Banan Mountain to explore the ancient Banan Temple, where breathtaking panoramic views await at the summit.

After a local lunch, we ride onward to a tranquil Buddhist temple, where the peaceful rhythm of monastic life offers a moment of quiet reflection. Cross a charming suspension bridge with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside before making a final stop at a historic French colonial guard tower, a poignant reminder of Battambang's layered past.

This immersive cycling experience combines nature, culture, history, and cuisine - offering a truly enriching and scenic day exploring the heart of rural Cambodia.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 km/31 miles.

CTV - Cycle the countryside around Smiling Gecko

After breakfast, we cycle from the Farmhouse to Wat Phnom Preah Theat Temple (approx. 25 km each way) along quiet rural roads, passing villages, rice fields, local farms, and traditional wooden houses, with opportunities to observe daily life and traditional palm sugar production. At the temple, we walk up to the hilltop shrine and enjoy peaceful countryside views before cycling back.

Lunch is taken at a simple local restaurant en route, serving traditional Khmer dishes.

Back at the Farmhouse, we take a guided tour of the property, visiting the different community development projects run by the resort. Here, we can see firsthand how the local community learns and practices sustainable farming techniques, from growing their own vegetables to building furniture and managing fish farms. The projects aim to empower local families, teach valuable skills and promote self-sufficiency while preserving traditional Khmer practices.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 km/31 miles, mostly on the flat.

Overnight at Smiling Gecko Farmhouse Resort and Spa

Today, we leave Battambang and travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city. The journey takes around five hours by bus, with several stops along the way to explore local culture and break up the drive.

Our first stop is at a pottery village near Kampong Chhnang, one of Cambodia's most important centres for traditional ceramics. Here, local families have been producing clay pots and household items for centuries using simple, time-tested techniques. We'll see how the clay is shaped by hand, fired in open kilns, and finished using natural materials. Pottery remains a key local industry, supporting many families who continue to pass down their skills from one generation to the next.

We then continue toward Phnom Penh, stopping at Koh Dach Island (often called Silk Island), located in the Mekong River. After a short ferry ride, we cycle about 22 km (14 miles) through quiet rural roads lined with small farms and fruit trees. The island is known for its Khmer silk weaving, and we'll have the opportunity to meet local artisans, see traditional looms in use, and learn about each stage of silk production - from raising silkworms to spinning and dyeing the thread.

After our visit, we return by ferry to the mainland and rejoin our bus for the final short drive into Phnom Penh, arriving in the late afternoon.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 22 kilometres/12 miles.

CTV - Travel to Phnom Penh

In the morning, we check out of the resort and continue with the original itinerary, visiting the pottery village and cycling on Koh Dach Island before driving to Phnom Penh, arriving early in the afternoon.

Phnom Penh is a vibrant city with French colonial architecture and a fascinating history.

Today, we'll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the National Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda. We'll also visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime.

There is no cycling today.

This morning, we drive around three hours to Prek Chak and cross the border into Vietnam. After completing the Vietnamese visa formalities, we drive a short distance to Ha Tien. We'll cycle around this charming town, surrounded by limestone formations and vibrant riverside markets.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles.

After driving 30 kilometres/18.6 miles, we'll start our ride along the Vinh Te Canal, which once marked the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. We'll see the Bone Pagoda, a reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime, before cycling through the Tra Su Cajeput forest with its vibrant wetlands.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31.1 miles

Today we'll cycle through villages known for their handmade sedge mattresses and mandarin oranges, before arriving at our homestay in Binh Hoa Phuoc, where we'll enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese dinner.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31.1 miles.

We'll enjoy a beautiful cycle around Binh Hoa Phuoc Island, with its tropical fruit orchards, before driving to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest and most vibrant city.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres/18.6 miles.

Our trip ends at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

There are no activities planned, so you're free to depart at your convenience. If your flight departs later, luggage storage is available at the hotel.

If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is around 45 minutes to one hour from our hotel.

Our itinerary allows for limited time in Ho Chi Minh City, we recommend adding extra nights post-tour to experience everything Old Saigon has to offer.