Cambodia and Vietnam make for a magical and diverse combination in Southeast Asia. This itinerary starts in Cambodia, where you will see Angkor Wat and enjoy the wonderful culture and people. Civilizations from the past built gigantic monuments to their religions, and many were lost, forgotten or destroyed during wars. There is an abundance of history to learn here, and the jungle scenery is straight from a picture book. Vietnam is as charming, picturesque and as wondrous as ever, and most importantly, its people are gracious, warm and infinitely inviting. You will explore this country from south to north, with perfect rice-paddy bike rides in central Vietnam.
Daily biking distances vary from 12 to 18 miles, and walks are 5 to 6 miles. The terrain is generally flat.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the ninth to the 15th centuries. Spend your first days riding through the Cambodian countryside experiencing this exquisite site.
You will be picked up at the airport in a private car and taken to the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and getting over your jet lag. Meet your local Khmer guide in the early evening for cocktails and discuss the following day's plans.
Bike or walk into the heart of the Cambodian countryside to explore the local Khmer temples. Discover the magnificent 700-year-old Angkor Wat, led by your local guide. At nightfall, enjoy dinner at a favorite restaurant in town.
Distance biked: 12 miles
Today is dedicated to a deep exploration of the temples of Bayon with your guide, who brings the stone celestial dancers to life. After exploring the exquisite Buddhist temples, you can discover the park by traversing trails lined by a jungle of silk, cotton and strangler fig trees. Lunchtime will be in town at one of the hip up-and-coming restaurants. This afternoon the choice is yours: either another great bike ride through the Cambodian countryside, a visit to a school, a tour to the "Lady Temple" of Banteay Srei or a ride of discovery on Tonlé Sap Lake (the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia).
Distance biked: 17.5 miles, with more options in the afternoon.
Once a vital seaport on par with Macau, the now-tranquil Hoi An has been incredibly well preserved. Its fascinating medley of architecturally diverse 400-year-old buildings and completely intact streetscapes have merited it UNESCO World Heritage site status.
On your final morning in Siem Reap head out early to explore the wild jungle temple of Ta Prohm. Bike from here through the park, passing the temples of Bayon, Angkor Wat, the Elephant Terrace and the gates of Angkor Thom one last time on our way back to the hotel for an early lunch.
We bid farewell to Cambodia with a short flight to Da Nang and a short drive to Hoi An in Vietnam. Scattered among all the tailors, shoemakers and spas you will find a multitude of tiny silver shops where local jewelers — who create each and every piece by hand — can create a bespoke design for you.
Distance biked: 11 miles through the temple complex
This morning you may choose to visit the market early to watch people haggle over the day’s fresh fish catch, or visit the stalls offering the freshest vegetables in Hoi An.
Later enjoy a wonderful bike ride that starts in a pottery village and loops around Hoi An, passing through traditional rice paddies and fish farms interspersed with ancestral tombs, water buffalo and hundreds of smiling children. A midmorning cooking class will keep us entertained, trained and well-fed. This afternoon, if you are interested, your guide will organize a conical hat-making workshop with local craftswomen.
Tonight your guides will take you to their favorite restaurant in town, which serves the most authentic of dishes.
Distance biked: 15.6 miles through the Hoi An countryside
Today you can choose to bike inland to the marvelous Cham temple of My Son. The Cham civilization was a contemporary of the Khmer in Cambodia; having visited both countries on this trip, the comparison can prove especially fascinating.
Or if you prefer something more scenic and relaxing, your guide can bring you to a ferry crossing, where you’ll cross for a fantastic bike ride past rice fields and through villages. You might even choose to cast a fishing net on your return trip.
Tonight is dinner on your own at one of the many wonderful small restaurants that Hoi An has to offer.
Distance biked: An optional 9-mile flat bike ride
Fly to Hanoi today, where you’ll notice the dramatic difference between the south and north. Upon arrival you'll ride by cyclo (bike-propelled carts) along tree-lined boulevards, experiencing the city’s historic architecture and its delightfully chaotic street life before meeting our favorite local guide.
Once at the hotel, we’ll lay out the many tempting options for tonight’s dinner on your own.
Optional activity: early-morning bike ride or walk before the flight to Hanoi.
Contact a travel advisor to book your custom itinerary. Fill out the form or call (630) 734-4610.
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