Breast Cancer Care Events

Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle Ride

Day 1: Depart London

Day 2: Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

On arrival we transfer to our hotel and have a trip briefing before getting a good night’s sleep, ready for the start of our challenge!

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Tra Vinh
Approx Cycling Distance: 52km

After breakfast we transfer out of the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. Time permitting, we’ll visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels: a sanctuary for the Vietcong at the height of the Vietnam War; they give us a good insight into the country and its recent history. We then continue on to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta and a wonderful place to start our ride. We cycle on narrow lanes through the heart of this rural area, passing banana plantations, sugar cane fields and the lush rural landscape of the Delta. We have a couple of small ferry crossings before reaching Tra Vinh. Overnight hotel.
(Lunch not included)

Day 4: Tra Vinh – Cau Ke – Can Tho
Approx Cycling Distance: 82km

Our first full day’s cycle takes us along quiet backroads to Can Tho, passing numerous Khmer temples and fascinating river scenes en-route. We will start to get a great feel for the friendly Vietnamese culture, and the traditional rural scenes we see are fascinating. Overnight hotel.

Day 5: Can Tho – Long Xuyen
Approx Cycling Distance: 95km

After an early breakfast we set off via the Can Tho floating market to Phong Dien. Weaving through the early morning market bustle, we cycle along the banks of the busy river and take a ferry to the other side before continuing towards the main road. After lunch we cycle upstream alongside the river towards Long Xuyen. Overnight hotel.

Day 6: Long Xuyen – Tri Tron – Chau Doc
Approx Cycling Distance: 65km

Our route starts to undulate as we near the mountains near Chau Doc; although the hills are fairly gentle, the heat will make them feel tougher. We cycle via the killing fields at Ba Chuc, where we can learn more about the history of Cambodia.
Overnight hotel (near border).

Day 7: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh
Approx Cycling Distance: 30km

Today we swap our bikes for a motor boat and journey up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh. The capital city was once considered one of the most beautiful in the Orient, and despite its turbulent recent history it still retains a colonial charm. We have the opportunity in the afternoon to cycle to the infamous Killing Fields or visit the Tuol Sleung Museum, a former school which was turned into the notorious Khmer Rouge prison during the Pol Pot regime. Although it tells a tragic story, it is a fascinating place to visit and essential to understanding present-day Cambodia.
Overnight hotel.

Day 8: Phnom Penh – Kompong Chhnang
Approx Cycling Distance: 91km

Refreshed after yesterday’s gentler day, an early start sees us heading out of the city for our first taste of rural Cambodia. The bustle around Phnom Penh soon fades away and as we head to Udong, we share the road only with light local traffic – getting a good sense for traditional Cambodian transport! We pass Udong, once the ancient capital, and visit one of the remaining stupas on Udong Mountain, home to many of the old Royal Palaces. Continuing on to Kampong Chhnang, we cycle through rural hills with excellent views over the river delta: it eventually becomes the enormous Tonlé Sap Lake. Overnight hotel.

Day 9: Kompong Chhnang – Siem Reap – Angkor Wat
Approx Cycling Distance: 40km

A beautiful boat ride awaits us this morning, as we cross the immense Tonlé Sap. The largest freshwater lake in South-East Asia, it features an incredible biodiversity and has UNESCO biosphere status. We enjoy a rest from our bikes as we soak up the views of floating forests and calm waters. Reaching Siem Reap, we pass the floating village of Chhong Kneas, an unforgettable insight into life on the lake. Reunited with our bikes, we cycle through Siem Reap towards Angkor, to explore the world’s largest heritage site. Most famous for Angkor Wat, the area is dotted with ancient buildings and temples amidst dense forest, and the sheer scale of the complex will astound you. We cycle the grand circuit, enjoying the shady roads and soaking up the atmosphere of this incredible place. There is more cycling to complete before we explore these ruins closely, but the first impression gained today is tantalising!
Overnight hotel.

Day 10: Siem Reap – Beng Mealea
Approx Cycling Distance: 70km

Our last day of cycling rewards us with a real and little-visited highlight! We cycle northeast on flattish roads through beautiful scenery of forest and rice-paddies. We pass a few small villages; access to this area is very new and there is little here to detract from the sense of remote rural Cambodia. Passing the beautiful temple of Banteay Srey, which is renowned for its intricate carvings, we head into still more remote countryside and cycle on to Beng Mealea. Cleared from landmines and open to tourists only in the past few years, this incredible temple dates from the early 12th Century and lies unrestored, swathed in jungle canopy. Incredible tree roots break through walls and stone carvings, illustrating the power of nature over man. Exploring it is truly atmospheric and reminiscent of ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Tomb Raider.’ We transfer back to Siem Reap and spend the evening celebrating our achievement. Overnight hotel.
(Dinner not included)

Day 11: Explore Angkor Wat

We have most of the day free to explore the incredible temples and ruins that make up the complex. 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. The Bayon in Angkor Thom, the old city central to the area, is a fascinating ruin featuring many mysterious giant carved faces and some incredible wall carvings, and is one of the most remarkable sights in the area. You may also wish to explore the markets of Siem Reap and haggle for last-minute souvenirs. Meeting again at the hotel, we say a fond farewell to Cambodia and transfer to the airport for our flight.
(Lunch not included)

Day 12: Flight to UK

Our flight connects in one of South-East Asia’s main cities and we return to the UK.

Please note: Itinerary, dates and flight times are subject to change

All air and ground travel arrangements for the Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle Ride are organised by Discover Adventure, ATOL bonded 5636.