Cambodia and Vietnam: Phnom Penh to Saigon

This shorter Social Cycles option starts in Phnom Penh and finishes in Saigon, taking in the Cambodian coast and the Mekong Delta along the way. After an arrival day meeting local guides Hoem and So, riders visit Friends International to learn about the "ChildSafe" movement before a confronting but worthwhile stop at the S-21 Genocide Museum.

From Phnom Penh, the route heads south to Chisaur Mountain Temple, ruins older than Angkor Wat, then on to the coastal town of Kampot. Here riders can tackle an optional climb up Bokor Mountain, visit the Chumkriel Language School, and finish with a Khmer cooking class.

Crossing into Vietnam via Kep, famous for its fresh crab, the route passes salt lakes and pepper farms before reaching Rach Gia for a seafood feast. From there, the ride threads through the back roads of the Mekong Delta to Can Tho, taking in floating markets, a noodle factory and cocoa farm, before a homestay night with a local family in Ben Tre.

The final stretch cycles into Saigon itself, described as "what the world would look like if cars weren't invented," with a last NGO visit to Mekong Plus before departure. A AU$200 donation to an NGO of the rider's choice is built into the price, with at least three NGO visits included throughout.

Highlights:

• S-21 Genocide Museum and Friends International NGO visit in Phnom Penh
• Chisaur Mountain Temple, older than Angkor Wat
• Optional Bokor Mountain cycle challenge from Kampot
• Crossing into Vietnam via Kep's pepper farms and salt lakes
• Mekong Delta cycling through Can Tho, with floating markets and a Ben Tre homestay
• Minimum three NGO visits, with a AU$200 donation included

Surface and terrain:
Mostly flat sealed rural roads with some off-road/single-track sections (Kep, salt fields) and one significant climb (Bokor Mountain, optional, with van support). 24-speed mountain bikes used throughout. Average pace 15-20km/h.

**Suitable for: **
Riders of most fitness levels wanting cultural and NGO immersion over a high-mileage challenge; described as needing to be "positive" rather than "super fit."