Cambodia and Vietnam Cycling Holiday: Siem Reap to Saigon

Social Cycles' full-length option begins in Siem Reap with sunrise cycling around the temples of Angkor, a bucket-list ride followed by a visit to This Life Cambodia. The route then crosses the wetlands of Tonle Sap by boat before continuing on single-track roads into rural Cambodia, reaching Battambang and its colonial-era streets.

From Battambang, riders visit Banan Temple and the NGO Sustainable Cambodia before cycling on to Phnom Penh via remote lakeside villages. In the capital, a visit to Friends International precedes a stop at the S-21 Genocide Museum, one of the trip's more confronting experiences.

Heading south, the route takes in Chisaur Mountain Temple and the coastal town of Kampot, with an optional climb up Bokor Mountain and a visit to the Chumkriel Language School before crossing into Vietnam via Kep's pepper farms and salt lakes.

The Vietnam leg threads through the Mekong Delta via Rach Gia and Can Tho, taking in floating markets, a noodle factory and cocoa farm, plus a homestay night in Ben Tre, before finishing with a ride into Saigon and a final NGO visit to Mekong Plus.

At least three NGO visits are included, with a AU$200 donation built into the price. Small groups (2 to 10 riders at any one time) are guided throughout by local Cambodian and Vietnamese teams..

Highlights:

• Sunrise cycling around the temples of Angkor Wat
• Boat crossing of the Tonle Sap wetlands into rural Cambodia
• Battambang, Banan Temple and Sustainable Cambodia NGO visit
• S-21 Genocide Museum and optional Bokor Mountain climb
• Mekong Delta cycling with floating markets and a Ben Tre homestay
• At least three NGO visits, with a AU$200 donation included

Surface and terrain:
Mostly flat with off-road and compact gravel sections (Tonle Sap, salt fields, Kep) 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."