Get ready for an adventure like no other as you embark on a 4D3N cycling trip through the heart of the Mekong Delta from Saigon to Phnom Penh. This trip will take you off the beaten path and into the rural villages and communities that dot the landscape, giving you a unique insight into the lives of the people who call this area home. Hop on your bike and discover a world that few tourists ever get to see, all while experiencing the joy of pedaling through the idyllic countryside. You’ll be in good hands with an experienced cycling guide, and even a support vehicle following the group.
Why cycle from Saigon to Phnom Penh?
The area between Saigon and Phnom Penh is the heart of the Mekong Delta, also known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam. The Mekong Delta is a fertile land of winding rivers, lush green rice paddies, and charming rural villages. It is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions and cultures.
Pedaling through the Mekong Delta at your own pace grants you the opportunity to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the countryside. Take your time to soak in the small details that make the region so special. Interact with locals, and gain a deeper understanding of the area's history and traditions. If you're looking for an authentic and immersive travel experience, this adventure is for you.
What will the trip look like?
Day 1 – Ho Chi Minh City to Cai Be (Cycle Distance: 30km, Meals: L+D)
You’ll be picked up from Ho Chi Minh City center at 8am to Cai Lay, a more relaxed town, to kickstart your cycling odyssey. At Cai Lay, you'll hit the road and cycle your way through picturesque back roads for about 2 hours until you reach Cai Be. There, you'll hop on a boat and embark on unique cultural experiences visiting local villagers. After lunch on a nearby island, you'll continue on to your local homestay, run by a delightful retired couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ba. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the area on two wheels. As the sun sets, you'll be treated to a delicious dinner prepared by your hospitable hosts
Day 2 – Vinh Long to Can Tho (Cycle Distance: 50km, Meals: B+L+D)
In the morning, you will head to Vinh Long by car transfer. From there, the local guide will tailor the cycling route depending on the group’s ability. You’ll get to ride past rural riverside villages and even rice fields. Along the way to Can Tho, you’ll stop for lunch at local town. Finally, you will ride through lush fruit gardens to arrive in Can Tho where you will stay in a hotel
Day 3 – Can Tho to Chau Doc (Cycle Distance: 30km, Meals: B+L+D)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take a boat from the Ninh Kieu dock to the floating markets at Cai Rang. You’ll get to cycle through the countryside roads and even visit a fruit orchard. Take a break from your bicycle as you take a car transfer to Chau Doc, the Vietnamese city that borders Cambodia. Your guide will bring you around the local villages of Chau Doc, where you can even visit the local Muslim village in the Mekong Delta region. After a day of exploration, you will stay in a hotel in Chau Doc
Day 4 – Chau Doc to Phnom Penh (by boat, Meals: B)
Today, you will embark on your boat journey from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. You will cycle to the pier in Chau Doc to conclude the cycling portion of your journey. You will part ways with your cycling guide here, but no fret as you’ll be in good hands with the boat crew as you cruise down the Mekong to Phnom Penh. You’ll hop off the boat to clear immigration at the Cambodian border before resuming your journey to Phnom Penh by boat. After reaching Phnom Penh, feel free to explore the cultural and historical offerings of Cambodia’s capital. Or if you’d like, you can head home or to your next destination!
This trip will be S$697, inclusive of:
| Experienced guide (trained in first-aid, bicycle maintenance, culture) |
| 1-night accommodation in local homestay |
| 2-night accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotel (twin share) |
| Meals stated in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner) |
| Air-conditioned vehicle that will follow the group for transfers, support |
| Bicycle rental |
| Entrance fees and boat transfer fees |
| Water, snacks, fruits and towel for cycling days |
| Boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh |
It excludes:
| Flights to Ho Chi Minh City, and flights out of Phnom Penh |
| Personal travel insurance |
| Personal expenses |
What kind of terrain will we cycle in?
No fret, we will not be cycling in Ho Chi Minh City. The terrain will be a mix of back roads, village roads, and natural terrain (such as rice fields). When moving between destinations that require moving on busy roads, there will be an air-conditioned van to transport you and your bicycles.
Do I need to be very fit?
This trip is not an intense mountain biking trip, but rather a mix of cycling and cultural immersion. That said, you do need some level of fitness to cycle about 30 – 50 km a day to enjoy the trip. There will be breaks in between, and the guide will tailor the difficulty of the terrain based on the group’s ability and experience.
A support vehicle will also be following the group to carry your baggage, so you can just focus on cycling.
Where are we staying?
It will be a mix of local homestays and hotels throughout the trip:
| Day | Area | Accommodation Name | Type |
| Day 1 | Vinh Long | Ba Linh | Homestay |
| Day 2 | Can Tho | TTC Premium | 3* Hotel |
| Day 3 | Chau Doc | Chau Pho | 3* Hotel |
When and which airport should we fly in to Vietnam?
Since the guide will be picking you up at 8am in Ho Chi Minh City, we suggest flying in the night before. There are multiple flights daily from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City.
You can discuss your pre-trip plans with fellow participants in the group chat after securing your slot. Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant place with amazing food. For the adventurous, you can even consider doing a pre-trip to the sand dunes of Mui Ne, which is a 4-hour bus ride away from the city.
Can the meals be catered to my dietary preferences?
Vegetarian options will definitely be available upon request. For vegan and halal options, it is difficult to guarantee such options because lunch stops are not fixed – in that case, pre-packed sandwiches or snacks will be offered instead.
Please do let us know any dietary restrictions beforehand so the guides can plan ahead!
Sotravel 
Leave a comment