The Mekong, Southeast Asia’s longest river, is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam and Cambodia. Its floodplains harbor a cycling paradise, from the braided waterways and lush greenery of the Mekong Delta to the endless rice paddies and heritage sites of rural Cambodia. On this 9-day bike tour, we explore the lifeways, histories, and cuisines spanning the lower reaches of the Mekong as we connect the electrifying modern city of Saigon with the venerable ancient temples of Angkor.

We meet in Ho Chi Minh City (a.k.a Saigon) and head south into the heart of the Mekong Delta, spending three days cycling on quiet backcountry roads in a serene world of coconut farms and rice fields. We rattle over small bridges or hop on local ferries to cross rivers. We also spend time on the water, delving into the aquatic commercial frenzy of Vietnam’s largest floating market at Cai Rang and cruising up the Mekong River on a speedboat to reach Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. From here we head north, layering our tires with grit from the Kingdom’s notorious red-dirt roads, to reach the sleepy backwater town of Kampong Thom and the ancient, jungle-covered ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk. And finally we arrive in Siem Reap where, riding on paths perfect for mountain biking, we’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, majestic temples of the once-glorious Khmer Empire, including, of course Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. The tour ends in Siem Reap.

On this 10 day coastal Vietnam bike tour, capture an unforgettable snapshot of Vietnam’s shoreline, challenge yourself with scenic climbs, and explore a side of Vietnam unseen by most. Cycle central Vietnam’s iconic sandy-white beaches framed by coconut palms, with the sails of junks and sampans floating on the emerald green horizon of the South China Sea. The narrowest section of this unconditionally friendly country holds an incredible number of sights to feast your eyes on, making your ride worth the effort!

Tackle the twists and turns of the Hai Van Pass and reward yourself with a view of the Marble Mountains, a haunting spot created by a cluster of 5 elemental rocks. Bike past the paddy fields of Hoi An to encounter scenes of Vietnamese rural life. Observe the planting and harvesting techniques passed down through generations that are nearly as old as the Truong Son peaks of the area flowing down into the sea.

Remote, scenic backroads snake us through tribal and Viet villages before throwing us out onto the Hon Gom peninsular road. Here, the dazzling shore is broken up by wild sand dunes and beautiful rocky promontories jutting out into the water. And get away from it all to unwind and enjoy the seclusion of Whale Island for a well-deserved rest at journey’s end.

The mighty Mekong spreads into tentacles and tributaries in southern Vietnam, making the delta fertile and the region one of Vietnam’s highest producers of rice, vegetables, and fruits. Cycling through rice paddies, orchards, along and over a myriad of small irrigation canals will let you see this unique area of Vietnam.

We ride from village to village, boarding a few boats along the way, to give you an up-close perspective of Vietnamese life on the river. We stay with locals, learn about their way of life, and enjoy a home-cooked meal they prepare for us. We stop to shop and take in the colorful Cai Rang floating market before heading back to Saigon. This Mekong Delta bicycle tour is perfect for someone wanting to venture off the tourist track and into authentic Vietnam!