YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 – 10th October: Bangkok Arrival
Depart Auckland 10th October on SQ4282 at 00.55am, arrive Singapore 6.40am
Depart Singapore 10th October on SQ972 at 9.35am arrive Bangkok 11.05am
Upon arrival at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (after you collect your luggage). Please proceed to the Arrival Hall on the second floor. Please look for your guide, holding a signboard with your group name at Gate B (Door No. 6). If you cannot find your guide, first please contact the ATTA counter right next to door No. 6, or please call to our emergency number (+66) 81 449 7283. Transfer from the Airport to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Meal: None
Accommodation: Navalai River Resort – Serene Corner
Address: 45/1 Phra Athit Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok
Tel: (66-2) 280 9955
www.navalai.com
Day 2: Bangkok – Afternoon briefing (@15.30)
Today is free at leisure until:
15.30: Thailand cycle guide will meet the guest at the hotel for orientation for the tour.
OPTION: 17.00: Tuk tuk by night (Join-in tour with Tuk Tuk Eat Repeat), pick up at the hotel.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Navalai River Resort – Serene Corner
Address: 45/1 Phra Athit Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok
Tel: (66-2) 280 9955
www.navalai.com
Day 3: Bangkok - Khao Yai
Meet in the hotel foyer after breakfast at 09.00am, then transfer approx. 3 hours to the Khao Yai National Park area. In the late afternoon we’ll get to try out our bikes by taking a short warm up ride through the nearby rural villages, and then chill out by the swimming pool at our rustic overnight accommodation and enjoy a locally cooked Thai dinner.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Thanyapak Resort – ROH
Address: 182 Moo 12, Prachin Buri
Tel: 66-99-156-2359
Day 4: Khao Yai - Prachinburi
Our cycle route today is 50 kilometres, but we suggest you don’t attempt to cycle the full distance unless you are already well acclimatized to the heat. The support vehicle follows and you can cycle as much or as little as you like. Our route follows minor roads, byways and the occasional dirt trail as we skirt Khao Yai, which translates as ‘the Big Mountain’. We will pass through small rural villages, Buddhist monasteries and rice paddy fields. Continuing the ride along country back roads, we arrive at our rustic resort in the late afternoon with time to relax before sampling some of the local dishes.
Cycling distance: 50 Km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Suan Nong Nut Resort – ROH
Day 5: Prachinburi - Sa Kaew
Riding directly from the resort, we follow minor roads through Thai rural landscapes including rubber andeucalyptus plantations as well as tapioca and rice fields. Today, there are a few easy rolling hills, but the route is mostly flat. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and chat with the friendly Thai locals. The ride ends with a short section on a busier road as we enter the town of Sa Kaew.
Cycling distance: 50 Km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: River Resort & Spa – ROH
Address: Mueang Sa Kaeo, Thailand
Tel: +66 37 421 111
Day 6: Sa Kaew - Aranyaprathet
Leaving our hotel early in the morning, we ride towards the beautiful Pang Sida National Park, where we can stop by a reservoir for a swim and a view of the untouched jungle on the other side. The afternoon ride follows very quiet but well-maintained scenic roads on the way to Aranyaprathet, a town located just 10km from the Cambodian border.
Cycling distance: 45 Km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Indochina – ROH
Address: 154 Moo 6 Thanavithee Road, Aranyaprathet
Tel: +64 37 232 588 90
http://www.indochinahotel.co.th/
Day 7: Into Cambodia and Transfer to Siem Reap
After breakfast, we transfer to the border and complete customs formalities as we cross the busy border into Cambodia. On arrival in Poipet, we transfer by bus towards Siem Reap, when you arrive Pouk district, you will start cycling through the countryside to Siem Reap and check in at your hotel.
The magnificent Angkor complex of temples is without a doubt one of the most astounding archaeological sites in the world. Scattered over an area of 200 square kilometers, only Egypt’s Nile Valley can compare to this vast array of ancient monuments. The ancient city of Angkor served as the royal centre from which a dynasty of Khmer kings ruled one of the largest, most prosperous and sophisticated kingdoms in the history of South East Asia. With a history covering over 600 years from 802 AD to 1432 AD, at the height of their power, the kings of Angkor ruled over a territory that extended from the tip of the Indochina peninsula, northward to Yunnan and from Vietnam, westward to the Bay of Bengal.
Cycling distance: Approx. 20-40 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Le Jardin D’Angkor – Deluxe
Add: 002, Sala Kamreuk Road, Sala Kamreuk Village, Sangkat Sala Kamreuk, Krong Siem Reap
Tel: (855) 63 766 142
www.lejardinangkor.com
Day 8: Explore magnificent Angkor by bike
Today, we may choose to have an early start to avoid the inevitable crowds drawn to the wonders of Angkor. The various temples are spread over a wide area, and are linked by shady avenues: meandering our way between them by bike gives us a unique perspective. Our cycle tour will include visits to Ta Prohm, the jungle-covered temple with amazing tree roots clinging to the ancient stones, the Bayon, with its 37 pagodas (originally there were 49) topped with the four faces of the king, South Gate of Angkor Thom, Elephant Terrace, Baphoun, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Leper King and, of course, the fabulous Angkor Wat - with its huge moat, long causeway and massive towers – it is the largest temple complex in Asia.
Cycled distance: Approx. 20-40 km
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Le Jardin D’Angkor – Deluxe
Day 9: Cycle to Banteay Srei – Cookery & Philanthropy
After breakfast, we cycle outside the main Angkor complex to the outlying temple of Banteay Srei, 28km from Siem Reap. Our route takes us past paddy fields, and through pretty villages. Banteay Srei was built in the 10th century and, although it is not a big temple, it is famous for its detailed and intricate stone carvings. It has been sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. After visiting Banteay Srei, you have the choice to either continue cycling around and exploring more temples independently or driving back to Siem Reap.
This afternoon, enjoy a half day Cookery & Philanthropy. All across Asia, food is at the very heart of every single person’s day. As the average Cambodian makes $3 per day, the means and ways of eating fresh healthy & seasonal food are at the forefront of every meal time. Today you will be part of a culinary experience, creating some of Cambodia’s most fashionable & iconic dishes, while engaging with the day to day lives of its people. Starting out from the private farm, with your Chef, you will view the range of different vegetables, available in the season growing fresh & organically. Your Chef will explain to you the key ways in which they filtrate water, tend to their crops and create the perfect harvest! A small journey onwards, will take you to a very local and completely tourist free village, where you will be the highlight of the villagers day! Walking with the chef to explore local traditions, weave past market traders & view the range of produce, selecting key ingredients to use in your class. Furthermore, the experience will engage with the locals in need, through a generous donation. Together with your chef, you will select a basket of harvest & dried goods for you to present to the Head Villager, as a kind offering in their day to day lives; giving back in the purest & simplest way! Taking tea, or sugar cane juice in the Village in a simple cafe, you will get a real feel of the true lives of the Khmer. Returning back to the farm, your Chef will then lead you through the remarkable ingredients used to make your 3 course lunch. Prepare at your own station while he talks you through the methods used to create each dish. Have fun learning about the new vegetables, creating the sauces & tasting as you go, the experience can be as advanced, or as Chef led as you wish! Afterwards you will eat your dinner at the Farm House and enjoy the fruits of your labor in a truly philanthropic, engaging experience in Cambodia.
NOTES:
- Suggested time for the Cookery & Philanthropy: 15:30-19:00
Siem Reap town is pleasant to wander around and don’t forget the Night Market for some great souvenir shopping or perhaps a “Dr. Fish” massage. Pub Street (and the surrounding alleys) in the evening, offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from - so you won’t go hungry (or thirsty) during your three nights in Siem Reap.
Cycled distance: Approx. 20-40 km
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Jardin D’Angkor – Deluxe
Day 10: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake (Kampong Kleang Floating Village) – Phnom Penh
This morning, we will visit the Tonle Sap Lake at Kampong Khleang Village, Kompong Khleang is about 55km from Siem Reap. It has a population of about 10,000 people, all of whom make a living from the fishing industry. Before reaching Phnom Penh, we’ll stop at the town of Skuon, where the local delicacy is fried spiders! In the 1950s and 1960s Phnom Penh was one of the finest cities in South East Asia. Despite the wide scale destruction that took place after the Khmer Rouge emptied the city in 1975, Phnom Penh still manages to exude some colonial charm from a bygone era. Particularly down on the palm-fringed riverfront where a number of French-era shops and villas still exist and the spires of the Royal Palace pierce the skyline. We will arrive in Phnom Penh at around 5 or 6pm, because of the traffic we are likely to encounter entering the city. After checking in to your hotel, we will take a walk in front of the Royal Palace and along the Chatomok River (the Four Faces River) to observe the local way of life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Angkor International Hotel – Standard
Address: #50, Street 148, Phnom Penh
Phone: +855 23 217 609
http://angkorinternationalhotel.com/
Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh – Free afternoon
After breakfast, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh which includes the Royal Palace (home to current Cambodian monarch - King Sihamoni) and the infamous Tuol Sleng Prison. Also known as Security Prison 21 (S21), Tuol Sleng Prison is a former high school that was transformed into a detention and interrogation center. An estimated 14,000 to 20,000 Cambodians accused of being traitors were tortured to death or sent to their execution from here.
In the afternoon, free time at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Angkor International Hotel – Standard
Day 12: Phnom Penh – Kep
Early breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you and we will transfer to Kep, a 3-hour drive. After stopping at Chouk, we get back on our bikes and cycle to the coastal town of Kep. We cycle through Phnom Wur Mountain, passing by some of the Khmer Rouge areas and the lake that was built for use during the war years. We then continue along the foot of the mountains until we reach our hotel in Kep.
Cycled distance: Approx. 65 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Mealea Resort – Deluxe
Address: House No. 25, Street 33A, Phum Prey Thom, Kep - Cambodia.
Tel: (+855-16) 17 609998. Fax: (+855-36) 63 67778
www.mealearesort.com
Day 13: Kep – Kampot – Kep
Today we cycle from the hotel through the countryside to the beautiful Phnom Sorsea. We then visit a cave before continuing to cycle along farm tracks to visit a famous pepper farm to see the plantation. We then cycle on to Kampot and visit the fascinating local market before lunch. After lunch cycle back to Kep.
Dinner tonight is on your own time, however we would strongly suggest a sundowner at the ‘Kep Sailing Club’ by the sea, just a short walk from your hotel for one of the best sunsets in Cambodia.
Cycled distance: Approx. 65 km
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Mealea Resort – Deluxe
Address: House No. 25, Street 33A, Phum Prey Thom, Kep - Cambodia.
Tel: (+855-16) 17 609998. Fax: (+855-36) 63 67778
www.mealearesort.com
Day 14: Bike Kep – Ha Tien (Vietnam)
After breakfast, we take a visit to the famous crab market before enjoying a 25 kilometre gentle ride across stunning rural areas towards the Ha Tien border crossing. Have lunch and leave your bike in Cambodia then walk across to Vietnam where your new bike awaits. This rural crossing is used mainly by local traders, and it makes a pleasant stop while immigration formalities are completed. A short pleasant ride on quite scenic roads introduces you to Ha Tien and have an afternoon at leisure to explore the small border town.
Cycling distance: Approx. 30-50 km
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: River Ha Tien hotel – Superior
Address: B3 Block, Tran Hau Business Center, Binh San Ward, Ha Tien,
Tel: 84-77 3955 888. Fax: 84-77 3956 777
www.riverhotelvn.com
Day 15: Ha Tien – Rach Gia – Can Tho
After an early morning breakfast, transfer approximately 2 hours to Rach Gia, a laid back fishing village which faces the Gulf of Thailand. The main part of town is on an island connected by road. This area is a stronghold of the Cao Dai faith. We ride on narrow lanes to explore the hidden backwaters of the delta and along canal banks until you reach Can Tho city.
Cycling distance: Approx. 50-70 km
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: West Hotel – Superior
Address: 88-90-92 Hai Ba Trung st., Ninh Kieu, Cantho
Tel: 84 292 368 3368. Fax: 84 292 368 8689
www.canthowesthotel.com
Day 16: Bike Can Tho – Vinh Long – Cai Be
This morning, rise early and get a unique taste of life in the Mekong. Board a local boat and explore the colorful Cai Rang floating market, where many boats laden with fruits, vegetables and fish jostle for trade. Sellers advertise their wares by crying out across the waters or tie their goods to a tall pole attached to their boat so that buyers can see from a distance what is being sold. This memorable experience makes for many excellent photo opportunities. Relax and enjoy the cruise back to the hotel where we will freshen up before we check-out and ride to Vinh Long. Lunch at local restaurant and transfer to Binh Minh where we start riding on tarmac road to Long Ho, we branch off and cycle through quieter countryside roads alongside rice paddies, coconut trees and orchards. Stop along the way for a short break and interact with hospitable locals and then transfer to Cai Be where you spend the night.
Cycling distance: 10-20 km
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ba Duc Ancient House
Address: 155 An Loi Hamlet, Dong Hoa Hiep Village, Cai Be District,
Tel: +84 - 073 - 3823 - 046. Fax: +84 - 073 - 3925 – 227
Day 17: Cai Be – Saigon – Street eats after dark
Following breakfast, enjoy leisurely cycling from the homestay to visit a local rice paper factory, candy workshop and orchard gardens before your transfer to Saigon. Lunch at a local restaurant and then transfer to the hotel for check in. Free at leisure till early evening for food tour.
SAIGON STREET EATS AFTER DARK – depart at 6pm return 10pm
Saigon is known for its orderly chaos all throughout the day, but the city particularly comes alive at night. Experience an evening strolling its vibrant streets while sampling some of its legendary street food. This evening, meet up with your foodie guide at a local coffee shop for a tour briefing before setting out to discover some of the best street food gems you can imagine. Join the queue at a local banh mi shop for some of the best bread in Saigon. Drive or walk to a banh cuon eatery (steamed rice flour crepe filled with pork), a dish originally from Northern Vietnam, but now popular throughout the country. Next, sample banh trang nuong, a pizza-like snack from Dalat loaded with interesting toppings. Indulge your sweet tooth at a nearby dessert stall selling delicious chuoi nep nuong (grilled banana with coconut milk). Your final stop will be at a busy eatery famous for its fresh grilled seafood, best washed down with a coldlocal beer. Return to your hotel in the late evening.
Cycling distance: 20-30 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (in food tour)
Accommodation: Vien Dong Hotel – Deluxe Park View
Address: 275A Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1
Tel: (84-8) 3836 8941
www.viendonghotel.benthanhtourist.com
Day 18: Saigon Vespa Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels (by road)
VESPA TOUR - INSIDER'S SAIGON – Depart 8am, return 12noon
Saigon retains a beautiful mix of its Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences. Discover the real Saigon like a local on the back of a vintage-style Vespa. Visit a songbird gathering (before 9am only) at Tao Dan Park, the Thich Quang Ducmonument dedicated to the monk who famously self-immolated in 1963 to protest the persecution of Buddhists, a flower market, and a funeral home for a glimpse of Vietnamese mourning customs. In Chinatown, visit Ong Bon pagoda, Tailor’s accessories market and a Chinese medicine storefront. Continue to leafy District 2 through the newly built Thu Thiem Tunnel to witness how far Saigon has expanded and visit a local market. Head back downtown past some of the city’s historic landmarks including the People’s Committee Building, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the CIA building on Dong Khoi Street and the Saigon Opera House.
NOTES:
Helmet is provided.
Guests ride pillion behind an experienced driver.
Tour includes external visits of buildings only.
Remark about traffic in Saigon:
First-time visitors to Saigon are inevitably overwhelmed by the dense traffic that never seems to stop. Despite its chaotic feel, motorbikes, cars, taxis and buses flow like water in a stream and Vietnamese drivers are skilled at manoeuvring around slowly-moving pedestrians. This tour visits the sights from the safety of a Vespa or sidecar with the drivers doing all the work allowing you to simply sit back and take in the sights.
CU CHI TUNNELS – Depart 1pm, return 6pm
From Saigon, take a 2hr drive northwest to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as living quarters, communication and supply routes, and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches. Touring the underground compounds will provide a better understanding of the history of the tunnels, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. Return to Saigon.
In the evening, transfer from your hotel to the restaurant for your farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Vien Dong Hotel – Deluxe Park View
Address: 275A Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1
Tel: (84-8) 3836 8941
Day 19: Saigon Departure
Free day at leisure till transfer to the airport (with guide) for your flight back home.
Meal: Breakfast
Depart Saigon 28th October on SQ177 at 12.15pm, arrive Singapore 3.20pm
Depart Singapore 29th October on SQ4283 at 6.40pm arrive Auckland 29th October 9.30am
Your Hosts: Jeremy and Beck Matthews, World Travellers Motueka
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