Cycle

country:	Cambodia, Vietnam
location:	Indochina holidays
trip type:	A small group adventure
departures:	This trip is no longer running
price:	From £985 (23 days) excluding flights, local payment US $300. We can arrange flights from the UK

Cycling holidays

Small group adventure holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

The road may be long, with many a winding turn - but the spectacular scenery and local hospitality make every pedal one to remember!

Cycling through rice paddies and little-travelled backroads is a perfect way to discover the beautiful landscapes and friendly people of Indochina.

This challenging itinerary is one of our more demanding yet ultimately rewarding trips. See the best of Vietnam and Cambodia on an overland cycling adventure.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1-2:	Hanoi. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum complex are ours to explore. The adventurous may wish to ride the busy streets through the Old Quarter where all manner of goods can be found, from silks to wood carvings and lacquerware.
Day 3-4:	Ninh Binh. We take the rural backroads towards Ninh Binh and cycle through the unique terrain around the Tam Coc Caves.
Day 5:	Hue. The flat roads around this sleepy city lead out to Hue's remarkable sites including temples, bunkers, tombs, ruins and spectacular scenery. We keep the itinerary flexible and fun.
Day 6-7:	Hoi An. Cycling up to the Hai Van Pass looks a formidable climb but the views from the top are worth the effort. Our destination is the charming merchant town of Hoi An. Those with extra energy can ride to the nearby beach for a well-earned swim.
Day 8:	Kon Tum. The lush countryside around Kon Tum is inhabited by local minorities, and provides a colourful backdrop for a day's cycle.
Day 9:	Buon Ma Thot. The hills, covered in coffee plantations, provide a beautifully undulating path to Buon Ma Thuot.
Day 10-11:	Nha Trang. A welcome downhill jaunt leads us to Vietnam's premier resort town. Soak in the mineral springs, indulge in a drink or two or take some time to enjoy the sand and sea.
Day 12-13:	Dalat. The winding roads of the South Central Highlands lead us through the picturesque flower and coffee growing region. Dalat, one of Vietnam's most delightful cities, is perfect to tour around on bike.
Day 14:	Ho Chi Minh City. After an exciting stint through the Bao Loc Pass, we are back to the busy city streets. Ho Chi Minh City is rich in history and fascinating architecture.
Day 15:	Phnom Penh. It's a short flight to Cambodia and the capital Phnom Penh. The city's main attractions are all within cycling distance.
Day 16:	Takeo. Riding out of the capital, we witness the tragedy of the Killing Fields and the glory of the Angkor temple of Tonle Bati en route to Takeo.
Day 17:	Kampot. We reach the pleasant river town of Kampot on flat roads surrounded by rice fields.
Day 18-19:	Sihanoukville. After a challenging ride through ever changing scenery, the beautiful beach town of Sihanoukville provides plenty of options for relaxation.
Day 20-23:	Siem Reap. Staying in Siem Reap, we'll spend the final few days of our adventure exploring the ruins of the ancient temples of Angkor. A fantastic and awe-inspiring way to end our Indochina odyssey.

small group adventure holiday

This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more)

highly commended

This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.

how this holiday makes a difference

On this trip you are joined by a leader throughout and local guides along the way who are always eager to share information about their country and culture, and help you break down barriers in your interactions with local people. They will explain as much as possible about the cultural differences and help visitors to minimise the environmental impact of our visits.

Travellers have the option to visit KOTO in Hanoi – a restaurant combined with a training school that has been set up for less fortunate kids, to help them to gain some practical skills.

There are many small local orphanages and schools where groups will have the opportunity to visit and perhaps have a go at teaching English to eager students. We also visit Chicken Village near Dalat and hopefully get to visit the local medical clinic. Throughout or at the end of our journey, travellers may donate any unwanted clothing, medicines and bandages, which are distributed to appropriate local charities.

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'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left).

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