Saigon to Bangkok cycling holiday
| country: | Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam |
| location: | Indochina holidays |
| departures: | 2010: 16 May, 4 Jul, 24 Oct, 7 Nov, 5 Dec |
| price: | From US $1995 (14 days) excluding flights. Single supplement is US $350, bike hire US $170 |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Saigon to Bangkok cycling holiday
This tour takes in three of South East Asia's most diverse and fascinating countries.
Commencing in Saigon we head into Vietnam's rice bowl and the Mekong Delta. This fascinating area is flat and lush and is quite unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. At mix of Khmer and Vietnamese people make this a diverse and interesting region to explore.
Our entry into Cambodia is by boat as we head up one of Asia's great rivers, the Mekong, to Phnom Penh. Enjoy the French colonial charms of Phnom Penh to the ancient temple site Sombor Prey Kuk and riding through the countryside. One of the highlights is, of course, riding amongst a thousand years of history at Angkor and we explore the extraordinary temple complexes.
After the wonders of Angkor we head to the faded colonial city of Battembang. This sleepy backwater city is well worth a visit and we arrive in time to explore. We are now just a short distance to Thailand.
We cross into Thailand at a tiny immigration point nestled in the small mountains that separate Thailand from Cambodia. We then ride the short way to the main road where we transfer to the beach and a well earned rest. A truly great tour through the heart of South East Asia.
Commencing in Saigon we head into Vietnam's rice bowl and the Mekong Delta. This fascinating area is flat and lush and is quite unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. At mix of Khmer and Vietnamese people make this a diverse and interesting region to explore.
Our entry into Cambodia is by boat as we head up one of Asia's great rivers, the Mekong, to Phnom Penh. Enjoy the French colonial charms of Phnom Penh to the ancient temple site Sombor Prey Kuk and riding through the countryside. One of the highlights is, of course, riding amongst a thousand years of history at Angkor and we explore the extraordinary temple complexes.
After the wonders of Angkor we head to the faded colonial city of Battembang. This sleepy backwater city is well worth a visit and we arrive in time to explore. We are now just a short distance to Thailand.
We cross into Thailand at a tiny immigration point nestled in the small mountains that separate Thailand from Cambodia. We then ride the short way to the main road where we transfer to the beach and a well earned rest. A truly great tour through the heart of South East Asia.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive in Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, and prepare bikes. |
| Day 2: | Transfer out of the city and then ride through Mekong Delta to Trah Vinh. |
| Day 3: | Take in river scenes on ride to Can Tho. |
| Day 4: | Ride country roads to Chau Doc. |
| Day 5: | Boat trip on Mekong River to Phnom Penh. |
| Day 6: | Ride to Oudong to visit temple and transfer back for free afternoon in Phnom Penh. |
| Day 7: | Ride around Sombor Prey Kuk temple then transfer into Siem Reap. |
| Day 8: | Visit temples of Angkor by bicycle. |
| Day 9: | Ride to the remote Banteay Srei temple of Angkor. |
| Day 10: | Transfer by boat to Battembang. |
| Day 11: | Ride undulating road to Pailin. |
| Day 12: | Ride to border and cross into Thailand. Transfer to beach. |
| Day 13: | Free day on beach in Thailand. |
| Day 14: | Free morning then transfer to Bangkok. |
small group cultural tours
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) 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 new people as well as experiencing new cultures.how this holiday makes a difference
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We passionately believe that Responsible Tourism can be of immense help to local communities; providing income, positive cultural exchanges and an incentive to protect the natural environment. Recognising that there is always room for improvement, we continually strive to narrow the gap between principle and practice.
Environment Adopting a “carry in – carry out” policy, we actively engage in environmentally responsible practices to minimise tourist impact upon the local habitat. From biodegradable soaps to re-usable water containers, we provide clients with the best information and means to help them identify and implement effective ways to positively protect local nature and communities. It is a vital ethos that can be passed on and abided by all, long after the trip has ended. Community Prior to our tours, we liaise with local community leaders to ensure we are welcome and in a manner that minimizes negative social and cultural impact. We visit local development and community projects specific to the region, encouraging our clients to donate and/or assist such projects in appropriate and sustainable manners. In Vietnam, a country ravaged by decades of war and economic hardship, we offer support to the independent non-government charity SOS Children’s Villages. The international organisation is dedicated to providing a loving and educational environment for abandoned, neglected, and impoverished children. Through sensitive hands on experience, we encourage cross cultural interaction and education between clients and the local communities. This is achieved by limiting tour group sizes, which also minimises any social and environmental impact. We also assist in the development of local infrastructure such as rural pathways. We make sure that where and whenever possible our tours positively benefit the local community. We stay at locally owned accommodation and visit cottage industries for local handicraft souvenirs, generating income for local businesses. We employ and train local guides, drivers and assistants on all trips to ensure that the local community benefits not only short term but with increased employment opportunities for the future. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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