Road Biking from Saigon to Angkor

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Sightseeing in Saigon

   You’ll meet at the hotel in Saigon at 3 p.m. (check-in is available from 2 p.m.) to kick off the trip with a guided city tour. Your first stop is Reunification Hall, once known as the Presidential Palace—famously captured by North Vietnamese tanks on April 30, 1975, marking the fall of Saigon. 

   From there, you'll explore key landmarks of colonial-era Ho Chi Minh City, including the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel, the Opera House, and City Hall. In the evening, you'll review the tour ahead and gather for a welcome dinner.
   
   

   • Grand Hotel
   • Dinner

   • 

     Grand Hotel

     A restored 1930s luxe hotel overlooking the Saigon River.

   • 

     Grand Hotel

     A restored 1930s luxe hotel overlooking the Saigon River.

   • 

     Grand Hotel

     A restored 1930s luxe hotel overlooking the Saigon River.

2. Day 2Saigon – Phan Thiet

   This morning, you’ll transfer about 2.25 hours out of bustling Saigon to escape the city traffic and begin your ride in a more peaceful setting. From there, you’ll cycle along a scenic coastal road toward Phan Thiet, home to some of Vietnam’s best beaches. As you head north, you’ll pass by Ke Ga Cape near the Ta Kou National Reserve, riding a quiet, flat route that winds between sand dunes, pine forests, and the sea. By day’s end, a beautiful white sand beach awaits you in Phan Thiet.
   
   

   • 64 miles
   • Mana Mui Ne Beach Resort
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Elevation Profile

3. Day 3Phan Thiet – Dalat

   You’ll start the day with a flat and fast ride along the coast before turning inland and beginning the climb toward Dalat, a charming hill station sitting at over 1,500 meters above sea level. Around the 90 km mark, you’ll tackle a tough 700-meter ascent over just 10 km, followed by a short breather before the final push to Di Linh. In total, you’ll climb around 2,000 meters today on quiet, scenic roads, with plenty of breaks along the way—including a stop at the Dai Ninh hydroelectric dam. If the ride gets too challenging, you’re always welcome to hop into the support vehicle. From Di Linh, you’ll transfer the rest of the way (to avoid busy roads) to your hotel in Dalat. Once there, relax and take in the fresh mountain air, colonial charm, and surrounding pine forests that define this unique city.
   
   

   • 64 miles
   • Dalat Du Parc Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Du Parc Hotel Dalat

     French colonial hotel that's conveniently located in Da Lat.

   • 

     Du Parc Hotel Dalat

     French colonial hotel that's conveniently located in Da Lat.

   • 

     Elevation Profile

4. Day 4Dalat - Madagui

   After yesterday’s big climb, today rewards you with a mostly downhill ride, descending over 2,000 meters in total. It’s a scenic journey through the Central Highlands, where you’ll pass vibrant banana and rubber plantations growing in the region’s rich red soil. This area is also home to some of Vietnam’s finest tea and coffee farms. Your ride ends in the picturesque highland town of Di Linh. From there, you’ll transfer to the city of Madagui, crossing a suspension bridge over the Da Huoai River to reach your accommodations.
   
   

   • 72.1 miles
   • -11,876.6 ft
     11,876.6 ft
   • Madagui Resort
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Madagui Forest City

     Brick cottage accommodations in a tropical rain forest.

   • 

     Madagui Forest City

     Brick cottage accommodations in a tropical rain forest.

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     Elevation Profile

5. Day 5Madagui - Phuoc Long

   Today, you cycle directly out of the resort along a scenic road that passes through hidden farming communities in the foothills of the Annamite Mountains. When you reach the Dong Nai River, you enter an area once influenced by an ancient Hindu culture—lingam statues found here date back to the 8th century CE—and you may choose to stop at a small museum displaying local artifacts.
   
   As you continue riding and gradually climb higher, you stop for lunch in a small village before tackling a more challenging ascent around the 60 km mark. At the top, you reach a plateau with views over green, rolling countryside, followed by a short transfer to your hotel. You spend the night in Phuoc Long, a small town known as the site of a decisive 1975 battle during the Vietnamese–American War.

   • 68.4 miles
   • 282.2 ft
     4,061.7 ft
     3,779.5 ft
   • Tullia Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
6. Day 6Phuoc Long - Prey Veng

   Today, you say “hẹn gặp lại”—see you later—to Vietnam as you cross into Cambodia. After a one-hour drive to the border and completing formalities, you change into your cycling gear and begin your ride into Cambodia’s quiet frontier region, where friendly villagers are quick to greet you.
   
   The route starts flat and remains gentle throughout, with a few gradual climbs and descents as you settle into the rhythm of rural Cambodian life, where the pace is calm and the smiles come easily. After the ride, you board the van for a two-hour transfer to your peaceful guesthouse for the night.

   • 46.6 miles
   • -6.6 ft
     1,902.9 ft
     1,909.4 ft
   • Daily Prey Veng Guest House
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
7. Day 7Prey Veng - Phnom Penh

   This morning, you cycle out of town and into the open countryside running parallel to the Mekong River, with Phnom Penh—Cambodia’s capital—as your destination. Along the way, you pass villages of stilted homes, traditional wooden fishing boats, and colorful Theravada temples, creating a scenic and peaceful ride. As the wide sweep of the Mekong opens up ahead, you board a ferry and take in views of the rapidly growing Phnom Penh skyline.
   
   After a shower and lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. By tuk-tuk or on foot, you can visit the Royal Palace, browse the bustling Russian Market, or pay your respects at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It’s also rewarding to simply wander the city’s streets and discover its mix of architecture, parks, and emerging neighborhoods.
   
   This evening, you’re free to choose your own restaurant for dinner—your guide will be happy to suggest favorites.

   • 37.3 miles
   • -9.8 ft
     725.1 ft
     734.9 ft
   • Frangipani Royal Palace
   • Breakfast and Lunch

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     Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel

     Conveniently located hotel with a relaxing atmosphere

   • 

     Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel

     Conveniently located hotel with a relaxing atmosphere

   • 

     Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel

     Conveniently located hotel with a relaxing atmosphere

8. Day 8Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham

   This morning, you hop back on your bike and ride to the ferry dock. After crossing to the left bank of the river, you pedal through lush tropical countryside, where jungle vegetation reaches right up to the roadside. Along the way, you stop at a local home to see the traditional craft of silk weaving, passed down through generations, and enjoy refreshment breaks in small villages where you can take in the rhythm of rural life.
   
   Crossing into Kampong Cham province, you explore the ancient Khmer temples of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srie. Nearby, you make a solemn stop at a former Khmer Rouge extermination site—one of the “killing fields” from 1975 to 1979—to reflect on this chapter of Cambodia’s history.
   
   You then complete the final stretch of your ride to the hotel, with time to relax before regrouping in the evening for a traditional Khmer dinner.

   • 72.1 miles
   • 354.3 ft
     879.3 ft
     524.9 ft
   • LBN Asian Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
9. Day 9Kampong Cham - Kampong Thom

   After breakfast, you begin cycling along the Mekong River toward Hanchey Mountain, where you’ll visit one of the many Khmer temples perched on its peak. From there, you continue riding through classic Cambodian countryside, passing rice paddies, rubber plantations, and small rural villages.
   
   After the ride, you’ll have the option to visit Santuk Mountain. With more than 800 steps leading to the top, it rewards you with sweeping views over the plains and surrounding countryside.

   • 60.3 miles
   • 88.6 ft
     1,148.3 ft
     1,059.7 ft
   • Glorious Hotel and Spa
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Glorious Hotel & Spa

     An ideal place to relax and have more fun after a day of riding

   • 

     Glorious Hotel & Spa

     An ideal place to relax and have more fun after a day of riding

   • 

     Glorious Hotel & Spa

     An ideal place to relax and have more fun after a day of riding

10. Day 10Kampong Tom - Koh Ker

    From Stueng Saen, you’ll ride north through the Boeng Peae Wildlife Sanctuary, a scenic jungle area dotted with ancient, Angkor-style temples. Take in the lush surroundings as you tackle some gentle climbs before moving onto the rolling terrain of the Cambodian countryside.
    
    After your ride north, you’ll transfer for about two hours to explore the 10th-century Koh Ker complex, a former Khmer capital filled with fascinating moats, towers, and temple structures. Tonight, you’ll stay at a hotel conveniently located near this remarkable ancient site.

    • 55.9 miles
    • 252.6 ft
      889.1 ft
      636.5 ft
    • I Am Koh Ker
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
11. Day 11Preah Vihear - Siem Reap

    Today’s ride starts right from your hotel, leading you through lively communities, farmland, and stretches of wilderness as you make your way toward Siem Reap and Angkor. As you draw closer, you’ll have the chance to explore the atmospheric, jungle-covered ruins of Beng Mealea, a temple that has only recently become accessible to visitors.
    
    After your temple visit, you’ll transfer to Siem Reap, settle into your hotel, and spend the evening enjoying this small yet vibrant city—the gateway to the wonders of Angkor Wat.

    • 74.6 miles
    • 75.5 ft
      1,345.1 ft
      1,269.7 ft
    • Somadevi Angkor Boutique
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    • 

      Somadevi Angkor Boutique

      Spend two nights in the comfortable surroundings of a boutique resort in the heart of Siem Reap

    • 

      Somadevi Boutique Resort

      Spend two nights in the comfortable surroundings of a boutique resort in the heart of Siem Reap

12. Day 12Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

    This morning, you begin your ride to the entrance of Angkor Wat and continue to Ta Prohm, made famous by the film Tomb Raider. Deliberately left overgrown by French conservationists, the temple is entwined with strangler fig and silk-cotton trees, giving it a mystical, romantic atmosphere. You then cycle to Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and the Terrace of the Elephants.
    
    After lunch at Angkor Café, you explore Angkor Wat, the world’s largest Hindu temple and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Built as a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II, it faces west and its walls are adorned with detailed carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the king’s battles.
    
    After visiting these magnificent temples, you cycle back 7 km to Siem Reap and gather in the evening for your farewell dinner.

    • 18.6 miles
    • 111.5 ft
      216.5 ft
      105 ft
    • Somadevi Angkor Boutique
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    • 

      Somadevi Angkor Boutique

      Spend two nights in the comfortable surroundings of a boutique resort in the heart of Siem Reap

    • 

      Somadevi Boutique Resort

      Spend two nights in the comfortable surroundings of a boutique resort in the heart of Siem Reap

    • 

      Elevation Profile

13. Day 13Siem Reap Departure

    You’ll have a free morning to soak up the sights and sounds of Siem Reap at your own pace before heading to the airport for your onward flight.
    
    

    • Breakfast