Vietnam Cycling
From £385 per person*
Cycle the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Overview | 4D/3N Ride
Cycle the Mekong Delta lets you see a part of Vietnam that is quite unique. This area is known as the "rice basket" of Vietnam and boasts flat and lush scenery, quite unlike anything else you will see in Vietnam. The rich soil makes the Mekong Delta a fruitful production area for rice, coconut, sugar cane, all manner of fruits and vegetables.
The adventure starts with a ride from Cai Lay to Cai Be on quiet back roads, lunching on an island before staying overnight with a local family. We enjoy boat journeys as well as riding by orchards and seeing Vietnamese life by the river. Day three takes us through the Khmer area and we see much evidence of this with the architecture amd the many Khmer people who populate this area. The last day we take in the Phong Dien floating market and many of the cottage industries before we head back to Saigon in the afternoon.
TRIP PROFILE
This trip covers a little over 170 kilometres on well surfaced roads. The daily distances are not too long and the terrain is gentle so this trip is suitable for most people, but it's advisable to have a modicum of fitness to enjoy the riding! Fast cyclists can ride at their own pace, as detailed directions are available from the tour leader. Our route is designed to take us off the main roads as much as possible and there is even the option to try some off road tracks. We explore scenic back roads on the way to all our destinations.
Departs Every Tuesday - see schedules below for booking status
Notes
Single room supplement: USD $95
This cycle ride can be incorporated into a Symbiosis tailor made holiday to Vietnam that can be adapted and tailored to meet your dates, preferences and passions. Please contact one of our bespoke holiday planners to create the ideal itinerary for you.
4D/3N Ride
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be
Transfer with bikes to Cai Lay. Ride to Cai Be on back roads approx 1.5 hours. Have lunch on an island before continuing onto our local home stay run by a lovely retired couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ba. They live in a typical Mekong Delta Vietnamese house, with airy rooms and outdoor kitchen. The rest of the afternoon is free to bike the dirt paths surrounding the home stay. Dinner will be prepared by the home stay hosts.
Mr. and Mrs. Ba’s Home stay. Ride 18-30 km. L D
Day 2: Cai Be – Vinh Long – Tra Vinh
From Vinh Long enjoy a boat journey out to one of the Mekong islands. Bike along narrow country lanes, easy dirt tracks and trails. This is biking at its most glorious -- through tiny orchards, witness colorful life along the riverside, pedal past picturesque delta homes, pause to chat with welcoming villagers, clack across innumerable wooden bridges. Cross a narrow canal on a local sampan, before finishing at the main ferry for a refreshing boat trip across the expansive Co Chien River. Ride a final few kilometers to the very pretty Khmer town of Tra Vinh. There will be plenty of time to explore side tracks and trails as the cycling distance today is not far. This gives a great first impression of the ‘heart of the Mekong’.
Local hotel in Tra Vinh. Ride 40 km. B L D
Day 3: Tra Vinh – Can Tho
A special ride today as much of the area is populated by Khmer people. The regional architecture is interesting and there are many Khmer temples to stop and admire en route. Cycle as much or as little as is preferred; the road is peaceful, narrow and very pretty all the way to Can Tho! Pedal to Ba Om Pond with its magnificent lotus flowers, and observe local women having their future predicted in the small temple nearby. En route, stop to visit a local Buddhist Temple School if possible. Arrive finally at Can Tho, the Mekong’s largest town located at the confluence of the Can Tho and Hau Giang rivers.
Local hotel in Can Tho. Ride 40 km. B L D
Day 4: Can Tho bike loop - Saigon
Spend the morning riding to Phong Dien floating market. Weave through teeming early morning market bustle along the banks of an active riverfront. Ride on a narrow paved road to Phong Dien floating market. Absorb the sights of endless cottage industries, timber merchants, coconut shredders, small docks loading/unloading rice, tiny vibrant markets. Continue by bike on the narrow lane and loop round to the main road. Ride to O Mon or Binh Thuy. Lunch in local restaurant in town. Return to the hotel, check out and drive four hours back to your hotel in Saigon.
Ride 40 km. B L
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