Overview
The 16-Day Siem Reap to Hue Cycling Adventure is a masterfully crafted expedition that unveils the "hidden" side of Indochina. This journey is designed for the intrepid traveler who seeks to go far beyond the tourist maps, connecting the ancient stone empires of Cambodia with the misty mountains and heritage-rich coasts of Central Vietnam. Over 16 transformative days, you will witness a kaleidoscopic transition of landscapes—from the jungle-clad ruins of Angkor and the rare freshwater dolphins of the Mekong River to the coffee-scented plateaus of Mang Den and the imperial grace of Hue.
Your adventure begins in Siem Reap, quickly heading off-road to the "Indiana Jones" style temple of Beng Mealea. As we pedal through the rural heartland of Kampong Cham and Kratie, you will experience a multimodal adventure, swapping pedals for paddles to kayak the pristine flooded forests of the Mekong. The journey takes an adventurous turn as we climb toward the Ratanakiri highlands before crossing the remote border into the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
Once in Vietnam, the terrain becomes a playground for mountain lovers. You will navigate the winding roads of Kon Tum and Mang Den—often called the "second Dalat"—witnessing the raw beauty of the Truong Son mountain range. The descent from the highlands brings you to the turquoise waters of the Central Coast. We explore the ancient Champa ruins of My Son Sanctuary, enjoy the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, and conquer the legendary Hai Van Pass. This 16-day odyssey culminates in Hue, leaving you with an immense sense of pride and a lifetime of memories from one of the most diverse overland routes in Asia.
Highlights
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Hidden Temple Exploration: Cycle to the unrestored and mystical Beng Mealea temple, hidden deep within the Cambodian jungle.
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Mekong River Multimodal: Combine cycling with kayaking on the Mekong River in Stung Treng to witness flooded forests and rare biodiversity.
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The "Wild East" of Cambodia: Experience the remote beauty of Ban Lung (Ratanakiri), a land of red soil, volcanic lakes, and ethnic minority cultures.
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Vietnam’s Central Highlands: Challenge your spirit on the soaring climbs of Mang Den and Kon Tum, exploring the unique "Ba Na" and "Jarai" ethnic villages.
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UNESCO Heritage Treasure Trove: Visit four world-class heritage sites: Angkor Archaeological Park, My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Imperial City of Hue.
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Spectacular Coastal Rides: Enjoy a scenic boat and bike journey into Hoi An and conquer the world-famous Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass).
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Highland to Heritage Transition: Experience the dramatic shift from the cool, misty mountain plateaus to the warm, tropical beaches of the Central Coast.
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Professional Support: Cycle with total peace of mind with a dedicated support van, expert mechanics, and English-speaking guides for both nations.
Brief Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival Day in Siem Reap – Welcome dinner and tour briefing.
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Day 2: Siem Reap to Beng Mealea (70km) – Cycling to the jungle temple and transfer to Kampong Thom.
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Day 3: Kampong Thom to Kampong Cham (80km) – Pedaling through rubber plantations and rural villages.
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Day 4: Kampong Cham to Kratie (80km) – Following the Mekong River to the home of the Irrawaddy dolphins.
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Day 5: Kratie to Stung Treng (40km) – Scenic ride and transfer along the river basin.
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Day 6: Kayak the Mekong – Exploring flooded forests by boat/kayak and transfer to Ban Lung.
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Day 7: Rest Day in Ban Lung – Relaxing by the Yeak Laom volcanic lake or exploring local markets.
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Day 8: Ban Lung (Cambodia) to Kon Tum (Vietnam) (70km) – International border crossing into the Central Highlands.
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Day 9: Kon Tum to Mang Den (54km) – Climbing to the "second Dalat" amidst pine forests.
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Day 10: Mang Den to Quang Ngai (110km with transfer) – A grand descent from the mountains to the coast.
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Day 11: Quang Ngai to Tam Ky (80km) – Cycling through rural coastal paths and local villages.
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Day 12: Tam Ky – Boat & Bike to Hoi An (60km) – Unique arrival into the ancient port town.
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Day 13: Hoi An – Free day for shopping, beach relaxation, or tailoring.
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Day 14: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary – Hoi An (45km+) – Visiting the ancient Champa ruins.
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Day 15: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue (90km+) – Conquering the legendary Hai Van Pass.
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Day 16: Hue City – Departure (30km+) – Exploring the Citadel and farewell ride.
What’s Included
What is Included:
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Accommodation: 15 nights in a curated mix of boutique hotels, mountain resorts, and high-quality local guesthouses (Twin/Double share).
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Meals: Most meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
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Professional Support: Fully air-conditioned support vehicle for luggage, mechanical assistance, and refreshments throughout.
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Expert Guides: English-speaking cycling guides specialized in the routes of Cambodia and Vietnam.
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Quality Gear: High-quality mountain or hybrid bike rental (Trek or Giant) with helmets.
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Hydration & Snacks: Unlimited mineral water, electrolytes, and fresh local fruits during cycling segments.
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Activities: Kayaking excursion in Stung Treng and local boat trips as per itinerary.
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Entrance Fees: All sightseeing fees, including the Angkor Pass, My Son, and Hue Imperial City.
What is Excluded:
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Airfare: International flights to Siem Reap and from Hue/Danang.
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Visas: Visa fees for Cambodia and Vietnam (E-visas are highly recommended).
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Insurance: Mandatory comprehensive travel and medical insurance (please provide proof).
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Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, and some dinners.
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Gratuities: Tips for the guide and driver team (highly appreciated).
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Single Supplement: Available for travelers requesting a private room throughout the tour.
Itinerary
Cycle from Angkor Wat to the Imperial City of Hue in 16 days. Experience the Mekong River, Central Highlands of Vietnam, and UNESCO sites like My Son and Hoi An. An epic cross-border journey with full support and expert guides. Book now!
Tour Plan
The tour starts with a late afternoon briefing followed by dinner. You can arrive any time before 4 pm in Siem Reap. You will be met from your flight by our driver. If this is your first visit to Siem Reap we highly recommend arriving a day or two earlier so you have a chance to explore the Angkor Temples.
Summary
Accommodation: Siem Reap Hotel 3*
Meals: Dinner
My cycling tour from Cambodia to Vietnam was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Golden Cycling Tours did a great job of organizing everything. The roads were challenging but rewarding, and the landscapes were incredible. The cultural insights and friendly guides made this trip unforgettable.