Vietnam & Cambodia Biking
Old Indochina from Hanoi to Angkor Wat
Asking "Why Vietnam?" is like asking why you ride. Is it the anticipation of what's around the corner? The exhilaration of a place you've never been? Maybe it's the serenity of a quiet footpath that's 2,000 years old. Or experiencing Hoi An, a second-century fishing village that now blends modern luxury with its history. How about the fun of passing rice paddies in a blur of speed? Or stopping at an open-air market and haggling with locals? Everything that's great about getting on your bike makes getting on your bike in Vietnam just such an incredible idea.
- Enter an ancient Hanoi temple rarely visited by foreign travelers
- Hoi An: Vietnam's oldest town, beautifully preserved and a delight to explore
- Ride through Cambodia's thrilling ruins of Angkor Wat
- Explore the historic monuments of Hué, once the capital of imperial Vietnam
- Indulge in some of Asia's freshest and tastiest cuisine
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Enter an ancient Hanoi temple rarely visited by foreign travelers 
On foot and via bicycle rickshaw, explore the city's bustling neighborhoods - with its tree-lined boulevards, French-Colonial architecture, lakes and parks, Hanoi is called the "Paris of the Orient."
Day 2 Indulge in some of Asia's freshest and tastiest cuisine Grand mausoleums of past empires punctuate your ride through small rural communities Experience a cycling thrill like no other: share the road with food carts, water buffalo, locals biking to work and kids walking to school.
Day 3 Explore the historic monuments of Hué, once the capital of imperial Vietnam, including the Royal Citadel, modeled after China's Forbidden City and the site of intense conflict during the Vietnam War.
Days 4-5 Hoi An: Vietnam's oldest town, beautifully preserved and a delight to discover Bike over Cloud Pass en route to Danang Leaving the tourists behind, pedal past bucolic settlements and vibrantly green rice paddies on wonderfully quiet roads Searching for a keepsake? There are plenty to pick from on Cam Kim, an island famous for ornate wood carvings.
Days 6-9 Ride through Cambodia's thrilling ruins of Angkor Wat, a former metropolis built to glorify a succession of Khmer kings A sunset from atop ruins: you've never seen anything like this! 
Spin through peaceful, seemingly undiscovered rural villages.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Thailand Biking China Biking Bali BikingOther Asia/Pacific Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I can't believe a month has passed since my sister and I got back from our Backroads trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. I have been referring to the experience as "the trip of a lifetime" and it truly was! Having lived in both Sri Lanka and China I didn't really think it was possible to have an 'authentic' experience in a country in just 10 days on a group tour, but Backroads proved me wrong. Biking in small groups and sometimes on my own down remote country roads afforded me the ability to interact, see the people, and experience their country in a way that I believe is difficult for tourists on a short visit.- San Francisco, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Vietnam & Cambodia Biking
Premiere Inns
Hotel Sofitel Metropole
Hanoi (1 night) In the heart of old Hanoi near the Opera House, this five-star historic landmark is a French Colonial gem with accolades from Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. (pool)
La Residence Hotel & Spa
Hué (2 nights) A blend of Asian opulence and Colonial charm, this stylish boutique hotel is housed within the former governor's mansion and set on the banks of the Perfume River. (pool, spa, tennis)
The Nam Hai
Hoi An (2 nights) This luxury resort - one of the world's hottest new hotels according to Condé Nast Traveler - is set on pristine China Beach, near the picturesque port town of Hoi An. (pool, spa)
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
Siem Reap (3 nights) Described by Andrew Harper as a "stylish and beautifully restored landmark resort-hotel surrounded by a 15-acre park, less than five miles from Angkor Wat." (pool, spa, tennis)
Vietnam & Cambodia Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 1.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 24, 30 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 25, 35 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 29, 44 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 22 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 14 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 27 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Level 3 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 39 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Guided Ruins Walk 1.5 hours