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Vietnam & Angkor Wat Biking

Vietnam & Angkor Wat Biking

Bicycling through Vietnam with Backroads, you’ll encounter elements of its distinctive past and see its dynamic future emerging before you. Explore Hanoi’s Belle Époque neighborhoods. Spin past farming villages and emerald-colored rice fields, where farmers shaded by conical non la hats work the lands of their ancestors. In the ancient capital of Hué, one of Vietnam’s most valued cultural treasures, discover temples, palaces and other relics. Marvel at wonderfully preserved architecture in the trading town of Hoi An, Vietnam’s oldest city. And in Cambodia, discover the World Heritage site of Angkor, a testament to the extraordinary engineering skills and aesthetic sense of the ancient Khmer people.

Day 1 hanoi

Meet in Hanoi During a bicycle rickshaw ride in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, discover narrow streets packed with food and flower stalls On foot, explore bustling neighborhoods seldom visited by tourists.

Days 2-3 hue

Fly to the World Heritage site of Hué, Vietnam’s ancient capital  Bike through small rural communities and by grand mausoleums of past empires  In the company of our Vietnamese guide, stroll through the 19th-century Hué Royal Citadel, modeled after China’s Forbidden City and the site of intense conflict during the Vietnam War.

Days 4-5 hoi an

Cycle over Cloud Pass to Danang and on to Hoi An, on the banks of the Thu Bon River Explore the city's narrow streets, filled with food markets, galleries and exceptionally preserved buildings and pagodas  Leaving the tourists behind, pedal past quiet rural communities and vibrantly green rice paddies  Bike the island of Cam Kim, famous for its ornate wood carvings.

Days 6-9 siem reap

 Fly to Cambodia and discover the former metropolis of Angkor, built to glorify a succession of Khmer kings Watch the sunset from atop ruins Pedal around Angkor Wat, one of Angkor’s most spectacular temples Spin through quiet villages in a countryside few foreigners explore.

big map

TRADITIONAL ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns

Hotel Sofitel Metropole (1 night): This restored five-star landmark—with its resplendent façade and elegant French-Colonial ambience—is a favorite of Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler. 

La Residence Hotel & Spa (2 nights): Displaying a mix of Asian opulence and Colonial charm, this deluxe boutique hotel on the bank of the Perfume River features stylishly decorated guest rooms, a saltwater pool, tennis court and full-service spa.

The Nam Hai (2 nights):

Located just outside town on a pristine white-sand beach, this spectacular new seaside resort earns high praise from Andrew Harpers' Hideaway Report. 

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor (3 nights): Set on the outskirts of Siem Reap just minutes from the main temple complex of Angkor Wat, this historic hotel pampers guests with a full-service spa, expansive gardens and outstanding cuisine.   

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

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
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2011 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

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.
Leslie Burlock - San Francisco, CA

I usually go on trips almost exclusively for the biking, but this trip turned out to be so much more. As Lance Armstrong's book title said "It's not about the bike" and that would have been an appropriate name for this trip. The best trip that I have taken with Backroads due to the profound cultural experience. We really experienced the true meaning of Backroads on this trip. Thank you for a wonderful vacation.
Doug Fein - Pennington, NJ

I've taken several Backroads trips, but this would have to be my favorite (so far.) A fascinating region of the world, full of the unexpected. I can't imagine that anyone with a bit of curiosity and a sense of adventure wouldn't enjoy this trip.
Robert Marshall - Tuscaloosa, AL

A really outstanding trip on many levels - mentally challenging biking, extraordinary cultural and culinary experiences, and the fascinating exploration of an emerging nation.
Marcia Klipsch - Madison, WI

Our leaders were superb - attentive, knowledgeable, helpful at all times, positive and fun. The local support was excellent too. We felt cared for all the time. Thanks for the superb routes, accommodations, food, and all the extras. Backroads, you did it again!
Wendy Carter - N. Vancouver BC

The trip was extremely well designed to cover a lot of territory in a short period of time. It was well-balanced, providing us with a great introduction to the Vietnamese landscape and culture. The accommodations and food were truly amazing. Overall, it was a wonderful trip that I will highly recommend to my friends.
Melina Buckley - Vancouver, BC

When word spreads, I'm sure you'll experience a stampede to get on this trip for cultural, historical, local flavor, culinary, spa and hotel accommodation, interaction with locals, seeing what a real "Backroads" experience is about, not having to worry about immigration and check-in service, and every other reason I can think of that attracts Backroads participants in the first place. This is what the Cambodian and Vietnamese biking adventure was about. I've had some great Backroads adventures, but, having experienced this, even for those who are less than the Backroads-types aficionados, I couldn't imagine and can't imagine anyone else who brings an "adventurous" mindset to their travels enjoying a trip more. Thank you!!!!
Jane Miller - Santiago, Chile

Beautiful, friendly, fascinating, adventurous and wonderful trip! After a while I had to decide not to stop for every picture moment and chalk it up to a memorable moment or else I would never reach my final destination!!
Katherine McLarney - Saratoga, CA

It was wonderful! Everyone, from the trip leaders to the support leaders from Trails of Indochina went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our safety, happiness, and well being!! Food was delicious, accommodations superb, and the trip was fantastic!!
Virginia Talieh - Saratoga, CA

This was my first trip with you all & I am so impressed. You really put together a great trip.
Rebecca Johnson - Collex, Switzerland