Vietnam can have average temperatures as high as 26 degrees Celsius in January. In the UK, such high temperatures in the height of winter are unheard of, and for many, the idea of venturing somewhere warm is a tempting one.
Vietnam is a country with a rich cycling history. Having one of the highest densities of motorcyclists in the world, it is a wonder of the modern world to see the bustling streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh filled with motorcycles of all shapes, colours, and builds.
Ride in Rural Vietnam
In this Explore offered experience, travelers will be given the opportunity to travel through Vietnam and its neighbouring country Cambodia. While a portion of this two week tour will be taking place amongst these busy city streets, a majority of the adventure will be taking place across rural spots. Cycle through picturesque farming villages and lush, exotic forests, and forget the world and concrete jungles that so many of us inhabit. The beauty of Vietnam’s countryside is nothing to be scoffed at, and is guaranteed to be a breathtaking experience for any cyclist taking on the trail.
It is not just nature and wildlife the journey has to offer however. Throughout the trip, there are promises of explorations to small towns and villages, to explore local life, business, and hospitality. Try traditional, locally made produce, such as freshly caught fish and rice, as well as a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Soup dishes (Pho), spring rolls, rice and fish dishes, and Vietnamese style baguettes (Banh Mi) are all delicious Vietnamese dishes, and to have them from their country of origin is sure to be a culinary delight.
There are also many unique markets offered on the tour to explore. On Day 5, for example, the tour is expected to take route through Cai Rang- a floating market set on the wet ricelands of Mekong Delta. This unique marketplace offers cyclists a chance to sample local delicacies, and is sure to be an unforgettable shopping experience.
Of course, no trip to Vietnam would be complete without seeing the sights of history. Vietnam is known for its many temples and buildings, and this excursion also offers opportunities to explore these historic sights. Day 6 offers the chance to travel to mountainside temples overlooking incredible landscapes, and to see these temples up close, in a spot less traveled by most tourists.
Explore the Wonders of Cambodia
Day 7 of the trip will see a shift, crossing the border of Vietnam over to its neighbour, Cambodia. Much like Vietnam, Cambodia is rich with natural beauty, with the trip offering cyclists the opportunity to ride through these locations, and see them up close.
While many in the western world have some understanding of Vietnamese history, the history of Cambodia is less well known. This portion of the trip has many stops along the way to rectify this, with routes planned to take cyclists through historic landmarks and important cultural sights.
Day 8, for example, will take explorers to the sight of the Tuol Sleng genocide- an atrocity that took place nearly 50 years ago. While a huge part of Cambodian history, this event is rarely spoken about, making the excursion to this sight an educational, if not sombering one.
Historic temples are also abundant, with the cycle path through rural Sambor Preikuk on Day 10 giving opportunities to explore hundreds of small, ancient temples- with some being over 1000 years old! Culturally significant, and beautiful surrounded by Cambodian nature, this part of the trek is certainly one to look forward to.
This trip is being offered for prices as low as £1699 for it’s 13 day tour- that’s only £130 per day to experience such a once in a lifetime experience. For adventurous cyclists, explorers, or just those who want to cycle somewhere warm this winter, this trip is certainly not one to miss out on.
