Cycle the Vibrant Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • Experienced cycling guides with extensive knowledge of the area
    • Support van and driver
    • Quality mountain bikes and helmets 
    • Accommodation in 4 star hotel or equivalent
    • 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 restaurant dinners 
    • Snacks (fruits, dried nuts, local snacks)
    • Fully guided Tuk Tuk Tunnels tour
    • Fully guided Killing Fields tour
    • Fully guided Tuol Sleng museum tour 
    • Market tour
    • An environmentally friendly water bottle 
    • Safe drinking water 
    • Transport of your luggage and any purchases made along the way
    • Return airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 8
    • All transfers detailed in itinerary

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to and from the starting and ending point
    • E-bikes
    • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
    • Airport transfers on other days
    • Guide gratuities — optional
    • Travel and medical insurance  — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  To fully enjoy this guided cycling trip in Vietnam and Cambodia, you should be in good physical shape. While previous cycling experience is recommended for maximum enjoyment, the flexible approach ensures even casual beginner cyclists can join this adventure. The good news is that Vietnam and Cambodia are pretty much flat, so there are no hills of note throughout this tour. 

  There are six days of cycling. Daily rides vary between 18.5 miles/30 km and 37 miles/60 km. While some days offer longer rides, the tour is structured to accommodate varying fitness levels, allowing participants to tailor their cycling experience. There is a support vehicle throughout with the option to take a break from riding at any time. Please note that you can bring or rent an e-bike to aid your pedaling if you have little experience with steep sections. Riding an e-bike will make the adventure much less strenuous.

  To prepare for this guided bike tour, consider incorporating a mix of cardiovascular exercises and strength training into your routine to enhance overall fitness. Aim for regular cycling sessions, gradually increasing the duration and intensity to simulate the conditions of the tour.

• What if I’ve never cycled before?

  To fully enjoy this guided cycling adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia, you should have some cycling experience. That said, it is enough being a casual cyclist as the difficulty level can be customized to suit your experience and preferences. Vietnam and Cambodia are pretty much flat, so there are no hills of note throughout this tour. 

  If you’re a total beginner, consider incorporating cycling to your weekly routine in the months prior to the adventure. We recommend cycling at least every weekend, covering between 10 and 20 miles (20-30 km) and increasing the distances and the intensity every week. 

• Can I rent a bike?

  Your guides provide lightweight alloy framed Trek or Giant mountain bikes with 24 indexed gears and front suspension (guides will generally be on hand to fix punctures and minor mechanical problems). All bikes are meticulously maintained and in a wide range of sizes; female specific saddles are also available. Helmets are also available for use or you can bring your own. Bikes and helmets are included in the price of the tour.
  
  You can also rent an e-bike for an additional fee. Let us know during the booking process and we will make the necessary arrangements. Designed for convenience, e-bike allows you to climb hills with ease while still providing the exercise and outdoor fun of cycling. This bike rides like a regular one but comes equipped with an added battery store, offering pedal assistance precisely when you need it. 

  Feel free to choose the bike that best suits your preferences and cycling style!

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Duffle or a backpack for your personal belongings
    • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25L bag)
    • Lightweight shoes for cycling
    • Lightweight shoes for free time
    • Comfortable cycling clothes 
    • Spare clothes for layering
    • Casual clothes for free time
    • Waterproof rain jacket
    • Swimwear
    • Sunhat
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. You will get a more detailed and comprehensive list of equipment and clothes you should bring once the trip is confirmed. 

  South East Asia’s dry season runs from November to May, and it’s when temperatures are coolest. Your guides schedule this tour specifically to have us cycling in the best of the weather, sunny days, cool nights and no monsoon rains. Perfect weather can’t be guaranteed but it’s the best time to visit.

• What is the accommodation like?

  We know you will enjoy the quality of the properties chosen for this trip.  After a day of cycling, there is nothing better than a welcome drink, cool room and a refreshing pool dip. 

  The accommodation throughout this tour is quality 4 star, most with pools, on site restaurants, gyms and other facilities. Properties may change occasionally but typically you’ll stay at the following accommodations: 

  • Ho Chi Minh: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel 
  • Cai Be: Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa 
  • Can Tho: Victoria Can Tho Resort 
  • Ha Tien: River Ha Tien Hotel 
  • Kep: Samanea Beach Resort 
  • Phnom Penh: The Frangipani Royal Palace
• What will the food be like?

  Whilst Vietnamese food is well known around the world, Khmer food has come ahead in leaps and bounds and will surprise you. Traditionally comforting, with rice as a staple, recent International influences have become apparent. Rice is still the cornerstone, with the most popular Khmer dish being fish amok, a white fish steamed in a banana leaf and topped with coconut cream. Cambodia is also home to the famous Kampot Pepper, which comes from the south of the country. You’ll learn about these incredible flavors on the pepper farm tour. 

  Meals are included as per the itinerary, and your guides carefully select the best restaurants in terms of cuisine and ambience. They are happy to accommodate specific dietary requirements and allergies etc. Please leave us a note during the booking process and we will make the necessary arrangements.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1 with 16 riders per group. 
  • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. 
  • Cycling in VIetnam and Cambodia can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements

  • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  • If your group has cyclers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, most people fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Your guides will meet you there on Day 1 and transfer you to your accommodation.

  On your last day (Day 8), your guide will also take you to the airport from Phnom Penh. You can talk about options and details with your guide after booking.

• Safety measures in Vietnam and Cambodia

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. 

  With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. 

  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Vietnam and Cambodia, please refer to Vietnam Tourism and Smarttraveler. You can be assured your guides are a quality operator and want nothing more for you than to have an amazing and safe travel experience.

  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Secure your spot on this year’s adventure with a $300 deposit. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (60 days) prior to departure. If you are booking within 60 days of your departure date the full amount is due when booking. Failure to pay by the due date could be considered as a cancellation on your part and your guides reserve the right to impose cancellation charges as detailed below.

  Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!

  • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t suit you by the end of the year.
  • Once the dates are set, another 20% of the total amount needs to be paid to confirm your booking.
  • The final balance is due 2 months (60 days) prior to departure.

  Notice of cancellation by you must be in writing. Cancellation charges will be calculated from the date your guides receive written notice of cancellation. Cancellation fees are:

  • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety (90) days or more before the beginning of the trip, Client is entitled to a full refund
  • For cancellations eighty-nine (89) to sixty-one (61) days before the trip begins, Client is entitled to a full refund minus the deposit
  • For cancellations sixty (60) to thirty-one (31) days before the trip begins, Client is entitled to a 50% refund of the trip price
  • After that deadline (30 days or less), Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
• Travel and Medical Protection
  57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.