4900km in length, with its source high on the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong River winds it way through Southeast Asia, before forming a delta and entering the South China Sea in the south of Vietnam. Cycling through this captivating area is an experience you will never forget, with its shady trails and paths, friendly and engaging locals, many cottage industries and charming villages. The Mekong Delta is often referred to as the ‘food bowl of Vietnam’, a name you will certainly appreciate once you have visited this wonderful region and sampled its tasty cuisine!
Starting and finishing in Saigon, the route is completely flat, with minimal time spent on anything resembling a main road. Roads are a mix of sealed and hard-packed dirt, which can at times be bumpy, but otherwise this can be considered an easy and achievable ride. As the nature of the area dictates, accommodation is simple and fairly basic, although clean and well-run. A home stay experience is included in the itinerary and will certainly be a lasting memory of your tour.
Day 1: Cycle the Cu Chi Tunnels 25km. Transfer to Ben Tre
Meet you guide and depart the hotel for the short drive to the boat pier, where we board a comfortable speedboat for the journey up the river to Cu Chi District. Disembark the boat and mount the bikes for a ride around the Cu Chi area, where we can see rice paper being made. Continue by bike through the rubber plantations before heading to the famous Cu Chi Tunnles where there will be time to explore. After lunch transfer to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, our home for the night.
Meals: L, D
Day 2: Boat & Cycle to Tra On – 60km
Following breakfast at the hotel we pay a visit to a local market where it may be possible to take a second breakfast. It’s then back to the bikes, for an easy, flat ride through the shady canal paths and back roads, stopping along the way to sample fresh fruit before our lunch break. Around mid afternoon we arrive at the homestay to meet our hosts. There will be some time to relax and unwind before taking a stroll through the village to experience local Mekong Delta life, and if you feel so inclined you can even help make the dinner… A sunset boat ride finishes the day off nicely.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Floating Markets, Cycle 30km. Transfer to Saigon
Our first stop today will be to see the floating markets for which this area has become quite well known. While most tourists will be heading to the main market near Can Tho, our hosts will take us to a more authentic, local floating market where local produce is exchanged between boats and a coffee vendor weaves his small boat between larger vessels offering refreshment to vendors and buyers alike. Leaving this spectacle of colour and activity, we return to our homestay for breakfast, then take to the bikes again to explore some more of this beautiful area where the only traffic is an occasional motor scooter or pedestrian. After a last delicious lunch, it’s time to head back to Saigon by can, and to your hotel.
Meals: B, L
While the south of Vietnam is hot and humid year-round, temperatures are slightly lower over the months of November to February. The main wet season is from May to October, although as is the case in the tropics, rain showers are heavy but only last a couple of hours.
Best time to go
January
February
March
April
November
December
Base price per person $560
Single supplement $65
Services
An air-conditioned support vehicle is always on hand for tired riders. Groups are accompanied by an English speaking local tour leader and a bike mechanic will also be provided for groups of 5 people or more.
What is included
High quality mountain bikes and helmets
A refillable water bottle
All transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Backup vehicle for cycling
Snacks, water and fruit during cycling
Twin share accommodation (single room option available at a supplement)
All meals as listed (including water)
Entrance fees at sights visited as part of the itinerary
A truly epic journey! The Roof of the World on a bike – what better way to explore Tibet and Nepal, meet the locals, experience the amazing culture and stunning scenery!
