VietnamThe Mekong Delta

itinerary & information

INTRODUCTIONIt was a simple design brief - create a tour that will allow those who enjoy our Thailand tour to have a similar experience in Vietnam. With this in mind Phong and David packed their bicycles and set out to find a fairly flat route through a part of the country not frequented by back-packers and main stream tourists. They also required plenty of good food and comfortable air conditioned accommodation. What they came up with was more than had been hoped for, with a fascinating journey through the labyrinthine network of waterways and accompanying tracks, trails, and paths that cover an area from Cambodia to the South China Sea offering fine relaxed cycling and an insight into lives not normally seen.

OVERVIEWA circular route beginning and ending in a city with one of the most recognisable names in Asia, Saigon. This tour explores a fascinating part of Vietnam rarely seen by anyone other than the river people and farmers who live there. The size of Belgium the Mekong Delta Region consists of nine main rivers, including the Upper and Lower Mekong, linked by a vast network of inland waterways that are home to some ten million people. For many of these people access to home is via these rivers and canals and the byways that follow them, and it is these rural roads - often too narrow for cars, that we make much use off to explore this unique part of Asia. This is a cycling adventure that is low on climbs but high on reward as we see a part of Vietnam that guidebooks don’t take you to.In order to ensure comfortable and clean accommodation we ride into urban centres each evening to hotels with AC, en-suite with hot water, clean and comfortable bedding and of course post-ride beers.

HIGHLIGHTSThe exploration of a fascinating region of Asia that due to the need for a little effort to get around is almost untouched by tourism. An insight into the lives of the Mekong boat people, fishermen and farmers.Finish the tour afloat as we take in the view from the river during a half day boat journey on The Mekong.Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), a city who’s name conjures up images of a cosmopolitan colonial past, the ravages of war and a bright economic future.Enjoy the local food of the Mekong Delta Region.

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TOUR

Total number of days: 15 days/ 14 nights Number of cycling days: 9

Average daily distance: 76km Difficulty: 5/10% off-road 20% Max. altitude: 100mStart: Saigon End: Saigon

Included: 14 nights accommodation, 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners, snacks a drinking water whilst cycling. 1 x western tour leader and 1 x local guide, boat trip on Mekong, airport transfer if arriving/departing on first/last day of the tour. Support vehicles: Please be aware that due to the narrow nature of many of the roads and trails used our support vehicle will not be with us at all times. Some days we may may not see our support vehicle for the majority of the ride.Single supplements: The tour price quoted on the website is for a twin room share basis. Single room occupancy can be arranged, the supplement price per the website.

Waterways feature heavily in this tour which is a good thing we reckon after all bicycles and boats go together like fish and chips..

ITINERARY(meals key: B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner; S = snacks)

DAY 1: SAIGONIf arriving by air you will be met at Saigon’s international airport and transferred to our hotel in the heart of the city. The day is free to relax after a long flight or to explore a little of the city before meeting the rest of the group, your tour leader and local guide for a briefing, and our first meal together.Cycling: 0km.Meals:

DAY 2: SAIGONThis morning we check our rental bikes for size and fit your own saddle and other accessories you may wish to customise your machine with. If you have brought your own bike this is the time to build it up ready for the ride ahead. The rest of the day is free to explore the sights of Saigon or relax in a local café after a long flight.Cycling: 0km.Meals: B

DAY 3: MY-THOAlthough arguably a little less hectic than Hanoi we long ago decided that capital cities are no place to become accustomed to local driving standards in Asia. After breakfast we can climb into our AC mini bus and head out of the madness of city traffic to the tranquility of the countryside. After lunch we swing legs over bicycles for our first experience of cycling in The Delta region. Rice grows as do spices and fruit whilst laid-back tropical folk swinging lazily in hammocks wave as we cycle through this beautiful scene to our first of many small ferry crossings.This evening we have a beautiful riverside setting for both sleeping and alfresco dining, A splendid end to our first day on the road.Cycling: 50kmMeals: BLDS

DAY 4: TRA VINHLeaving town on a bigger road this morning we cross a mammoth suspension bridge spanning nearly three kilometres of tropical inland water. Before long we leave the bigger road behind as we return to rural Vietnam and trace a route through beautiful countryside along narrow lanes sometimes just a few feet wide. These lanes that at times are surfaced with compact red earth take us past provincial homesteads and lead us to ferries across two of the nine mighty rivers of the Delta Region.Cycling: 60KMMeals: BLDS

DAY 5: SOC TRANGLeaving Tra Vinh the road is rural though a little busier for the first half an hour until we turn off to explore more of the narrow lanes that navigate a route through fields or rice and groves of coconut and banana. The people here are unused to foreigners passing along their narrow trails; their greetings are sometimes shy and sometimes excited, smiles and friendly waves are never far away.Our two river crossings today are broken by Cu Lao Dung Island where the main highway traversing the length of the island is for the main part only wide enough for two motorbikes to pass, rural for sure.Cycling: 80km.Meals: BLDS

DAY 6: BAC LIEULeaving Soc Trang we soon find ourselves in a pastoral scene. Once again the roads are more akin to bicycle paths than highways meaning little chance of meeting cars. We cross small waterways and observe rural life passing by as we pedal south towards the coast.The tone of the day changes in the afternoon as we exchange agriculture for fishing. Out of view of the sea but within easy reach via the many little waterways we cross over we now witness a Chinese influence in the first sea fairing folk of our journey.We end the day 10KMS north of the coast in the bustling town of Bac Lieu.Cycling: 80km.Meals: BLDS

DAY 7: CA MAUWe head out of Bac Lieu on narrow and quiet riverside paths that lead us to a short stint on Highway 1 before lunch in the small town of Ho Phong. The afternoon’s ride is an altogether smoother affair on wider, but still traffic light roads as we head for the regional centre of Ca Mau.Cycling: 85km.Meals: BLDS

DAY 8: RACH GIAThe essence of today is the Trem River. After a relaxed 11km riding away from Ca Mau we reach this fascinating river and for the next 60km we follow the narrow riverside lanes that give us a unique glimpse at the communities that live both on the shore and on the river. Like so much of our route through the Mekong Delta the only forms of transport connecting these communities with the outside world are supported by feet, two wheels or water. Larger than many of the waterways we have followed the Trem River carries more and larger vessels, but being much smaller than the mighty rivers we crossed earlier in our tour nothing is so far away that we cannot fully appreciate how life is lived along this river; a fascinating day. continued...

DAY 8: RACH GIA continued....The final stretch of today’s journey will be via our support vehicle as we transfer to our rest-day hotel in the costal town of Rach GiaCycling: 75km.Meals: BLDS

DAY 9: RACH GIANestled between two rivers and the sea the neighbourhood in which we spend our rest day is a quiet and prosperous area in which to relax. Whether you spend your day reading in the hotel, strolling the streets or relaxing in a riverside café a day in Rach Gia is a pleasant way to recharge your batteries ready for the journey ahead.Cycling: 0kmMeals: B

DAY 10: HA TIENWe cycle out of Rach Gia via narrow lanes winding past shop fronts and houses and through small local markets. Soon we are out of the city and following trails that at some points become no more than a narrow footpaths passing vegetable plots, duck farms and fields of rice. Single lane roads take us through rural villages and fishing communities where colourful fishing boats are moored up. Our destination for tonight is the riverside town of Ha Tien, a pleasant place with a strong Khmer influence.Due to the long and tedious nature of the final stretch of road we will transfer the last 45km aboard our AC minibus.Cycling: 70kmMeals: BLDS

DAY 11: CHAU DOCLeaving Ha Tien we are soon crossing open expanses of marshland with views to the mountains of Cambodia to our left. Heading northeast the vista soon changes as we begin following a canal that tracks very close to the Cambodian border. With three rice harvests a year here there are often huge swathes of brilliant green leading the eye to the Khmer hills and temples. Nearer by is canal life where we observe how Vietnamese canal barges very closely resemble those of Europe.Cycling: 95kmMeals: BLDS

DAY 12: LONG XUYENThe day begins with a short ferry ride across the Hau Giang, or Lower Mekong River to one of Vietnam’s few Muslim neighbourhoods. Here we resume our exploration of the small lanes through the Mekong Delta’s wonderful waterway as again we follow tracks and trails, sometimes gravel, sometimes concrete and sometimes bitumen. In this region there are some splendid examples of colonial houses along the way, add in friendly locals and a few river crossings and we have another great day of bicycle exploration. Cycling: 75kmMeals: BLDS

DAY 13: CAN THOHaving spent two weeks observing the waterways of The Mekong Delta region from the riverside paths it is now time to take the opposite view as we board a boat for a memorable river trip along the Hau River, the largest branch of The Mekong River. Our cruise finishes in style at the vibrant riverside town of Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta Region and home to a variety of fine hotels cafés and restaurants. Cycling: 0kmMeals: BLDS

DAY 14: TRANSFER TO SAIGON. After breakfast we will board our bus for the journey back to Saigon in time for lunch. This afternoon is free for a little more exploration, souvenir shopping or relaxing with new found friends before our final meal together and a toast to a splendid fortnight of adventure.Cycling: 0kmMeals: B

DAY 15: DEPARTUREFor those flying out today we will provide transport to Saigon’s International airport. For those wishing to spend more time in Vietnam we are able to offer advice and assistance for further travel in the region.Cycling: 0kmMeals: B

BICYCLE ADVICEMost kinds of bicycle, except for light-weight racing bikes are suitable for this tour: touring bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids and cyclocross bikes are all fine. Road conditions vary from smooth asphalt to relatively smooth hard-packed dirt and some sections of rough dirt. Tyres from 35C in width upwards will be fine. South East Asia is generally a warm place so the ability to carry one or preferably two water bottles is essential (either on your bike or in a backpack). Our back-up vehicle carries tools and basic spares – inner tubes etc although you can bring your own pump and puncture patches of course. It can be a good idea to bring spares that are relevant to your bike; a few spokes of the correct length for your wheels for example, spare brake pads etc. A means of carrying your camera, sunblock etc is also useful – either an on-bike bag – handlebar or saddlebag for example, or a lightweight day-pack.ESSENTIAL! Please ensure that you bicycle is in perfect working condition. If you are in any doubt please consult your local bicycle shop for a service.

JOINING INSTRUCTIONSThe tour begins and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, still know to the locals as Saigon. If arriving and leaving by air via Saigon’s Tan Son Nhat international airport on the first and last day of the tour you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel as an inclusive part of the tour. If joining and leaving via land or on other days we will help you to arrange how where and when it is most convenient for you to join us. Typically the group will all come together early on the first evening of the tour in the hotel lobby or bar for a briefing and to get to know each other before heading out for our first meal together.

DIFFICULTYPerhaps Painted Roads easiest tour there are certain unique challenges to this tour. The biggest climb is the suspension bridge on day two, all other climbs are short steep hump back bridges just a few metres across. Some of these bridges have no fence at their edge and some riders may feel more comfortable pushing across. Many of the trails are narrow and require care and concentration when passing oncoming motorcycles. Some rougher tracks and distances between 45KMS and 100KMS combined with temperatures in the 30s are the physical challenges of the tour. Total cycling distance is 680KMS. Average daily distance is 76KMS. Please be aware that due to the narrow trails and tight turns this tour maybe unsuitable for anyone suffering from poor peripheral vision. Also be aware that our support vehicle is unable to accompany us on the narrower trails that make up a lot of the tour.

WEATHERSaigon and The Mekong Delta region are firmly in the tropics and are at sea level. This means year round temperatures of high 20s to mid 30s. December to May is the dry season and the summer months from May to November are the wet season. Despite their descriptive monikers we must expect some rain in the dry season, and blue sky and dry days are common in the wet season. Many people prefer the cloud cover and occasional showers of the “wet” season as this makes for cooler cycling days.

Painted Roads Cycling

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