An Adventure Cycling Cambodia to Vietnam
About two-thirds the way through our three country Indo-China cycling trip (Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam) we find ourselves on this day cycling Cambodia to Vietnam. We pedal some 60 kilometres this day, half in each country. Our destination for the day is the border city of Châu Đoc, Vietnam
Cambodia
As we roll down the Cambodian highway, cycling to Vietnam, we are kept entertained. Passing through several villages and towns we encounter endless sights and sounds. School children waving and shouting hello. High-fives from children along the highway’s shoulder. Cows tied to trees. Roadside market stalls with slabs of meat hanging in the oppressive heat. Heavily laden motorbikes and bicycles are but a few.
As one particular moterbike approaches, a row of ducks can be seen dangling upside down by their yellow webbed feet. It becomes apparent the ducks are still alive as they cock their upside down heads in confusion.
I’m sure we are quite the sight to see ourselves as our brightly coloured lycra clad group of 20 pass by.
As we ride closer to the border, ominous clouds can be seen ahead. As a foreshadowing of things to come, a few brief showers meet us on our way.
The Accident
With only a few kilometres to the Vietnam border, one of our fellow cyclists falls from her bike, resulting in lacerations and a broken arm, warranting emergency medical care. The big question! Do we seek medical attention in Cambodia or Vietnam? Our lead guide quickly advises that Vietnam is the better option for healthcare purposes.
The Border
The immediate challenge is getting across the two border crossings. One for exiting Cambodia and one for entering Vietnam. The typical method of exiting Cambodia efficiently is to include a modest monetary supplement with your passport. Prior to the bike accident, our lead guide informs us we will not be participating in this practice (i.e. bribing). He then warns us our waiting time will be significantly longer as a result of non-participation.
However, the one silver lining of the traumatic cycling injury is that the Cambodian border guards want absolutely nothing to do with a broken arm and obvious physical discomfort of the injured cyclist.
Needless to say we get from Cambodia to Vietnam rather quickly!
Vietnam
While these border shenanigans were happening, the ominous dark clouds that were on the horizon are now upon us. Welcome to a Vietnamese tropical rain.
Normally in this situation, we would simply load our bikes on the trailer and hop on the support bus for a quick transport 30 kilometres to Châu Đoc.
However, our support bus is busy transporting our unlucky cyclist to the hospital. We are on our own bicycle power to get us into town. Although 30 kilometres doesn’t sound excessively far, try cycling in a full blown tropical rain.
Our guide informs us to avoid puddles as won’t know how deep they are. I have to say, my heart rate is edging up a notch on this advice, as it quickly is becoming evident that very few spots will actually not be a puddle!
Riding in the Rain
So off we go as the rain becomes even more torrential. I quickly realize without wipers on my glasses, they are useless. Off they come, resulting in constant squinting and blotting of my eyes.
My assumption of taking the main road directly into town quickly becomes wrong, as we turn onto a narrower local road pretty much designed for motorbikes, bicycles, carts and cows.
As the rain continues to pour, with occasional clap of thunder, the ride actually becomes more pleasant believe it or not! With the relatively warm air, the saturating and clinging clothing becomes almost tolerable.
The locals are out and about, seemingly unfazed by the aquatic deluge. Motorbikes whiz by, families are herding their cows to the next pasture, and frequent greetings are sent our way.
The rain eventually lessens and we are able to enjoy our route through remote villages bordering extensive rice fields.
We finally arrive safely to our hotel in Châu Đoc as night sets in, thus completing our cycling adventure from Cambodia to Vietnam. After drying off we all head directly to the restaurant for our well deserved Vietnamese beer (or two).
About two-thirds the way through our three country Indo-China cycling trip (Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam) we find ourselves on this day cycling Cambodia to Vietnam. We pedal some 60 kilometres this day, half in each country. Our destination for the day is the border city of Châu Đoc, Vietnam Cambodia As we roll down the Cambodian highway, cycling to Vietnam,…
Hot Posts
