je pense rester quelques temps a PP, j'avais pensé acheter un velo pour me deplacer et l'utiliser ensuite pour faire une partie de mes trajets.
Qu'en pensez vous ?
quelle region se prete bien a etre visitée a velo ( vers le mois de decembre) sachant que je ne suis pas tres sportif ?
merci pour vos reponses ...
J'ai publié des réponses (partielles) à ta question, que je rassemble ici. Il s'agit de ballades pour cyclistes "tranquilles" mais on peut les étendre pour cyclistes chevronnés. Elles concernent principalement le long du Mékong ou de la rivière Sangker : les cours d'eau sont des lieux de vie intense au Cambodge. Il est facile de louer, voire d'acheter, des vélos un peu partout. Aussi, visiter la région des temples d'Angkor et de Siem Reap à vélo offre une excellent approche.
Dans la région de Kratié :
Une découverte du Mékong qui nous a enthousiasmé est la suivante. Je la recommande à ceux qui aiment une approche douce, en prenant son temps et en allant vers les habitants. Durant une étape de 3 jours à Kratié, nous avons parcouru les rives du fleuve à vélo en suivant les indications d’une brochure éditée par une ONG néerlandaise (SNV) dans le cadre d'un projet de valorisation de "l'éco-tourisme", intitulé Mekong Discovery Trail afin d’inciter les voyageurs à aller au delà du triangle Phnom Penh - Angkor - Sihanoukville.
Nous avons traversé le fleuve dans les bacs pittoresques et pleins de vie, visité les villages des bords du fleuve par une piste ravissante sous de grands arbres. On y voit tous les métiers (par exemple la fabrication des nouilles Nom banchok, la construction de maisons, car ce sera la saison sèche en janvier, le travail du bambou...), les formes d’agriculture et les cultures maraîchères et fruitières. On y voit à la fois des villages khmers, chams et des villages flottants vietnamiens. Les habitants sont ravis de nous voir à vélo et nous accueillent (quelques mots de politesse en khmer aident bien).
Nous avons ainsi visité l'île de Koh Trong pour laquelle a éditée une fiche avec une ballade relativement courte. Folklore du petit ferry et de son chargement. Visite de la pagode Wat Ty Pram de Kbal Koh Trong (belle sala et pirogue de course). Voir la belle rangée de maisons flottantes en face de Chong Koh (sur l'île de Koh Trong) habités par des pêcheurs vietnamiens, revenus après leur expulsion et le pogrom de 1970.
Si une ballade plus longue (Kratie’s West to East Bank Trail) vous tente pour un autre jour (40-45 km, mais c’est plat), prendre le bac de Peam Té (une attraction en soi) et remonter le fleuve par la rive droite vers le nord : pagodes, villages avec les boutiques (s’arrêter pour un beignet de banane ou un , un verre de jus de canne, et une discussion avec la proprio et les enfants). Découverte des rapides du Mékong. Fabrication du sucre à partir des palmiers à sucre (daem thnaot). Traverser à nouveau le fleuve avant Vatanak, puis reprendre la route par la rive gauche vers le sud. Nombreux arrêts possibles : Thum Kakot, Kampi (rapides), Phnom Sambok, Sambor.
Dans ces ballades, vous serez les seuls étrangers (barangs).
De plus la ville de Kratié mérite de s’y attarder (autrement que pour les rares dauphins de l’Irrawady, qu’il serait bon de laisser un peu tranquilles).
Spécialités culinaires de krolan (idéla pour emporter dans son sac) et de nhiem. Une fiche est dispo : Kratie Town Trail.
Vous pouvez trouver ces ballades sur internet ou encore en version papier avec la brochure à l’Hôtel Udon Sambath à Kratié (et sans doute ailleurs). Il existe d'autres possibilités à partir de Stung Treng, qui doivent être intéressantes, mais je n'ai pas encore eu la chance de les tester.
Autres ballades possibles le long du Mékong : à hauteur de Kompong Cham, sympa et peu visitée. Je vous recommande en priorité de prendre (vélo ou moto dup) le fameux pont immense construit chaque année en bambou à la saison sèche vers Koh Pean, et découvrir les « 3 » îles avec Koh Kompong Trom, Koh Met et Koh Sotin. Vie rurale intense. En janvier récolte du riz avec toutes les étapes et des paysans ravis de susciter votre intérêt. Aussi le lycée des îles vers lequel convergent des centaines de lycéens à vélo, ravis de tester leur anglais (français plus rarement !).
Vous pouvez aussi vous faire guider à KC par Chea Chienda (fille de Chea Vannat, mentionné dans le Petit Futé), une jeune prof de français très sympathique et compétente.
Autour de Battambang :
Nous avons eu la chance d'y passer une semaine en février l'an passé. Location de vélo 1 à 2 $/jour dans une boutique en dessous du Café Gecko dans la grand rue (n°3). Qualité convenable (le pays est plat par ici !).
Parcours conseillé par exemple : rive droite de la rivière Sangker vers le Grand Lac. Voir Eglise catholique, Marché Phsar Sophi (goûter aux délicieux gateaux Nom ampong), admirer le bain des enfants dans la rivière, s'arrêter à la Mosquée Muhammadi avec une école pour les enfants chams ravissants et heureux de discuter à la récré. Ensuite vous arriverez dans la zone du Phsar Parhoc, un marché très important de cette pâte de poisson, que l'on fabrique sur place (odeur garantie), avec les bateaux qui débarquent une variété de poissons (trey riel, trey kachok, trey phkangean). Aussi une petite fabrique artisanale de krolan (tubes de riz et de haricots rouges + coco) : excellent remplacement du sandwich pour le midi. De belles pagodes : Wat Samrong Knong et Wat Norea. Une journée superbe dans le Cambodge "authentique".
Vous pouvez aussi emprunter la route (piste) sur la rive droite en remontant pour visiter une vie rurale très vivante (en direction de Phnom Sdaou et Wat Banan. La rive gauche est intéressante aussi (à Wat Khor visiter la maison en style pit de Mme Bun Roeung, veuve d'un Oknha) !
Explorer la ville à vélo aussi est agréable (aller le matin tôt vers les lycées sur la route de PP, puis visiter les pagodes).
A Bttg, ne pas rater :
- le cours de cuisine khmère au restau Smoking Pot (8 $ alors que l'on demande couramment 30 $ et plus à Phnom Penh ou Siem Reap).
- un superbe spectacle de cirque au Phare Ponleu Selpak, donné par des enfants des rues formés par une ONG remarquable (responsable français !).
salut domage que tu ne sois pas tres sportif !
moi j'ai aimé : la traverssée du massif des cardamones
le trajet de sen monorom a ban lung entre mogolkiri et ratanakiri
ainsi que de ban lung a la frontiere laos
la piste de siem reap a stung trund
de pailin a batambang c'est pas mal non plus
bonne route
merci a tous pour ces infos qui me seront bien utiles, et merci a VF qui m'a bien aidé dans la préparation de mon voyage, voila, je part prendre mon avion ...
Nous serrons dans cette région en février et en vélo, est ce qu'il y a moyen de trouver deshebergements (hotels ou GH) entre Kampong Cham et Kratié.
Et de Phnom Penh à Kampong Cham avez vous des infos.
Cordialement PILAN
a kampong cham il y a une guest house tenu par un écossais il me semble a kratie il y a un hôtel un peu vieux près du marché entre les deux.
Pour ma part j'ai pris la piste qui longe le mekong en chemin j'ai rencontré une jeune qui a négocier avec une famille pour qu on dorme chez eux parce que en faite il n'y avait rien pas d'hôtel ni guest house.
Mais c'est pas un probleme, il ne faut pas hesiter a demander aux gens de dormir dans leur jardin puis ils finissent par vous inviter a l'intérieur.
Si vous avez une carte du pays vous la sortez et tous le village vient la regarder. Les gens sont très accueillant, souriant.
Ne pas hesiter a demander assez tot dans la journée parce que les gens en premier il faut qu'il trouve quelqu'un qui parle anglais et ca peu prendre du temps.
J'ai dormi plusieurs fois dans des familles au cambodge et c'était a chaque fois un grand moment. Il est aussi possible de faire du camping sauvage, je l'ai fait une fois sur la route de stung treng pas de problème et plein de bruit d'animaux.
voila foncez sans souci.
gontran
Les petites filles obéissantes vont au paradis, les autres vont où elles veulent.
Bonjour,
nous faisons le Cambodge a velo et nous somems actuellemnt dans le Sud (Takeo) dóu nous allons rejoindre Kep, Kampot.
Moi j'aurai bien ete tente par le massif des Cardamones pour retrouver un peu denivele (ca me manque un peu depuis les Laos du nord qui est loin maintenant) .
Tu pourrais nous en dire plus sur ce trajet que tu as fait et qui t'a beaucoup plu apparemment?
Nos questions classiques: etat de la route, possibilite de se ravitailler et de logement, denivele , possibilite de faire une boucle ou faire láller-retour car nous devons revenir sur Phnom Penh ensuite pour remonter vers Angkor.
A quelle periode de l'annee l'a tu fait?
Actuellement il pleut beaucoup, meme les grands axes nationales 2 et 3 vers la capitale sont bien inondees...
Par ailleurs as tu fait Takeo Kep directement (route goudronnee ou piste?) ou es-tu passe par Kampot?
D'avance merci pour tes conseils!!
bonjour
je suis passé au cambodge fin decembre debut janvier
j'ai commencé les cardamones a koh kong et les ai remonté pendant trois jours
la premiere journées fut longue debout et depart a l'aube et coucher a la tombée de la nuit
secondes journée plus relax aret de 3 heures a la grande riviere et seulement 24 km de parcouru tellement la nature avait repris ses droits sur la route donc machette et portage dans les montées
la troisiemes cool retour a la civilisation enfin des routes cyclables
donc pas de ravitaillement avant la fin du troisieme jours
route trash et logement fin du second jours
j'ai tourné a droite et suis remonté sur l'axe batambang PP apres le troisieme jour
nous etions a 150 km de l'axe sus mentioné
pour votre derniere question je ne me souviens plus sorry
je venais shianoukvillle puis le bokor ensuite kep puis remontée sur PP en deux jours mais ne sais plus par ou !
si il pleut beaucoup je pense que les cardamones seront un immmmmense bourbier et donc un belle epreuve et des souvenir geniaux
bonne route
Bonjour,
merci pour ces infos sur ton passage dans les Cardamonnes, cést donc vraiment la jungle et donc il faut prevoir le ravitaillement sur plusieurs jours...en plus il pleut beaucoup en ce moment donc on ne va pas jouer les casse-cou d'autant plus qu'on est bien charge et qu'on a eu deja des problemes techniques sur des pistes alors j'ose pas imaginer dans la jungle!!
Merci quand meme et bonne route!
A bientot
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires.
I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time).
I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral.
I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough?
And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Hi there,
I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week.
I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès.
Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route!
Thanks in advance.
Laurent.
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
After testing it for three years across various modes of transport, I’m sharing this video of a bike packing case. It’s made from recycled cardboard and shrink-wrapped, with adjustable thickness and added bubble wrap depending on the level of protection you want.
Installing spacers at the fork and chainstays makes the packaging compact. With the fifteen-odd euros for shrink-wrapping at the airport, this case travels really well.
https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
- Low bulk (1.10m x 0.70m x 0.25m for a large frame), it fits vertically in train luggage compartments and the total dimensions (x+y+z) don’t exceed 2.40m.
- Two carrying solutions for public transport and easy handling by airport staff (no more tears in the cardboard from openings).
- Discreet packaging when dealing with bus drivers and train conductors, as it looks like an ordinary parcel.
- No need to return to the starting point to retrieve the case from your outbound trip, which you’d otherwise have to store somewhere, or deal with a bulky cover to pack in your panniers.
- You can still check tire pressure through the plastic film without damaging the packaging too much.
Drawbacks: Around 3 hours for this lengthy and meticulous process—removing the wheels, pedals, handlebars, and derailleur without misaligning them, then securing all components to the frame.
If you get a chance to test it, send me your feedback for future improvements.
Hi there, I’m planning a cross-Canada bike trip, and I’ve got a question that might seem silly, but could someone tell me how to pack a bike (in a box, with a fragile sticker... I don’t know) for a flight? Thanks in advance!
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam.
My question is about getting back to Nantes.
Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes.
By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains.
We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance!
Have a great evening
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to ride the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19, from Maastricht to Rotterdam.
Since it’s too complicated to bring my bike on the train, I’m looking to rent one locally.
I’d love any tips or bike rental shop recommendations—I’m struggling to find options even in Rotterdam.
The plan is to rent in Rotterdam, take the train to Maastricht with the bike, then cycle back to Rotterdam.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Nath
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August!
Virginie
I’m planning to build a new touring bike.
I want to prioritize lightness.
That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads.
The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper.
I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork.
Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm.
It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring.
And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear.
More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.
It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.
One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.
We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.
Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed
story being posted online soon
1100 km in 11 days
beautiful and varied regions
Hi there, we’re planning a Munich to Venice bike trip at the end of June 2026. Getting back from Venice to Toulouse by train with 4 bikes isn’t straightforward. What return options have others who’ve done this trip chosen? Any tips or great deals would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch! !
Hi everyone,
Happy owner of a Pegasus Estremo bike with a Rohloff hub, which is giving me trouble with the SF11-NCX-FT-E-LITE 700C TS 300/0 fork (serial number TD01329060). It’s starting to show its age, and I’d like to repair it to extend the life of my beloved bike.
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Hi, I'd like to know if anyone has done this route recently or has reliable info.
Does the track exist, and most importantly, is there sand (for biking)?
Any info is welcome.
Cheers,
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena
vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
Hi there,
New to bike touring,
I’d love to start with a section of the Via Rhona to explore and share (route to be decided).
Looking forward to exchanging tips!
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
A big thank you to Lazarou for all the info you share in this forum!
I'm passionate about Morocco, which I cycled through back in 2009.
Last year, my wife and I explored the High Atlas by tandem. Completely smitten, we're heading back in April (Anti Atlas) and May (High and Middle Atlas), still on our tandem.
Do you have any info on the track between Amezri and Ali Ait Nito? Are the river crossings in the Tessaout still there? It's not easy to navigate with a loaded tandem... especially if the river level is high due to this year's heavy snowmelt!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes
Here are his travels
Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné
Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way
Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place
Rural and quite peaceful
A road cycling route created by Serge B...
First of all... happy New Year! Wishing you great roads in 2017!
I’ve been traveling for a few years now with a high-quality mountain bike, but it’s equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. I live (pedal) with the constant worry of a breakdown (leak, air bubble, heat causing the fluid to...). My bike mechanic tells me it’s impossible to switch them out for V-brakes.
What do you all think? Am I taking a big risk continuing (alone) with these brakes? Thanks in advance for your great tips!
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025.
It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border.
We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
Hi there,
I’m planning the route to cycle from Lille to Nordkapp with my partner.
Duration: 3 months, from May 1st to July 31st, 2026.
In the attached details below, I need to add some "non-riding" days (rest days, basically).
So I’m looking to "shorten" the trip by taking ferries or trains for some stretches. Which areas could I skip?
Thanks in advance for your great tips.
Have a good evening.
https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/4023980/-lille-cap-nord-1er-mai-au-31-juillet-2026?ref=collection
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure!
Thanks in advance.
Hi, has anyone recently bought Primus or Butagaz gas, possibly puncture-style, in Dubrovnik or the surrounding area? Same question for Albania... thanks. aichatou
Just a few words about the loop I did by bike in Yunnan.
Entry and exit
I entered China through the Sino-Vietnamese border crossing at Lào Cai / Hekou under the 30-day visa exemption currently available to French nationals and others.
The process was simple and quick. A Chinese police officer even helped me complete my electronic pre-registration at a computer kiosk. I wasn’t aware this formality was required—it’s similar to Thailand’s TM6.
No issues with the bike.
I left the country via the Sino-Laotian border crossing at Mohan / Boten.
The atmosphere was a bit chaotic there, but again, no problems with the bike.
The timing
I visited Yunnan in February 2026.
Weather-wise, at higher altitudes (between 1,500 and 2,000 meters), it was around ten degrees at night and in the mornings, and around twenty degrees at the hottest part of the day.
I had two days of rain, so I took the bus to keep moving. Otherwise, clear blue skies.
Culturally, Chinese New Year fell on February 17th (and the 15 days following), right in the middle of my trip. Because of this, my take on the traffic might be off.
Accommodation and food
I always found a hotel to stay in for prices ranging from 8 to 15 €. Except in Kunming (the capital), where many hotels were fully booked (Chinese New Year). I ended up at a 100 € hotel with great value for money.
A bowl of noodles costs about 1.5 € on average.
Onboard electronics
Since my smartphone doesn’t support eSIMs, I subscribed to a China plan with my carrier. Otherwise, for much cheaper, Alipay offers eSIMs for foreigners that allow access to services usually blocked for Chinese users (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).
An internet connection is essential for paying with Alipay or WeChat, as this payment method is widespread.
I only managed to use Alipay.
Either way, always carry cash because sometimes there’s no signal, or the merchant only accepts WeChat.
Also, it’s best to bring a power adapter when you arrive rather than struggling to find one.
Traffic and roads
The Chinese aren’t reckless drivers. They follow traffic rules and watch out for cyclists. This is slightly less true in Xishuangbanna (the region bordering Myanmar and Laos).
In urban areas, there are almost always wide bike lanes, separated from other roads, where bikes, electric mini-scooters, and scooters share the space pretty harmoniously.
The roads are in great condition, and traffic is generally manageable—even light—except for one stretch (Eshan -> Yangwu).
Most traffic is absorbed by expressways, China’s equivalent of highways: toll roads that are off-limits to slow vehicles.
You’re never far from these expressways; sometimes you even ride alongside them, which can be noisy at times.
The climbs are usually reasonable, around 5% to 6%. From what I remember, the steepest section was between Menglun and Mengla, with gradients of 8% to 10%, sometimes more.
Riding at these altitudes—though modest—took a bit of getting used to.
The route
I didn’t plan anything in advance. My only goal was to reach Kunming. I don’t know why, but just hearing the name of that city, like Yunnan, always felt dreamy to me.
De Hô-Chi-Minh au Cambodge via le MékongFR
De Angkor à Hong Kong, le grand écart asiatiqueFR
A month in Cambodia in November 2024
Quelle tenue pour visiter les temples d'AngkorFR
Un mois au Cambodge avec deux enfantsFR
A Month in Laos and Cambodia
Y a-t-il plus de monde le week-end aux temples d'Angkor?FR
