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Golden Buddha Ride 2025

Golden Buddha Ride 2025

Golden Buddha Ride 2025

A two-wheeled journey through Vietnam, Laos and Thailand ending in Bangkok - home of the famed Golden Buddha

RIDERS AND STAFF

Coby Werlin

Content Creator

Saigon to Bangkok

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Coby Werlin

Content Creator
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

Cycling, photographing, video-ing, and traveling -- what could be better?! I cherish the adventures that TDA has taken me on over the last few years, and am so thrilled to tell the stories of these rides. If you've been on a ride with myself or another content creator, you know that we need your help in telling these stories as a means to capture the essence of the ride, and as a memento for you to look back on. You may see me riding passenger in the support vehicle to shoot some cool videos tracking riders down the road, or popping out of the bushes to snap a candid shot, or (at times) riding alongside you. And, as always, I'll periodically ask some of you for short interviews to hear your thoughts on all of the good, bad and amazing aspects of the ride. See you on the road!

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Andreas Pakenham

Tour Leader

Saigon to Bangkok

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Andreas Pakenham

Tour Leader
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

As a tour leader, I love the daily challenges, and ever changing worlds we are all so lucky to travel through. Getting a diverse group of cyclists, with different backgrounds, and goals across a continent is a rare thrill that makes life at home feel a bit pedestrian! The best feeling on tour is making a tough day go smoothly, and to surprise the riders with something unexpected or memorable along the way.

I live on the west coast of Canada, in Victoria, a quiet town which can seem like an extreme contrast to many of the places I tour with TDA. In the past I have done a number of solo cycling trips, as well as exploring by motorcycles when time was more limited. Over the years of travelling though, I've realized how much I enjoy the camaraderie of travelling with a group to share experiences and make memories with. My future goals for personal travel at the moment are a bit different, and are based around the sea. In the next couple years I want to go by boat to the extreme north of Canada, in the hopes of exploring places impossible to reach in any other manner.

It's hard to nail down a single memorable experience from all my trips with TDA, but I most often think back to the experiences of Central Asia, and discovering the beauty of the Pamir Mountains for the first time. At one particular high altitude camp in Tajikistan, I remember taking a hike with a group of riders up a steep 5000m peak adjacent to the camp. As we neared the top, we found ourselves unable to safely make it past 5000m due to a loose rock scramble for the last 20 meters. Disappointed, we turned around and witnessed a flock of Marco Polo Sheep running along the ridge just below us, making time before the sun set.

If I were to make a single suggestion to a future TDA rider, it would be to slow down, and keep a camera close at hand. The best stories at the end of the trip are not normally those of the speediest cyclist.

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Rachel Vanderzwet

Assistant Tour Leader

Saigon to Bangkok

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Rachel Vanderzwet

Assistant Tour Leader
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

Coming from Victoria, BC I have been fortunate enough to join TDA on a number of tours over the last 5 years. The Bamboo Road in 2022 was my introduction to Southeast Asia and I can not recommend it enough. Kind locals, gorgeous and ever changing roadside scenery and truely delicous food; I am very excited to be making my way back on the Golden Buddha this year!

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Max Cochran

Bike Mechanic

Saigon to Bangkok

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Max Cochran

Bike Mechanic
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

Having been a mechanic for many years and on a TDA tour last year, I have noted a few common mechanical issues that riders encountered. Namely, cables, bearings and tires. Please check that your brake and shift cables are working smoothly, not frayed or rusty. Heck, just replace your cables before you leave, they are not expensive. Hubs and bottom brackets often need special parts and tools that are beyond the scope of my toolkit. I'll do what I can, but it is best if they are running well before you start off. Make sure your tires are good quality, in good condition and that the rim tapes are covering the spoke holes properly to avoid having to fix flats. I once again look forward to the sights, the food, the culture, the riding, but most of all, to getting out of the basement workshop and solving people's bike problems with a minimum of tools in the fresh air and sunshine (and occasional rain).

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Samuel Covins

Medic

Saigon to Bangkok

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Samuel Covins

Medic
Saigon to Bangkok

United Kingdom

UK-based doctor working in emergency & expedition medicine and previous tour medic on the Tour d'Afrique. Looking forward to cycling around Asia with you all on the Trans Himalaya and Golden Buddha tours later this year!

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Felice de Schutter

Tour Leader Trainee

Saigon to Bangkok

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Felice de Schutter

Tour Leader Trainee
Saigon to Bangkok

Germany

Hitchhiking through Argentina and Chile 6 years ago first inspired me to travel by bike. Meeting so many long-distance cyclists and listening to their stories I just couldn't help it but buy a bike for my own adventures. And once you start travelling by bike, you can never go back. The freedom it gives you, not having to wait for a bus but just hop on the bike, the perfect pace at which you move through the environment, fast enough to cover some distance, but slow enough to see everything, interacting with the locals whenever you like, occasionally stopping for delicious local meals, and in the evening, finding the most beautiful campspot for setting up the tent, it's unique. Not to forget just feeling good moving in the fresh air all day. Since I fell in love with bikepacking, I spend a couple of months every year on self-supported bikepacking trips. The Alps, Eastern Europe, Dolomites, Italy, and most recently I spent 6 months cycling all the way through Mexico from North to South. Before I started working with TDA, I guided MTB tours crossing the Alps, and, combining my degree in Psychology with my passion for the outdoors, I took troubled kids for month-long hiking trips through the German forests. I am convinced that being outside in nature, especially in combination with sports is the best way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Being confronted with and testing and overcoming your own limits each day inevitably leads you to become stronger. Share this experience with a like-minded, adventurous community like you meet with TDA, and the positive outcomes double. I'm super excited for this next trip and curious to meet everyone! Hasta luego!

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Dehon Ninon Cedric Ainarime

Assistant Tour Leader

Saigon to Bangkok

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Dehon Ninon Cedric Ainarime

Assistant Tour Leader
Saigon to Bangkok

Madagascar

From a very remote village in Madagascar, live in Madagascar. Got lucky to be part of TDA family, I would never thought that one day i would be able to visit foreign countries "en vélo". Looking forward to meeting you all and having a great time.

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Peter Cox

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Peter Cox

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

Retired Paediatric Critical Care MD; Volunteer with MSF and other NGOs; remain active in teaching Rode Cairo to Cape Town 2019 Rode Trans Caucasus 2022 Rode Golden Buddha 2023

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Marie-Josée Vasseur

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Marie-Josée Vasseur

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

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Elaine Cox

Rider

Saigon to Hue

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Elaine Cox

Rider
Saigon to Hue

Canada

This will be my third TDA tour and so far I have only been able to do sections of the tours due to time limits. I live in Toronto, love to travel and like the challenge of the riding and meeting new people on the TDA tours.

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Raul Costa

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Raul Costa

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Portugal

I’m Raul from Lisbon, Portugal. After a career in banking, I’ve retired in 2022 in order to enjoy life at a slower pace. Cycling different regions of the world is part of that plan. I’m looking forward to meeting all fellow riders.

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Anthony Rock

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Anthony Rock

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

I'm a Canadian-American and split my time between urban urban life Brooklyn, NY and on the Northumberland Strait in Atlantic Canada. The Orient Express will be my 6th ride with TDA.

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David Odonnell

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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David Odonnell

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United Kingdom

53yrs old, from Manchester UK. TDA tour no 5. Looking forward to S E Asia. C U all soon. Cheers. David.

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Francine Plante

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Francine Plante

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

ALLEZ ALLEZ ALLEZ! On n’est pas à la plage...

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Omar Francone

Rider

Saigon to Vientiane

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Omar Francone

Rider
Saigon to Vientiane

United States

Born and raised in Argentina. Performed undergrad studies in Argentina and grad studies in France and the US. Medical Science Scientist in Academia and Private sector. Recently retired from the biotech industry in Boston. Love and played many sports. First tour with TDA. Looking forward meeting everyone at the tour, have fun and memorable memories...!

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Steve Rogers

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Steve Rogers

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

I'm an active cyclist, always seeking new adventures...wherever the road takes me. Having thoroughly enjoyed the 2023 Golden Buddha tour, I now look forward to continuing SE Asia adventures on the 2024 Bamboo Road. Let's ride - 'eat, drink and be merry' - all the way to Singapore!

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Uwe Rydzek

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Uwe Rydzek

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Germany

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Frank Wichlo

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Frank Wichlo

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

I have done 5 TDA trips and I plan to keep doing them as long as I am able, or the money runs out.

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Jonathan Klein

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Jonathan Klein

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

I retired in 2012 after a thirty-four year career managing wilderness and recreation for the U.S. Forest Service. Now 71, I am attempting to shovel sand from the bottom of the hourglass back to the top, which, I've been told by several bike salesmen, can be accomplished by pushing pedals around in circles. If not pedaling, I'm paddling and have taken several trips via canoe or kayak to northern latitudes in Canada and Alaska. I reside in Montana with my sweet wife and a couple of cats.

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Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

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Grant Mcintosh

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Grant Mcintosh

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

New Zealand

Hi im a 64 yearold Farmer from Christchurch New Zealand. Enjoy cycling NZ cycle trails and have completed to Escape Adventures tours to Madagaser and China.Looking forward to the journey and challenge TDA cycle tour will bring.

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Sabine Hoffmann

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Sabine Hoffmann

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Germany

My husband and I live in Berlin and Italy with - sometimes - our two kids, who live actually in London and the US. We like to do sports of any kind and decided to do this bicycle trip for having fun, learn more about foreign areas and having some nature experience. I don`t like social media, which does not mean that I am not a social person.

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David Ross

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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David Ross

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

I am 70 and semi-retired. Had a great trip with TDA Taiwan to Singapore before covid, Part of OrientExpress in 2022 and just finished Journey to the East

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Michael Doucet

Rider

Saigon to Vientiane

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Michael Doucet

Rider
Saigon to Vientiane

Canada

This will be my third TDA tour. I'm looking forward to the adventure with Jacqueline!

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Paul Doucet

Rider

Saigon to Vientiane

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Paul Doucet

Rider
Saigon to Vientiane

Canada

I look forward to meeting my fellow travellers/cyclists and sharing this trip with my younger brother Michael. This will be our second TDA trip together.

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Anne Thompson

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Anne Thompson

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

Looking forward to this trip!

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Geoffrey Kehr

Rider

Vientiane to Chiang Mai

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Geoffrey Kehr

Rider
Vientiane to Chiang Mai

United Kingdom

Biography Geoff enjoyed a distinguished Aviation career spanning 34 year working in different locations across the globe. Having just retired from the big corporate DHL he now runs his own boutique aviation consultancy company in Dubai. Starting out with a first degree in Management Science, Geoff then went on to qualify as a Chartered Management Accountant. The qualifications helped provide a basis for his true passion; a career in Aviation management. Geoff’s first key role was to manage & grow DHL’s Middle East airline operation based in Bahrain. This was followed by assignments in Belgium and Germany before returning to the Middle East in 2022. Widowed with 2 grown up sons, Geoff resides in Bahrain & Dubai. International travel is firmly in Geoff’s blood. He has an insatiable wanderlust; always seeking new locations, cultures & experiences for adventure. This is combined with a passion for marathon running across the globe. Geoff is one of only 9000 elite marathon athletes in the world to have completed all 6 marathon majors. His running CV also includes the South Pole marathon and a half marathon in North Korea. Now looking forward to transitioning to a new passion for global cycling adventures.

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Mark James

Rider

Vientiane to Chiang Mai

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Mark James

Rider
Vientiane to Chiang Mai

United Kingdom

I have recently retired from corporate life and am looking forward to getting out and seeing more of the world than the office-airport-hotel-office hamster wheel I've been running on for the last 35 years!

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Jane Clark

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Jane Clark

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

Now that I have completed the Tour d'Afrique, I am looking forward to an adventure tour with hotel stays in Asia, another continent to be explored. After reaching Bangkok, I am plan to ride through Cambodia, then south to the island of Koh Samui to visit friends and explore the islands off Thailand's coast and possibly continue south to Malaysia and Singapore. Fingers crossed that it will all work out.

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Karen Mazurek

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Karen Mazurek

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

I live in Alberta, Canada with my husband, Gordon. I am happiest outdoors hiking, biking and skiing. I love travel and believe there is no better way to experience another place than on foot or on a bike. This will be my 3rd tour with TDA.

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Gordon Mazurek

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Gordon Mazurek

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

Completed the Pub Ride in 2018. Enjoy cycling and looking forward to experiencing SE Asia and meeting old and new TDA friends.

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David Stein

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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David Stein

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

Ex nerd, now older and cantankerous. This is my third TDA trip -- I very much enjoyed the Great American Roadtrip in 2021 and the Golden Buddha in 2023.

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Alexandra Findlay

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Alexandra Findlay

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

I love to travel and find new adventures. Looking forward to challenging myself, experiencing new places, meeting new people and seeing some amazing sites.

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Rita Tellerman

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Rita Tellerman

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

Hi! My name is Rita and I am a retired Public Health Nutritionist living in New York City. I can’t wait for the next TDA adventure. Since I started cycling at 49 and doing lots of bike trips to see the world, , I have ALWAYS and continue to be the oldest woman on each and every tour. My message to anyone who might consider it a barrier… don’t … just do it and you’ll have the time of your life.

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G. Michael Keltos

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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G. Michael Keltos

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

Aloha, Greetings from O'ahu. I am a retired educator/economic development consultant who has truly enjoyed riding around these beautiful islands over the last 35 years. I am currently a member of the Hawai'i Bicycling League and the Tradewinds Cycling Team to stay active and to socialize with fellow riders. Although I have traveled to several cities in Japan and briefly to South Korea, I look forward to seeing them, and others, from a whole new perspective on a bike while making new friends and seeing some fellow cyclists from my past three TDA tours: the Orient Express trip (Paris - Istanbul) in 2022 and two trips last year, the 2023 Trans-Europa (Tallinn - Gibraltar) tour. and the 2023 Golden Buddha (Ho Chi Minh City - Bangkok) tour. While living and working in Hawaii's diverse and multi-cultural communities for over 3 decades, I am somewhat acquainted with the various cuisines and cultural practices of the countries we'll be visiting. Moreover, I look forward to deepening my understanding and appreciation of the local cultures we'll be experiencing along the way. My previous three TDA tours were great, so I am back for more adventure with them. Mahalo Nui Loa,

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Marco Panebianco

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

Henry Gold

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Henry Gold

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

Founder, TDA Global Cycling

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Rider

Chiang Mai to Bangkok

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Rider
Chiang Mai to Bangkok

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Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

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SEE

LESS

SEE LESS

Andreas Pakenham

Tour Leader

Saigon to Bangkok

Peter Cox

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

Marie-Josée Vasseur

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

Elaine Cox

Rider

Saigon to Hue

Raul Costa

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

SEE

MORE

SEE MORE

Rob Dick

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Rob Dick

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

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Mike Busby

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Mike Busby

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United Kingdom

A serial cycle tourist always keen to escape winter in the UK and keen to stay active!

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Richard Schingler

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Richard Schingler

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

I love to travel and see the world from the seat of a bicycle. This will be my fifth tour with TDA.

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Chris Coggans

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Chris Coggans

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

I think cycling is the perfect speed of travel. I have done several 1-week cycling trips, but nothing this long or with such consistent mileage each day, and so I’ll need to train for this. But what a great way to see these countries!

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Rider

Saigon to Vientiane

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Rider
Saigon to Vientiane

Germany

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Roberta Hunt

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Roberta Hunt

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

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peter link

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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peter link

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

Retiree who likes to travel and can ride a bicycle.

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Teresa Ozias

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Teresa Ozias

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

United States

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Mary Potyrala

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Mary Potyrala

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Canada

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Roger Hesford

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

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Roger Hesford

Rider
Saigon to Bangkok

Australia

An average cyclist who enjoys touring and experiencing other cultures.

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SEE

LESS

SEE LESS

Rob Dick

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

Mike Busby

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

Richard Schingler

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

Chris Coggans

Rider

Saigon to Bangkok

 

Rider

Saigon to Vientiane

SEE

MORE

SEE MORE

“The support from TDA staff is phenomenal. I enjoyed it very much and will definitely do another TDA tour.”

"The TDA team completely exceeded my expectations. The route was stunning, challenging, and fun! I can’t wait for my next tour."

"Get on your bike and do it! SE Asia is a land of contrasts...thanks TDA."

OVERVIEW GOLDEN BUDDHA RIDE 2025


  • FULL TOUR
  • SECTION 1
  • SECTION 2
  • SECTION 3
  • SECTION 4
  • GOLDEN BUDDHA RIDE
  • GOOD MORNING VIETNAM
  • THE MIGHTY MEKONG
  • OVER THE HILLS & FAR AWAY
  • THE THREE KINGDOMS
  • SAIGON TO BANGKOK
  • SAIGON TO HUE
  • HUE TO VIENTIANE
  • VIENTIANE TO CHIANG MAI
  • CHIANG MAI TO BANGKOK
  • OCT 26 TO DEC 15
  • OCT 26 TO NOV 9
  • NOV 11 TO NOV 19
  • NOV 21 TO DEC 4
  • DEC 7 TO DEC 15
  • SPACES AVAILABLE
  • SPACES AVAILABLE
  • SPACES AVAILABLE
  • SPACES AVAILABLE
  • SPACES AVAILABLE
  • FULL TOUR
    • GOLDEN BUDDHA RIDE
    • SAIGON TO BANGKOK
    • OCT 26 TO DEC 15
    • SPACES AVAILABLE
  • SECTION 1
    • GOOD MORNING VIETNAM
    • SAIGON TO HUE
    • Oct 26 - Nov 9
    • SPACES AVAILABLE
  • SECTION 2
    • THE MIGHTY MEKONG
    • HUE TO VIENTIANE
    • Nov 11 - Nov 19
    • SPACES AVAILABLE
  • SECTION 3
    • OVER THE HILLS & FAR AWAY
    • VIENTIANE TO CHIANG MAI
    • Nov 21 - Dec 4
    • SPACES AVAILABLE
  • SECTION 4
    • THE THREE KINGDOMS
    • CHIANG MAI TO BANGKOK
    • Dec 7 - Dec 15
    • SPACES AVAILABLE

Full tour and section dates listed are for first and last day of cycling. Prices based on double occupancy at majority of the hotels. Solo riders will be paired with another rider of the same gender at no additional charge. Accommodation the night before first cycling day and the night of last cycling day are included in entry fee. We advise booking at least 1 additional night at tour accommodation before the tour, to be able to attend rider briefing and have assistance from tour bike mechanic in setting up your bike.

Full entry fee payment is due 90 days before the tour start date. A registration fee of US$150 must first be paid to hold your place on the tour and is in addition to the entry fee listed above. Registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. We recommend registering 4 - 6 months before the tour start date to take full advantage of our pre-tour support and information bulletins, but late registrations are possible when spaces are still available.

Full tour entry fees will receive an early payment discount of US$TBA if full payment is received 6 months before the start of the tour. Those coming for multiple sections get 10% off for 2 or more sections on the same tour (multiple section discount does not apply to full tour price). TDA alumni get special alumni discounts. Please contact our office for further details.

 

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