15 days
From US $3,695
Cambodia to Laos Bike Tour
This tour promises an unforgettable adventure, combining the best of both worlds in Northern Cambodia and Southern Laos. From the ancient wonders of Angkor in Siem Reap to the tranquil landscapes of Pakse, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes that define this region. Cycle through picturesque countryside, dotted with charming villages and lush forests, and uncover hidden gems along the way. Explore the majestic temples of Angkor, witness breathtaking waterfalls, and journey through the heart of Laos' coffee-growing region, the Bolaven Plateau.
Siem Reap | 14:00hrs
Pakse
casual
easy to moderate
60km or 37mi
12
REP
PKZ
Highlights
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Day | Place | casual Inns or similar | Meals | Distance | Activity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DAY 1 | Siem Reap | Steung Siemreap | D | ||
DAY 2 | Siem Reap | Steung Siemreap | B,L | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
DAY 3 | Kampong Thom | Sambor Village | B,L,D | 37km / 21mi | cycling |
DAY 4 | Kampong Cham | LBN Asian Hotel | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
DAY 5 | Kratie via Chhlong | B,L,D | 60km / 37mi | cycling | |
DAY 6 | Stung Treng | Mekong Bird Resort | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
DAY 7 | Don Det | Sala Don Khone | B,L,D | 60km / 37mi | cycling |
DAY 8 | Don Khong | Pon Arena Hotel | B,L,D | 45km / 28mi | cycling |
DAY 9 | Soukhouma | B,L,D | 45km / 28mi | cycling | |
DAY 10 | Pathoomphone | Kingfisher ecolodge | B,L,D | 65km / 40mi | cycling |
DAY 11 | Pathoomphone | Kingfisher ecolodge | B | ||
DAY 12 | Attapue | Hoang Anh Hotel | B,L,D | 80km / 49mi | cycling |
DAY 13 | Paksong | Sinouk Coffee Resort | B,L,D | 85km / 53mi | cycling |
DAY 14 | Pakse | Seng Aloun Hotel | B,L,D | 50km / 31mi | cycling |
DAY 15 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Siem Reap
Arrive and settle at your hotel. Local history, architecture, and aesthetics unfold in front of you as you enter Siem Reap. We leave the day free for you to relax after you arrive at Siem Reap.
Our guide meets you post-lunch at 2 pm at your hotel for a bike fit followed by a brief walking tour of Siem Reap and ending with dinner.
Day 2: Siem Reap
Visit Angkor and witness the magnificent views in the backdrop of sunrise. The Angkor temple complex is synonymous with Cambodia, so a ride around the temple is essential. We start riding directly from the hotel and reach the moat of Angkor Wat. Exquisite sculptures, tall towers, and maze-like trails flanked by large banyan roots, you might want to spend ample time photographing as you would have seen nothing like this before. We will loop back to Angkor Wat for a detailed tour at the end of our ride.
Continue riding towards Angkor Thom and enter the city from the South gate. Beat the crowd and climb the surrounding wall of the city and ride on top of it. Take a break here for a rich fascinating account of the city from our guide. A further ride through East gate takes us to Bayon, a richly decorated face temple within the Angkor complex is one of the highlights here. Exit from the second East gate of the city and ride towards jungle-clad TA Prohm. Our guide shares historical anecdotes and walks you through temples along the way.
The Angkor Wat requires more than a morning, so we loop back for a more detailed guided tour. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the largest religious complexes in the world and it’s bound to enthrall you. If time permits, climb Phnom Bakheng for a classic view of Angkor during sunset.
In the evening, explore some of the local food in the cafes that flank the narrow roads.
Day 3: Kampong Thom
Following breakfast, set out on a picturesque cycling journey through the serene countryside, offering captivating vistas of lush paddy fields leading to Tonle Sap. Upon arrival, board a boat destined for the enchanting floating village of Kampong Phluk, distinguished by its town-like ambiance and adorned with ornate pagodas. Witness the unique architectural marvel of houses perched on towering stilts, accommodating the dramatic fluctuations in water levels. Glide through the village on a boat excursion, observing the lives of fishermen and their families dwelling in stilted dwellings.
After a satisfying lunch, indulge in a 2.5-hour shuttle transfer to the secluded archaeological site of Sambor Preikuk. Dating back to the 6th century, this cluster of temples nestled amidst a tranquil jungle setting offers an opportunity to explore these lesser-known ruins in an atmosphere of serenity and natural beauty.
Day 4: Kampong Cham
Commence the day with a 40-minute scenic drive to Kampong Thmor, nestled in the countryside. Set out on a cycling journey through lush tropical farmlands renowned for cultivating cassava, sweet potatoes, peanuts, and rubber. After a delightful lunch, pedal along serene sealed roads, passing by charming villages and pagodas while tracing the meandering path of the Mekong River. Arrive at Kampong Cham town, where a unique experience awaits on Koh Pen, a rustic island amidst the river. Accessible via an intricate bamboo bridge, crafted by locals each dry season (Jan-May), it offers a glimpse into rural life. Note that during the wet season, a ferry substitutes the bridge, ensuring continued access to the island.
Day 5: Kratie via Chhlong
Today, our journey commences from the hotel as we traverse the Kizuna Bridge over the Mekong River, linking the city to the eastern regions of Cambodia. Cycling along a paved road interspersed with scenic trails offering glimpses of the river, we pass through local villages bustling with daily life. Witnessing locals engaged in various activities such as cooking, playing, and herding cattle along the riverbanks adds an authentic touch to our experience. Later, we transfer to Kratie to explore the Buddhist meditation center, also known as "Phnom Sambok," nestled atop a hill adorned with diverse flora identified by their scientific names. At the summit, a quaint temple awaits alongside cottages serving as dwellings for Buddhist monks, clergy, and nuns.
Returning to town, we go on a ferry journey to Koh Trong, our homestay destination for the night. Approximately 280 families call this 6-kilometer island home, renowned for cultivating the finest pomelo fruit in Cambodia, alongside rice and other agricultural produce. Prior to our homestay experience, we leave surplus luggage on the bus, bringing only essential items in our backpacks. Delight in delectable Cambodian cuisine shared with our hospitable host family, immersing ourselves in the local culture and traditions.
Day 6: Stung Treng
Following breakfast, we cross on a ferry journey to the town and set off on a 36-kilometer cycling adventure to explore Wat Sorsor Moi Roi, also known as the 100-column Pagoda. This architectural marvel is supported by 108 columns and adorned with vivid murals, erected on the grounds of a 19th-century wooden temple, with remnants of a few pillars still visible at the rear of the compound. Subsequently, we pedal an additional 26 kilometers towards highway 7, where we transition to a van for a transfer to Stung Treng.
Day 7: Don Det
Today we pedal towards the O'Svay Ecotourism Community, immersing ourselves in rural life. Indulge in a traditional lunch hosted by a local family, offering a genuine taste of Khmer hospitality. Post-lunch, we resume cycling towards the border for immigration procedures. Here, we bid farewell to the Cambodian team and are warmly greeted by the Lao team. We then embark on a transfer to Si Phan Don (4000 Islands), specifically to a resort nestled on Dong Khone Island, promising a tranquil retreat amidst natural beauty.
Day 8: Don Khong
Ride to the pier for a scenic local boat cruise through the islands en route to Don Khong. Enjoy a leisurely ferry hopping experience, allowing us to explore the longest island in the Mekong at a relaxed and tranquil pace.
Day 9: Soukhouma
Today's adventure entails cycling alongside the Mekong River on dirt roads tracing the western bank, passing quaint riverside villages. We cross over to Don San and proceed towards Sou. After a refreshing lunch break, we pedal to our hotel, where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 10: Pathoomphone
Departing from the village, we continue our journey along the dirt road hugging the western shore. We'll transfer across the river to explore a remarkable 11th-century Khmer Dynasty temple. This well-preserved temple stands as one of the few remaining structures from the Khmer Kingdom era in Laos, offering a serene experience akin to a mini-Angkor Wat minus the bustling crowds. Our ride then leads us to a luxurious resort nestled amidst pristine natural surroundings.
Day 11: Pathoomphone
Today offers leisure time for you to explore and unwind as you please. Delve into the wetlands of Bueng Kiat Ngong, where you can partake in bird watching, spot wildlife, and embark on tranquil boat rides. Alternatively, spend a serene day along the picturesque Nam Theun River. Take a refreshing swim in its waters or simply bask in the peaceful ambiance. Our guide will gladly offer recommendations tailored to your preferences.
Day 12: Attapue
Today's route leads us along charming rural roads, where we encounter villages inhabited by diverse ethnic minorities. These communities rarely encounter cyclists, so anticipate a warm and genuine welcome as we cycle through the countryside. Attapeu, a quaint provincial town, rests nestled in a bend of the Mekong River.
Day 13: Paksong
Today's journey entails a long and steady ride northward, beginning with a flat and pleasant 60-kilometer stretch alongside the Mekong River. As we veer westward, we gradually ascend into the Bolaven Plateau, the epicenter of Laos' coffee cultivation. The subsequent kilometers involve a gradual ascent as we make our way towards our destination, a coffee plantation resort.
Day 14: Pakse
Exploring this region by bike is truly delightful. Along this route, encounter numerous waterfalls and verdant forests. We make a stop at Tad Yuang Waterfall for lunch, before concluding our ride in Pakse, the largest town in Southern Laos.
Day 15: Departure
Please make arrangements as per your onward travel plans.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Cannondale Trail 4 (Cambodia) or similar
Included in your trip price
Trek Marlin 5 (Laos) or similar
Included in your trip price
Senior (Cambodia) or similar
Available at a surcharge
What to Expect
We want you to have a fantastic experience on your tour, so we aim to be upfront about what to expect along the way. Here are key details to keep in mind:
Note on Road Conditions
This bike tour takes you through some of the region's most remote and stunning landscapes. However, the charm of these untamed regions comes with varying road conditions. In some areas, you may encounter potholes, dusty paths, or uneven surfaces that may require adjustments to cycling distances or occasional time in the support vehicle.
- In Cambodia & Laos, mountain bikes are provided, as the terrain is more rugged.
- Roads in Cambodia & Laos are often of poor quality, and certain stretches involve rough and uneven surfaces. Expect a true off-the-beaten-path experience!
- Dust and Air Quality: We recommend bringing a buff or lightweight scarf to protect your airways from road dust, particularly in Laos.
Unavoidable Shuttle Transfers
To ensure your safety and comfort, shuttle transfers are provided for certain sections where cycling is not ideal due to rough terrain, heavy traffic, or extended distances between key stops. These transfers allow you to bypass challenging or less scenic stretches, ensuring you make the most of your time on the bike in the most beautiful and rewarding parts of the journey.
Food Preferences
While we do our best to accommodate dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or vegan diets, options may be limited, especially in rural areas. We recommend being open to simple meals and considering bringing some of your own snacks if you have specific requirements.
Arrival & Departure Details
Your tour begins at Siem Reap, which is served by the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, the largest airport in Cambodia.
Taxi is available inside the airport.
The airport also offers its own airport shuttle service for $8 that picks up and drops off at the CDF Duty Free shop downtown.
Schedule for the airport bus shuttle is given below:
From airport to Siem Reap: 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m.
To Siem Reap Airport: 5:30 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m.
Grab is a popular app-based taxi service in Cambodia. Besides this, there are also private taxis are operated by individuals, and these taxis can be booked directly through WhatsApp or through travel agencies and hotels.
Many of these private taxi services offer brief tour options, aimed at enticing guests to reserve tours with them. It is advisable to either utilize a taxi that is on standby at the airport or make a booking through our local partner whose contact details will be shared with you prior to your arrival in Cambodia.
Our local partners typically charge the following rates for airport pick-up and drop:
Car: US$35, Van: US$40
Alternatively, guests may opt for an airport drop-off through the hotel, which costs approximately $40 for a car and $45 for a van. It is advisable to consider booking a private car, as tuk-tuks or rickshaws may not have access to the airport.
Weather
Cambodia is a year-round cycling destination on account of its pleasant tropical climate. April and May can be hot, but for the rest of the year, the temperature hovers around 30°C (86°F). There is moderate rainfall from May to early November but it settles soon, leaving the weather cool and the countryside looking lush.
In Laos, the dry season runs from late October until May, making it ideal for cycling. June to October is characterized by heavy rainfall. Until July, rain comes mostly in the form of short downpours for an hour or so, clearing the way for clear skies. After July, rain reaches peak levels in August and September.
Though the weather can be sometimes quite unpleasant from June to September, there are benefits to this season. Nature comes to life, dry brown grasslands and forests become lush and green, the farmers welcome the season with full productivity, and lakes and rivers as well as waterfalls fill up and become stronger than ever.
Overall, Oct to Feb are the best months for this tour, with the weather being characterized by low humidity and plenty of sunshine. Mar to May is characterized by high humidity and some smokey skies due to slash-and-burn agriculture.
January
Best
February
Best
March
Mixed
April
Mixed
May
Offseason
June
Offseason
July
Offseason
August
Mixed
September
Good
October
Best
November
Best
December
Best
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Travel Insurance
It is a mandatory requirement to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:
- CDC portal for travelers from the US
- NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
- Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.
In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.
Tips are not included in your tour price.
As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.
This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.
However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.
It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.
In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.