Day 1: Siem Reap
We leave the day free for you to relax after your arrival at Siem Reap. Arrive here and check into Raffles Grand d’hôtel. Local history, architecture, and aesthetics unfold in front of you as you enter Raffles. The hotel is located in the atmospheric French Quarter of the city with a slight infusion of Angkorian architecture.
Our guide meets you post-lunch, 2 pm, at your hotel for a bike fit and takes you on a short walking tour of Siem Reap.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Loop
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance cycled: ~ 30km / 18mi
Day 3: Kampong Thom – countryside trail
After breakfast, cycle to the temples in the Roluos Group, a collection of monuments representing the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire. Here we visit the temples of Lolei, Preah Ko, and Bakong, the first of the great pyramid temples.
Later ride through the bucolic countryside with a spectacular view of paddy fields towards Damdek where we get on our vehicle and transfer to Kampong Khleang floating village. It’s more of a town than the other villages and comes complete with several ornate pagodas. Most of the houses here are built on towering stilts to allow for a dramatic change in water level. Embark on a boat ride through the village where the fisherman and their families live in stilted houses
After lunch, take a shuttle transfer to Kampong Thom, a picturesque town on the banks of the Stung Sen River.
(Note: during the months Mar-July the water level may be too low for a visit by boat. However, the village is still fascinating and can be visited by car. Quite dramatic to see how the stilted houses are exposed from the lake when water levels are low!)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 65km / 40mi*
Day 4: Phnom Penh – Oudong trail
After a hearty breakfast, we start our day with a shuttle transfer to the outskirts. Here, set out on a bike ride on a dirt road through some of the most interior parts of Cambodia. It’s a flat ride past paddy fields, lotus farms, and typical rural hamlets. Expect young kids to stretch their arms and give a big wave or locals inviting you into their homes. We may have to share our road with water buffaloes and cows and reach Oudong. Oudong was the capital of Khmer for around 200 years. A gradual climb takes us to the top of a mountain surrounded by many stupas. Admire the spectacular views all around. A short shuttle brings us to Phnom Penh.
Arrive at the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, at the edge of the Mekong River. Historical splendors are spread in every corner whether it’s the local palace or the horrific remnants of the Khmer atrocities.
In the evening, taste some local Khmer cuisine at one of Phnom Penh’s finest dining place Romdeng. End day with a walk or tuk-tuk ride back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 50km / 30mi*
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Walking Tour
Today get ready to be immersed in the Cambodian culture and history of the city as we kick off our walking tour from Independence Monument. Enjoy walking along the Tonle Sap river, considered the lifeline of the region. Continue towards the National Museum, which houses several national treasures from three different eras: Pre-Angkorian, Angkorian, and Post-Angkorian, giving the flavor of diverse culture and architecture. The last leg of our walk takes us to the gilded Royal Palace, shimmering with silver tiles and sculptures of Buddha, which gives an insight into Cambodian Royal Life. After the museum, hike up the steps of a small hill to see Wat Phnom Temple, the birthplace of Phnom Penh.
We insist that you step outside for dinner after a short break, to enjoy the local nightlife and enjoy the street food. Traditional dishes like amok (coconut fish curry served in a banana leaf), bobor (rice porridge) and lok lak (stir-fried beef) are easy to find by the streets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Ta Keo – Killing Fields and countryside trail
Get up early and start with a shuttle transfer to Killing Fields. An essential on the itinerary due to the historic hook and for understanding the country better, we walk through the killing fields. Experience the painful story of a country that leads to the death of 2 million Cambodian people between 1974-1979. A short shuttle transfer from here brings us to Preah Theat Pagoda where we set out on a bike ride towards the Angkor era Ta Prohm temple located in Tonle Bati. Take a quick tour of the temple and continue riding to Phnom Chiso Temple, situated on the top of a hill with 400 steps to climb up. Continue riding towards Takeo past some amazing lake scenery surrounded by paddy fields and lotus farms. Ta Keo is a small town situated amidst beautiful lakes. Enjoy the rest of the evening walking around the town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 75km / 45mi*
Day 7: Kep – countryside trail
After a good breakfast, we take a short transfer to our starting point. We then start riding the back roads past villages. The topography that will be forever etched in your mind is that of a sprawling countryside of fields, palm trees, and lotus farms. We ride slowly, taking pictures along the way and taking in the stunning vistas.
Kep’s seaside front is the perfect place for weary legs to feel rejuvenated. Earthy colors and breezy wind make for the perfect ambiance to unwind.
The beachside Knai Bang Chatt hotel in Kep is the epitome of indulgence, with delicious food, distinctly styled cottages, spa services, and the friendly staff. In Khmer, Knai Bang Chatt refers to the rainbow encircling the sun and in Buddhism, this rainbow is the halo around Buddha’s head – surely the hotel imbibes the divine spirit of its name.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 36mi*
Day 8: Kep – Kampot town and caves
Another stretch of riverside villages and exquisite countryside awaits the cyclists today. We ride to the quaint riverside town of Kampot. We ride on small trails then minor roads past ‘Secret Lake’, also known as “Brateak Krola Lake”, a man-made reservoir. Along the way, visit the stunning cave temple of Phnom Chhnork and pepper plantations. After lunch at a beautiful riverside restaurant, step out to discover local life at Kampot. Enough anecdotes and local street food flow to keep us engaged. Enjoy a sunset cruise behind Bokor Mountain as you chug upstream. Later, take a shuttle transfer back to Kep. Do try the pungent Durian fruit, famous of this place. Kampot is also known for its salt and pepper production.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 36mi*
Day 9: Depart or Extend at nearby Islands
We recommend combining this bike tour with some beach time at Koh Rong Island, Cambodia, or Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, or depart in our support vehicle to Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast
