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 slight infusion of Angkorian architecture.
Our guide meets you post-lunch, 2pm, at your hotel and takes you on a short walking tour of Siem Reap.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Loop
The Angkor temple complex is synonymous to Cambodia, so a ride around the temple is essential. We start riding directly from 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 South gate. Beat the crowd and climb the surrounding wall of 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 second East gate of 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 its 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
Make a final early morning visit to Angkor and witness the magnificent views in the backdrop of sunrise.
Ride through bucolic countryside with spectacular view of paddy fields and lotus farms all around. After lunch, take a shuttle transfer to Kampong Thom, a picturesque town on the banks of the Stung Sen River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 36mi*
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 mountain surrounded with 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 hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 40km / 24mi*
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 as lifeline of the region. Continue towards National Museum, houses several national treasures from three different eras: Pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and Post-Angkorian, giving the flavour of diverse culture and architecture. The last leg of our walk takes us to gilded Royal Palace, shimmering with silver tiles and sculptures of Buddha, that gives an insight about 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 country that lead to death of 2 million Cambodian people between 1974-1979. A short shuttle transfer from here brings us to Angkor era Ta Prohm temple. Take a quick tour of the temple and get ready for a ride towards 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 with paddy fields and lotus farms. Ta Keo is a small town situated amidst beautiful lakes. Enjoy the rest of evening walking around the town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 42mi*
Day 7: Kep – countryside trail
We gradually amp up the tempo by picking up on the kilometres. Today, it’s long ride to Kep and we end the ride with a short transfer. 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 colours and breezy wind make for the perfect ambience to unwind.
The beach side 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, Dinner
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. Along the way, visit stunning cave and pepper plantations. After lunch at a beautiful riverside restaurant, step out to discover local life at Kampot. Enough anecdotes and local street food flows to keep us engaged. 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
Distance cycled: ~ 50km / 30mi*
Day 9: Departure or Extend at Koh Rong Island
Extend for more nights at Kep or Koh Rong Island or depart for Phnom Penh in our support vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
