Cycle Cambodia: Angkor to the Beaches
Highlights
- Cycle to all the major highlights of the Angkor temples, visiting the World Heritage Site and the hidden back trails of the Angkor Archaeology Park
- The cycle journey through the capital, Phnom Penh, to the charming coastal towns of Sihanoukville
- Ride through the stunning pepper route and storied La Plantation, including the pepper farm tour
- Through the Southern part of Cambodia, you’ll get a fascinating, immersive look into the lives of the locals.
- Enjoy a Provencal meal at the lovely home of our local friend and taste vibrant southern dishes and seafood along the beachside
Overview
This cycling tour to the coast of Cambodia begins in Siem Reap with one of Cambodia’s main attractions, the impressive temple city of Angkor Wat. We will then pedal away from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh to find peace and harmony in the south of Cambodia. Cycle through small countryside villages, encounter lush green rice fields, water buffalo, and colorful temples along the way before arriving at Cambodia’s coastal city of Kep. This town was once a famous holiday spot for French colonialists.
Then, we end the ride with a completely different world awaiting you at Koh Rong Island, a luxury hideaway for the highest demands. A place with a beautiful white sandy beach, lush nature, crystal clear water, and exceptional service. Let your mind wander and enjoy your moments in this untouched paradise.
Look forward to beautiful bike tours and experiences along the coast of Cambodia.
- Day 1 - Arrival in Siem Reap & Welcome dinner
Upon arrival, please look out for the Siem Reaper welcome sign at the arrivals gate. We will transfer you to your hotel, where you can take your time and relax by the pool or venture out for your first exploration of this ancient city.
In the early evening, your guide will meet you at the hotel reception where a trip briefing will be held. Then, you will enjoy the creative local cuisine at Marum Restaurant (Marum is an NGO that has been working with street children and other marginalized young people).
- Meals: Dinner
- Hotel: Central Corner d’Angkor (Similar Accommodation) - Day 2 - Cycle to Angkor Archaeology Park
After breakfast at the hotel, you start biking for the morning temple exploration at the most illustrious temple with the smallest crowds. First, you will visit Ta Prohm, which is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the so-called Tomb Raider Temple, as it was used during the filming of the movie, one of the most picturesque and memorable temples in the Angkor complex.
You will then head out to the ancient city of Angkor Thom and enter the city through the ancient Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. From here, continue to Bayon Temple, located in the center of the city and famed as the enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
You will take a break at lunch and stop at the local restaurant to enjoy tasteful Cambodian dishes.
Lastly, you will bike to the gem of the Angkor complex, Angkor Wat. Following your tour leader, you will be mesmerized by the rich history and symbolism of this unique ancient temple. Afterward, you will return to your hotel.
- Today's Ride: 30 Km
- Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Central Corner d'Angkor (Similar Accommodation) - Day 3 - Cycle to Banteay Samre, Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean
Today, our bike tour takes us on unpaved roads through rural villages. We continue on a flat road for about 7 km to the temple of Banteay Samre. From there it goes back on unpaved roads through attractive villages, along with rice fields, and to the temple of Banteay Srei, which is located outside the actual temple city and is made of pink sandstone.
The roads are peaceful, narrow, and very pretty all the way to Bantey Srei. There are plenty of beautiful and real country views to see along the way as you cycle past the local markets, schools, villages, and Buddhist temples. Taking a water break under the shade of the tree before we reach Bantey Srei, which is known as the Citadel of Women, this red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings, which have been preserved remarkably well.
Enjoy your lunch at the foot of the mountain before taking a short transfer to Kbal Span. Then trek uphill along the jungle trail for 3 km to the waterfall and the River of Thousand Lingas. You can see the carvings on the riverbed and waterfall and return to Siem Reap by transfer.
- Today's Ride: 60 Km
- Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Central Corner d'Angkor (Similar Accommodation) - Day 4 - Bike & boat tour to the floating village
This morning, we embark on the Siem Reap backroads to the former Angkor city of Roulous Group. The temple was the center of Khmer civilization and was built by the Angkorian king in the 8th century. We explore the three main temples here: Lolei, Preah Ko, and Bakong Temple.
We’ll eat lunch at a local house before we continue another 12 km to Tonle Sap lake to take a short cruise to Kampong Phluk to see the floating villages, where you’ll have an opportunity to learn about life on the water.
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and offers a unique way of life for those living on Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake, which is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
During the year, the lake supplies water to several provinces for agriculture. In the rainy season, the lake serves as a big water storage, and water flows out through its branches from the lake to the Mekong River and down to the China Ocean. En-route, we take the back road to Siem Reap. The road is the most peaceful part, and you will ride past many stilted houses and pagodas, making this final ride of today full of joy.
- Today's Ride: 40 Km
- Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Central Corner d'Angkor (Similar Accommodation) - Day 5 - Siem Reap – Kampong Thom – Phnom Penh
Today, we start the day with a 2.5-hour drive to Kampong Thom, where we will ride through the ancient temple site of Sambor Prei Kuk, one of the most important Pre-Angkorian sites in Cambodia, soon to become the next UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th centuries. After our guide leads us on a tour through the temples, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we have a beautiful ride through rice paddies and small villages, with locals greeting us as we cycle by. We then hop back into our van for a 4-hour transfer to Phnom Penh. The city is considered one of the most beautiful in the country as it still retains a colonial charm.
Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Lake. The city contains many colonial-era buildings that reflect the glory days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.
- Today's Ride: 35 Km
- Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Frangipani Palace Hotel (Similar Accommodation) - Day 6 - Phnom Penh, Bike tour to the Silk Island
Today we escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and cross the river by ferry boat, making our way towards the north of Phnom Penh and the Silk Islands. After arriving on land, we will bike through orchards and vegetable farms, enjoying the peaceful farmland and learning about the lives of the people who call the Silk Islands home. Along the way, we will park our bikes for some interesting cultural stops as we check out traditional village industries and get a better sense of authentic Cambodian life on these islands. The cooling calm of the island is not only a great respite: it’s also a fun way to learn more about Cambodia’s silk weaving history, stroll through quiet villages, relax on the riverbank, or go for a dip.
In the afternoon, we enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the city. Your afternoon will be at leisure until you set off on a sunset cruise along the Phnom Penh riverfront. Take in the sights and sip cocktails, beer, or soft drinks as you get a unique overview of Phnom Penh.
- Today's Ride: 25 Km
- Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Frangipani Palace Hotel (Similar Accommodation) - Day 7 - Phnom Penh – Takeo
This morning we take a short transfer away from the early morning hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh to the Killing Fields, an extermination camp for political prisoners during the terror reign of the Khmer Rouge. We then start our ride through Takeo province, where we will have time to explore the small yet picturesque Angkorian temples of Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau.
Enjoy lunch there before continuing south towards Takeo. En-route, visit Chiso Mountain, where you can climb a 180-step to the top of the mountain to explore the well-preserved ruins of a 10th-century Angkorian temple. Enjoy a panoramic view of the countryside, then transfer to Takeo for an overnight there.
- Today's Ride: 50 Km
- Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Alice Villa Hotel (Similar Accommodation) - Day 8 - Takeo – Kep
Today, we’ll hop on our bikes and begin the cycling journey to the charming coastal town of Kep. We then spend the day cycling through the back roads, passing villages, some beautiful limestone karst scenery, picturesque villages, including some ethnic Cham settlements, and endless rice fields. We then stop at Kampong Trach to visit the pagoda of Wat Kirisehla, set in the shadows of a karst limestone formation, and we continue to cycle to the famous Kampot Pepper plantation, for which the area is known. The region’s soil is well-suited for growing the plants, and the resulting crop of black, red, and white pepper is well-known for its aroma.
After our visit, we continue to the old colonial coastal town of Kep, where you’ll have the option to hike through the Kep National Park, trekking through trails over a small mountain range with stunning views of Kep’s beach.
- Today's Ride: 70 Km
- Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Kep Bungalows (Similar Accommodation) - Day 9 - Kep – Kampot
This morning, we’ll start our ride on a tarmac road, then continue on dirt and gravel to reach Secret Lake, a man-made reservoir. Then, we continue our ride to the pepper plantation, located in a protected and privileged rural environment, with a breathtaking view and a luxurious tropical garden. Explore the farm with a local expert to learn more about the growing techniques and the origin of the different colors of peppercorns, as well as to understand the traditional and organic growing methods.
After taking some time to explore, we’ll have lunch at the farm before transferring to the town of Kampot and exploring Kampot town at our own leisure.
- Today's Ride: 40 Km
- Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Bamboo Bungalow (Similar Accommodation) - Day 10 - Kampot, cycling & kayaking
After breakfast, we cycle along the river, enabling you to enjoy peaceful Kampot to its fullest and to take in its natural surroundings and local livelihoods. You’ll meet locals who create baskets made out of raw materials and then head to the river. After cycling along the riverbank, you’ll make your way across the river with your bike via boat! Finish the tour off by kayaking on a river and getting a chance to go swimming.
- Today's Ride: 20 Km
- Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Bamboo Bungalow (Similar Accommodation) - Day 11 - Kampot – Sihanoukville & Koh Rong
Today, we depart from the hotel in the southern direction for Sihanoukville. We ride on the tarmac road with the buzz of day-to-day life in Cambodia and the view of the coastline. The blue of the Gulf of Thailand at your left will always wake you up from the hot weather of today as the road is a bit wide open from the shade of the tree. We’ll have lunch at the local hut near the sleepy houses along the way, where your lunch will be offered with very tasty Khmer food.
After lunch, you will be transferred to Sihanoukville to catch the speed boat to Koh Rong. For the rest of the day, enjoy yourself at leisure at the beach as today is the last day of your bike ride.
- Today's Ride: 50 Km
- Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
- Hotel: Ariya Resort (Similar Accommodation) - Day 12 - Free Day on the beaches
Today is the free day of cycling. Relax on the beaches of Koh Rong, Cambodia’s most stunning island, with plenty of wonderful beaches and beautiful water.
The picturesque paradise island of Koh Rong will undoubtedly blow you away on your vacation with its clear emerald beaches, great long sandy stretch, and brilliant sunshine. When visiting Koh Rong, relax on the beautiful beach and sample delicious drinks made with local ingredients.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Hotel: Ariya Resort - Day 13 - Free Day on the Island
Today is just another free day. You can participate in one of the thousands of exciting activities available, such as swimming, snorkeling, mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, and boat trips.
-Meals: Breakfast
-Hotel: Ariya Resort - Day 14 - Transfer to Phnom Penh & Tour Concludes
Today, we gather for one final breakfast at our hotel, followed by goodbyes with your guides. Our tour concludes today with a transfer to Phnom Penh. Take the day to reflect upon the rewarding cycling, beautiful coastal views, and cultural immersion that this tour has provided!
- Meals: Breakfast
- Airport pick up and drop off (Siem Reap & Phnom Penh)
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples guided tour
- Siem Reap - 3 day Angkor Pass
- Siem Reap - Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean
- Siem Reap - Boat tour to the floating village
- Kampong Thom - Guided tour to Sambor Prei Kok
- Phnom Penh - Cycle tour to the Silk Island
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) & Killing Fields
- Kampot -Visit La Plantation
- Kampot - Kayaking along Kampot river
- Shinanukville - A ferry to Koh Rong Island
- First aid kits per tour guide
- Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments and offers lifts
- 13 Breakfasts ,10 Lunches, 1 Dinner
- International and domestic flights
- Visa or visa arrangements
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, hats, and protective clothing
- Camera/video entrance fees
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips, etc)
- Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above
Important Information
*Dietary Requirement
If you have any specific food requirements (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies), please inform in advance so that we can provide a notice to the restaurant or hotel where you will be served.