Cycle Cambodia: Angkor to the Beaches- 14 Days

In the morning, set off on a bike tour to explore the temples, starting with the renowned but less crowded sites. Your first stop will be Ta Prohm, distinguished by its wild, jungle-clad appearance with trees and vines overtaking its structures. Known as the Tomb Raider Temple due to its role in the film, it is one of the most picturesque and memorable temples in the Angkor complex.

Next, cycle to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, entering through the monumental stone gate adorned with elephant carvings and four colossal faces. Continue to Bayon Temple, located in the heart of the city and famous for its enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the former Khmer Empire. Don’t miss the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, renowned for their detailed bas-reliefs.

Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant where you can savor delicious Cambodian cuisine.

In the afternoon, bike to the crown jewel of the Angkor complex, Angkor Wat. With your guide, delve into the rich history and symbolic significance of this extraordinary ancient temple before returning to your hotel.

Today, our bike tour will guide us along unpaved roads through rural villages. We’ll ride on a flat path for approximately 7 km to reach the Banteay Samre temple. From there, we’ll continue on rugged roads through picturesque villages and rice fields, eventually arriving at the Banteay Srei temple, situated outside the main temple city and constructed from pink sandstone.

The journey features serene, narrow roads offering charming countryside views as you pass local markets, schools, villages, and Buddhist temples. We’ll pause for a water break in the shade of a tree before reaching Banteay Srei, also known as the Citadel of Women. This red sandstone temple is renowned for its intricately detailed carvings, which have been exceptionally well-preserved.

Following this, enjoy lunch at the base of the mountain before a short transfer to Kbal Spean. From there, trek 3 km uphill along a jungle trail to the waterfall and the River of a Thousand Lingas. Observe the ancient carvings on the riverbed and waterfall before returning to Siem Reap by transfer.

This morning, we set off to explore the Siem Reap backroads, heading towards the ancient Roulous Group, once the heart of Khmer civilization and constructed by the Angkorian king in the 8th century. We will visit the three main temples in the area: Lolei, Preah Ko, and Bakong.

Lunch will be served at a local residence before we travel another 12 km to Tonle Sap Lake. There, we’ll embark on a brief boat ride to Kampong Phluk to observe the floating villages and gain insight into the water-based lifestyle.

Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, supports the region’s agricultural needs and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The lake acts as a vast reservoir during the rainy season, with water flowing out to the Mekong River and eventually reaching the China Sea. On our return to Siem Reap, we’ll take a scenic backroad, passing numerous stilted houses and pagodas, making for a picturesque and enjoyable end to the day.

Today, we begin with a 2.5-hour drive to Kampong Thom, where we’ll embark on a biking adventure through the ancient site of Sambor Prey Kuk. This site, an important pre-Angkorian landmark from the 6th to 7th centuries, is poised to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring the temples with our guide, we’ll enjoy a local lunch.

Post-lunch, we’ll take a scenic bike ride through picturesque rice paddies and small villages, with friendly locals greeting us along the way. We’ll then board our van for a 4-hour transfer to Phnom Penh. Known for its colonial charm, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s vibrant capital, situated at the confluence of the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. The city boasts many colonial-era buildings that capture its rich history and create a captivating blend of Asian and Western influences.

Today, we leave the bustling city behind and take a ferry across the river, heading north from Phnom Penh to the Silk Islands. Once on the islands, we’ll bike through lush orchards and vegetable farms, soaking in the tranquil rural scenery and learning about the local way of life. We’ll make stops to explore traditional village industries and gain insights into authentic Cambodian culture. The serene environment of the islands provides a refreshing break and an opportunity to delve into Cambodia’s silk weaving heritage, stroll through peaceful villages, or simply relax by the river.

In the afternoon, we’ll have lunch at a city restaurant before enjoying a leisurely afternoon. Later, we’ll embark on a sunset cruise along the Phnom Penh riverfront. Enjoy the stunning views while sipping on cocktails, beer, or soft drinks, and experience a unique perspective of the city.

This morning, we depart from the busy streets of Phnom Penh for a visit to the Killing Fields, a site where political prisoners were executed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Following this, we embark on a bike ride through Takeo province, where we’ll explore the charming Angkorian temples of Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau.

After a lunch break, we continue south toward Takeo. Along the way, we stop at Chiso Mountain, where you can ascend a 180-step staircase to reach the summit and explore the well-preserved ruins of a 10th-century Angkorian temple. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside before we transfer to Takeo for an overnight stay.

Today, we’ll embark on a biking adventure to the delightful coastal town of Kep. We’ll spend the day cycling along scenic backroads, passing through charming villages, striking limestone karst landscapes, and lush rice fields. Along the way, we’ll explore Kampong Trach and visit the Wat Kirisehla pagoda, nestled beneath a dramatic karst formation. We’ll then continue our ride to the renowned Kampot Pepper plantation, famous for its aromatic black, red, and white pepper, thanks to the region’s ideal soil conditions.

Following our visit to the pepper plantation, we’ll head to the historic coastal town of Kep. You’ll have the option to hike through Kep National Park, where you can trek along trails through a small mountain range, offering breathtaking views of Kep’s coastline.

This morning, we’ll begin our bike ride on paved roads before transitioning to dirt and gravel paths, heading towards Secret Lake, an artificial reservoir. From there, we’ll continue to a pepper plantation situated in a serene rural setting, surrounded by stunning views and lush tropical gardens. A local expert will guide us through the farm, offering insights into pepper cultivation, the various types of peppercorns, and traditional organic farming methods.

After our exploration, we’ll enjoy lunch at the farm before heading to Kampot. The remainder of the day will be yours to explore the town at your own pace.

Today, we head south from the hotel towards Sihanoukville. Our route takes us along a tarmac road, offering glimpses of daily Cambodian life and scenic views of the coastline. The vibrant blue of the Gulf of Thailand to your left will provide a refreshing contrast to the heat, as the road opens up and the shade of the trees becomes sparse. We’ll stop for lunch at a local hut near some tranquil homes, where you'll savor delicious Khmer cuisine.

After lunch, you'll be transferred to Sihanoukville to board a speed boat to Koh Rong. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the beach, as you unwind and enjoy the final moments of your biking journey.

Today is a leisurely day to enjoy at your own pace. Take full advantage of Koh Rong’s beautiful beaches, renowned as some of the most breathtaking in Cambodia. The island offers pristine emerald waters, expansive sandy shores, and ample sunshine to bask in.

Koh Rong’s idyllic setting will captivate you with its crystal-clear waters and expansive sandy stretches. Spend your time lounging on the serene beaches and savoring refreshing drinks made with local ingredients.

Today is a day of freedom to explore at your leisure. You have a range of exciting activities to choose from, including swimming, snorkeling, mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, and boat excursions.

Today, we wrap up our journey with farewells to your guides. We'll transfer to Phnom Penh, allowing you a final day to reflect on the enriching cycling experiences, stunning coastal vistas, and cultural discoveries that this tour has offered!