Cycling Cambodia

Airfare is not included in this tour, so you are responsible for arranging your own transportation to and from Cambodia. The first day is unscheduled, allowing you to arrive in Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), at your convenience. Upon arrival in Siem Reap we will be picked up and taken to a comfortable and pleasant hotel, where we can relax for a few hours after the long journey. Later, we will have a briefing with the local guides to hear more about what lies ahead. In the evening, we will enjoy a group dinner and get to know each other better.

After breakfast, we begin our first day on the bikes. We pass Prasat Kravan and Sra Srang before arriving at the jungle temple Ta Prohm, where we spend an hour exploring this fascinating temple overgrown with massive tree roots, famously featured in the film Tomb Raider. We then ride past Ta Keo and through the Victory Gate to the Angkor Thom complex. In the afternoon, we visit the "mother of all temples," the magnificent Angkor Wat. Here, you can admire the countless intricate carvings on the walls and see the reflection of the main towers in the surrounding moat. On our way back to the city, we take a different route and stop at the more modern temple Wat Thmei. We spend the night in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we set off on a 36 km bike ride to Kulen Mountain, beginning our journey from Siem Reap. Pedal along quiet dirt roads, passing by Kravan Temple, Banteay Kdei, Sras Srang, and Phnom Bok. Upon reaching Beng Mealea Temple, we explore the site before continuing our ride towards Beng Melea Camp. We cycle along the foot of Kulen Mountain until we reach the second checkpoint, then turn right onto a red sand road. Along the way, we will encounter local farmers working the land, providing a glimpse into rural life.

We begin with a scenic drive to Phnom Kulen, a sacred mountain central to Cambodia’s history, where King Jayavarman II declared himself a God-King in 802 AD. Todays hike features both challenging climbs and gentle inclines. Along the way, we explore cultural treasures, including the Reclining Buddha, the River of a Thousand Lingas, and ancient animal statues. The journey culminates at the breathtaking Kulen Waterfall, where we can relax, swim, and take in the stunning scenery. A delicious Cambodian lunch is included before we wrap up this day in the jungle and continue our hike to our mountain home for the evening spent in the wild under the Cambodian stars.

After breakfast, we begin a 30 km bike ride down Phnom Kulen, following rocky and unpaved roads through nature to the intricately carved Banteay Srei Temple. After exploring this “Citadel of Women,” we enjoy lunch before continuing another 38 km to Siem Reap. Along the way, we stop at Sugar Palm Village to observe traditional palm sugar production. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we cycle to the hotel and unwind for the evening.

Today, we travel to the capital city, Phnom Penh. Along the way, we pass through small villages before arriving in the afternoon. Upon arrival, we check into a cozy and centrally located hotel.

After breakfast, we leave the hotel and navigate through the morning rush, crossing the Mekong River on a local ferry to cycle around "Koh Dach" – Silk Island. The island's residents primarily cultivate rice and vegetables, while many women weave silk at home alongside managing household duties. In the afternoon, we travel by bus to the sobering Toul Sleng Prison, a site where tens of thousands were tortured by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. We return to the same hotel in Phnom Penh for the night.

Today, we will visit the Killing Fields of the Cheung Ek Museum, offering a poignant glimpse into Cambodia's tragic history. Afterward, we board a bus and head south for a couple of hours, stopping in Kompong Trach to collect our bicycles. From there, we continue cycling toward Kep, passing through the Phnom Wur mountains. We then visit the renowned Kampot pepper farms, known worldwide for producing some of the finest pepper. Continuing to Kep, a charming coastal town once a popular retreat during French colonial times, we take a boat to the idyllic Rabbit Island. Here, we can enjoy a refreshing swim on one of the beautiful beaches. Later, we return to Kep for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we’ll cycle from the hotel to Kampot, a charming French colonial town, where we’ll explore the local market and pick up some fresh seafood for dinner. From there, we’ll continue cycling to the base of BorKor Mountain, where we’ll embark on a one-hour trek through the lush forest. After enjoying a picnic lunch with stunning views, we’ll cycle back to Kampot, making our way down the hill until we reach the scenic Kampot River. We’ll spend the night in Kampot, relaxing after a day full of adventure

Following breakfast, we'll head to Sihanoukville and embark on our last cycling adventure. We'll pedal along the coast, through coconut plantations, and conquer a challenging mountain climb before descending to the beach. After a leisurely lunch at a beachfront restaurant, we'll take a boat to the idyllic island of Koh Rong. Here, we'll unwind in simple beach bungalows for our final two nights in Cambodia.

The day is yours to do as you please! Koh Rong isn't particularly developed and doesn't have many sights, but who needs that when you have palm trees swaying, a blue sea and sky, and a four-kilometer long sandy beach at your disposal? Tonight the group will gather together one final time to celebrate our journey with a beautiful farewell dinner.

Today is our final day of adventure. We'll say goodbye to the island paradise and take a boat back to the mainland. From there, we'll transfer to Phnom Penh airport for our evening flight home. If you're feeling adventurous, you can extend your trip and explore more of Cambodia or Southeast Asia. We can provide recommendations and assistance with booking additional travel arrangements.