Home Multi-Day Tours Cycling Tours Cambodia Bike, Hike & Kayak
Explore Cambodia: between winding jungle paths and the wide-ranging waterways of the Mekong, there is so much to discover by bike, hike, and kayak. Cambodia’s incredible beauty, fantastic food, and unique culture are even better when combined with outdoor adventures.
We start in Phnom Penh and visit impressive monuments to Cambodia’s tragic past. Visit a host family on an island in the Mekong River. Then we will watch Irrawaddy dolphins and paddle a kayak tour through spectacularly flooded forests.
On foot, we explore the ancient temple ruins of the incredible Angkor complex on foot and by mountain bike. This is an active trip for adventure seekers who want to experience Cambodia’s treasures intensively.
Suo Sdei! Welcome to Cambodia.
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 the capital 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 Cambodian cuisine.
Start your adventure on a mountain bike by crossing the river by local boat and then riding through the villages on an island in the Mekong River. The island is famous for silk weaving, agriculture, and aquaculture. Stop to see locals at work in the village and enjoy cycling on quiet roads through orchards and along rice paddies. Then return to Phnom Penh in the afternoon for lunch.
Then, your guide will take you to explore Phnom Penh, which remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. The former school of Tuol Sleng served as a Khmer Rouge torture center, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls, marking the infamous site. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng, and standing in this peaceful setting it’s almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9,000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. Perhaps visit Wat Phnom, the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century, or the Royal Palace complex’s Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country.
This morning, we depart early by private vehicle for Kratie (approximately 6 hours). En-route, pass through Skuon, a small town famous for its tasty tarantula, where it’s possible to sample an eight-legged snack.
Kratie is a picturesque town on the banks of the Mekong and was, until recently, a strategic trading port between Phnom Penh and Stung Treng. Both the French and the Khmer Rouge found the town useful, and there are a number of French colonial buildings that remain. Board a local boat from Kratie waterfront to Koh Trong for your homestay—approximately 280 families call this 6 km (or so) island home.
Depending on the season and the river height, you may need to walk up a stretch of beach and take a local bike to your destination. The island is famous for growing the citrus fruit pomelo (supposedly some of the best in Cambodia), rice, and other agricultural products. This homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday Cambodian life, and this evening you’ll enjoy a traditional Khmer-style dinner. The facilities are basic and multi-share, with mattresses, bedding, and mosquito nets provided. With hammocks strung up beneath the house, this is a very scenic place to unwind.
A 9 km loop around the island’s perimeter is perfect for a leisurely cycle through traditional Khmer villages, fruit orchards, and rice fields, observing daily rituals and routines of traditional village life.
After breakfast, take a guided walk (1 hour) where you’ll get a chance to see how the locals live and learn more about the local culture in this part of Cambodia.
Afterwards, say goodbye to your island hosts and head back to the mainland. There’s time to wander down the river boulevard and explore the local market in Kratie before traveling 2.5 hours to Stung Treng. Stop at Wat Phnom Sambok, an 18th-century Buddhist monastery along the way. Climb to the top of a hill for a view of the lush, forested surroundings. Also enjoy an optional lunch at Kampi Creek, where it’s possible to spot dolphins, before arriving in Stung Treng. Once part of southern Laos, Stung Treng switched to Cambodian ownership during the French colonial era. However, many people here speak both Khmer and Laos. The town is situated on the banks of the Sekong River, which flows into the Mekong River a few kilometers outside of town.
Today, we start early to make the most of a full day of activities. Travel by private vehicle to the village of Voeun Kham (approximately 2 hours). From there, catch a local boat to cruise the Mekong River to the famous Sopheak Mitt Waterfall. Situated on the Cambodia-Laos border, the thundering falls crashing over limestone crags and boulders is a spectacular sight. Moor the boat at a local family’s home and hike through the jungle to a lunch spot overlooking the falls.
The hike will take approximately 2 hours. Return to the boat and continue through a gorgeous stretch of the Mekong River, which is home to many bird species, to the village of Osvay (approximately 1 hour of cruising). Pass through the Anlong Cheuteal Irrawaddy dolphin pool, where on rare occasions it’s possible to spot freshwater dolphins. Next, it’s into a kayak to paddle amongst this spectacular scenery of flooded forests to Vuen Sien village (approximately 2 hours).
After a full day exploring this glorious stretch of nature, return to Stung Treng by vehicle for the night (approximately 1 hour).
This morning, set out on your journey to Siem Reap, traveling by private vehicle through Cambodia’s countryside and small towns (approximately 4.5 hours). En-route to Siem Reap, this is the most popular destination for travelers in all of Cambodia, perhaps even in South East Asia. With its cafes, bars, restaurants, and food and drink stands, Siem Reap caters to foodies of all persuasions. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you’re not looking for souvenirs; wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops, the silks, cottons, sarongs, silver, and statues are a riot of color and a feast for the eyes. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, your guide will take you on an orientation walk to help you get acquainted with this bustling town.
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, 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, we explore the great landscape of the Tonle Sap lake by bike and boat. This is a unique experience offering a great outdoor adventure in Siem Reap’s countryside by exploring a floating village and enjoying a sunset cruise along the river.
This tour will take you to the charming backroads in order to explore the local ways of life in Siem Reap. You will be greeted by friendly locals and get a deeper understanding of their lives and traditions. The journey will end at the Tonle Sap lake, where you will experience the livelihoods of Cambodian people living in the floating villages, offering you the opportunity to see how families adapt their lives to living on the water.
At the end of the day, we will watch the sunset on the lake with some snacks and cold beverages. You will return back to the city by private vehicle in the late evening.
As there are no activities planned for today, you can leave your accommodation at any time. If you have extra time, you might like to schedule a Jeep Adventure and canopy walk adventure, a tasty Khmer cooking class, or simply relax by the pool at the hotel. We’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This hotel features two swimming pools that include a rooftop saltwater pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. Room service is provided 24 hours.
Kratie, Cambodia
Koh Trong Island is a peaceful island escape just across the Mekong river from Kratie town. There are five homestays on the island in traditional Khmer houses elevated on stilts. They offer western style comfort – with western toilets, showers, fan and mosquito nets.
Stung Treng, Cambodia
Golden River Hotel is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to great restaurants, Golden River Hotel makes it easy to enjoy the best of Stung Treng.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Central Corner d’Angkor features a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and shared lounge in Siem Reap. The room was spacious, comfortable and beautifully decorated. The pool area is a private oasis and though it is small, it was always quiet to relax.
Meals are characterized by fresh, seasonal ingredients, prepared in a simple, classic style of Cambodia.
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.
Each activity comes with an experienced tour leader responsible for offering local insight, pursuing great experiences and make every tour exceptional.
They are trained to make your trip magical. We know that it’s the unexpected surprises that make a trip memorable. That’s why our guides pride themselves on anticipating your needs before you ask.
Read important information about your destination(s), including weather,
terrains, bike repairs, and tipping guidelines.
The terrain is varied, mainly flat, and characterized by a mixture of tarmac roads and single dirt lanes passing through the countryside and Angkor complex. We cycle on backroads with lovely open landscapes, leisurely with plenty of stops to rest or take photos. Our Siem Reaper guides can also easily accommodate type riders who seek a shorter ride with a boost in the van.
We strongly recommend that you ride a mountain bike for our trips that involve asphalt, dirt, and backroads, some of which are sandy and rocky. If you are much more comfortable with your own stuff, we highly suggest bringing items such as pedals, saddles, helmets, and water bottles. Our mechanic will make adjustments to your bikes and personal belongings.
The tools and spares are carried by your tour guide in the vehicle along with a full toolkit for the tour. However, it is also gauche for us to carry spares for every eventuality. Therefore, it is necessary that before departing, you have a quick look at your two-wheeler to see whether it is in good order.
We recommend you wear a helmet on all our biking adventures. This is non-negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet, you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour guide is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding.
Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price. You can arrange travel insurance with your preferred insurance company. As medical facilities in Cambodia are rather limited, it is imperative for you to take out a good medical insurance policy when traveling.
Visitors to Cambodia require a passport to enter the country, and all travelers must hold a passport with validity for 6 months after their planned exit from Cambodia.
Citizens of the UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and almost all other nationalities will require a visa to visit Cambodia. Non-UK residents should check with the Cambodian Embassy in their country of residence for the most up-to-date information. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports without prior registration. A visa is issued on arrival for most nationalities for US $30/pax, and the visa has a one-month validity. You need to pay in cash and in US dollars and provide two recent, identical passport photographs.
Read more about applying for an electronic visa here:Â Â www.evisa.gov.kh
For travelers who are planning their vacation as well as for trips that have already been booked, there are many questions about “Traveling in Times of COVID-19”.
As a traveler, you are responsible for complying with the travel regulations prescribed by airlines, airports, and destination countries. These include requirements for visas, vaccinations, COVID-19 passports, COVID-19 tests, and other entry documents. These requirements may change between the booking of the trip and the departure date. Therefore, it is important that you keep up to date with any changes in entry requirements until the date of departure.
If you have any further questions or need information about traveling to Cambodia, please contact us; we look forward to hearing from you!
Cambodia is located in the tropical climate zone, in which neither the temperatures nor the hours of sunshine show great variations over the course of the year. Due to the tropical monsoons in Cambodia, a distinction is made between a dry season and a rainy season, and each of these seasons has its own charm.
The dry season runs from October to April and is the time to visit the coastal towns of Cambodia or the tropical islands. Temperatures are warm and comfortable during this time of year, and there are long periods of sunshine. Although it is relatively dry during this time, individual showers can occur.
The rainy season runs from May to September and is ideally suited to experiencing Cambodia’s nature in a, particularly green and lush way. The warm temperatures remain unchanged, while the rain ensures high humidity. There is a lot of rainfall, especially in the last months of the rainy season. For the entire time, however, the rain falls in short downpours.
While Cambodia can be visited year-round, it is important to note that small country roads that may pass through the more remote areas, e.g., the province of Mondulkiri, are impassable during the last two months of the rainy season.
Any time of year is a good time to visit Cambodia, with each season offering its own range of benefits. Throughout the year, the climate in Cambodia is hot and humid. The temperature remains in the 30°C range for the majority of the year, dropping to 20°C at night.
The local dishes are among the healthiest in the world. It smells and tastes good and is reminiscent of Thai cuisine, but without the strong seasoning. Because of the shared history, there is also a great closeness to Vietnamese cuisine.
The best-known local dish is “Amok“, a fish curry with coconut cream, whereby the fish can also be replaced by chicken.
Only drink bottled mineral water that is cheap to buy anywhere. Do not drink tap water!
The currency of Cambodia is called “Riel”, and there is, however, no need to change the currency into riel as US dollars are accepted everywhere. Please kindly note that ripped, torn, or old bills will not be accepted.
ATM machines are available in the main cities across the country, mostly in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and on Saturday morning until 12:00 PM.
Most hotels and restaurants in the major cities will charge US dollars, but for other currencies, it is advisable to visit a bank. Traveler’s checks can be exchanged at banks and some hotels, but they are not usable outside of major cities.
We would highly recommend using a Visa or Master Card, as they are now accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. If you wish to travel in a local taxi or Tuk-Tuk, make sure to have the right amount of cash and change with you, as the drivers are unlikely to keep a lot of cash with them.
Allow $20 per day for basic living expenses (drinks, meals, etc). A bottle of local beer will set you back roughly $1, a two-course lunch will set you back $7, and a two-course dinner would set you back $10.
It is interesting to get to know foreign customs and traditions, but respect is required. Below, we’ll give you a few tips on how you can move around the country without causing offense.
Please note: the central tower of the Angkor Wat complex is closed to tourists on Buddhist holidays.
The international code is +855. Since making calls with a cell phone can be expensive (incoming and outgoing calls), the costs should be clarified in advance. It may be worth buying a SIM card (prepaid) in the country. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, and there are internet cafes in larger cities.
We recommend carrying a modest supply of basic health care medications such as travel sickness tablets, anti-diarrhea tablets, antacids for indigestion, insect repellant, sun creams, and chosen antibiotics. Although the majority of these things are available in Cambodia, the security afforded by well-known names is comforting.
Trip Deposit: $500
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A fantastic trip with plenty of activities, from biking, hiking, and kayaking. Mr. Phat, our guide and his team did so well considering this was the first trip of its kind, dealing with our different needs and expectations with consideration and a great sense of humor. The roads were fantastic, the countryside was beautiful, and the support team was friendly and helpful; then there’s Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which is unmissable and fantastic to be able to see on a bike; and then there’s kayaking through the Mekong river, which is literally amazing. This is a fantastic holiday, getting to see the real Cambodia close-up.
My first 10 Day Cambodia Bike, Hike and Kayak Tour with Siem Reaper Travel was fantastic. The customer service booking it and communications before the trip started was excellent and easy. Sreyleak has planned everything for my group of 5 friends. Our tour guide Chen was amazing- giving so much of himself and making sure we had an enjoyable and safe time. This is the most fabulous adventure I ever had. Thoroughly recommend this trip to Cambodia.