Embark on the ultimate cycling tour that stretches from Siem Reap to the stunning coastal regions of Cambodia. You will begin in Siem Reap, home to one of Cambodia’s most iconic attractions, the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex. Take a journey through time and explore its many wonders as you make your way towards your destination. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, visit famous landmarks, and uncover hidden gems of ancient temples.
We will then pedal away from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh to find peace and harmony in the south of Cambodia. You’ll get to explore charming countryside villages, witness stunning green rice fields, see water buffalo grazing, and admire myriad colorful temples as you pedal away. Finally, after a delightful ride through Cambodia’s backroads, we will arrive in Kep, a picturesque coastal city.
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).
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 cycle on a flat road 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.
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, 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 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.
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, 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 your time is your own to relax at the hotel or explore independently.
Optional Tour
Tour 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.
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!
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.
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.
Takeo, Cambodia
Alice Villa Hotel offers many facilities to enrich your stay in Doun Kaev. Top features of the hotel include free Wi-Fi in all rooms, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park, room service, restaurant.
Kep, Cambodia
Located between the sea and the Kep National Park. The lush garden, the bungalows located around the swimming pool, benefit from the shade. Relax by the pool or have a cocktail at the bar at sunset, you will be delighted!
Meals are characterized by fresh, seasonal ingredients, prepared in a simple, classic style of Cambodia. Food & cooking course is offering bountiful selections of local specialities and feature hand-made food among other favourites. Western food is also available during the trip.
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 guide 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: 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.
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REQUEST A QUOTEThis was our first cycling trip with Siem Reaper Travel. It was an amazing adventure and we loved every single moment of it. It was a fantastic way to see some of the “highlights” of beautiful Cambodia. Some of the highlights included a ride on the Kampot pepper farms and lunch at the local restaurant, going the back roads through the Angkor temples, cycling through villages that clearly didn’t see many tourists, spending a day on Kep beach, having the best tour guide, staying in great accommodation, and enjoying a few beers on the beach in Sihanoukville on our last evening. Thanks again for a great trip!!!!
A fantastic trip with plenty of variety, local culture, great cycling, and lots of smiles. We got a great feel for this rather embattled country, which is very well worth a visit. Sophea was our tour guide and he was absolutely fantastic. It is, without a doubt, a true adventure in the best sense of the word. The tour was well-organized, but be aware that it will be hot. We cycled through local businesses and visited Angkor Wat, which was fantastic, and the camaraderie of the group and team members was important, as was the gentle ride along Kep beach which was lovely. The well placed stops for delicious snacks, fruit, and, most importantly, plenty of cold drinks and water were fantastic. Not to be forgotten were the cold drinks at the conclusion of the day! Overall, this is an excellent company to travel with if you want an active vacation and want to explore Cambodia and its people outside of the tourist crowds. I highly recommend them.
I did a cycling tour from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. I was in a group of 5 people. This was a fantastic winter holiday and a great chance to see the real Cambodia, but with excellent service, high-quality bikes, clean hotels, and a delicious selection of local cuisine. The tour guides and day support vehicle driver truly made the trip. They were entertaining, knowledgeable, and attentive. They arranged an exciting sightseeing tour and informal visits and briefings at almost every regular rest stop every day. On our way, I cycle past Angkor park, killing fields, organic pepper farms, silk looms, mushroom farms, and even a crocodile farm. We ended the tour at the beachside of Koh Rong, a beautiful white sand beach. I highly recommend to book with Siem Reaper Travel. Thanks again for an amazing bike trip!!!
We took a 14-day bicycle vacation that took us from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. The tour was fantastic and, in my opinion, the best way to see and experience the country, its attractions, culture, people, and tranquil beaches. Touring through Angkor Wat is incredible, and riding on some of the mountain bike trails is also enjoyable. It’s nice to learn more about Cambodia’s history, but it’s also tragic and moving. In between, there are other villages to visit and locals to meet, as well as some beach time and swimming. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, always smiling and ready to answer all of our questions and ensured that we were riding at a reasonable speed for all of us. Our driver was always right behind us, bringing us much-needed cold drinks, fresh fruits, and snacks. The overall experience was fantastic and we highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys cycling and seeing a new country and culture at the same time.