Cambodia Adventure

Day 1: Bangkok – Pailin

We depart from our meeting point in Bangkok and transfer down to Soi Dao a very scenic area, in Chantaburi province, that borders Cambodia. This is an area where very few foreigners visit and the pace of life is slow and relaxed – just right for a bike trip. Once immigration and custom formalities have been taken care off we cross into Cambodia and ride the 17 km to Pailin set in the attractive Chour Phnom Kravanh foothills. The ride has some undulating sections, nothing too difficult, and the views of the mountains make for a very pretty ride. Pailin is now a home to former Khmer Rouge leaders and also famous for its ruby mines.

Day 2: Pailin - Battambang

We saddle up and ride east to Battambang. This is really rural Cambodia with lots of mango orchards, corn, peanut and of course paddy fields. The ride itself has some great views as we ride along red dirt roads past the Cardamon mountains, one the wildest areas in Cambodia. We will cross streams and bridges and really get a feeling of riding into unchartered territory. We have lunch at Wat Phnom Sampeau and have a chance to visit the temple which is atop a limestone outcrop. Finally we reach Battambang, Cambodia’s second city, a sleepy backwater full of a faded colonial buildings and charm. This is a tough ride on an unpaved surface with lots of potholes – but we have full van support for anyone who does not wish to ride the whole way

Day 3: Battambang – Siem Reap

If water levels permit, today‘s journey is by boat as we cross the Tonle Sap towards the lost city of Angkor. The Great Lake is the beating heart of Cambodia and we cruise past floating villages and sunken forests before arriving at Siem Reap.

Day 4: Angkor Complex

We ride to the Angkor Temple complex before starting the Grand Circuit which includes Angkor Thom, the South Gate, the Bayon, Baphoun, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. After a picnic lunch continue to cycle to Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo and back to Siem Reap. We do stop at each major temple area and you will have plenty of time to explore and take pictures as your temple guide will inform you about all the history of this magnificent area. At sunset we return to the temples by car for a sunset view from Phnom Bakheng.

Day 5: Angkor Complex

Leaving Siem Reap by bike after breakfast we enter the temple complex by an alternative route and much quieter gate. We then ride through the complex taking some smaller roads. Once we leave the main complex we enter into the countryside and we turn off the main tourist road to Banteay Srei. We will pass many local villages, schools and people going about their day-to-day business, offering a peak into genuine culture. On the way, we have a chance to visit Banteay Samre, often missed but well worth a visit. This is one of the best rides on the tour. We stop at Banteay Srei for a well earned rest before continuing on to Kbal Spean (River of 1,000 Lingas), hiking to the top to view the riverbed carvings. After a picnic lunch we transfer by bus back to Siem Reap.

Day 6: Siem Reap – Kampong Thom

We start the day with a transfer to near Kampong Thom and the ancient temple site of Sambor Prey Kuk. We saddle up and ride between the temples by bicycle. This temple site was constructed in the 7th century and functioned as the capital of the Chenla Empire. It is one of the oldest temple sites in Cambodia and is mainly covered in vegetation. After our 8 km route through the temples we enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by the local community in small wooden huts along the Stung Sen River and are able to absorb the local sights and sounds. After lunch we have a beautiful ride through paddy fields and small villages with many locals greeting you warmly. It is then a 2 hour transfer to Phnom Penh.

Day 7: Phnom Penh Loop

Early risers can cycle with the guides for a tour taking in Toel Sleng and the Killing Fields. The afternoon and evening are free to explore town.

Day 8 – Phnom Penh - Takeo

We start our long ride south. Leaving the city behind, we ride along side the mighty Mekong River and into Cambodia’s rural heartland. We ride on good roads with all manner of beast and other means of transportation. Lots of interaction with friendly Khmers makes this a fun day. We also stop at Tonle Bati an Angkor period temple still in good repair and well worth a visit. Eventually we arrive in the sleepy town of Takeo.

Day 9: Takeo - Kep

After breakfast we ride through the heart of rural Cambodia and see plenty of folk out in the fields picking rice and tending their herds. These people are so friendly and outwardly happy that it is difficult to believe you are in a country that has suffered so much. It is the exuberance and humour of the rural Khmer that makes this country such a joy for bikers. Riding along country back roads we eventually reach the old French resort of Kep at the Gulf of Thailand. Our resort, set up on the hill overlooking Kep is the perfect spot to see splendid sunsets and is a perfect end to a great day of cycling.

Day 10: Kep – Kampot

Today is a semi rest day! We have the choice of heading over to Rabbit Island to see an unspoilt tropical paradise, (this is dependant on the weather, if the sea is too rough an alternative activity will be arranged). We have all morning to spend here exploring or just relaxing before a picnic lunch on the beach. In the afternoon we ride a little way following the coast that affords some great views of Kep as we leave. This really is a beautiful ride along quiet roads and beautiful landscapes. We also have a chance to stop at the Phnom Chhnork on the way, a small but well preserved temple inside a cave.

Day 11 – Kampot - Sihanounkville

Early start for today’s ride – one of the toughest but best rides of the trip through fantastic scenery. Riding along the coast in the shadow of Bokor mountain we pass numerous fishing villages and ride through beautiful rural rice fields. After 60 km we hit the main road and head south to the beach at Sihanounkville. Super fit riders might make the distance in time for lunch on the beach.

Day 12: Rest Day

Today is up to you: chill out at the beach in Sihanoukville or take the bike and explore the town and countryside. Lunch and dinner are your choice today.

Day 13: Sihanounkville – Kirirom National Park

We transfer a short way (2 hours) to Kirirom National Park where we have quite a challenging 20 km ride to a waterfall and lunch. We then ride back the same way to the Kirirom National Park Hillside resort.

Day 14: Kirirom National Park – Phnom Penh

We transfer back to Phnom Penh (2 hours). Tour concludes in Phnom Penh. Direct flights are available back to Bangkok.