Active Discovery of Angkor
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAsia / Cambodia
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions125.92 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a 5-day exploration of the heart of Cambodia , around Siem Reap and the treasures of the Khmer Empire. This trip combines cultural discovery , cycling , gentle hikes , and immersion in nature . Guided in French, you'll explore the major temples of Angkor – Angkor Wat , Bayon , Ta Prohm – through wooded paths and past ancient sculptures, bathed in the golden light of evening. The adventure continues to more remote sites: Kbal Spean , the mysterious river of a thousand lingas; the delicate Banteay Srei ; and the forgotten temple of Beng Mealea , reclaimed by nature. Each day harmoniously blends history , contemplation , and accessible physical activity , with charming accommodations and suitable meals. The last day gives you time to savor the atmosphere of Siem Reap at your leisure. An ideal itinerary to combine Khmer heritage , tropical nature , and local encounters , all at a relaxed pace.
The highlights
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Exploring the major temples of Angkor by bicycle
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Discovering off-the-beaten-path sites
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Accompaniment by an expert French-speaking guide
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision and/or the program will be adapted to each person's level.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 38 km
- Predominant type of terrain : Dirt road
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 9h
- Average distance/day: 4 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 120 m
- Average daily descent: 120 m
Management
French
English
The visits are accompanied by a licensed French-speaking guide.
Program
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Welcome to Siem Reap
- Transportation Car - 07h30 - 45km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will be met by our driver upon arrival at the airport. Transfer and check-in at the hotel.
Rooms are available from 2:00 PM. If you arrive a little early and your room is not yet ready, you can leave your luggage at reception before going for a walk in town or relaxing by the pool.
Day 1 -
The majestic temples of Angkor by bicycle
- Transportation 08h - 10km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 15 km
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A day of cycling to discover the main temples of Angkor.
Visit to Angkor Wat , jewel of the Khmer empire, then to Angkor Thom with the Bayon and its sculpted faces, the Baphuon and its 40m reclining Buddha, Phimeanakas , the Terrace of the Elephants and that of the Leper King .
In the afternoon, explore the mystical Ta Prohm , invaded by the giant roots of the kapok trees, or have the option to climb to Phnom Bakheng for sunset (access limited to 300 people, children under 12 are not allowed).
Some minor temples such as Banteay Kdei , Thommanon , Chau Say Tevoda , and Ta Keo are excluded, but the itinerary can be adapted to your preferences. The direction of the visit can also be reversed to avoid crowds.
Appropriate attire required: shoulders covered, trousers or long skirt. Please be quiet and do not touch the sculptures or structures.
Do not buy from child vendors; instead, donate to charities.
Always ask permission before photographing monks (bonzes) ; it is forbidden to touch them.
Day accompanied by a French-speaking guide .
Day 2 -
The River of 1000 Lingas and the Pink Sandstone Citadel
- Transportation Car - 08h - 110km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 120 m
- Negative elevation 120 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day begins with a visit to the Angkor Centre for Biodiversity Protection , where you can discover the actions taken to preserve threatened local species — turtles, reptiles, birds and rare mammals — in an educational setting ideal for children and nature lovers.
After about a 45-minute drive, a short 1.5 km hike leads to the sacred site of Kbal Spean , nicknamed the underwater temple . Located 49 km north of Angkor, this site features a river whose bed is adorned with lingas and sculptures of Shiva blessing the waters that once irrigated the rice paddies of Angkor. Discovered in 1968 by ethnologist Jean Boulbet , the site is explored through the jungle, along rivers, and past a small waterfall perfect for swimming.
In the afternoon, the discovery continues with Banteay Srey , a jewel of pink sandstone known as the Citadel of Women , famous for the finesse of its bas-reliefs, before concluding with a visit to the Banteay Samre temple .
Day 3 -
Cycling day in Beng Mealea
- Transportation Car - 08h - 60km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 60 km
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
- Departing from Siem Reap for a day of mountain biking through the Khmer countryside towards Beng Mealea. We'll pass through several villages and discover some lesser-known temples, as well as the former royal residence of Suryavarman II. The highlight of the day will be a visit to the Beng Mealea temple , engulfed by the roots of strangler fig trees. As a side note, this site served as a backdrop for the film "Two Brothers," directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud in 2004.
- Then return by car to Siem Reap
Day 4 -
Thank you and welcome back!
- Transportation Car - 12h50 - 45km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
- Free time before your transfer to Siem Reap International Airport (included; we will arrange the transfer according to your flight schedule).
Note: You will need to vacate your room before noon. If your flight is in the evening, you can leave your luggage at the hotel reception for a final stroll around town.Day 5
Note
This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
Walking times are approximate and may vary depending on several factors: participants' walking ability, weather conditions, terrain, group size, etc. Transfer times may also vary, as they depend on road conditions and traffic, as well as the size of the vehicle used.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
Airport transfers
City transport (tuk tuk or car)
Land travel as indicated in the program
3* or 4* hotel
Breakfast at the hotel
Meals mentioned
French-speaking guide for activities
Entry fees for activities
The price does not include
International transport
Passport & Visa Fees
Repatriation insurance
Travel insurance
Extra drinks / alcoholic beverages
Meals not mentioned
Phone calls
Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
