Discover Cambodia's riches and traditions by bicycle
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAsia / Cambodia
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions373.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
An immersive and active itinerary through Cambodia , blending cultural discoveries, local encounters, and gentle adventure . In Siem Reap , you'll explore the mythical temples of Angkor by bicycle, before hiking to the sculptures of Kbal Spean and the treasures of Banteay Srei . You'll venture off the beaten path to Banteay Chmar and then Battambang for a cycling immersion in the Khmer countryside . The journey continues to Kampong Chhnang , with a traditional cooking class , then on to Kampot , exploring the mangroves by kayak and cycling. Finally, head to the idyllic beaches of Koh Rong for some seaside relaxation , before ending in Phnom Penh , a vibrant city where heritage and modernity intertwine.
The highlights
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Exploring the temples of Angkor by bicycle and hiking to Kbal Spean
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Relax on the beaches of Koh Rong and discover the vibrant city of Phnom Penh
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Immersive cycling experience in the Khmer countryside and off-the-beaten-track villages
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 30 km a day on flat terrain. The stages follow cycle paths for the most part. An ideal trip for a family holiday or for adults who enjoy short bike rides.
Management
Program
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Arrival in Siem Reap
- Transportation Car - 10h - 55km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet your driver and transfer to the city (60km – 1 hour). Check in to your hotel (room available from 2pm).
Located in the northwest of the country, in the province of the same name, Siem Reap is known for its proximity to the eighth wonder of the world: the Angkor Wat complex. An ideal starting point for exploring Cambodia, Siem Reap offers the opportunity to discover the Tonlé Sap lake and its authentic countryside, or to venture into the remote temples of Beng Mealea, Phnom Kulen, and Kbal Spean.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 1 -
Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – Bayon – Ta Prohm by mountain bike
- Transportation Bicycle - 08h30 - 20km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, experience the ruins of the Angkor complex in a different way as you leave the bustling streets of Siem Reap behind and cycle along quieter, tree-lined roads. You'll visit Angkor Wat, originally built in the first half of the 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a spiritual home for the Hindu god Vishnu. Continue to the pagoda where you'll receive a blessing from the monks. In keeping with tradition, sit on mats while the monks chant blessings and sprinkle you with holy water and flowers—a traditional practice believed to bring good fortune from the gods. Afterward, a sacred thread will be tied around your wrist, said to protect you from evil spirits and accidents.
Continue your visit to the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. You cycle towards Ta Prohm, perhaps better known as "Tomb Raider." This magnificent jungle temple is considered one of the jewels of Angkor, with its giant tree roots intertwined among the temple's enormous stone blocks, giving us the impression of "the forgotten city."
Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your free time to relax and explore the hotel's surroundings. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 -
Siem Reap / Kbal Spean / Bantey Srey
- Transportation Car - 08h30 - 80km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, you depart for Kbal Spean, north of Angkor. In the 11th century, hermits carved the sandstone bed of the river that fed Angkor, depicting "lingas," or phallic symbols representing fertility. You will reach the site after a 45-minute walk through the forest. The tour continues with Banteay Srei (the "Citadel of Women"), dedicated to Shiva, whose architecture and pink sandstone sculptures constitute a masterpiece of Khmer art. On the return journey, you will visit Sra Srang, the "Ablution Pool," and the Buddhist temples of Banteay Kdei and Banteay Samre.
Night in Siem Reap.
Notes:
This is a 1.5 km uphill trek through the forest to reach Kbal Spean waterfall. We suggest bringing a small fan or mosquito repellent. The best time to visit Kbal Spean is between July and December. Visitors between January and June (especially in March and April) will be disappointed to find very little water.
Day 3 -
Siem Reap / Bantey Chmar / Battambang
- Transportation Car - 08h - 290km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we'll drive to the hidden temples of Banteay Taop and Banteay Chmar in the middle of the jungle. This site is a complex of famous temples and also the last constructions of King Jayavarman VII. A stop will allow you to watch villagers practicing stone carving. Continue for a scenic 2-hour drive to Battambang, a peaceful provincial city in northwestern Cambodia. Here you'll find numerous French-style villas, superb temples and pagodas of Khmer architecture, idyllic rural villages... Battambang is not to be missed. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 -
Battambang / Countryside by bike
- Transportation Bicycle - 08h30 - 35km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the hotel . The day begins with a visit to a local market, where you can discover local products. You'll continue past the old French colonial-era buildings lining the riverside boulevard towards the French Governor's House and Wat Tahm Rai Saw , the Temple of the White Elephant. Next, you'll visit the ancient pagoda of Wat Balat, located 3 kilometers from the city center. Along the way, you'll see traditional houses, rice paddies, local workshops, and more. You'll participate in daily activities such as making rice wine , rice paper , and traditional knives , as well as preparing sticky rice , smoked dried bananas , and the traditional fish paste called "Prahok ," among others.
The final stop is the small Angkorian temple of Ek Phnom, built in the 11th century. This is another ruin from the Angkorian era, originally constructed as a Hindu temple in the 6th century. Although partially collapsed, it is still famous for its finely carved lintels and pediments.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Distance: 35 kilometers to Ek Phnom - 6 hours
The bicycle journey can be replaced by a tuk-tuk.
Day 5 -
Battambang / Kampong Chnang
- Transportation Car - 08h - 200km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early departure from Battambang for a journey to Kampong Chhnang, which boasts stunning scenery, sugar palm groves, and floating villages on the Tonlé Sap River. You will visit the Kampong Chhnang pottery village and discover traditional pottery-making techniques passed down through generations.
Free time to relax by the pool or explore the surrounding area on your own.
Our suggestions: Cooking classes
Day 6 -
Kampong Chnang / Kampot / Exploring the mangroves by kayak
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Embark on a journey through the mangrove forest. First, you'll peacefully kayak along the river towards the sea, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the countryside surrounding Kampot. Follow your instructor and discover hidden spots, far from the crowds. Take the opportunity to connect with the local community, observing fishermen at work and witnessing mangrove reforestation efforts. To conclude your experience, you'll share a delicious lunch prepared by the community in a bungalow overlooking the sea. It's a unique and unforgettable way to end your excursion.
Night in Kampot.
Day 7 -
Kampot / Discovering the countryside by bike
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, visit the bustling local crab market that has breathed new life into this town. Stroll through the market to experience the traditional way of doing business and socializing, and soak up the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of a truly Cambodian market. You can buy fresh crab, shrimp, and fish and ask a local vendor to cook and serve them in the traditional style. Explore Kep and the Kampot countryside on a full-day cycling excursion. Discover the beautiful Kampot fields, ionic pepper farms, natural caves, a hidden lake, and a significant mangrove plantation extending into the sea!
Night in Kampot.
Day 8 -
Kampot / Koh Rong
- Transportation Car - 08h - 100km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer with your driver to Sihanoukville Pier. From there, you'll take a shared speedboat to Koh Rong/Koh Rong Sanloem Island for 45 minutes or 1 hour for your beach holiday.
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem islands lie off the coast of Sihanoukville Bay, one of the idyllic islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Southeast Asia. A total of 43 km of beaches line the coast, framing a wooded and hilly interior. Several bays lend an authentic and secluded character to the shoreline, while the forests, composed of palm trees and large deciduous trees, thrive on the rugged terrain, which reaches an altitude of 320 meters. Here you'll find numerous white sand beaches and turquoise waters: Soksan, Pagoda Beach, Cononut, Saracen Bay, and more.
Night in Koh Rong/Koh Rong Sanloem.
Day 9 -
Koh Rong
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free day at the beach or pool.
Night in Koh Rong/ Koh Rong Sanloem
Day 10 -
Koh Rong/Sihanoukville/Phnom Penh
- Transportation Car - 14h - 150km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at your hotel; the morning is free until your speedboat transfer to Phnom Penh. In the afternoon, transfer by private car (without a guide) to Phnom Penh.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh: 150km -3h
Day 11 -
Phnom Penh - Departure
- Transportation Car - 08h30 - 40km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the hotel
Begin your day with a visit to the Royal Palace , originally built in 1866 by the grandfather of the current King of Cambodia. The palace is a complex of splendid royal buildings with classic Khmer roofs, ornate gilding, and an intricate layout of defensive walls, showcasing a rich blend of Khmer architecture with a subtle French influence. Head to the nearby Silver Pagoda, home to numerous national treasures, including many gold and jeweled Buddha statues. Perched within the Royal Palace grounds, it is the most sacred temple in the country. Next, you will visit Wat Phnom, a pagoda built on an artificial hill and crowned by a monastery that houses sacred relics.
You will then have time to visit the Tuol Tumpoung market (known as the "Russian market"), where you will find many souvenirs, antiques, and fabrics .
Depending on the flight schedule, transfer with the driver (without a guide) to Phnom Penh airport for the return flight.
The room is available until noon only.
Note: The departure flight is scheduled after 7:00 PM.
Day 12
Note
All distances and transfer times mentioned (car/bike) are estimates and will change depending on traffic conditions that day.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double or twin room with daily breakfast in the hotels mentioned or similar.
- Transportation is provided in a private and comfortable vehicle. No car is available for free days and is not included in the program.
- Local French-speaking guides from day 2 to day 8 and from day 12. No guide for free days and not indicated in the program.
- Tour fees and cruises as per the program.
- The meals mentioned in the program ( 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches)
- Government taxes and fees
- Bottle of water during the car journey, during the transfer (two bottles/person/day)
The price does not include
- International flights and taxes
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and supplements for special requests on food and meals
- Personal expenses and tips
- Entrance fees, transfer services and guide during free time
- Visa for Cambodia
- All services not mentioned in the program
Options
- Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus Show (ticket only - class A, no transfer) : CHF25.61 / person
- 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.