Active Discovery of Angkor

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 .

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 .

1. 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.

1. Then return by car to Siem Reap

1. Free time before your transfer to Siem Reap International Airport (included; we will arrange the transfer according to your flight schedule).