You will meet in Phnom Penh in the morning and your first ride takes you round Cambodia’s capital city, along the river front ending by the Royal Palace. You’ll get a sense of the colonial feel and learn more about Cambodia in the National Museum.
Leaving the bustling Phnom Penh you’ll get a glimpse of Cambodia’s countryside in Oudong. From here, your ride takes you to Phnom Penh Ranch or Oudong Mountain, the former Cambodian capital. On return to Phnom Penh, S21, or Tuol Sleng prison, whilst harrowing, is a must. The horrors that took place in this former school turned detention and torture camp has been authentically preserved. Rusted instruments of torture and bloodied floors remain untouched, next to the school football pitch. This is not for the faint hearted but to get a true understanding of this country’s history, it is absolutely worth the visit. 7 of 17,000 people survived this hell of which 2 can be found at S21 offering their first hand accounts of what went on.
After a transfer to Kampong Thom it’s time to visit your first temple site. One of the oldest temples in Cambodia, Sambor Prey Kuk was built in the 7th century. It looks like something from Indiana Jones now that the vines and trees have reclaimed it. Your ride will give you a glimpse of authentic Asia cycling through luscious paddy fields and end the day having dinner in a Khmer house in Seam Reap.
Today, you will cycle to the magnificent Angkor Wat, classed at the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. You’ll also have a look round Ta Prohm, filming location for the film Tomb Raider. The beauty of this temple lies within it being completely untouched. You’ll see the Angkor Thom and Bayon temples, a series of faces carved out of stone and the Terrace of the Elephants. After lunch you’ll have saved the best until last, the jaw dropping Angkor Wat.
Today you will visit Banteay Srey temple which has incredible ancient stone carvings. In the afternoon you will take a break from cycling and move onto trekking, through a jungle taking you past caves to stunning waterfalls.
It’s an early start this morning to catch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, a breathtaking experience. You’ll then cycle to the Rolous group, the first town created by the kings of Cambodia, built around 881AD. For your final evening you will take a sunset cruise and see a floating village followed by dinner in Siem Reap.
After breakfast it will be time for the final ride of your trip. The cycling will take you through idyllic countryside to a silk farm, before heading back to Siem Reap where it will be time to say goodbye.
Explore this beautiful and complex country by bicycle and discover a cyclist’s paradise. Visit the ancient temples of Angkor, cycle through paddy fields, tiny roadside hamlets and spectacular, deserted beaches. Immerse yourself in the Cambodian culture and experience an inner tranquillity brought about by probably the friendliest people on earth and a country steeped in fascinating modern history.
