Cambodia History Cycling Holiday

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.

Today, you’ll swap the city skyline for something altogether more serene. Just a short transfer from the heart of Phnom Penh, you’ll reach the banks of the Mekong River where your first ferry ride awaits. Cross over to Koh Dach – also known as “Silk Island” – and you’ll find yourself immersed in a completely different world.

Pedal your way through peaceful countryside, where rice paddies stretch to the horizon and the scent of blooming orchards fills the air. The island is famed for its silk production, and you’ll get a chance to meet the artisans who keep this age-old craft alive. At a local weaving centre, watch the magic unfold as thread transforms from cocoon to scarf.

After another short ferry crossing, you’ll arrive on the eastern bank of the Mekong and cycle to a welcoming stilt house for a traditional, home-cooked Khmer lunch. Refuel, relax, and enjoy a well-earned rest before your third and final ferry returns you to Phnom Penh’s vibrant riverside promenade. From here, it’s just a gentle ride back to your hotel.

Your afternoon is yours to enjoy. You might choose to explore the haunting stories of the Killing Fields or wander through Cambodia’s rich past at the National Museum – or simply kick back and soak up the buzz of the capital.

This morning, you’ll leave the buzz of Phnom Penh behind and transfer to a peaceful Buddhist temple – the perfect launchpad for your day’s ride. Today’s route might be short, but it’s bursting with charm. You’ll roll along quiet back roads through a rustic countryside dotted with small villages and farmland, all under the curious gaze of friendly locals. Expect waves, smiles, and the kind of encouragement that turns a good ride into a great one.

Your ride finishes at the base of Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital. A dramatic ridge rises from the plains, crowned by a striking cluster of Buddhist stupas. It’s a proper leg burner – over 400 steps to the top – but when you reach the summit, the sweeping views make every step worthwhile.

After soaking up the panorama, it’s time to refuel with a well-earned lunch nearby. Then it’s back in the van for a scenic transfer to Kampong Thom, a sleepy riverside town where you’ll unwind for the night, ready for more adventure tomorrow.

Your ride today begins right from your hotel doorstep, tracing the banks of the gently winding Stueng Saen River. After about 8km, you’ll cross the water – either by a rickety wooden ferry or an improvised bridge, depending on the season. From here, it’s a dream ride along quiet country roads through the fertile floodplains, where life unfolds slowly among rice fields, farms and friendly villages.

After 40km of laid-back riding, you’ll reach the awe-inspiring site of Sambor Prei Kuk – a place where time seems to stand still. This UNESCO World Heritage Site predates even Angkor, with brick temples cloaked in vines and wrapped in the roots of ancient trees. It’s a magical forest setting, and perfect for a spot of fun, off-road mountain biking along the sandy trails that link the temples.

You’ll explore a handful of these mystical ruins before stopping for lunch at a nearby local restaurant. Afterwards, a final 15km stretch takes you back to civilisation where your support vehicle is waiting. Then it’s time to transfer to Siem Reap – your base for the next two nights and the gateway to the wonders of Angkor.

Today is what it’s all about – an unforgettable ride through the heart of Cambodia’s ancient glory. You’ll explore the legendary temples of Angkor by bike, winding your way along hidden forest trails and quiet paths that weave through this jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage Site.

First up is Ta Prohm, where jungle and temple collide in the most spectacular way. Massive tree roots claw through crumbling stone, creating that iconic scene made famous by Tomb Raider. It’s wild, otherworldly, and utterly captivating.

Next, you’ll roll up to the Bayon, with its mesmerising towers covered in over 200 serene stone faces gazing in every direction. Built to represent a heavenly world on Earth, this temple is a marvel of spiritual architecture and Khmer artistry.

Finally, there’s Angkor Wat itself – the world’s largest religious monument and the pride of Cambodia. You’ll walk its hallowed corridors and vast courtyards, soaking in exquisite carvings that tell stories of gods, battles, and the rhythms of ancient life.

In the early afternoon, you’ll pedal back to Siem Reap for a well-earned rest. But the day’s not over yet – tonight, you’ll enjoy a magical dinner paired with a traditional Apsara dance performance, a graceful echo of Angkor’s royal past.

After yesterday’s iconic temple tour, today is all about getting off the beaten track. You’ll leave the bustle of Siem Reap behind and ride north, heading into the countryside where few tourists tread. The roads begin paved but soon melt into peaceful dirt tracks, cutting through a landscape stitched with rice fields and dotted with charming villages.

Along the way, you’ll stop in at local homes to see traditional cottage industries in action – from the weaving of intricate baskets to the sweet, smoky process of sugar palm production. It’s a glimpse into everyday Cambodian life, full of warmth and hospitality.

Your ride ends at the exquisite temple of Banteay Srey, often described as the crown jewel of Khmer art. Carved from delicate pink sandstone, its intricate bas-reliefs are a true marvel of ancient craftsmanship. After exploring the temple, you’ll tuck into lunch at a nearby local restaurant before transferring back to Siem Reap.

In the late afternoon, you’ll set sail on a sunset cruise across the vast Tonle Sap – Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. As you drift past floating villages and open water glowing gold, it’s the perfect way to wind down after an adventurous day.

Dinner tonight is something special. You’ll dine at SPOONS, a vibrant social enterprise that dishes up delicious Khmer cuisine while empowering local youth with hospitality training and new opportunities. It’s food that not only tastes good, but does good too.

Your last morning in Siem Reap is all about soaking up the final sights, sounds, and smiles of rural Cambodia. You’ll head out on a relaxed farewell loop through the surrounding countryside, pedalling past vibrant fields and village life waking up with the sun.

The centrepiece of today’s ride is Phnom Bakong – a majestic 9th-century sandstone pyramid and one of the oldest surviving temples of the Angkor era. Its stepped structure rises dramatically from the plains, offering a final dose of ancient wonder before the tour wraps up.

Along the way, you’ll pause at a modern Buddhist temple for a refreshing break, and meander through a lively local market, where your senses will be hit with the colours and aromas of fresh produce, local meats, and the day’s catch from nearby lakes and rivers.

Back in Siem Reap by lunchtime, you’ll gather for one last meal with the group – a time to toast your adventure, swap stories, and say your goodbyes. If you need help with post-tour accommodation or transfers, we’ve got you covered.