Experience The Real Vietnam
Experience The Real Vietnam
Cycling to discover the Angkor Wat complex is definitely an interesting experience for those who want to explore mysterious Cambodia.
Trip briefing:
Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival ( Cycling: 10KM)
Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Complex ( Cycling: 30KM
Day 3: Tonle Sap – Kampong Phluk ( Cycling: 50KM)
Day 4: Countryside Cycling ( Cycling: 60KM)
Day 5: Ben Mealea Discovery ( Cycling: 95 KM)
Day 6: Departure ( No Cycling)
Cycling around Angkor is the best way to explore the temple complex. Starting to explore the Angkor complex on the shady road with tree lines. Most recently potholes have been eliminated. There is one temple in almost every Km, so it won’t be boring and it is worth stopping and take photos. Our guide can also take you to explore back road cycling on the gate of Angkor Thom. It is such a wonderful road for cycling, quiet and peaceful.
Cycling around Angkor is the best way to explore the temple complex. Starting to explore the Angkor complex on the shady road with tree lines. Most recently potholes have been eliminated. There is one temple in almost every Km, so it won’t be boring and it is worth stopping and take photos. Our guide can also take you to explore back road cycling on the gate of Angkor Thom. It is such a wonderful road for cycling, quiet and peaceful.
Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap. D
Upon arrival at Siem Reap International airport. Welcome and pick up by our Local Team. Check-in at the hotel. Bike Fitting and Tour Briefing. then short cycling around Siem Reap Town. Free until welcome dinner. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Siem Reap-Angkor Complex (30km by bicycle)
Depart from the hotel on the main road and cycling through the Angkor pass checkpoint. Cycling through the shady road with a little pumping because of the few pot-holes. There you will begin to see Kravan temple, Banteay Kdei, and stop at the famous Ta Phrom, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom (45 minutes-1 hour). It was built in the 12th century by the famous King Jayavarman VII indicated to his mother. While clearing back the forest archaeologists decided to leave the vegetation of Ta Phrom in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discoverers found it and the other Angkor temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains and soar high above the temples. Continue the cycling through a small circuit passing Ta Keo temple, Chao Say Tevoda, Tommanon before reaching Angkor Thom city. There you will see, Terrace of Leper King, Terrace of Elephant, Baphoun, Phimean Akas. Stop at Bayon temple and start the visit (45 minutes-1 hour). Angkor Thom built by Cambodia’s great king, Jayavarman VII. An eight-meter high wall encloses this ten square kilometer city, which is encircled by a moat. The famous Bayon, in the geographical heart of Angkor Thom, is a remarkable 54 tower temple. Initially, the temple appears to be a shapeless mass of grey and brownstone, but it is only as you get closer that you realize every tower has the carved face of Avalokiteshvara on it.
After the visit, cycle to Angkor Wat to finish the small circuit. Stop at South Gate of Angkor Thom for taking photos. Access via a causeway over the moat that is flanked by statues of Gods on the left and devils on the right. Then visit the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally, and artistically breathtaking. Angkor Wat is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of a massive ‘temple mountain’ dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Tonle Sap – Kampong Phluk (50km)B.L.D
Depart from the hotel, crossing the bridge at Old Market to cycle 15km toward Rolous Group. The first 2km, is on the tarmac road toward the bus station. Then, passing the rice field and the village. cycling to Tonle Sap Lake passing a small road along the river through villages, pagodas, and schools. This road is good for cycling to avoid busy traffic. After cycling 8km, turn right across the bridge to the main road as there is no further access on the small road. Continue cycling toward the lake about 3km (July-December) where the boat stop. (Note: January-June, the water is low and the boat will stop further 3km). Board on the boat to visit the village on water, school, fishing farm. After 1-hour boat drive. Return the Siem Reap on the main road to avoid cycling the same road. Afternoon, free at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Village Experience (59km)B.L
Start cycling straight way and the highlight of the tour will be the villages, the enjoyable off-road track, the people, the wonderful smile of the children. The basket weaving, the palm trees useful for our farmers as they make their roof from the sugar palm leaves, they drink sugar palm juice and they can eat and cook the sugar palm fruit.
Arrive in the village community center. Meet with the community representative and local guide who share their free time from farming to help to teach the children and extra work in the community. Take the ox-cart riding to the rice field. Cambodian people use ox-cart to go to the rice field and carry the rice to their village. Meet with the farmer in the rice field to learn the rice planting process. In 2016, Cambodia has exported 550,000 Tones of rice. It is one of the main source of economy in Cambodia apart from tourism and the garment industry. Normally it takes 3 months for the farmer to grow the rice. Experience the rice harvesting with the farmers using the traditional rice cutter.
After the rice harvesting, walk through the rice field to see the vegetable planted by the farmers. Visit the farmer’s house to learn about traditional rice mill processing. Experience the traditional rice mill processing with the local farmer. Visit the local school. While their parents are working in the rice field, their children study at school. Return back to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap. Meals include Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5: Beng Mealea (100km). B.L.D
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from the hotel on the National Road No.6, turn left at Dam Dek market after 42km. Visit Beng Mealea temple. Beng Mealea is an untouched temple hidden in the jungle surrounded by its mood 900 meters by 1,200 meters. Beng Mealea is a beautiful, charming temple. It has it own character which cannot be found in any other temple. We can feel very peaceful sitting inside the temple as we can get rid of the many tourists in the Angkor area. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 6: Siem Reap Departure. B
Breakfast at the hotel. Free at leisure until transfer for departure flight.
Countryside Adventures
Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap. D
Upon arrival at Siem Reap International airport. Welcome and pick up by our Local Team. Check-in at the hotel. Bike Fitting and Tour Briefing. then short cycling around Siem Reap Town. Free until welcome dinner. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Siem Reap-Angkor Complex (30km by bicycle)
Depart from the hotel on the main road and cycling through the Angkor pass checkpoint. Cycling through the shady road with a little pumping because of the few pot-holes. There you will begin to see Kravan temple, Banteay Kdei, and stop at the famous Ta Phrom, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom (45 minutes-1 hour). It was built in the 12th century by the famous King Jayavarman VII indicated to his mother. While clearing back the forest archaeologists decided to leave the vegetation of Ta Phrom in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discoverers found it and the other Angkor temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains and soar high above the temples. Continue the cycling through a small circuit passing Ta Keo temple, Chao Say Tevoda, Tommanon before reaching Angkor Thom city. There you will see, Terrace of Leper King, Terrace of Elephant, Baphoun, Phimean Akas. Stop at Bayon temple and start the visit (45 minutes-1 hour). Angkor Thom built by Cambodia’s great king, Jayavarman VII. An eight-meter high wall encloses this ten square kilometer city, which is encircled by a moat. The famous Bayon, in the geographical heart of Angkor Thom, is a remarkable 54 tower temple. Initially, the temple appears to be a shapeless mass of grey and brownstone, but it is only as you get closer that you realize every tower has the carved face of Avalokiteshvara on it.
After the visit, cycle to Angkor Wat to finish the small circuit. Stop at South Gate of Angkor Thom for taking photos. Access via a causeway over the moat that is flanked by statues of Gods on the left and devils on the right. Then visit the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally, and artistically breathtaking. Angkor Wat is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of a massive ‘temple mountain’ dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Tonle Sap – Kampong Phluk (50km)B.L.D
Depart from the hotel, crossing the bridge at Old Market to cycle 15km toward Rolous Group. The first 2km, is on the tarmac road toward the bus station. Then, passing the rice field and the village. cycling to Tonle Sap Lake passing a small road along the river through villages, pagodas, and schools. This road is good for cycling to avoid busy traffic. After cycling 8km, turn right across the bridge to the main road as there is no further access on the small road. Continue cycling toward the lake about 3km (July-December) where the boat stop. (Note: January-June, the water is low and the boat will stop further 3km). Board on the boat to visit the village on water, school, fishing farm. After 1-hour boat drive. Return the Siem Reap on the main road to avoid cycling the same road. Afternoon, free at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Village Experience (59km)B.L
Start cycling straight way and the highlight of the tour will be the villages, the enjoyable off-road track, the people, the wonderful smile of the children. The basket weaving, the palm trees useful for our farmers as they make their roof from the sugar palm leaves, they drink sugar palm juice and they can eat and cook the sugar palm fruit.
Arrive in the village community center. Meet with the community representative and local guide who share their free time from farming to help to teach the children and extra work in the community. Take the ox-cart riding to the rice field. Cambodian people use ox-cart to go to the rice field and carry the rice to their village. Meet with the farmer in the rice field to learn the rice planting process. In 2016, Cambodia has exported 550,000 Tones of rice. It is one of the main source of economy in Cambodia apart from tourism and the garment industry. Normally it takes 3 months for the farmer to grow the rice. Experience the rice harvesting with the farmers using the traditional rice cutter.
After the rice harvesting, walk through the rice field to see the vegetable planted by the farmers. Visit the farmer’s house to learn about traditional rice mill processing. Experience the traditional rice mill processing with the local farmer. Visit the local school. While their parents are working in the rice field, their children study at school. Return back to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap. Meals include Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5: Beng Mealea (100km). B.L.D
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from the hotel on the National Road No.6, turn left at Dam Dek market after 42km. Visit Beng Mealea temple. Beng Mealea is an untouched temple hidden in the jungle surrounded by its mood 900 meters by 1,200 meters. Beng Mealea is a beautiful, charming temple. It has it own character which cannot be found in any other temple. We can feel very peaceful sitting inside the temple as we can get rid of the many tourists in the Angkor area. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 6: Siem Reap Departure. B
Breakfast at the hotel. Free at leisure until transfer for departure flight.
Countryside Adventures
Tour Price Includes
– Accommodation 3* star in sharing room
– Cycling experienced guide
– Full board meals (breakfasts, lunch, and dinner)
– Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake
– Angkor pass
– Complimentary massage 30 minutes by REAL Spa Cambodia.
Tour Price Excludes
– International Flights
– Visa Fees $30 (issued on arrival)
– Alcoholic, and other beverages in the evenings
– Tips for guides.
– Personal travel insurance
– Any services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Road conditions: Although we ride on a wide range of trails, many of which are off-road, this tour is suitable for anyone with basic fitness. The roads are tarmac or broken tarmac and there are no technical mountain bike sections.
Total cycling distance for 06 days is around 250 km as a group, with experienced cycle guides setting an even pace and stop often to visit points of interest and sample some of the local food. Our support vehicle follows close behind with plenty of refreshments.
This trip has a specific Temple Guide who is extremely knowledgeable on the temple complex and can also explain the local area, history, customs, and way-of-life each time we stop. For groups of less than four people, you have a choice of a cycling guide or a temple guide in the support vehicle. This trip is suitable for all levels of riders and is an excellent trip for families.
The bikes you will be riding are well-known makes of hybrid or mountain bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, disc-brakes, and Shimano components, and front suspension.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube, and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is nonnegotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture, and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
All nationalities require a visa and a passport valid for 6 months after their planned exit from Cambodia. A 30-day visa on arrival is available at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airports and at some land border crossings. You can also obtain a visa online through e-Visa. There is a 3-day processing time and you’ll need a scanned copy of the passport. Not all border crossings accept the e-Visa, please check this port of entry page which provides a list of which checkpoints support the e-Visa service. For a list of consulates/embassies abroad go to this page.
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
Cambodia has two distinct seasons – wet and dry. The dry season usually lasts from October to April. The wet season starts in May until September. Within each season there are variations in temperature. The coolest being 24C around November/December and the hottest hitting 35C around April/May.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries, and soups. Cambodian cuisine is a mixture of Thai, French, and Chinese dishes and we make sure you can sample a wide variety. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Coldwater, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.
Countryside Adventures does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
Thai baht and US dollars are widely used in Cambodia, especially in larger cities and towns. In smaller towns and villages, Cambodian riels are usually preferred. There are ATMs in most areas, however, machines dispense US dollars. The guides will be able to show you where the ATMs are. Spend riel before departing as no one will exchange them for you once you leave.
If this is the tour for you here’s what you need to do to confirm your place: Read our Booking Conditions.
When booking your tour, you’ll be required to pay a deposit to guarantee your place. For tours less than 7 days, the deposit amount is 100% of the tour price, per rider. For tours 7 days or longer, the deposit amount is 30% of the tour price, per rider.
Day tours and tours shorter than 7 days require full payment at the time of booking. For tours 7 days or longer, full payment must be paid 45 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s), and extra hotel nights. Our confirmation will include personal details you provided us (including your flight information), visa application advice, a packing suggestion list, and a detailed tour itinerary. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday.
On the rare occasions when we, Countryside Adventures, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions. If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to when you cancel. For full details, please read our cancellation policy.
Countryside Adventures Team