Ancient Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Explorer Cycle Tour (5-day)

Tour Description: Guided

Discover the Cambodian countryside and its many riches from ancient temples to floating villages by bike. Spend your first and last day exploring Siem Reap, including its Old Market Phsar Chas and the temples of Angkor on foot, and spend three days exploring the area cycling.

Cyclists with a taste for adventure and leaving the beaten track are discovering Cambodia, and loving what they find! Cycle tourism in Cambodia is a very new introduction and an excellent way of leaving the tourists behind and exploring the real Cambodia, experiencing real interaction with the locals. You will cycle through traditional wood and thatch villages that seemingly have remained unchanged for centuries, witness locals tilling their vibrant rice fields, watch barefoot children herding the family cow, laugh as chickens scatter at you approach, and of course exchange greetings as you pass the many Khmers whose bicycle is their only form of transport.

You will certainly be viewed with curiosity by the friendly smiling villagers and encouraged on your way by a chorus of 'Hello' sang by amazed, giggling children.

This Angkor Wat Explorer 5-Day Cycle Tour is fully supported and fully guided. There is possibly no better way of discovering the ancient Angkor temples than cycling along forest tracks and emerging upon them.

This 5 day cycle tour allows you to fully explore the Angkor temples at a relaxed pace as well as enjoying a delightful cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake (the largest in South East Asia) and witnessing its fascinating floating villages. Plus in your free time you may wish to take advantage of the many excellent spas in Siem Reap and receive a soothing massage, your reward after a few days of cycling.

Read a blog post from BikeToursDirect's Asia Tour Specialist: Cambodia's New Dawn >

Learn more about guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

Discover the Cambodian countryside and its many riches from ancient temples to floating villages by bike. Spend your first and last day exploring Siem Reap, including its Old Market Phsar Chas and the temples of Angkor on foot, and spend three days exploring the area cycling.

Cyclists with a taste for adventure and leaving the beaten track are discovering Cambodia, and loving what they find! Cycle tourism in Cambodia is a very new introduction and an excellent way of leaving the tourists behind and exploring the real Cambodia, experiencing real interaction with the locals. You will cycle through traditional wood and thatch villages that seemingly have remained unchanged for centuries, witness locals tilling their vibrant rice fields, watch barefoot children herding the family cow, laugh as chickens scatter at you approach, and of course exchange greetings as you pass the many Khmers whose bicycle is their only form of transport.

You will certainly be viewed with curiosity by the friendly smiling villagers and encouraged on your way by a chorus of 'Hello' sang by amazed, giggling children.

This Angkor Wat Explorer 5-Day Cycle Tour is fully supported and fully guided. There is possibly no better way of discovering the ancient Angkor temples than cycling along forest tracks and emerging upon them.

This 5 day cycle tour allows you to fully explore the Angkor temples at a relaxed pace as well as enjoying a delightful cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake (the largest in South East Asia) and witnessing its fascinating floating villages. Plus in your free time you may wish to take advantage of the many excellent spas in Siem Reap and receive a soothing massage, your reward after a few days of cycling.

Read a blog post from BikeToursDirect's Asia Tour Specialist: Cambodia's New Dawn >

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Angkor's Wat beautiful ruins and sprawling complex
• Siem Reap's Old Market
• Wat Bo and Wat Keseram--old Buddhist pagodas
• the pyramid of Takeo, the jungle-clad Ta Prohm made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’
• the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you
• Wat Trak temple, a 12th century temple
• Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia
• the traditional floating village of Chong Khneas
• Cambodian countryside and Banteay Srel temple, carved from pink sandstone

Highlights: Self-guided

• Angkor's Wat beautiful ruins and sprawling complex
• Siem Reap's Old Market
• Wat Bo and Wat Keseram--old Buddhist pagodas
• the pyramid of Takeo, the jungle-clad Ta Prohm made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’
• the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you
• Wat Trak temple, a 12th century temple
• Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia
• the traditional floating village of Chong Khneas
• Cambodian countryside and Banteay Srel temple, carved from pink sandstone

Daily Program: Guided

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Second Monday of every month:

Jan 14
Feb 11
Mar 11
Apr 8
May 13
Jun 10
Jul 8
Aug 12
Sep 9
Oct 14
Nov 11
Dec 9 

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Tour price for parties of 4-6
Per person, double occupancy $542 Cambodia visa, available on arrival $20 International airport departure tax $25 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) $100 Bike Rentals Mountain bike included in tour price $0 Tour package (small group prices) Tour price, per person, for parties of 2 $874 Tour price, per person, for parties of 3 $743 Tour package (large group prices) Per person, for parties of 7-9 $530 Per person, for parties of 10-12 $514 Per person, for parties of 13-16 $484

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• All sightseeing tour and transfer services as detailed in the above itinerary
• All accommodation as detailed
• Air conditioned support vehicle
• English speaking local guide
• English speaking local cycle guide /mechanic
• Quality bicycles hire (Cannondale Trail SL4)
• All entrance fees for attractions included in the above itinerary
• Daily drinking water, cool face towels & snacks whilst cycling
• All meals as detailed in the above itinerary (B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner) 

NOT INCLUDED:

• Services not detailed in the above itinerary 
• International flights to / from Cambodia
• Cambodian Visa fees
• Drinks with included meals
• Expenditure of a personal nature
• Discretionary tips
• Travel insurance
• Any payment / money transfer charges 

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

This is a sample hotel and may vary based on accommodation. 

Royal Crown Hotel (3-star)
www.royalcrownhotel.com.kh   

Hotels: Self-guided

This is a sample hotel and may vary based on accommodation. 

Royal Crown Hotel (3-star)
www.royalcrownhotel.com.kh   

Bike Rentals: Guided

The tour company offers Cannondale Trail SLR bicycles, which are included in this tour package. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The tour company offers Cannondale Trail SLR bicycles, which are included in this tour package. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This tour is over 75% sealed roads, 25% dirt roads. Road conditions in Cambodia have improved considerably over the past few years. This trip is mainly on recently made sealed roads with some stages on dirt roads.

Road maintenance, however, is not always the best so you must expect random potholes, short sections of terrible surface and road works. In general this is a very flat ride.

Traffic is generally light but care must be taken with all those unexpected surprises like chickens, children and dogs running out in front of you. Stay alert.

This tour is rated moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This tour is over 75% sealed roads, 25% dirt roads. Road conditions in Cambodia have improved considerably over the past few years. This trip is mainly on recently made sealed roads with some stages on dirt roads.

Road maintenance, however, is not always the best so you must expect random potholes, short sections of terrible surface and road works. In general this is a very flat ride.

Traffic is generally light but care must be taken with all those unexpected surprises like chickens, children and dogs running out in front of you. Stay alert.

This tour is rated moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Siem Reap, Cambodia   

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Siem Reap, Cambodia   

Weather: Guided

Cambodia is classic tropical climates with generally warm to hot days and warm nights. You won't need any warm clothing on this tour. The coolest months are November to January.

During the wet season (May-Oct) it does rain most days but the rain generally falls in the late afternoon or night - after we have finished our cycling. The wet season is actually a fantastic time to visit Cambodia as the rain brings the fields and country to life. Endless green rice fields are a feature of this time of year.

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Cambodia is classic tropical climates with generally warm to hot days and warm nights. You won't need any warm clothing on this tour. The coolest months are November to January.

During the wet season (May-Oct) it does rain most days but the rain generally falls in the late afternoon or night - after we have finished our cycling. The wet season is actually a fantastic time to visit Cambodia as the rain brings the fields and country to life. Endless green rice fields are a feature of this time of year.

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Visas and vaccinations: Guided

Visas
One month single entry visas can be easily obtained upon entry to Cambodia. Visas on arrival cost US$20 and require one passport photo. You can obtain a visa in your own country if you wish. Before you travel check your passport to ensure that there is room for a visa and entry/exit stamps (at least 3 pages) and that it has at least 6 months validation remaining.

Health
There are no specific health requirements for travelling in Cambodia, however, we recommend that you visit a travel medicine doctor before travelling. You should carry a well stocked first aid kit with you when you travel. All Asia Adventures Group Leaders are first aid trained, however, they are not permitted to distribute any medications. 

Visas and vaccinations: Self-guided

Visas
One month single entry visas can be easily obtained upon entry to Cambodia. Visas on arrival cost US$20 and require one passport photo. You can obtain a visa in your own country if you wish. Before you travel check your passport to ensure that there is room for a visa and entry/exit stamps (at least 3 pages) and that it has at least 6 months validation remaining.

Health
There are no specific health requirements for travelling in Cambodia, however, we recommend that you visit a travel medicine doctor before travelling. You should carry a well stocked first aid kit with you when you travel. All Asia Adventures Group Leaders are first aid trained, however, they are not permitted to distribute any medications. 

Money and Currency: Guided

The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, however, the US dollar serves as a second currency and can be used in all situations. When going to Cambodia it is best to bring small denomination US dollars cash along with travellers cheques as your main form of money. Around Siem Reap Thai Baht can also be used. Credit cards can be used in a few major centres, however, they should not be relied on as the main way you will access your money. There are now ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville which dispense US dollars, however, this should not be relied on as your sole source of money.

We recommend that you allow approximately US$20 for food and general living costs per day. Shopping money should be considered extra to this amount. It is customary to tip the guides and drivers in Asia. You should allow approximately US$30 for tips. Note: this is a guide only, feel free to tip more or less (or nothing) depending on your satisfaction. If you think your tour leader has done a good job you may also tip him/her. Again this is completely up to you.

Money and Currency: Self-guided

The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, however, the US dollar serves as a second currency and can be used in all situations. When going to Cambodia it is best to bring small denomination US dollars cash along with travellers cheques as your main form of money. Around Siem Reap Thai Baht can also be used. Credit cards can be used in a few major centres, however, they should not be relied on as the main way you will access your money. There are now ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville which dispense US dollars, however, this should not be relied on as your sole source of money.

We recommend that you allow approximately US$20 for food and general living costs per day. Shopping money should be considered extra to this amount. It is customary to tip the guides and drivers in Asia. You should allow approximately US$30 for tips. Note: this is a guide only, feel free to tip more or less (or nothing) depending on your satisfaction. If you think your tour leader has done a good job you may also tip him/her. Again this is completely up to you.

Cultural tips: Guided

Positive Impact
An integral part of traveling is to have a positive impact on the country that you are visiting. On this trip there are a number of things you can do to have a positive impact on the communities that we visit.

Dress
Cambodia is still quite a conservative country. In rural areas and temples overly revealing clothing is considered offensive. You should make an effort to dress more conservatively in these situations. Walking around a village in bike shorts is not appropriate so if you wish to cycle in just bike shorts you should have something with you on the bike to put on over the top such as long loose shorts or a skirt/sarong. A good solution to this is 'shy shorts' which combine cycling shorts with loose long shorts over the top. When visiting temples shorts are acceptable providing they cover the knee. Sleeveless tops are not acceptable in temples.

Phrase Book
A highly memorable part of your travels will be the local people that you meet. In the tourist areas some people will speak English but away from these areas it is great to learn a few words of Khmer. We will teach you some of the basics but if you want to really interact we recommend bringing a phrase book.

Donations
Often when coming on trips overseas people like to bring items such as sweets, pens and books for children or old clothing for families. While this is a fantastic idea, if distributed in the wrong way it can actually create more problems. Giving items away to local people can create an expectation that a visiting foreigner equals free give away's. In some communities in Asia this has created whole villages where the only interaction is the locals asking for things. If you would like to donate anything to the communities that we visit we suggest that you give the items to Asia Adventures which we will then pass on to development organisations, schools or whole communities. In this way items are distributed by those working in the communities who understand better the local needs. 

Poverty
There is an enormous amount of poverty in Cambodia which you will see, particularly in tourist areas. If you choose to give something to a beggar you must bear in mind the value of money in the country you are visiting. Many beggars can earn more than those who work unskilled jobs. There are organizations in Cambodia who are working to alleviate this poverty issue and may be able to do more good with donations that you might like to make. Your Tour Leader will be able to provide more information about this.

Cultural tips: Self-guided

Positive Impact
An integral part of traveling is to have a positive impact on the country that you are visiting. On this trip there are a number of things you can do to have a positive impact on the communities that we visit.

Dress
Cambodia is still quite a conservative country. In rural areas and temples overly revealing clothing is considered offensive. You should make an effort to dress more conservatively in these situations. Walking around a village in bike shorts is not appropriate so if you wish to cycle in just bike shorts you should have something with you on the bike to put on over the top such as long loose shorts or a skirt/sarong. A good solution to this is 'shy shorts' which combine cycling shorts with loose long shorts over the top. When visiting temples shorts are acceptable providing they cover the knee. Sleeveless tops are not acceptable in temples.

Phrase Book
A highly memorable part of your travels will be the local people that you meet. In the tourist areas some people will speak English but away from these areas it is great to learn a few words of Khmer. We will teach you some of the basics but if you want to really interact we recommend bringing a phrase book.

Donations
Often when coming on trips overseas people like to bring items such as sweets, pens and books for children or old clothing for families. While this is a fantastic idea, if distributed in the wrong way it can actually create more problems. Giving items away to local people can create an expectation that a visiting foreigner equals free give away's. In some communities in Asia this has created whole villages where the only interaction is the locals asking for things. If you would like to donate anything to the communities that we visit we suggest that you give the items to Asia Adventures which we will then pass on to development organisations, schools or whole communities. In this way items are distributed by those working in the communities who understand better the local needs. 

Poverty
There is an enormous amount of poverty in Cambodia which you will see, particularly in tourist areas. If you choose to give something to a beggar you must bear in mind the value of money in the country you are visiting. Many beggars can earn more than those who work unskilled jobs. There are organizations in Cambodia who are working to alleviate this poverty issue and may be able to do more good with donations that you might like to make. Your Tour Leader will be able to provide more information about this.

Tour Company Background: Asia Adventures: Guided

Profile:

Established in 2006, Asia Adventures is owned & operated by local adventure travel experts, in cooperation with international travel professionals. Our management team has over 30 years combined experience in the tourism & hospitality industry, & we are well-traveled throughout Cambodia & the region. Moreover, we are cycling, trekking & cruise-travel enthusiasts ourselves.

Best practices:

Asia Adventures continues to grow & develop strong partnerships, providing our guests the best possible travel experience. We blend centuries-old Southeast Asian grace, charm, & hospitality with the best practices of international tourism management. Our attention to detail will assure you a stress-free holiday while enjoying the region’s warm, genuine traditional hospitality.

Responsible tourism:

Asia Adventures is a leading Responsible Tourism operator in Cambodia. Our programs involve grass roots local participation - utilizing tourism to facilitate poverty alleviation. All revenue generated remains within the region, assisting in its social & economic development.

• Heritage Friendly Business Accreditation Gold Status
• Cambodia Community Based Eco-tourism Network.

Attention to detail:

Asia Adventures is laser-focused on our guests’ needs, assuring every detail will be attended to. Carefully selected multi-lingual guides, drivers, tour routes & services provide an enjoyable, hassle-free, high-quality, & unforgettable vacation. We prepare itineraries & make all arrangements for a variety of tours, as well as other services as requested.

Dream! Explore! Discover!

We constantly explore new routes & destinations to provide you an authentic cultural experience. Join us on a unique adventure & experience a holiday to remember. 

Tour Company Background: Asia Adventures: Self-guided

Profile:

Established in 2006, Asia Adventures is owned & operated by local adventure travel experts, in cooperation with international travel professionals. Our management team has over 30 years combined experience in the tourism & hospitality industry, & we are well-traveled throughout Cambodia & the region. Moreover, we are cycling, trekking & cruise-travel enthusiasts ourselves.

Best practices:

Asia Adventures continues to grow & develop strong partnerships, providing our guests the best possible travel experience. We blend centuries-old Southeast Asian grace, charm, & hospitality with the best practices of international tourism management. Our attention to detail will assure you a stress-free holiday while enjoying the region’s warm, genuine traditional hospitality.

Responsible tourism:

Asia Adventures is a leading Responsible Tourism operator in Cambodia. Our programs involve grass roots local participation - utilizing tourism to facilitate poverty alleviation. All revenue generated remains within the region, assisting in its social & economic development.

• Heritage Friendly Business Accreditation Gold Status
• Cambodia Community Based Eco-tourism Network.

Attention to detail:

Asia Adventures is laser-focused on our guests’ needs, assuring every detail will be attended to. Carefully selected multi-lingual guides, drivers, tour routes & services provide an enjoyable, hassle-free, high-quality, & unforgettable vacation. We prepare itineraries & make all arrangements for a variety of tours, as well as other services as requested.

Dream! Explore! Discover!

We constantly explore new routes & destinations to provide you an authentic cultural experience. Join us on a unique adventure & experience a holiday to remember. 

Terms and Conditions: Asia Adventures: Guided

Terms and Conditions: Asia Adventures: Self-guided