Temples, Jungles, Villages and Beaches

Charming Cambodia: Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh

Tour Description: Guided

Discover the allure of Cambodia on this 13-day cycling tour. Pedal around the spectacular Angkor Wat temples, cycle through traditional Khmer villages, follow the Mekong River to Phnom Penh, and relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville.

A cycle tour of Cambodia is undoubtedly the best way to really connect with the country, its people, to experience the tempo of village life, and escape the well trodden tourist trail.

This Charming Cambodia Cycle Tour is fully supported and fully guided. Your cycle tour of Cambodia begins with easy cycling around the spectacular Angkor Wat temples. After a few days you leave the tourists well and truly behind as you head east, via the jungle clad temple of Beng Mealea, to the town of Kompong Cham, sitting on the banks of the mighty Mekong river.

You then follow the Mekong through picturesque villages to charming, colonial Phnom Penh. Here you will discover the sights, and learn about the countries traumatic past, plus enjoy a delightful cycle / cruise to ‘Silk Weaving Island’ located in the Mekong river.

You then pedal south to often forgotten Takeo where you will visit the New Futures orphanage and have the opportunity of donating a bike to one of the children through the ‘Pedal2Empower’ project. The next day you spin towards the coastal hills, stopping off in colonial Kampot with the Bokor mountains as a backdrop. Then the final leg to the beautiful beaches and seafood of Sihanoukville.

As a reward for completing your cycling adventure you have a free day in Sihanoukville to relax on the beach or perhaps do a bit of island-hopping. You then return to Phnom Penh for your departure having had an unforgettable introduction to the real Cambodia! 

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 allure of Cambodia on this 13-day cycling tour. Pedal around the spectacular Angkor Wat temples, cycle through traditional Khmer villages, follow the Mekong River to Phnom Penh, and relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville.

A cycle tour of Cambodia is undoubtedly the best way to really connect with the country, its people, to experience the tempo of village life, and escape the well trodden tourist trail.

This Charming Cambodia Cycle Tour is fully supported and fully guided. Your cycle tour of Cambodia begins with easy cycling around the spectacular Angkor Wat temples. After a few days you leave the tourists well and truly behind as you head east, via the jungle clad temple of Beng Mealea, to the town of Kompong Cham, sitting on the banks of the mighty Mekong river.

You then follow the Mekong through picturesque villages to charming, colonial Phnom Penh. Here you will discover the sights, and learn about the countries traumatic past, plus enjoy a delightful cycle / cruise to ‘Silk Weaving Island’ located in the Mekong river.

You then pedal south to often forgotten Takeo where you will visit the New Futures orphanage and have the opportunity of donating a bike to one of the children through the ‘Pedal2Empower’ project. The next day you spin towards the coastal hills, stopping off in colonial Kampot with the Bokor mountains as a backdrop. Then the final leg to the beautiful beaches and seafood of Sihanoukville.

As a reward for completing your cycling adventure you have a free day in Sihanoukville to relax on the beach or perhaps do a bit of island-hopping. You then return to Phnom Penh for your departure having had an unforgettable introduction to the real Cambodia! 

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

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Discover the REAL Cambodia
• Magnificent Angkor Wat Temples 
• Delightful traditional villages 
• Smiling, curious Cambodians 
• Vibrant rice paddies 
• Rubbery Kompong Cham 
• Mighty Mekong River 
• Charming Phnom Penh 
• Sleepy Takeo 
• Colonial Kampot 
• Sihanoukville's Beaches 

Highlights: Self-guided

• Discover the REAL Cambodia
• Magnificent Angkor Wat Temples 
• Delightful traditional villages 
• Smiling, curious Cambodians 
• Vibrant rice paddies 
• Rubbery Kompong Cham 
• Mighty Mekong River 
• Charming Phnom Penh 
• Sleepy Takeo 
• Colonial Kampot 
• Sihanoukville's Beaches 

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive Siem Reap, the home of Angkor Wat! Upon arrival you will be met by your local guide and Tour Leader and transferred to your hotel. For the rest of the day you are free at leisure to relax and acclimatise. In the evening you will be taken to a local restaurant for a 'Welcome' dinner and your first taste of Khmer food. Meals: D. 
Overnight in Siem Reap.  

Day 2: Angkor Temples by Bike (25 miles/40km)
This morning you will meet both your specialist temple guide and cycle guide and be fitted with your bike. Once you are ready you will begin your cycle exploration of these incredible temples. Today you will focus on the Small Circuit which features temple greats such as: the pyramid of Takeo, the jungle-clad Ta Prohm made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’; Sras Srang known as the King's bathing pond; and the impressive Royal City of Angkor Thom, where you will find the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you.

You will also visit other important sites in this immense walled city. After lunch it is time to take on the majestic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building. After being initially inspired by its overall size you will explore in more detail, getting up close and personal to fully appreciate its architecture and intricately detailed bas-reliefs. After returning to the hotel you are free at leisure to experience Siem Reap’s nightlife which includes many fine restaurants and lively bars. Meals: B, L. 
Overnight in Siem Reap.  

Day 3: Banteay Srei Temple, roundtrip from Siem Reap (50 miles/80km)
Today you pedal north towards Banteay Srei. This cycle ride is a real delight and your first introduction to the wonderful Cambodian countryside and its friendly villagers. On route we will stop off at a couple of villages to get a closer look at the wooden stilted homes and every day life. One thing you will notice for sure is large black pots in people’s gardens containing a thick light brown bubbling mixture - this area is famed for its sugar palm tree sweets, sure to give any cyclist a much needed energy boost!

On arrival at Banteay Srei you will be struck by its delicate beauty. It is an elaborately decorated temple, embellished with floral motifs and scenes from the Ramayana, all carved from pink sandstone. It is said the carvings must have been done by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. You will have lunch at a local restaurant, after which you cycle back towards Siem Reap, and depending on the time explore some other temples on the way. This evening you will enjoy dinner and a mesmerising Apsara dance performance. Meals: B, L, D. 
Overnight in Siem Reap.  

Day 4: Siem Reap (free day)
Today is a free day. You may choose to return and take another look at your favourite temples or check out some of Siem Reap’s other sights such as: the old pagodas of Wat Bo and Wat Keseram, the Angkor National Museum, the Cambodian Cultural Village, the Cambodia Land Mine Museum, or head out of town and discover the floating villages of the Tonle Sap lake. Perhaps you want to shop for souvenirs in the Aladdin’s cave of Phsar Chas, or after a couple of days cycling treat yourself and be pampered and massaged in one of the towns many excellent Spas. Or maybe just take it easy and chill out by the hotel’s pool. Meals: B. 
Overnight in Siem Reap.  

Day 5: Cycle Beng Mealea & Kompong Cham (43-62 miles/70 - 100km)
Today you bid farewell to Siem Reap and cycle the 70km to the temple remains of Beng Mealea, a truly atmospheric experience. Only recently re-discovered the temple has been consumed by the voracious appetite of nature and is largely overrun by vegetation, the trees that have forced their way through the stone towers and galleries make it a shady and cool place to relax. As you explore you feel like a true adventurer! After lunch you say farewell to your temple guide and take the support vehicle for the 260kms to the provincial capital town of Kompong Cham.

However, if your legs are still full of life you can cycle the final 30km or so through rubber plantations into the town. Kompong Cham's heyday was back in the 1920sand 30s when it was a cosmopolitan river port supporting the French administered rubber plantations that covered much of the province. Today Kompong Cham retains a number of French influenced buildings and trader shop fronts - while often badly dilapidated they retain an austere grace so totally lacking from the more modern concoctions that invariably flank them. Given its small size its easy to explore by foot, which you are free to do after you have checked-in to your hotel. Meals: B, L.
Overnight in Kompong Cham. 

Day 6: Kompong Cham to Phnom Penh (40-65 miles/65-105km) 
A delightful, shady 65km ride today as you follow the course of the Mekong River along a mostly unpaved, and at times bumpy road toward the country’s capital Phnom Penh. Foreigners are extremely rare through these parts so expect a few surprised faces as you cycle through the many traditional villages where you will witness people busy with their everyday lives: cooking, cleaning, playing, leading the cows to the river, cycling school kids, pagodas & monks, and the sun-drying of bright red chilies, pepper, rice, and fish by the side of the road, and of course the river life on the mighty Mekong which keeps coming and going from view.

There are plenty of cool, shady, scenic spots for rest breaks where the curious locals are sure to want to say ‘Hello’, and our picnic lunch stop is a treat, relax under the shade of a huge mango tree and enjoy views stretching out across the Mekong River. 40km from Phnom Penh we come to the main busy Highway 6 heading to the capital, from here you can choose to travel in the support vehicle or continue cycling to the city. Once you have checked-in and freshened up you will be taken to a delightful local restaurant for dinner. Meals: B, L, D. 
Overnight in Phnom Penh. 

Day 7: Phnom Penh City Cyclo Tour 
On your first morning in charming Phnom Penh you will be met by your city guide who will inform you that today it is someone else’s turn to do the pedalling as you are treated to a fun cyclo tour, a traditional mode of transport. Your first stop will be the terracotta red National Museum which offers a charming setting for a comprehensive collection of Khmer artefacts.

After this you will visit the nearby Royal Palace, on the banks of the mighty Mekong river. Inside the Palace walls you will be treated to the Throne Hall, the Chan Chaya Pavilion, and the King’s residential quarters. You will then move onto the neighbouring Silver Pagoda, so named as it is claimed its floor is made up of over 4,000 silver tiles! Your cyclo driver will then take you to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterwards it is back in the cyclos as you are pedalled through the streets of Phnom Penh to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture centre. You will then be taken to the Russian Market an excellent place for picking up souvenirs.

There are stalls selling some very good Khmer antique reproductions, other stalls piled ceiling high with wonderful colourful silks, incredibly cheap clothing stalls, and of course those stalls selling pirated CDs, DVDs, and computer software. Afterwards you will be taken back to the hotel where you are free at leisure for the rest of the evening, perhaps wanting to experience the eclectic string of bars and restaurants along the city's riverside.  Meals: B, L, D. 
Overnight in Pnom Penh. 

Day 8: Phnom Penh Cycle Koh Dach (34 miles/55km) 
Today you follow the Mekong river north leaving the outskirts of Phnom Penh. After about 15km you take a ferry and cross over to another world, the small island of Koh Dach, or Silk Weaving Island. The islands residents are renown for their traditional Khmer silk weaving skills. As you cycle around the island you will notice many of the wooden stilted homes have at least one loom underneath with family members weaving away.

Koh Dach is an example of traditional Cambodian village life and is a charming ‘oasis’ away from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. Much of the silk you see being weaved here will end up on the stalls of the Russian Market which you visited yesterday. On the other side of the island you will take another ferry and cross to the far bank of the Mekong river.

Here you cycle south along dirt roads and through small villages, it feels as though you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh, in reality it is only the width of the river that separates you. Eventually you come to your final ferry ride which drops you back into the middle of Phnom Penh where you cycle back to your hotel where you are then free at leisure for the rest of the evening.
Meals: B, L 
Overnight in Phnom Penh. 

Day 9: Phnom Penh - Takeo (53 miles/85km)  
This morning you spin away from the early morning hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh to Cheoung Ek, more commonly known as the 'Killing Fields'. This is where Toul Sleng prisoners were forcibly marched and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting. After some contemplation you continue pedalling south.

After a short combination of almost traffic free dirt roads and some lightly trafficked tarmac roads you will arrive at Tonle Bati, a riverside location where we will have time to explore the small, yet picturesque Angkorian temples of Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau. This is a very pleasant spot for enjoying your picnic lunch. After lunch you continue South towards Takeo.

Upon arrival you will check-in to your guesthouse and then you will have time to explore this very small provincial capital made up of many local government department buildings. However, around the market area there are some old colonial villas in differing states, and the waterfront promenade makes for a pleasant late afternoon sunset stroll. After arriving if you wish you can visit the New Futures Orphanage to see how they are helping the children as well as learning about the great educational work they are doing in the surrounding poor villages, and how Asia Adventures is working together with them. Feel free to bring books and pens along, plus you may wish to donate some bags of rice. Meals: B, L, D. 
Overnight in Takeo.  

Day 10: Takeo to Kampot (53 miles/85km) 
As you leave Takeo you continue south spinning along Highway 3 leaving the flat plains of rice fields as we reach for the coastal mountains – fortunately the road passes between the hills and not over them! Today you cycle through some pleasant limestone karst scenery, picturesque villages including some ethnic Cham settlements, and endless rice fields. Kampot, yet another provincial capital, has an undeniable charm.

It’s a sleepy, quaint place with a relaxed ambience and friendly locals, the streets are quiet and there is a lot of French colonial and Chinese influenced architecture still surviving, and it all that wasn’t enough there is a wonderful riverfront where you will experience possibly the most beautiful sunset in Cambodia as the sun slips down behind the nearby mountains. Meals: B, L. 
Overnight in Kampot.  

Day 11: Kampot to Sihanoukville (65 miles/105km) 
After 7 days of cycling in Cambodia you’ll be in top condition for the last and longest day as you face the 105km to the seaside resort town of Sihanoukville. For the first half of the ride you are sandwiched between the mountains of Bokor National Park and the sea, providing great views, particularly as we pass picturesque fishing villages. You will have a picnic lunch relaxing beside a large lake where you can take a refreshing dip. But remember the sting in the tail 25km before Sihanoukville there are a few challenging climbs. Just keep thinking of the beautiful beaches and before you know it you’ll be freewheeling down the other side with a well deserved refreshing swim only minutes away. On arrival in Sihanoukville you will check-in to your hotel and have time to freshen up before being treated to a wonderful seafood dinner. Meals: B, L, D.

Overnight in Sihanoukville. 

Day 12: Sihanoukville (free day)
Today is yours to enjoy, savour your achievement, and reflect on the fascinating sights, sounds, and smells you experienced, as well as the many friendly Khmers who encouraged you on your way. Perhaps you just want to sit back and relax on the beach enjoying the fresh and cheap seafood that is on offer, or if you still have excess energy explore all of Sihanoukville's seven beaches, or perhaps charter a boat and take a day trip to the beautiful surrounding islands. Meals: B. 
Overnight in Sihanoukville.  

Day 13: Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh 
Yes, all good things come to an end - departure day. Today you travel back to Phnom Penh in the support vehicle (4-5 hours), from where you are free to continue your onward journey, taking with you a host of unforgettable memories. Meals: B. 

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Mar 9; Oct 5, 2013. Other departures available upon request for parties of 2 or more. 

Dates: Self-guided

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy $1797 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) $485 Cambodia visa $20 International airport departure tax $25 Bike Rentals Mountain bike rental $120 Tour package (small parties) Tour price, per person, for party of 2 $2410 Tour price, per person, for party of 3 $2003 Tour package (large parties) Per person, for parties of 7-9 $1819 Per person, for parties of 10-12 $1778 Per person, for parties of 13-16 $1638

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

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

Kompong Cham: Monorom VIP II Hotel (2-star)
www.monoromviphotel.com

Phnom Penh: Cardamom Hotel (3-star)   
www.cardamomhotel.com

Takeo: Sotheavy Guesthouse (budget)

Kampot: Mea Culpa Kampot (2-star)
www.meaculpakampot.com

Sihanoukville: Sokha Beach Resort (4-star)
www.sokhahotels.com     

 

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

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

Kompong Cham: Monorom VIP II Hotel (2-star)
www.monoromviphotel.com

Phnom Penh: Cardamom Hotel (3-star)   
www.cardamomhotel.com

Takeo: Sotheavy Guesthouse (budget)

Kampot: Mea Culpa Kampot (2-star)
www.meaculpakampot.com

Sihanoukville: Sokha Beach Resort (4-star)
www.sokhahotels.com     

 

Bike Rentals: Guided

The tour company has for rent Cannondale Trail SL4 mountain bikes or GT Avalanche mountain bikes. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The tour company has for rent Cannondale Trail SL4 mountain bikes or GT Avalanche mountain bikes. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This trip involves some riding on unsealed roads, but it is mostly quite easy riding. There are no days in excess of 100km. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and some pre-trip training should consider this ride. Remember you always have supported minivan behind you which you can get on it any time.

The surface includes 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 trip involves some riding on unsealed roads, but it is mostly quite easy riding. There are no days in excess of 100km. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and some pre-trip training should consider this ride. Remember you always have supported minivan behind you which you can get on it any time.

The surface includes 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 
Nearest airport: Siem Reap, Cambodia 

Tour end
Nearest airport: Phnom Penh, Cambodia 

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start 
Nearest airport: Siem Reap, Cambodia 

Tour end
Nearest airport: Phnom Penh, 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 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 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