Beautiful Thailand and Cambodia

Bangkok to Siem Reap

Tour Description: Guided

Start your 9-days cycling adventure in Thailand pedaling along the coast line and beautiful beaches. Head to the Cardamom Mountains and cross into Cambodia following dirt roads to Battambang. Cruise along floating villages and discover the ancient Angkor Wat temples.

A cycle tour is undoubtedly the best way to really connect with a country, its people, to experience the tempo of village life, and escape the well trodden tourist trail. This Bangkok to Siem Reap cycle tour is fully supported and fully guided, and it keeps you away from the main roads which many similar tours follow.

Your cycle tour of Thailand begins by hugging the coast and passing some beautiful beaches, before heading inland towards the Cardamom Mountains. You cross into Cambodia at a remote border crossing and follow dirt roads to colonial Battambang.

After a relaxing cruise passing fascinating floating villages you arrive in Siem Reap and discover the spectacular ancient temples of the mighty Khmer Empire. For anyone wanting to discover the real Thailand and Cambodia, this is the tour for you!

Learn more about guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

Start your 9-days cycling adventure in Thailand pedaling along the coast line and beautiful beaches. Head to the Cardamom Mountains and cross into Cambodia following dirt roads to Battambang. Cruise along floating villages and discover the ancient Angkor Wat temples.

A cycle tour is undoubtedly the best way to really connect with a country, its people, to experience the tempo of village life, and escape the well trodden tourist trail. This Bangkok to Siem Reap cycle tour is fully supported and fully guided, and it keeps you away from the main roads which many similar tours follow.

Your cycle tour of Thailand begins by hugging the coast and passing some beautiful beaches, before heading inland towards the Cardamom Mountains. You cross into Cambodia at a remote border crossing and follow dirt roads to colonial Battambang.

After a relaxing cruise passing fascinating floating villages you arrive in Siem Reap and discover the spectacular ancient temples of the mighty Khmer Empire. For anyone wanting to discover the real Thailand and Cambodia, this is the tour for you!

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Beautiful Thai Beaches 
• Discover the REAL Thailand & Cambodia  
• Remote Border Crossing 
• Pristine Cardamom Mountains  
• Traditional Village Life  
• Delightful River Cruise 
• Colonial Battambang  
• Amazing Floating Villages  
• Magnificent Angkor Temples 

Highlights: Self-guided

• Beautiful Thai Beaches 
• Discover the REAL Thailand & Cambodia  
• Remote Border Crossing 
• Pristine Cardamom Mountains  
• Traditional Village Life  
• Delightful River Cruise 
• Colonial Battambang  
• Amazing Floating Villages  
• Magnificent Angkor Temples 

Daily Program: Guided

Overnight at Soi Dao Highland Resort in Pong Nam Ron. 

Day 4: Pong Nam Ron- Pailin into Cambodia (40 miles/65km)
This morning you head east on the road less travelled pedaling towards the quiet Thai/Cambodian border crossing nestled in the foothills of the scenic Cardamom mountains. In times gone by this was strategically important as a life line for the Khmer Rouge, both for trading gems and receiving supplies, and as an escape route when threatened by the Cambodian army.

Immediately on crossing the border you will notice the difference in the fortunes of these neighbouring countries as you leave the tarmac of Thailand and cycle on the bumpy red dirt roads of Cambodia! It is also very obvious how the concrete homes of Thailand give way to the wood and thatch shacks of Cambodia. After 20km of Cambodian cycling you arrive at the small, dusty town of Pailin, which was once home to both a thriving semi-precious stone mining industry and some former high ranking officials of the expired brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Meals: B, L, D. Terrain: Tarmac in Thailand and bumpy dirt road some part in Cambodia. 

Overnight at Bambu Hotel (2 star) in Pailin. 

Day 5: Pailin to Battambang (53 miles/85km) 
Ride on the tarmac road all the way to the outskirts of Battambang. After a few early climbs the majority of the day is downhill, not that you will obviously notice it as you weave around the large potholes! Initially you cycle through cash-crop plantations such as corn, cassava, and cashew nut, however getting closer to Battambang this changes to the emerald green of endless rice paddies.

You pass through various pleasant small villages made up of wooden shacks and shady trees. Excellent places to stop for a rest and get some real interaction with the curious and friendly locals. They don’t see many tourists along this route and certainly not on bicycles! About 15km from Battambang you cannot fail to miss the imposing limestone outcrop of Phnom Sampeau with its hilltop pagoda. If you still have excess energy you may choose to climb the 700+ steps and be rewarded with great views of the surrounding countryside.

Battambang is a relaxed and laid back town sitting on the banks of the Sangker River and it still has a very local, untouristed, provincial atmosphere. Much of the town’s architecture is French colonial and traditional Cambodian with very few buildings over three stories. A pleasant place to explore before dinner. Meals: B, L. Terrain: Mostly tarmac with some climb.

Overnight at Khemara Hotel (3 star) in Battambang. 

Day 6: Cruise Battambang to Siem Reap (12 miles/20km) 
An early start as you cycle through the sleepy streets of Battambang to board the boat to Siem Reap. This is arguably the most fascinating river trip in Cambodia and takes around 6 - 7 hours. Yet the timeless scenes you pass makes the time disappear: fishermen returning from the lake with their nights silvery catch; the blue smoke of fires shifting like mist in the pale pink light of dawn; the scent of breakfasts being prepared; and always, the sound of laughter and conversation.

As the river winds its way into the Tonle Sap lake (South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake) you pass an amazing variety of landscapes and lives, seemingly unchanged for hundreds of years. As the river joins the Tonle Sap Lake you pass the protected wetland of Prek Toal, regarded as the single most important breeding ground for globally threatened large waterbirds in South East Asia.

After crossing the vast expanse of this inland sea and heading towards Siem Reap port you pass through the floating village of Chong Khneas where we witness an entire bamboo village complete with homes, gas stations, schools, hair dressers, and even karaoke bars floating on water! Once you arrive at the port you get a chance to shake your legs as we spin the 15km into Siem Reap and to your hotel. Meals: B, L, D. Terrain: Mainly flat tarmac ]. ****When the water levels are low it may not be possible to take the boat trip, and the journey will be made by road.

Overnight at Royal Crown Hotel in Siem Reap. 

Day 7: Angkor Temples by Bike (25 miles/40km) 
On your first morning in Siem Reap we head out to begin our cycle exploration of these incredible temples. Today we 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. Terrain: Mainly flat tarmac. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8: Beanteay Srei Temple (50 miles/80km) 
This morning you head 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 a 'Farewell' dinner and a mesmerising Apsara dance performance. Meals: B, L, D. Terain: Mainly flat tarmac.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9: Departure 
Today you are free to continue your onward travel plans, leaving the home of the mighty Khmer Empire with many wonderful cycling memories. Meals: B. 

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Dec 7, 2013; Jan 18, 2014. Other dates available upon request for parties of 2 or more.

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided, 4-6 people)
Per person, double occupancy $1788 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) $320 Cambodia visa upon entry $20 Cambodia International Airport exit tax $25 Bike Rentals Mountain bike rental $120 Small party tour pricing Tour package for party of 2 $2757 Tour package for party of 3 $2128 Large group tour pricing Per person, for groups of 7-9 $1779 Per person, for groups of 10-12 $1561 Per person, for groups of 13-16 $1472

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• All sightseeing tour and transfer services as detailed in itinerary 
• All accommodation based on two sharing a room 
• One air-conditioning support minivan for every 6 people 
• English speaking temple guide in Siem Reap 
• One English speaking cycle guide / mechanic for every 8 people 
• All entrance fees for attractions included in the above itinerary 
• Daily drinking water and cool face towels, snack, seasonal fruit, soft drink whilst cycling 
• All meals as detailed in the above itinerary (B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner)

Excluded

• Services not detailed in the above itinerary 
• International flights to Thailand & from Cambodia 
• Thai, Cambodian Visa fees
• Accommodation before / after the tour 
• Drinks with included meals
• Bicycle ($120)
• Expenditures of a personal nature 
• Discretionary tips 
• Travel insurance 
• Any payment / money transfer charge

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Laem Mae Pim Beach: Baan Lom Talay Challen (3-star)
www.lomtalaychalet.com

Chaolao Beach: Chaolao Beach Resort (3-star)
www.clbeach.com

Pong Nam Ron: Soi Dao Highland Resort (3-star)
www.soidaohighland.com 

Battambang: Khemara Hotel (3-star)
www.khemarahotel.com 

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

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Laem Mae Pim Beach: Baan Lom Talay Challen (3-star)
www.lomtalaychalet.com

Chaolao Beach: Chaolao Beach Resort (3-star)
www.clbeach.com

Pong Nam Ron: Soi Dao Highland Resort (3-star)
www.soidaohighland.com 

Battambang: Khemara Hotel (3-star)
www.khemarahotel.com 

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

Bike Rentals: Guided

 We provide Cannondale Trail SL4 mountain bikes, or GT Avalanche Mountain bikes.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

 We provide 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.

Cycling conditions inclulde 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.

Cycling conditions inclulde 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: Bangkok, Thailand

Tour end:
Nearest airport: Siem Reap, Cambodia

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Bangkok, Thailand

Tour end:
Nearest airport: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Weather: Guided

Cambodia is a classic tropical climate 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 a classic tropical climate 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