Essential Information - Cambodia

Holiday Status 

Before booking your holiday with us, please check the status of your chosen tour. We strongly advise against booking any flights or making other travel arrangements until the tour is marked as Guaranteed. 

To confirm your place, simply pay the deposit. This deposit can be refunded at any time until the tour status changes to "Guaranteed". Your final balance will be due 56 days before the tour start date. 

When you book, you are agreeing to our booking conditions – please take a moment to read them in full. 

Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. As bookings come in, the status will update from Available, to 2 More to Guarantee, and finally to Guaranteed once the minimum is met. You can always check the current status on the ‘Dates and Prices’ section of the tour page. 

Tour status definitions: 

• ✅ Guaranteed – The tour is confirmed and open for booking. 

• ✅ Guaranteed – Limited – Confirmed to run, but only a few spaces left. 

• ⏳ Available – 2 More to Guarantee – Tour is open but needs just 2 more bookings to confirm. 

• 🟢 Available – Open for booking but not yet confirmed to run. 

• 📩 Contact – Please get in touch if you're interested in this tour. 

• ❌ Fully Booked – This tour is no longer available. 

Once a tour is marked Guaranteed, you can confidently go ahead with booking your flights and making travel plans. We don’t cancel trips once they reach guaranteed status, except in very rare and exceptional circumstances. 

🚐 Support Vehicle
A dedicated support vehicle is with the group throughout the tour—carrying luggage and offering assistance when needed.

🏨 Accommodation
Comfortable and convenient overnight stays are included throughout the trip.

🍽️ Most Meals
Enjoy a variety of local meals—most are included (see trip notes for full details).

🚰 Snacks & Mineral Water
Stay refreshed with snacks and mineral water provided during cycling days.

✈️ Airport Transfers
Transfers are included on both the first and last day of the tour.

🧭 Expert Local Guides
Led by knowledgeable, English-speaking local professionals for a richer experience.

🛫 International Flights
Flights to and from Cambodia must be arranged independently.

🍷 Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol is not included in the tour package.

🍽️ Unlisted Meals
Meals not specified in the itinerary are at your own expense.

🛂 Visa Fees
Any visa costs are the responsibility of the traveller.

🛡️ Travel Insurance
Must be arranged separately before departure.

💰 Tips
Gratuities for guides and support staff are not included.

🚲 Bike Hire
Available on request for an additional fee.

✈️ Getting There & Away

Your adventure begins in Phnom Penh and ends in Siem Reap.

Please plan to arrive in Phnom Penh on Day 1 of your itinerary. Your return flight should be booked from Siem Reap on the final day of the tour.

We understand that our riders come from around the world, so whatever time you arrive on the start date, we’ll be there to meet you—airport transfers are included, and you’ll be taken to the joining hotel.

🕒 Note: If you arrive before midday, your room may not be immediately available, and you may need to wait while it's prepared.

If you’d like to arrive early or extend your stay, we’re happy to assist with extra accommodation and airport transfers at an additional cost.

🚫 International flights are not included in the tour price.
For flight times and costs, you can visit:

www.kayak.com or www.opodo.co.uk

💱 Currency Exchange

Cambodian Currency
The official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted and used for most transactions—especially in cities and tourist areas.

Prices are usually listed in USD

Small change may be given in Riel

Riel is mainly used for small purchases like snacks, tuk-tuk rides, and market items

What to Bring

Travellers from the US: Bring USD in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20)

Travellers from the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: Bring USD or exchange your currency into USD before travelling

Ensure all USD bills are clean and undamaged—torn or worn notes may not be accepted

Where to Exchange

On arrival at Phnom Penh Airport:

Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available in the arrivals area

❌ Airport exchange rates are usually less favourable—exchange a small amount only

 ✅ Better rates can be found at licensed money changers and banks in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

✔ Your redspokes guide will help with finding ATMs and exchange services during the tour.

💸 Spending Money

We recommend budgeting around £190 / $250 for the full tour, depending on your spending habits for meals, drinks, and souvenirs.

Typical Costs – Urban Areas (Phnom Penh & Siem Reap)

Prices in rural areas are generally lower than in cities.

🧭 Helpful Tips

Cash is essential, especially outside urban centres

Notify your bank before travel to avoid card issues

Bring small notes for easier transactions

ATMs are widely available in major towns and dispense USD or Riel

Credit/debit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but not in local markets or villages

💁‍♂️ Staff Tipping

Tipping is customary in Cambodia and a great way to show appreciation for excellent service.

💵 Recommended tip: £60–£80 / $80–$100 per person

At the end of the tour, tips are usually pooled and handed to the guide, who shares them fairly among the team.
redspokes pays all staff fairly—tips are an optional thank-you, not a replacement for wages.

For this tour, we have the Cannondale Trail 4 available in a range of sizes. In addition, we offer the Giant Talon E+ 29, an electric-assist mountain bike ideal for riders who want a little extra support on climbs. Both bike options come with spare parts (tubes, tyres, chains, etc.) included in the rental price. These will be carried in the support vehicle, along with a tool kit and track pump.

The bikes are equipped with flat pedals as standard. If you prefer to use SPD or clip-in pedals, you are welcome to bring your own, along with your cycling shoes and cleats. You're also welcome to bring your own saddle if you have a personal preference.

If you're comfortable doing simple repairs yourself, you're encouraged to carry a small repair kit with you. This can help avoid delays if the support vehicle or team is some distance away. Each bike will come fitted with one water bottle cage.

Please note that you must bring your own cycle helmet, as helmets are not included in the bike hire. Hire or purchase options cannot be guaranteed. Wearing a helmet is mandatory at all times while cycling. Failure to do so is at your own risk and may also impact the validity of your travel insurance.

Giant Talon E3 - Or similar -  A sleek ALUXX aluminum hardtail with 100 mm suspension

💳 Extra Expenses

If you’d like to hire a bike or prefer the comfort of a single room, these can usually be arranged for an additional cost. You can request these extras when booking your tour, or—subject to availability—at a later date by contacting us via email.

🛏️ Need extra nights or transfers?
If you’re planning to arrive early or stay on after the tour, we’re happy to help arrange additional accommodation and airport transfers. These services are also available at an extra cost.

🚴‍♀️ Bike Support & Grading

Throughout the tour, you’ll have the full support of a dedicated backup vehicle—usually a jeep or minibus. This vehicle:

• 🚐 Carries your main luggage between overnight stops

• 🧳 Transports you if you need a break from riding

• ⏱️ Stops approximately every 12 miles (20 km) to provide assistance or refreshments

🔧 Our experienced tour leaders carry a comprehensive tool kit and can handle most common bike repairs. You’ll just need a small daypack for essentials like your camera, sunscreen, or snacks.

⚠️ Bringing your own bike?
Please ensure it is in excellent working condition before the tour. We recommend a full service by a professional bike shop, including:

• Checking gears, brakes, and cables

• Tightening all bolts and quick-release clamps

• Inspecting and replacing worn tyres or wheel rims

• Installing new inner tubes

• Ensuring the chain, bearings, and spokes are in good condition

We do our best to help with mechanical issues, but we cannot guarantee we’ll have parts or tools for all repairs.

We welcome solo travellers on all our tours — many of our riders come on their own, along with couples and groups of friends.

Our prices are based on twin-share accommodation, and if you're travelling solo, we’ll pair you with another solo traveller of the same gender. 

Prefer your own space? A single room option is available on most tours for an additional charge — just let us know at the time of booking.

🍽️ Eating & Drinking (Special Diets)

Most meals are included in your trip price, with the exception of non-cycling days and a few other occasions. Please refer to the itinerary for full meal details.

🥗 Special Dietary Requirements
If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please let us know at the time of booking. We can cater for most diets, but advance notice is essential to ensure we can accommodate your needs.

🍜 Cambodian Cuisine

Cambodian food is flavourful, balanced, and often centred around fresh, local ingredients. A typical meal might include:

🥣 Soup

🥗 Salad

🐟 Fish dish

🥬 Vegetables

🍚 Rice

🍉 Fruit-based desserts often made with sticky rice

🇰🇭 National Dish: Fish Amok
A creamy, coconut-based curry made with freshwater catfish and steamed in banana leaves—a must-try!

🐟 Trey Dang Dau
Small river fish, commonly served deep-fried and seasoned.

🍖 While fish is the most common protein, pork and chicken are also staples in Cambodian meals.

🥤 Drinks

☕ Iced Coffee – Cambodia’s most popular soft drink, brewed fresh and served with sweetened condensed milk

🥥 Fresh Coconut – Widely available and safe to drink directly from the shell—perfect for staying hydrated in the heat

Travel insurance is a requirement for all participants and must be valid for the entire duration of your Cambodia tour.

Your policy must provide coverage for the following:

✅ What Your Policy Must Include:

🩺 Personal Injury & Medical Expenses
⚰️ Death & Repatriation
🚁 Emergency Rescue – Including helicopter or aircraft evacuation
🎒 Loss or Theft of Luggage & Equipment
📅 Trip Cancellation or Curtailment
💥 Damage to Hired Equipment – Any repair/replacement costs must be paid locally at the time of incident and later claimed from your insurer

⚠️ Important:
Check your policy carefully to ensure there are no exclusions for activities like cycling or adventure travel, as these are central to the tour.

📝 We strongly recommend purchasing your travel insurance at the time of booking—this will also cover you in case of pre-trip cancellation.

💼 All claims must be handled directly with your insurance provider.

Please make sure your insurance policy does not include exclusions for any activities involved in your tour, such as cycling or adventure travel.

We strongly recommend taking out your travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case of cancellation before the trip begins. 

All insurance claims must be made directly through your provider.

We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin/ double room. There is an option for single supplement on most of the trips should you wish to have a room all to yourself. For more information on the additional costs please see dates and prices.

The majority of the accommodation for this trip is in either Guest House or Hotel. Some rooms will have en-suite facilities and air-conditioning.

The Cambodia tour is best suited for a tough hybrid or mountain bike—capable of handling a mix of paved and rougher terrain.

🛠️ Pre-Tour Servicing
We strongly recommend having your bike fully serviced before the trip. Make sure to:

• 🔧 Adjust wheel spokes

• 🧴 Grease all bearings

• 🚴 Check gear and brake cables

• 🔩 Tighten all nuts and bolts

• ⛓️ Inspect the chain

• 🔄 Test quick-release clamps

• 🚴‍♂️ Replace with new inner tubes

• 🛞 Check that wheel rims aren’t worn

🧰 What to Pack for Your Bike

To keep your ride running smoothly, please bring the following essential spares and tools:

• 🧰 Multi-tool

• 🛠️ Tyre levers

• 🪠 Pump

• 🔁 Spare inner tubes

• 🧵 Spare spokes

• 🛑 Brake pads (check disc type with your bike shop)

• ⛓️ Chain links

• 🧪 Special spares (e.g. hydraulic fluid, bleed kit, or other unique parts)

📦 Luggage & Transport

Your bike will need to be packed as part of your checked luggage. A bike in a cardboard box typically weighs 15–20 kg, so be sure to:

• ✅ Check your airline’s baggage allowance

• ⚠️ Plan ahead for potential excess luggage fees

We aim to provide accurate and up-to-date travel information, but visa requirements can change without notice. While we gather details from official embassies and consulates, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or changes. For the most current information, we strongly recommend checking with the Cambodian embassy or consulate in your home country.

You must hold a valid passport in order to travel.  Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return from any overseas destination. 

Visa and entry requirements for most countries can and do change from time to time and so we strongly recommend that you consult the government travel website for where your passport was issued.

For UK nationals, please visit the gov.uk website for up to date information about entry requirements for Cambodia.  The website also provides vaccination advice as well as the option to sign up for Alerts so that you are aware if requirements have changed.

CAMBODIA E-VISA REQUIREMENTS 

✅ A visa is required for most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens.
You can obtain your visa in one of the following ways:

• 🌐 Apply online via the official Cambodia e-Visa portal (recommended for most travellers)

• 📝 Apply in advance through your local Cambodian embassy or consulate

• 📩 UK travellers can download visa forms here

📝 Be sure to double-check that all your visa details are correct before you travel - it is your responsibility. 

We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor or local Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks before going on your trip for advice on the correct vaccinations required for your trip. You can also refer to current advice from National Travel Health Network and Centre . 

Vaccination requirements can change and as we are not authorised to answer questions regarding medications, please check with your health professional before departing for your trip. 

🌤️ Climate & Best Time to Travel – Cambodia

Cambodia’s weather varies throughout the year, but cycling is enjoyable in every season with the right preparation. Here's what to expect during popular travel months:

🍂 November

• 🌦️ Start of the dry season

• 🌡️ Average temperature: 25°C

• ☁️ Occasional short showers early in the month

• ✅ Comfortable weather, low humidity, and increasing sunshine make this an excellent time to visit

☀️ December

• 🌞 Dry, sunny days and low humidity

• 🌡️ Average temperature: 26°C

• 🌬️ Relatively cool and pleasant for cycling

❄️ January

• 🚴‍♂️ Ideal cycling conditions

• 🌞 Well into the dry season

• 🌡️ Mild, consistent temperatures and sunny skies

🌧️ August

• 💧 Part of the wet season, but don't let that deter you!

• 🌧️ Rain typically falls in the late afternoon or overnight, with dry riding hours during the day

• 🌾 A unique benefit: lush green rice fields and a vibrant countryside landscape

No matter when you choose to go, Cambodia offers a memorable cycling experience. Let us know your travel dates and we’ll help ensure you’re well-prepared for the conditions!

Packing is a personal choice, but this guide offers a flexible overview based on the warm and humid climate of Cambodia. Lightweight, breathable cotton clothing is ideal.

🚴 Essential Cycling Gear

🪖 Cycle Helmet – Mandatory at all times while cycling

🕶️ Sunglasses – UV protection for your eyes

🚰 Water Bottles or CamelBak – Stay hydrated on the go

👟 Lightweight Trekking or Cycling Shoes – For riding and walking

🩳 Padded Cycling Shorts – For long-distance comfort

👖 Baggy Shorts – Required in some areas for modesty

🧤 Fingerless Cycling Gloves – Improve grip and reduce strain

🌧️ Waterproof Biking Jacket – Lightweight and breathable

👕 Clothing

🩳 Lightweight Trekking Shorts

👖 Long Cotton Trousers – For cooler evenings or modesty

👕 T-Shirts

👔 Long-Sleeved Shirt – Sun protection and coverage

🩱 Swimwear

🧥 Fleece or Pullover – Useful for early mornings or cool nights

👒 Sun Hat

🧣 Buff or Scarf – Multi-use for sun, dust, or temples

🛐 Modest Clothing – Cover shoulders and legs when visiting temples or holy sites

🔦 Accessories

🔦 Torch or Headlamp – Bring spare batteries/bulbs

🌞 Strong Sunscreen & Lip Balm – High SPF recommended

🦟 Insect Repellent – Essential for tropical areas

💊 Personal First Aid Kit

Our guides carry a group first aid kit, but we recommend bringing your own with:

💊 Paracetamol / Ibuprofen

💩 Anti-diarrhoea tablets (Lomotil / Diacalm)

💧 Rehydration salts (e.g. Dioralyte)

🧴 Antiseptic cream or wipes

🍬 Throat lozenges

🩹 Plasters (band-aids)

👃 Nasal spray & 👁️ Eye drops

💤 Ear plugs

✋ Anti-bacterial hand gel or wipes

🦶 Blister pads

⚡ Miscellaneous

🍫 Energy Bars, Gels, or Power Snacks

🥤 Energy/Recovery Drinks

 📷 Camera – To capture the memories

Cambodia's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins), C (two round pins) and G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz