Itinerary:
Cambodia Cycling Holiday

Undiscovered Lands

Day 1: Phnom Penh

Many flights to Cambodia from the UK route via Vietnam, Thailand or Hong Kong. You will be met at the airport in Phnom Penh and transferred to your hotel. You have a free afternoon to visit some of the city's highlights and enjoy your first experience of Khmer culture. There will be a group briefing at 17.00 at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel (D)

Day 2: Phnom Penh to Kirirom National Park

We begin the day with a short transfer out of Phnom Penh. Our cycling tour begins with us cycling through rice paddies and past small villages. Reaching Krong Chbar Mon, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant then transfer to Kirirom National Park. Known as 'Happy Mountain', the park provides sanctuary for a range of wild animals including elephants, deer and boar. They are rather elusive and tend to remain deep inside the forest areas. Bird watchers visit from all over the world to enjoy spotting the unique species at Kirirom. We have time to explore and enjoy a swim in a small waterfall, late this afternoon.

Cycling Distance: 57km (35 miles)
Total Climb: 287m (941ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 3: Kirirom National Park - Kampot

We cycle from our hotel following a short trail which is used for national mountain bike racing. Leaving the park behind us we ride on through the countryside passing fields of corn, cassava and mango. We transfer by vehicle on the final stretch of our journey to reach Kampot; a quiet colonial riverside town, with sleepy fading elegance. The region is reputed to have the best seafood in the country. In the surrounding countryside bamboo dwellings and stilted wooden huts sit amongst palm trees and water buffalo and white cattle graze in the fields.

Cycling Distance: 38km (24 miles)
Total Climb: 378m (1,240ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,)

Day 4: Kampot to Kep

Leaving Kampot we cycle through salt fields; sea water sits on a clay bed and cone shaped crystal mounds dry out in the sun. Nearing Kep we journey through pepper plantations, red and green berry covered vines are visible the fields. The modern beach resort has emerged alongside traces of the town’s French colonial past, set in beautiful countryside and tree covered hills. Kep is renowned for its idyllic surroundings and the local delicacy, crab is served in many restaurants.

We take a boat trip before lunch to visit Koh Tansey (Rabbit Island) a stunning tropical island which hosts four beautiful beaches. We will have lunch here and this afternoon you can swim, relax and explore the area. We will return to Kep around 5pm.

Cycling Distance: 35km (22 miles)
Total Climb: 48m (157ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5: Kep to Takeo

Our journey begins with an early start, pedaling through scenic landscapes, including a visit to a local pepper farm. As we traverse sealed roads and red dirt tracks, we immerse ourselves in the rural charm of small villages, where ox-drawn carts and water buffalo are the predominant modes of transport. Passing through Dang Dong and Tany Market, our cycling expedition culminates as we reach the enchanting destination of Takeo.

Takeo offers a more tranquil and off-the-beaten-path experience compared to some of Cambodia's more famous tourist destinations. It's a place where history, culture, and natural beauty converge, providing visitors with a unique and authentic Cambodian experience.

Cycling Distance: 106km (66 miles)
Total Climb: 135m (442ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 6: Takeo to Phnom Penh

From our hotel we cycle to visit Ta Mok house located in the middle of Takeo Lake. Ta Mok was the general commander of the Khmer Rouge from 1975-1979. He continued to control the Khmer Rouge army until 1998 when Pol Pot died and all Khmer Rouge forces were demobilized into government forces. Ta Mok died in prison a few years later following his arrest.

Cycling on, we continue our journey on quiet back road through beautiful Cambodian countryside, riding to Chisor Mountain Temple an 11th C Khmer shrine and then cycle to Tonle Bati Lake where we stop for lunch. This afternoon we ride the last 30km to the killing fields, a harrowing reminder of the Khmer Rouge atrocities. After spending some time here, we transfer the last 15km to your hotel in Phnom Penh.

Cycling Distance: 63km (39 miles)
Total Climb: 25m (82ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 7: Phnom Penh Rest Day

In the heart of Cambodia, Phnom Penh offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and vibrant city life, making it an ideal destination for a rest day of exploration. Begin your day by delving into the royal grandeur at the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, marveling at the intricate architecture and precious artifacts.

A visit to the National Museum provides a deep dive into Cambodia's rich heritage through its impressive collection of Khmer art. For a somber but essential experience, explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) to gain insights into the country's recent history. A trip to the Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the Cambodian people. Amidst the historical exploration, indulge in a leisurely lunch at a riverside restaurant along Sisowath Quay.

Afterward, stroll through the bustling Central Market for unique souvenirs and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Street 240 with its charming boutiques and eateries. Conclude your day by unwinding at Wat Phnom and embracing the city's nightlife along the Riverside, where vibrant bars and cafes line the Tonle Sap River, offering a perfect ending to a day filled with diverse and enriching experiences in Phnom Penh.

Accommodation: Hotel (B)

Day 8: Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham

This morning we leave the city, crossing the Mekong and then cycle on along a river bank trail. We pass through traditional villages where you will see wooden houses on stilts. We stop to visit a traditional silk weaving community. The small quiet roads are a real pleasure to cycle on and local children race to greet us. After 50km, we transfer buy vehicle to a local restaurant for lunch; you can try the local speciality - roast tarantula. We transfer on to Kampong Cham, a charming authentically Cambodian city where traces of French colonial rule mix with modern development. From our riverside hotel there is the option to cycle to a peaceful Mekong island.

Cycling Distance: 46km (29 miles)
Total Climb: 43m (141ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 9: Kampong Cham to Kampong Thom

Today cyclists are treated to a scenic journey along the mighty Mekong River, covering approximately 33 kilometers before reaching Stueng Trang and eventually continuing towards Kampong Thom. The route unfolds with picturesque landscapes, offering a blend of riverside panoramas and glimpses into rural Cambodian life.

As cyclists pedal along the riverbanks, they may witness local communities engaged in traditional activities, such as fishing or tending to vibrant green rice fields. The tranquil stretch between Kampong Cham and Stueng Trang provides cyclists with a serene ambiance, punctuated by the occasional sight of boats navigating the Mekong's gentle currents. Upon reaching Stueng Trang, the journey then progresses towards Kampong Thom, promising more discoveries of Cambodia's countryside, dotted with quaint villages, pagodas, and the timeless beauty of the Mekong River, making the cycling experience a delightful immersion into the heart of Cambodia.

Cycling Distance: 80km (50 miles)
Total Climb: 184m (603ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 10: Kampong Thom to Siem Reap

We cycle this morning to the Prei Kuk temple near Kampong Thom city, you have time to look around Prasat Sambor Prei Kuk and the surrounding area. The central part of the temple is divided into three main areas. Each section is located in a square lay out surrounded by a brick wall. We will cycle on a short distance to Kampong Svay, our lunch spot. After lunch, we transfer to Siem Reap.

Cycling Distance: 55km (34 miles)
Total Climb: 43m (141ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 11: Siem Reap

Today on the tour we explore more of the area around Siem Reap, cycling out into the countryside to Kampong Phluk fishing village. On our way we pass a few Rolous group temples from the 9^th Century, Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko. An ancient Khmer city here was known as Hariharalaya. We take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap (Great Lake) the largest freshwater lake in Asia. You have time this afternoon for shopping and sightseeing.

Cycling distance: 33km (20 miles)
Total Climb: 58m (190ft)
Accommodation: Guest house: B,L,D

Day 12 Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

You will be collected from the hotel at around 04.30 and transferred to Angkor Wat for a magical sunrise. There is a guided tour around the temple which takes about an hour before we enjoy breakfast in the shade of the trees that surround the temple. This morning we cycle around the area and explore other wats. This is a beautiful ride through green fields and vibrant villages as we experience the incomparable spectacle of so many temples. The cycling ends around 2.30 pm so you will have time for a siesta this afternoon to compensate for the early start.

Cycling Distance: 41km (25 miles)
Total Climb: 46m (151ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)

Day 13: Siem Reap - River of 1000 Lingas - Banteay Srey

We cycle into the countryside north of Siem Reap passing villages where local food such as fresh noodles, palm sugar and juice are in production. Once we reach Kbal Spean we hike 1500m through mountain scenery to visit the River of 1000 Lingas. A series of stone carvings feature in the river bed and banks. The motifs are mainly a multitude of lingams (phallic symbol of Hindu god Shiva), depicted as neatly arranged bumps that cover the surface of a sandstone bed rock, and lingam-yoni designs. There are also Hindu mythological motifs, including depictions of the gods (Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi), as well as animals. Local people believe the motifs bring fertility and blessings to the Angkor area as the river flows here on its way to Siem Reap. This afternoon we ride to Banteay Srei Temple. Whilst many of Cambodia’s temples are impressive because of their sheer size, Banteay Srei is outstanding for the quality of its construction and decoration. Pink sandstone walls are decorated with what some consider the best carvings in the area, still in excellent condition.

Cycling Distance 51km (32 miles)
Total Climb: 66m (216ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B)