7 days
From US $1,595
Highlights of Cambodia Bike Tour
The grand religious complexes, pristine beaches, and quiet riverside settlements await you here! The enigmatic country of Cambodia embodies everything that a traveler’s heart desires. A pulsating history stored in its vivid monuments, local culture rife on its river banks, warm and welcoming people, and food that you will remember for life. Add to this, a taste of tropical beaches to pamper yourself.
In this trip, we cover four main destinations of Cambodia, at our own pace – taking in every sight, sound, and smell that makes a trip etched in sublimity and if you are in the same rhythm of the slow-paced country, falling in line with the balmy countryside, a soft breeze nudging you to ride further and fantastic views of the countryside, it is nothing less than enchanting.
Phnom Penh | 11:00hrs
Siem Reap
casual hotels
easy
50km or 30mi
5
PNH
REP
Highlights
Angkor wat
A peek into history, at the Angkor Wat temple complex
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Phnom Penh | Duong Chan Hotel | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Ta Keo | Meas Homestay | B,L,D | 60km / 37mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Kep | Sabbay Kep | B,L | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Kampot | Hotel Old Cinema | B,L | 25km /15mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Fly to Siem Reap | Steung Siemreap | B,L | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Siem Reap | Steung Siemreap | B,L,D | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Siem Reap | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Phnom Penh
Arrive at the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, at the edge of the Mekong River. Historical splendors are spread in every corner whether it’s the local palace or the horrific remnants of the Khmer atrocities.
Our guide welcomes you at your hotel post-lunch around 13:00hrs for a bike fit. Post that, get ready to be immersed in the Cambodian culture and history of the city as we kick off our walking tour from Wat Phnom. Enjoy walking along the Tonle Sap river, considered the lifeline of the region. Continue towards the National Museum, which houses several national treasures from three different eras: Pre-Angkorian, Angkorian, and Post-Angkorian, giving the flavor of diverse culture and architecture. The last leg of our walk takes us to the gilded Royal Palace, shimmering with silver tiles and sculptures of Buddha, which gives an insight into Cambodian Royal Life.
After an informative and visual treat about Cambodian history, it’s time to taste some local Khmer cuisine at one of Phnom Penh’s finest dining places. End the day with a walk or tuk-tuk ride to the hotel.
Day 2: Ta Keo
Our guide meets you at your hotel in Phnom Penh. Get up early and start with a shuttle transfer to Killing Fields. An essential on the itinerary due to the historic hook and for understanding the country better, we walk through the killing fields. Experience the painful story of a country that leads to the death of 2 million Cambodian people between 1974-1979. A short shuttle transfer from here brings us to Angkor-era Ta Prohm temple. Take a quick tour of the temple and get ready for a ride towards Phnom Chiso Temple, situated on the top of a hill with 400 steps to climb up. Continue riding towards Takeo past some amazing lake scenery surrounded by paddy fields and lotus farms. Ta Keo is a small town situated amidst beautiful lakes. Enjoy the rest of the evening walking around the town.
Day 3: Kep
We gradually amp up the tempo by picking up on the kilometers. Today, it’s a long ride to Kep and we end the ride with a short transfer. The topography that will be forever etched in your mind is that of a sprawling countryside of fields, palm trees, and lotus farms. We ride slowly, taking pictures along the way and taking in the stunning vistas.
Kep’s seaside front is the perfect place for weary legs to feel rejuvenated. Earthy colors and breezy wind make for the perfect ambiance to unwind.
Day 4: Kampot
Another stretch of riverside villages and exquisite countryside awaits us today. You can see the bright green pepper vines crawling up along tree trunks. Visit a stunning cave along the way and later ride to the quaint riverside town of Kampot. After lunch at a beautiful riverside restaurant, step out to discover local life at Kampot. Enough anecdotes and local street food flow to keep us engaged.
Day 5: Fly to Siem Reap
Take the winding roads and climb the Bokor mountain today. Admire the views of the stunning bay and forest before descending to the base by bike or shuttle. Transfer to Sihanoukville airport for an evening flight to Siem Reap, our next big pit stop for the ride ahead.
If you want to avoid hills then you can also transfer to Sihanoukville airport where we’ll hit the bikes and cycle to the beach through pleasant little fishing villages with colorful boats bobbing in the gentle swell. We ride over a hill and on the hard-packed beach sands at one point as we near Ores Beach. A low hill or two make for a last-day challenge. We break for lunch and then transfer to Sihanoukville airport for an evening flight to Siem Reap. Have a chat with your guide on the same during the tour.
Our representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in Siem Reap. We recommend taking a riverside walk and having dinner at a charming river-front place, Chanrey Tree or Por Cuisine which also has a fabulous Apsara dance performance.
Day 6: Siem Reap
The Angkor temple complex is synonymous with Cambodia, so a ride around the temple is essential. Our guide meets you at your hotel around 8am and takes you back into the Angkor era on a bike ride. After bike fit, start riding directly from the hotel and reach the moat of Angkor Wat. Catch the brilliant morning rays on the ancient temple complex and spend ample time photographing as you would have seen nothing like this before. We will loop back to Angkor Wat for a detailed tour at the end of our ride.
Continue riding towards Angkor Thom and enter the city from the South gate. Beat the crowd and climb the surrounding wall of the city and ride on top of it. Take a break here for a rich fascinating account of the city from our guide. A further ride through East gate takes us to Bayon, a richly decorated face temple within the Angkor complex is one of the highlights here. Exit from the second East gate of the city and ride towards jungle-clad TA Prohm. Our guide shares historical anecdotes and walks you through temples along the way.
The Angkor Wat requires more than a morning, so we loop back for a more detailed guided tour. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the largest religious complexes in the world and it’s bound to enthrall you. Climb Phnom Bakheng for a classic view of Angkor during sunset.
Day 7: Siem Reap
Make a final early morning visit to Angkor and witness the magnificent views in the backdrop of sunrise.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $250
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $150
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Cannondale Trail 4 or similar
Included in your trip price
Giant Talon E+3 or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
Your tour begins at Phnom Penh, which is served by the Phnom Penh International Airport.
Taxi is available inside the airport, and typically charge around US$ 15 for the trip from the airport to the hotel.
Grab is a popular app-based taxi service in Cambodia. Besides this, there are also private taxis are operated by individuals, and these taxis can be booked directly through WhatsApp or through travel agencies and hotels.
Many of these private taxi services offer brief tour options, aimed at enticing guests to reserve tours with them. It is advisable to either utilize a taxi that is on standby at the airport or make a booking through our local partner whose contact details will be shared with you prior to your arrival in Cambodia.
Our local partners typically charge the following rates for airport pick-up and drop:
Car: US$35, Van: US$40
Alternatively, guests may opt for an airport drop-off through the hotel, which costs approximately $40 for a car and $45 for a van. It is advisable to consider booking a private car, as tuk-tuks or rickshaws may not have access to the airport.
Weather
Cambodia is a year-round cycling destination on account of its pleasant tropical climate. April and May can be hot, but for the rest of the year, the temperature hovers around 30°C. There is moderate rainfall from May to early November but it settles soon, leaving the weather cool and the countryside lush. November to February is the best time for cycling in South Vietnam with warm weather, clear blue skies, and a light ocean breeze blowing in from the Pacific.
January
Best
February
Best
March
Best
April
Good
May
Good
June
Good
July
Good
August
Good
September
Good
October
Good
November
Best
December
Best
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Is proof of travel insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:
- CDC portal for travelers from the US
- NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
- Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.
In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.
Tips are not included in your tour price.
As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.
This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.
However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.
It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.
In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
