Biking Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat

Day 1: Phnom Penh – Kampong Chnang

Pick up at your hotel at 8:00am. Today we head north on National road N5 via the ancient Japanese bridge and start traveling through the Cambodian countryside. You will share the road with light local traffic and get a good sense of what Cambodian transportation actually is. After 12Km you get to Prek Phnov and at the junction we left turn to unpaved roads passing local villages and rice fields. We pass the ancient capital of Udong where Udong Mountain is still home to many of the old Royal Palaces. We pay a visit to one of the remaining stupa’s and after a visit we will ride on the paved road heading north-west to Kampong Chnang.

Kampong Chhnang is the provincial capital of the province with the same name. The Tonle Sap River passes by Kampong Chhnang and the floating village is an attraction itself. It is located 91 km North of Phnom Penh. The area is scenic and if you cross the river you will find several ancient temples from the Chenla period, such as Samrong Sen and Prasat Prah Srey. You’ll get great views of the countryside and for sure will meet hordes of people welcoming you with a broad smile and a “Hello Mr.!” quote. Check in hotel and have dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Kampong Chnang.

Summary
Biking: 91km, smooth paved road
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kampong Chnang

Day 2: Kampong Chnang – Siem Reap

This morning you will start with a transfer by private boat to Siem Reap crossing the immense Tonle Sap Lake. The Tonle Sap Lake is the beating heart of Cambodia and nearly half of the Cambodians live from this lake. It’s the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia and its biodiversity has put the lake on the ecological 7 wonders of the world. The transfer takes about 4 hours. Upon arrival in Siem Reap we pass the floating village of Chhong Kneas. This large sized village is a bustling trade centre for fish, other lake "products" and tourism. The arrival will definitely one you will never forget. We cycle the 12km into town and settle in our hotel. A lunch will give us the power we need in order to explore the world largest heritage site: Angkor Wat. We will cycle towards a small but very significant temple called Banteay Srey. This temple is best preserved and its carvings and painting are remarkable. The road leading there passes through the Angkor Area and you get a glimpse of the massive complexes that were built between the 11th and 13th century. We continue the 25km to Banteay Srey through pretty countryside over a good and paved road. The late afternoon sun will only contribute to the beauty of the pink stone walls and towers of Banteay Srey. After our visit we cycle back towards Angkor Wat where a nice surprise awaits us. Back to the hotel. Dinner in local restaurant. Overnight in hotel in Siem Riep.

Summary
Biking: 70km, smooth paved road
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 3: Full day in Angkor Wat by cycling

If you want to this morning you can ask our tour guide to arrange a sunrise visit to the temples of Angkor to give you the opportunity see the ruins in all their splendor. Angkor Wat itself is just one of the many temples in the region but is one of the best preserved and most impressive. It is worth climbing the remarkably steep and narrow steps of the central spire for the view over the whole temple surrounded by jungle. Angkor Thom, is a fascinating ruin featuring many mysterious giant carved faces and some incredible wall carvings, and is one of the most remarkable sights in the area. Also not to be missed is the temple of Ta Prohm, which has been left to be reclaimed by nature and features incredible tree roots breaking through the stone carvings and walls, a fascinating tribute to the power of nature over man and an experience reminiscent of "Indiana Jones" and "Tomb Raider". Back to Siem Riep. Tour finishes.