Siem Reap to Bangkok Cycle

Begin your cycling exploration of the incredible Angkor temples, focusing on the Small Circuit featuring the pyramid of Takeo, the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, 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 smiling faces. You will also visit other important sites in this immense walled city, including the pyramid of Baphuon, Phimeanakas and the royal viewing stands known as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.  After lunch, visit the incredible and majestic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building. In the late afternoon, you cycle to an excellent spot to experience a magnificent Angkor sunset. Return to your hotel, then you are free to experience Siem Reap’s nightlife.

After breakfast, we ride towards Banteay Srei, through wonderful Cambodian countryside inhabited by friendly villagers. On the way, stop at a couple of villages for a close encounter with everyday local life. Arrive at the temple of Banteay Srei, decorated with floral motifs and scenes from the Ramayana.

After lunch in a local restaurant, cycle back towards Siem Reap and visit the Landmine Museum, which promotes mine awareness. Mr. Aki Ra, the museum founder, was trained as a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime and is working today as a de-miner.

We continue your Angkor encounter with a visit to the spectacular temples of the Grand Circuit, beginning with Preah Khan or ‘Sacred Sword’, one of the largest temples at Angkor. Then it’s onwards to Neak Pean surrounded by fountains and ponds, then to Ta Som and its famous strangler fig tree. Finally, you arrive at Pre Rup, a pleasant spot to experience another Angkor sunset if you wish.

Depends on season, you will cycle with one of the following options:

We depart our hotel early and transfer to start ride at Kamping Puoy Reservoir located between two mountains. Enjoy the view of a gigantic basin as clear sky is the backdrop before we embark on bikes. We will cycle through stunning countryside area where farms and local villages can be seen along the way and really get a feeling of riding into unchartered territory.

This morning you head west on the road less traveled pedaling towards the quiet Cambodian / Thai 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 neighboring countries as you leave the dirt roads of Cambodia and cycle on the tarmac roads of Thailand.  It is also very obvious how the concrete homes of Thailand give way to the wood and thatch shacks of Cambodia. On arrival in Pong Nam Ron the reward is the hotel’s pool where you can relax with a well-earned beer, overlooking the adjacent golf course with a backdrop of forested mountains.

A big day today as you spin through 110km with some steady climbs and descents at the start. As the day progresses you head to the coast and notice the scenery changing from forests and distant mountains to coastline. Again, this ride is on small paved roads that have little traffic and are a joy to ride on. You are now in Chantaburi province which is well known for its fruit and you will see (and taste!) plenty as you pass by plantations, forests and lots of small local villages. You finish the ride right on the quiet beach of Chaolao. From here it is so easy to take a refreshing dip in the sea before dinner.

Today the ride hugs the coastline as you pass from beach to beach on small local roads that are very quiet to traffic, the seascapes are marvelous. This is an interesting ride that lets you see the local Thai way of life, as you pass through local fishing villages, sea food markets and of course plenty of temples where you can stop for a well-earned rest and refreshments. The mangrove swamps and fruit plantations add a diversity to the scenery on this very picturesque of rides. You also take some short ferry crossings which help to save some distance by taking you directly across the estuaries. You end the day at the laidback and beautiful Laem Mae Phim Beach. Here you will have some free time to relax, and maybe even take a dip in the clear warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Today you get to relax on the beach before taking a short gentle ride around the area (optional). You will then transfer to Bangkok where you will have your final night and a farewell dinner.