TRIP PROFILE:

This trip is a fully guided and supported by van to cycle on the backroad to visit Angkor temple complex. From Angkor temple, we cycle on another backroad passing the rice field and the village to visit the pre-Angkorian temple in Rolous Group and take a great boat trip on Tonle Sap lake to visit the floating village. Banteay Srei, the pink sand stones appreciated by the most visitors as the most beautiful carving temple together with the Landmines museum are the must see. They are located 35km from Angkor complex. Kulen is a great water fall for trekking to escape from the crowded tourists at Angkor complex. With a combination to visit Beng Mealea, the temple of Indiana Jones, make it the perfect day to remember.

We cycle 145km and trekking 12km, the cycling is mostly on the quiet backroad with only some part of our return trip to be on the main road as we have to avoid cycling on the same road. The main road is tarmac and the backroads are nice with the wonderful views, a bit sandy. The trekking is a bit climb with a little rock for 200 meters, after that flat all ways.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Cycling Small Circuit (25km)
Depart from the hotel on the main road and cycling through Angkor pass check point. Cycling through the shady road with a little pumping because of the a few pot-holes. There you will begin to see Kravan temple, Banteay Kdei, and stop at the famous Ta Phrom, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom (45 minutes-1 hour). It was built in 12^th century by the famous King Jayavarvan VII indicated to his mother. While clearing back the forest archaeologists decided to leave the vegetation of Ta Phrom in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discoverers found it and the other Angkor temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains and soar high above the temples. Continue the cycling through small circuit passing Ta Keo temple, Chao Say Tevoda, Tommanon before reaching to Angkor Thom city. There you will see, Terrace of Leper King, Terrace of Elephant, Baphoun, Phimean Akas. Stop at Bayon temple and start the visit (45 minutes-1 hour). Angkor Thom built by Cambodia's great king, Jayavarman VII. An eight-meter high wall encloses this ten square kilometre city, which is encircled by a moat. The famous Bayon, in the geographical heart of Angkor Thom, is a remarkable 54 tower temple. Initially the temple appears to be a shapeless mass of grey and brown stone, but it is only as you get closer that you realize every tower has the carved face of Avalokiteshvara on it.

After the visit, cycle to Angkor Wat to finish the small circuit. Stop at South Gate of Angkor Thom for taking photo. Access via a causeway over the moat that are flanked by statues of Gods on the left and devils on the right. Then visit the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. Angkor Wat is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of massive 'temple mountain' dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu.

Day 2: Rolous Group & Tonle Sap Lake (50km)
Depart from the hotel, crossing the bridge at Old Market to cycle 15km toward Rolous Group. The first 2km, is on the tarmac road toward the bus station. Then, passing the rice field and the village. Rolous Group was the first capital of Angkor Empire during 800 A.D. Visit the Pre-Angkorian temples including Preak Ko, Bakong and Lo Lei. Afternoon, cycling to Tonle Sap Lake. Turn left at the crocodiles farm crossing the bridge. Then cycle on small road along the river through villages, pagodas and schools. This road is good for cycling as to avoid the busy traffic. After cycling 8km, turn right across the bridge to the main road as there is no further access on the small road. Continue cycling toward the hill about 3km (July-December) where the boat stop. (Note: January-June, the water is low and the boat will stop further 3km). Board on the boat to visit the floating village, floating school, fishing farm. After 1 hour boat drive. Return the Siem Reap on the main road to avoid cycling the same road.

Day 3: Banteay Srei, Landmines Museum (70km)
Depart from the hotel on the main road. Arrive at Angkor Wat and turn left to the west. Continue to cycle 2km before turn right to the rural road.  The road is good for cycling as you can avoid the busy traffic but you can see rice field, village, pagoda. Arrive in Banteay Srei before lunch. Visit (45 minutes) Banteay Srei temple known as women citadel (built in 967 A.D dedicated to Brahma). While some of temple are impressive because of their sheer size, Banteay Srei stands alone in the quality of its construction and decoration. Its pink sandstone walls are decorated with what some consider the best carving of all, and still an excellent state of preservation.

On the way back, cycle on the main road to visit Banteay Samre and Landmine Museum of Mr. Akira.  Mr. Ra is dedicated to clearing the Cambodian countryside of landmines laid during the years of conflict and relies entirely on visitors' donation to fund his work.

Day 4: Full Day Trekking Temple & Mountain (Walking 12km) Soft Adventure

Tour Price Includes
- Mountain bikes (Trek 4300-4500)
- Accommodation 3* star in sharing room
- Cycling & walking experienced guide
- Fully supported vehicle with cool box, spare parts and first aid kit
- Full board meals (breakfasts, lunch and dinner)
- Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake
- 3 day Angkor pass

Price Excludes
- International Flights
- Departure Tax $25 (international)
- Visa Fees $20 (issued on arrival)
- Alcoholic, and drinks during meals
- Tips for guides.
- Personal travel insurance
- Services not mentioned in itinerary

View feedback about this trip:

Names: Gemma Byrne (2pax) U.K
Dates: 03 to 06 May 2010 

The tour was very well organised and excellent value for money. We found our guide to be extremely informative throughout the trip - his English and knowledge of the sites was brilliant. The general support crew were all very helpful.
 
The accommodation exceeded expectations and we were very happy with our stay. In particular, the food that we were given at meal times was excellent - a good choice of restaurants.
 
The quality of the bikes were good. The holiday as a whole was fantastic.

View more feedbacks in our Guest Book>>