The perfect realm home to the magical Angkor Wat is the setting for this tour. The journey offers a complete view of the Angkorian zone and the full insights of the Cambodian culture in depth.
Day 1: Arriving Siem reap (9kms)
Upon arrival to Siem reap, a small charming gateway town to the world famous Angkor temple complex. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in where your bikes are ready. Shuttle out of the downtown limits, then pedal 7km through forests on paved road to the royal city of Angkor Thom. At first glance, it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals enigmatic faces looking at every direction, with half-closed eyes, all looking content and serene. Continue your exploration by visiting Elephant Terrace served as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army and the Leper King Terrace with perfect carvings winding along a narrow passage way. Cycle back to the hotel, stopping en route at Wat Tmei, a stupa filled with skulls - victims of the Khmer Rouge. Overnight in Siemreap.
Day 2: Siem reap (40kms)
After breakfast, shuttle out of town and hop on your bike, riding to the jewel of Khmer art, Banteay Srei temple. Its red sand-stone walls are decorated with elaborate carvings and in an amazing state of preservation. Followed by cycling to Eastern Mebon past local villages where you can see daily activities such as making sugar palm. Afterwards, continue cycling to Preah Khan, the name of the sacred sword that safeguards Cambodia. Originally a Buddhist monastery and school, this was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's father. It's now completely overgrown with giant trees and other vegetation. Have a packed lunch along the way before cycling to Ta Prohm, a jungle-clad temple with overgrown trees, giving a haunting and exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of a tree push itself between the temple’s huge stone blocks in an embrace, emphasizing the ‘lost city’ feel. Cycle back to the hotel. Overnight in Siemreap (B, L)
Day 3: Siem reap (47kms)
After breakfast, ride to the floating village - everything is on water, including schools, hospitals and markets. After a glimpse of the local people’s daily lives, you will reach Phnom Krom. Climb up for a view of the massive lake before cycling to Wat Atvia, an ancient temple. In the afternoon, continue cycling on the dirt road to Bakong past local villages where you will likely encounter pagodas, villagers, weddings and funerals. Overnight in Siemreap (B, L)
Day 4: Siem reap (40kms) - The road of this loop is almost unpaved.
Although the temples are the main attraction, one of the most remarkable facets of Angkor is the Khmer rural community. After breakfast, drive 30min out of the city before biking 20km through the peaceful countryside to an orphanage center called Children Development Village. Upon arrival, visit the orphanage - home to about 30 children between 2 to 16 in typical Cambodian stilt houses - and interact with the monk and children about their lives, challenges and aspirations. Enjoy beautiful Khmer dances performed by the children, wander about their vegetable garden and if you want, teach them a song in your language. This orphanage does not receive much support from the Government so you are encouraged to bring some form of donation. Overnight in Siemreap (B, L)
Day 5: Siem Reap departure (Air)
Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of service (B) |
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