We journey through jungle to this sacred mountain to explore the huge reclining Buddha, riverbed carvings, early temples and a beautiful waterfall.  All great adventures!

*** OPTION 1 - ANGKOR THOM AND TA PROHM AND ANGKOR WAT
(Maximum of 30 km cycling)

Depart by bike for Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centre piece; the Bayon temple. Although it may look like a shapeless mass of stone, further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds perfect carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. Continue to Ta Prohm, considered to be one of Angkor’s jewels with is overgrown fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged itself over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Lunch is served in a local restaurant on the way. In the afternoon, continue cycling to Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. The temples are set among a large forest with shaded roads which are relatively quiet and suitable for cycling. On arrival at the temple, drop off the bikes and stroll through the intricately carved hallways that still show hundreds of fine carvings of Apsara and Hindu mythology and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 11th and 13th century. Continue cycling around the complex before heading back to the check-point from where you transfer back to your hotel.

*** OPTION 2 - ANGKOR THOM AND TA PROHM AND BANTEAY SREI
(Maximum of 14 km cycling)

Depart by bike for Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centre piece; the Bayon temple. Although it may look like a shapeless mass of stone, further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds perfect carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. Continue to Ta Prohm, considered to be one of Angkor’s jewels with is overgrown fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged itself over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Lunch is served in a local restaurant on the way. Leave the bikes and enjoy a transfer to Banteay Srei, which translates to “Citadel of the Women”. It is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. Transfer back to Siem Reap.

*** OPTION 3- ANGKOR WAT AND BANTEAY SREI
(Maximum of 14 km cycling)

Depart today for an introductory cycle to Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. The temples are set among a large forest with shaded roads which are relatively quiet and suitable for cycling. On arrival at the temple, drop off the bikes and stroll through the intricately carved hallways that still show hundreds of fine carvings of Apsara and Hindu mythology and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 11th and 13th century. Continue cycling around the complex before having lunch in a local restaurant on the way. Leave the bikes and enjoy a transfer to Banteay Srei, which translates to “Citadel of the Women”. It is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. Transfer back to Siem Reap.

*** OPTION 4 - WAT ATHVEA AND PHNOM KRAOM
(Maximum of 20 km cycling)

Depart Siem Reap and cycle along the Siem Reap River over dirt roads towards Wat Athvea. Visit the temple, which sits on the grounds of a recently built pagoda. Continue your trip through small rural villages and beautiful paddy fields. In the dry season the fields and paths connecting Wat Athvea and Phnom Kraom are easily navigated and form a beautiful maze of trails. Arrive at Wat Chedei, a modern pagoda situated in the middle of paddy fields. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds of the pagoda. Observe how the monks live peacefully in the midst of the paddy fields and continue cycling to Phnom Kraom. The small trails lead through more paddy fields and small villages where ducks are being kept and pigs are raised. Arrive at Phnom Kraom and climb the stairs that lead to an ancient temple. On the way observe the magnificent views of the Tonle Sap lake and witness the fascinating structure of Chhong Kneas floating village. Transfer back to Siem Reap by private vehicle.

*** OPTION 5 - PHNOM BOK AND BENG MEALEA
(Maximum of 28 km cycling)

A short transfer out of town will bring you to Phnom Bok, which is a small hill with an ancient temple atop. Climb the 640 steps up and enjoy the stunning views that overlook the Phnom Kulen Hills, Angkor area and Siem Reap town. Explore the surroundings and discover old canons and other war remnants that may remind you of Cambodia’s turbulent past. Return to ground level and start your ride through paddy fields and local villages towards Beng Mealea. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style by King Suyavarman II in the early 12th century, Beng Mealea preceded and may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Contrary to Angkor, few carvings or bas-reliefs are evident. Today the temple is largely overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which adds to its charm in a unique way. Accessibility has improved as elevated walkways have been set up throughout most of the temple, although to see all corners does require a sense of adventure as you will need to climb over stone blocks or walk through narrow passageways. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds of the pagoda.Transfer back to Siem Reap. (You are recommended to wear sturdy, walking shoes with a decent grip).

*** OPTION 6 - ROULOUS TEMPLE GROUP
(Maximum of 25 km cycling)

Start the day with a 15km ride to the Roulous temple group. The ruins of Roulous are among the oldest Khmer monuments in the area, dating back to the 9th century reign of King Indravarman I. There are three key Hindu structures that remain at Roulous; Lolei, Bakong and Preah Ko, which were all part of the ancient city of Hariharalaya. Ride over rural trails and connect peacefully with local friendly villagers on the way. Continue to Kampong Phluck, located about 10km away. Kampong Phluck is a permanent settlement on the Tonle Sap Lake with a small land based village attached to it. Its remarkable mangrove forest is unique in the Siem Reap area. You will board a local boat and cruise the waterways observing the authentic and diverse lifestyle of the local floating community. Disembark at a traditional house on stilts where a catered lunch is set up for you. Admire the simple, yet fascinating lifestyle and interact with your host to learn more about living on the water. Opt to cycle back on the rural trails or transfer back to Siem Reap by private transport.

*** OPTION 7 - RURAL VILLAGES AND AN ORPHANAGE
(Maximum of 20 km cycling)

Although the temples are Siem Reap’s main attraction, it is worth visiting some of the surrounding rural villages to get a better understanding of the plight of the Cambodian people. Drive 30 minutes out of the city in the morning before starting a bike ride of 20km through the peaceful countryside to an orphanage centre. The Children Development Village is home to about 30 children between the age of two and sixteen, who all live in typical Cambodian stilt houses. You are encouraged to interact with the monks and children and learn about their lives, the challenges they have overcome and their future aspirations. Enjoy a beautiful Khmer dance performance by the children, visit their vegetable garden and if you like, teach them a song in your own language. This orphanage does not receive support from the Government and therefore it is appreciated if you could leave some form of donation like books, food supplies or clothing.

*** OPTION 8 - TA PROHM, BANTEAY KDEI AND ANGKOR THOM
(Maximum of 14km cycling)

Start the day with a ride to Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is Angkor’s jewel and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged itself over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Continuing to Banteay Kdei, which is one of Angkor’s largest structures in the area and well worth a visit. In the afternoon, visit the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom with its magnificent centre piece; the Bayon. At first glance, it may seem like a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. The faces are believed to be protecting the city from potential attackers. Continue the exploration with a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army. Attached is the Terrace of the Leper King which holds perfect carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex.

*** OPTION 9 - KAMPONG KHLEANG AND ROULOUS GROUP
(Maximum of 55km cycling)

Ride over rural roads out of Siem Reap towards the floating village of Kampong Khleang, one of the largest settlements on the Tonle Sap Lake. Living on water is an art the Khmer people have mastered over the course of time. Pass through local villages, paddy fields and connect closely with the rural life that surrounds the peaceful town of Siem Reap. Upon arrival, board a local boat and visit a floating house to observe the local customs and talk with your hosts about the differences they face living on the water. Continue to explore the small island that forms the heart of Kampong Khleang. It is home to a bustling market, a pagoda, a school and a health centre. Return to the pier and enjoy a picnic lunch on the way before arriving at the ruins of Roulous, which are amongst the oldest Khmer monuments in the area, dating back to the 9th century reign of King Indravarman I. Three key Hindu structures remain, Lolei, Bakong and Preah Ko. The site is bounded by walls, with sandstone lintel decoration. Head back to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.

*** OPTION 10 - CHHONG KNEAS BY BIKE

Siem Reap’s most recognized floating village, Chhong Kneas, is extraordinary in many ways. During the dry season, when the water levels of the Tonle Sap lake recede, most of the floating villages recede with the water. The stilt houses remain and form the village of Chhong Kneas. When the rainy season hits its peak and the lake expands, the boats come back to Chhong Kneas and form a maze of waterways and trade. Start the day with an easy yet enjoyable bicycle ride of a total of 12km (7 miles) through local villages along the Siem Reap River. Board a local boat and observe a range of activities on the water, which varies from children pedaling their boats to school to women doing their laundry at their doorsteps. A catered lunch is set up at one of the local houses where you will be able to learn more about the local way of life. Visit the local school, the crocodile and fish farm and the biodiversity centre before disembarking. In the afternoon, climb the stairs to Phnom Kraom. This short climb leads to the top of a small hill overlooking the floating village and the entire Tonle Sap surroundings. An ancient temple, built in the late 9th century provides shelter from the sun and offers picturesque images. Walk back down the hill before you will depart for Siem Reap.

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