Very exiting Cambodia cycling along Mekong trail from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. This cycling adventure to Angkor takes us along Mekong River trails, getting us very close to nature, the wildlife and the local culture. The Mekong is a trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia. It is the world's 12th longest river and the 7th longest in Asia. Starting from the Tibetan Plateau this river runs through Yunnan Province, China, and forms the border between Myanmar (Burma) and Laos and most of the border between Laos and Thailand. It then flows across Cambodia and southern Vietnam into a rich delta before emptying into the South China Sea. In the upper course are steep descents and swift rapids, but the river is navigable south of Luang Prabang in Laos. Tens of millions of people tie their everyday lives to the Mekong and for a majority of them the river is their market place. Fisheries put a lot of food on tables, serving up 2.5 million tons of protein every year as well as farming.
If you are the dolphin lover, you can see them at Kratie and Steung Treng; they are called “Irrawaddy Dolphin”. We continue cycling, crossing the Mekong River to visit ancient temples and Phnom Kulen mountain, which was where the sandstone was quarried to construct many of the temples of Angkor.   

Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival – Phnom Penh                    
Day 02: Phnom Penh City Cycling Tour (Cycling distance: 25 Km)
Day 03: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham     (Cycling distance: 63Km)
Day 04: Kampong Cham – Kratie (Cycling distance: 65Km)
Day 05: Kratie – Dolphins - Steung Treng (Cycling distance: 40Km)            
Day 06: Steung Treng – Mekong waterfall - Preah Vihear (Cycling distance: None)
Day 07: Preah Vihear – Siem Reap-Floating Village (Cycling distance: 20Km)     
Day 08: Siem Reap – Kulen Mountain (Cycling distance will be flexible between 35Km & 12Km Hiking)
Day 09: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (Cycling distance 26Km)
Day 10: Siem Reap – Free day
Day 11: Siem Reap – Departure

Distance:
Cycling 274Km
Hiking: 12Km

Trip Grade:
This tour is mainly on flat terrain, however some parts are off-road, and a certain level of fitness and cycling ability is required.

Best Travel Time:
There are two seasons in Cambodia, wet and dry. From early May to the end of October is the rainy season. It often rains heavily but for short periods of time, mostly later in the day or during the night, after which the sun returns. The rain cools the air and freshens up the lush green of the rice plantations. It is cooler in the dry season, which runs from early November to early February, when it starts heating up again, building to the hottest month of April. So the best time for rain lovers is between May and October and from November to early March for those who like it dry and cool.

Expertise
The Travel Loops team is a local team and has been arranging tours for over 10 years throughout the Indochina region. They know the countries, the people and the cultures of the area, and some members of the team are experts in cycling in Indochina. You will be in expert hands with Travel Loops.

Trip Tip:
As you might know, due to various circumstances there are many orphaned children and children in poverty in Cambodia. Consequently, there are many orphanages and drop-in centres for kids around the country. Unfortunately not all are bona fide organisations as many are not above board. To be sure you will support a registered, vetted organisation contact www.concertcambodia.org in Siem Reap. ‘Dropping in’ is no longer recommended – orphanages are not tourist attractions. An organisation that allows unannounced drop-ins’ may not be so ethical or enforcing their Child Protection Policies, if they even have one. ConCERT can advise and arrange visits, or volunteer time at more than 30 NGOs (Non-Government Organizations).
 

Day 01: Arrival – Phnom Penh 

Welcome to Cambodia is the Kingdom of Wonder!

ON arrival, you be met by our team of a local, English speaking tour guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel for check in following with some briefings for the up coming cycling days.

Overnight at your hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 02: Phnom Penh City Tour on Bicycle (Cycling distance:25 Km)
After breakfast in the hotel, you will drive through the bustling capital city and cross the Mekong river by ferry. We can then enjoy a ride to see life on the Island on the Mekong known as Koh Dach, the home of silk. The inhabitants of this island are mostly rice and vegetable farmers while many of them stay home to use their skill at silk weaving, as well as cooking for and looking after their family. In the afternoon you will travel on the air-conditioning to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda as well as learning about Khmer Rouge time from 1975-79 by visiting the Toul Sleng Museum (S21), if your time permits, will also enjoy shopping at Russian Market. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh
Breakfast & lunch included.

DAY 03:Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham     (Cycling distance:63Km)
After breakfast, you will transfer out of the traffic from Phnom Penh to Phoum Roka Koung then it’s on to our bikes to start our cycle along the Mekong River, passing many villages with their traditional wooden houses after which we have a picnic lunch at one of the local houses for a short break. After your lovely lunch you'll continue cycling along the Mekong River to Kompong Cham is the city of agriculture. Overnight in your hotel in Kampong Cham

Overnight in Kampong Cham     
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

DAY 04: Kampong Cham – Kratie (Cycling distance:65Km)
In the morning, you will start for cycling from the hotel, following the river westwards to Kratie. Many people live along this road, mostly vegetable farmers in Kompong Cham. Kompong Cham is the biggest province in Cambodia and also the biggest agricultural area. After a 20 km ride we will stop at Phnom Hanchiy temple, sitting atop a hill from where you can see a fantastic view of the mighty Mekong. We continue to Steung Trong to take the ferry to the other side of the river; today we also have a picnic lunch. After lunch we continue to cycle along the river, passing through the biggest Muslim area in Cambodia, then we continue on till we get to Chhloung where we transfer to Kratie. On arrival we will take the ferry across to Trong Island for an overnight stay at the home of Mrs.Cheata.

Overnight at local homestay in Kratie
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

DAY 05: Kratie – Dolphins - Steung Treng (Cycling distance:40Km)            
Today you are likely to be woken by nature’s alarm clock, namely a rooster or two, when we will have an early breakfast. After breakfast we take a horse and cart ride around the island to plant a tree for the community then return to the home stay to say goodbye to our hosts and board the ferry to Kratie. We continue cycling to the market for about an hour to sample the daily life of the local people and see how they make their living. Next we head to Prek Kampi to catch the boat to see the freshwater dolphins after which we transfer to Steung Treng. Overnight in your hotel in Steung Treng

Overnight in Steung Treng
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

DAY 06: Steung Treng – Mekong waterfall - Preah Vihear (Cycling distance: None)
Another early morning start to visit the local market set up in the public gardens where many people sell vegetables and river fish, then we transfer to Osway to board the boat to visit the Mekong Waterfall, between the Laos and Cambodian border. Leaving from the waterfall then transfer to Sro Em to check in at our hotel after which we drive up the mountain to visit Preah Vihear temple, standing very close to Thai border. We watch a stunning sunset then head back to Sro Em.

Overnight in Steung Treng
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

DAY 07: Preah Vihear – Siem Reap-Floating Village (Cycling distance:20Km)    
After breakfast, we transfer about 3 hours to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temple complex followed by lunch and checking in to your hotel. Later will continue cycling off road through villages, passing rice fields and temples to visit the Kampong Phluk Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake which rises up to 10 metres each rainy season. We take a boat ride to the stilted village of Kompong Phhluk. We explore this great ecosystem by canoe; you will hear the calls of the macaque monkeys while exploring the forest beneath the lake’s surface. We will see the Buddhist temple, which stands on the island with some beautiful Buddhist life painting on the celling. Will transfer back to Siem Reapon the private vehicle, passing the local street market of “Kyong Yu” or road 60; here you will see the fun fairs, andlocal stores selling clothes, shoes, barbecued chicken and much more.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Breakfast, lunch included

DAY 08: Siem Reap – Kulen Mountain (Cycling distance will be flexible between 35Km & 12Km Hiking)
We leave Siem Reap after having the breakfast at the hotel then transfer by air-conditioned vehicle out of town to the starting point for our cycle through the remote countryside, heading to Kulen Mountain, passing temples, villages and paddy fields along the way. You will hear the sounds of everyday life from the local’s houses or workers in the fields, most of whom shout a friendly “Hello” or “Bye Bye” as we pass by. As soon as we arrive the foot of the mountain we leave our bikes and begin a short hike up the mountain, listening to the sound of birds. Near the mountaintop we walk across the Thousand Lingas River taking some time to take photos. The Thousand Lingas River was built by the famous king Jayavarman II (802AD), to promote himself as the God King. We continue trekking stopping at a 16th century Buddhist Monastery where we will see ahuge reclining Buddha which is revered and respected by the locals. We enjoy a picnic lunch in a hut by the riverside then relax or swim at the waterfall. Later in the afternoon we transfer back to the hotel when you have some free time before dinner.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included    

DAY 09: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (Cycling distance 26Km)
We enjoy breakfast at our hotel and then prepare for another easy cycling day.

We enter Angkor Thom, last capital of the Khmer empire on two wheels through the Southern Gate where giant carvings of gods and demons flank each side of the entrance. Inside this great city, we explore the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace and Terrace of Leper King. We feel the serenity that exudes from the faces of the stone carvings at Bayon; then, with its temple walls covered in emerald-green moss, intertwined with roots, which many deem the most charming of all, we visit Ta Prohm. After a nice lunch at a local restaurant located inside the Angkor Archeological Park with some time to rest, we continue cycling to Angkor Wat.  Angkor Wat is an architectural and artistic masterpiece of the mighty Khmer Empire surrounded by an enormous, man-made moat. We cycle back to town with an optional stop to visit a killing field memorial in Wat Thmei and tonight we will enjoy dinner along with a delightful Apsara dance performance depicting Khmer mythology and culture.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 10: Siem Reap – Free day
Today we start off early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat for the experience of a lifetime, then you are free to explore for about an hour before we return to the hotel for breakfast. You will then be free to relax by the swimming pool or explore the town on your own. (We provide the bicycle, helmet and padlock)

Overnight in Siem Reap
Breakfast included

DAY 11: Siem Reap – Departure
Today is the last day for your cycling trip but you still have a last breakfast and some free time to enjoy before your departure. When it’s time we will transfer you to the airport for departure flight.  

Breakfast included

End of Service!
 

This tour is private and can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. As a result the price is quoted in US dollars and shown on a per-person basis. The 'Price From' quoted above is for parties of 2, 4 and 6 people and for accommodation in 3 star hotels.  The final price will be privately quoted, based on the number in your party, your preferred time of travel, grade of hotel and any additional services requested. Please click on the BOOK NOW button and fill in the booking form, after which one of our travel consultants will customize the best value holiday for you.
 

• REMARKS:

We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your holiday in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. All of our prices are calculated on a twin-shared basis. As a guide, Travel Loops defines hotel grades as follows:
 

>> Superior Level (3 star hotels in good locations): > 60 USD/room/night
>> Deluxe Level (4 star hotels): > 110 USD/room/night
>> Luxury Level (5 star hotels): > 180 USD/room/night

Price based on twin shared accommodation.
Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
More people means more discount. Please enquire for more details

  Tour prices based on superior level (3 Star Hotel)

COST INCLUDED:

• Experienced English speaking guide throughout
• Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation in double/twin sharing rooms with daily breakfast
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Boat excursion at the floating village
• Bottled drinking water for sightseeing
• All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary.
• Quality Mountain bike and helmet

COST EXCLUDED:

• International/domestic airfares & tax
• Visa fees (US$30). You are able to apply by online for tourist cambodia via just click here
• Travel Insurance. (We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home)
• Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
• Tips for guide, driver, porters and project cost
• Beverage and alcoholic drinks
• Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.

REMARKS: If you travel between 23 December 2015 to 03 January 2016 and 06 February to 10 February 2016; above tour price has not including the additional surcharge of peak season, compulsory dinner on 24 and 31 December may need to apply.