The lifeblood of the ancient Angkorian Kingdom was the mighty Mekong River, the richest, most bio-diverse river in the world which flows from the Yunan-Tibet Plateau through China, Burma, Laos and Thailand to Cambodia where, during the monsoon season, it backs up the Tonle Sap river creating a massive floodplain and the largest lake in south East Asia. This lake is rich in fish, providing the protein needed to feed what was then the world's largest city, Angkor Thom.

Starting from the capital, Phnom Penh, our route follows the Mekong's riverbank to the colonial-era town of Kratie, discovering
river islands, villages, rice fields and fishing communities along the way, before proceeding to visit the ancient temples of Angkor, including the famous Angkor Wat, the world's largest Hindu Monument, located at the head of the massive Tonle Sap Lake.
The mountain bike route will follow minor roads, dirt tracks and trails trough rural farmlands, rice fields and rubber plantations. You will
visit local markets for a close encounter with rural Cambodian people, and will include a home stay on an island located in the middle of the river.
There will also be a chance to encounter the rare and endangered freshwater dolphins that are residents of the Mekong River.

Cycling distances will vary from around 80 to 150 km per day… depending on your speed and fitness as a support vehicle will accompany you throughout to provide refreshments, drinking water, and relief from pedalling when needed.
1 Week Module
Day 1: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham (98km)
Depart from your Phnom Penh Hotel after an early breakfast. A few kilometres after crossing the Tonle Sap river by bridge, we leave the heavy traffic of the main road and cycle the riverbank road, much of which is still gravel and sand, passing villages, rice fields and orchards, to the provincial city of Kampong Cham, followed by the safety vehicle. Kpg Cham city is the riverside capital of Cambodia's largest province, Kampong Cham, and it features a bustling market and some French colonial architecture. Perhaps one of its most extraordinary features, however, is a long bridge, constructed from wood and bamboo, connecting a large island in the river to the
city. Each year the bridge has to be rebuilt after the high water levels in the Mekong washes it away each monsoon season. (-,L,-)
Day 2: Kampong Cham – Kratie (80km)
After breakfast, we continue west along the riverbank heading north until the river bends to the right where we cross by ferry and cycle east along the south bank. We will pass through the quaint French colonial town of
Chhlong which, at one time, was a buzzing centre for the rubber trade. Some of the riverside buildings are some of the best examples of decaying colonial architecture, although one has recently been rescued and restored to make a fine guest house. It is worth pedalling around the market area to see what you can find. Along the route we will pass several temples, some of which are worth a stop to visit. Arrive Kratie (pronounced "Kro!chéh) in the early evening.
This is also a charming town with a fair amount of surviving French colonial architecture and some riverside cafes and bars servicing the newly emerging tourism. One small restaurant-bar pays homage to the sepctacular sunsets to be enjoyed in Kratie, named "Red Sun Falling"(B,L,-)
Day 3: Koh Trong (40km)
In the morning we set off by bike upriver in search of the rare and endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins that inhabit the Mekong river in the area of Sandan. Here we can board a small river boat and sail out to to the middle of the river to watch them close hand. After lunch by the river, cross by boat with your bicycles to the west side of the Mekong River and cycle south along sandy trails before crossing onto a large island in the middle of the river called Koh Trong and settle into your homestay* for the night. Dinner with your host family on the island. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Koh Trong – Kampong Thom (190km)
Departing the island early morning, return to the west river bank and continue cycling south passing riverside villages and rice fields until the river bends west. Continue cycling to Khum Trea (where you crossed by ferry on day 2) and stop for lunch. Your support vehicle will rejoin you here. Now you will be cycling away from the river through countryside characterised by rice fields and rubber plantations. It will not be possible to cycle all the way so, depending on progress, board the support vehicle and drive to Kompong Thom, arriving early evening. (B,-,-)
Day 5: Kampong Thom - Siem Reap (145km)
The highway from Kpg Thom to Siem Reap is a 145km sprint, but there are many tracks, trails and village roads to take that parallel the main road which are scenic and more interesting than the main road. First we depart Kompong Thom to visit Phnom Santouch, a pagoda up a hill with a panoramic view on Kampong Thom province. Then, after crossing the Stung Sen River, take to village roads and sandy tracks, shortcutting the main highway for a scenic ride across country. After rejoining the main road, follow parallel farm tracks to Sankor. If time is running away, board the support vehicle for a while before remounting your bikes at Stoung for
another scenic shortcut through the riverside village of Kamtrach. Rejoin the highway again and cycle/drive to Rokar Kambot. Back on the bikes, visit the 9th century temple, Prasat Bakong, the first "temple mountain" of sandstone constructed by the rulers of the Khmer empire at Angkor and part of what is now known as the Rouluos Group of temples. Depending on time, either cycle or drive to Siem Reap. (B,-,-)
Day 6: Siem Reap: Angkor (40km)
Full day cycle tour of the famous temples of Angkor, including Angkor Wat, the ever popular Ta Phrom still subsumed by roots of jungle trees, and the walled city of Angkor Thom, centred around the impressive Bayon Temple with its enigmatic carved stone faces.
Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. It was established in the late twelfth century by king Jayavarman VII. It covers an area of 9 km², within which are located several monuments from earlier eras as well as those established by Jayavarman and his successors. At the centre of the city is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, with the other major sites clustered around the Victory Square immediately to the north of
Angkor Wat is the most perfect of the Angkor temples. Built in monumental proportions on three levels, its symmetrical five tower layout symbolises the peaks of Mount Meru and were designed to be a microcosm of the Hindu universe. There is not only the grandeur, for every spot in the temple is ornamented with sculptures and bas-reliefs of wonderful detail. Monks from adjacent pagodas still conduct ceremonies in the site and tend to it, contributing to its excellent preservation, the best of any Angkor temples. Angkor is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hotel in Siem Reap
(B,-,-)
Day 7: Siem Reap - Departure/onward journey
Day free in Siem Reap until time for the transfer to Siem Reap airport for your flight home… or stay on and continue your holiday in Cambodia!
Distances during the trip can be adapted to the group which will be supported by accompanying vehicle(s).
Persons under 15 years of age are not accepted on scheduled group trips for safety reasons. Private family versions can be arranged on request.
* For groups that prefer not to stay at a simple homestay in Koh Trong. there is also a new, charming, French-run boutique resort on the island. More info on request.

Includes:
- Meals half-board, except Phnom Penh
- Transportation
- One English-speaking Cycling Guide
- Water during the ride
- Adapted mountain-bikes and equipment
- The escort vehicle for the cycling days, including spare parts
- Accommodation as follows. In Siem Reap we provide the equivalent to 2 star hotels. In the provinces, accommodation equivalent to 2 star hotels or guest houses with A/C and bathroom
Not included:
- Hotel in Phnom Penh on arrival
- International flights
- Entrance fees for the sites and museums
- Official Temple Guides
- The meals in Phnom Penh (plan 5-10 USD/meal)
- The airport taxes
- Personal expenses
- Private insurances
- Tips
Notes
This one week bike ride itinerary can be included as part of a longer visit to Cambodia. As a Symbiosis consultant about best ways to extend your stay. For private groups the itinerary can be adjusted too. Price shown is based on a minimum 4 people joining.