Cambodia: Temples & River Trails

Enjoy a laugh with Asia's most welcoming, friendly people, and see what makes this little country tick. Venture by bike into villages where the pace of life is laid-back and satisfaction hinges on a good crop, a good catch of fish, and good neighbors. Kayak down the Mekong with the famous freshwater dolphins. Kayak alongside Mekong's freshwater dolphins and venture to the northern borders, revealing natural and man-made marvels. Finally, uncover the awe-inspiring Angkor by bike and foot, and truly experience the real Cambodia.

This tour is all about leaving the cities and well worn tourist trails behind and delving into the heart, soul and essence of Cambodia. That essence is found in the villages where people have lived in harmony with the natural elements for centuries, and the way to best absorb it is with a bike, a paddle or just your own two feet, all three of which we enjoy throughout this trip.

Your tour starts out from the rapidly growing, vibrant city of Phnom Penh and works its way up the Mekong River. We spend time in a lovingly restored and extended colonial villa set on the eastern banks of the river, and ride the narrow but easily navigable trails in the shade of palm trees, with farmers bathing their cattle or tending to small crops, and fisherfolk casting nets from narrow wooden boats.

Along the journey, you'll experience two outstanding kayaking expeditions to sight the freshwater dolphins and the flooded forests that sit below the rapids at the Laos border. We hike to visit the imposing and highly impressive temple Preah Vihear temple complex that sits atop the Dangrek Mountains overlooking Thailand, and later explore the Kulen ranges on foot, where an ancient city that pre-dated and outsized Angkor once stood.

Your pedal-powered adventure concludes unforgettably with a bike exploration through the ruins of Angkor archeological site. We'll ride trails through the forest with remnants of that ancient civilization at every turn and only the occasional tourist crowds to break the spell.

Highlights

• Pedal quiet, palm shaded trails along Asia's most famous river, the Mekong
• Kayak among the rare and inquisitive, freshwater, Irrawaddy Dolphins
• Explore the flooded forests of the Mekong near Laos
• Hike the ancient staircase to the clifftop ruins of Preah Vihear temple overlooking Thailand & Cambodia
• Dine in a family home where three generations share a proud collection of recipes
• Feel free to join the cooking or help around the farm before your family dinner.
• Bike the enchanting forest trails through the imposing remnants of Angkor Wat and its ancient city

This tour covers 156km (97mi) on a mix of paved minor roads, hard packed dirt roads through villages, and dedicated bike trails through forested areas. The degree of technical difficulty is low on the dirt sections, and these are usually quite flat with a firm surface.