Cycle Siem Reap to Phnom Penh via Kampot

Social Cycles' 11-day Cambodia ride runs from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh via the coastal town of Kampot, covering about 400km over seven riding days in a small group of up to ten. It opens with a pre-dawn start for sunrise over Angkor Wat, followed by the carved faces of Bayon Temple, the jungle-wrapped ruins of Ta Prohm and an evening meal with the family of local guide Hoem.

From there the route crosses the Tonle Sap wetlands by private boat, passing floating fishing villages on the way to Battambang, then follows quiet back roads and a ferry crossing into Phnom Penh. Heading south, riders cycle through rural villages to Chisaur Temple, then base themselves in Kampot for an optional climb up Bokor Mountain, a Khmer cooking class and a final ride through pepper plantations to Kep's crab market.

Grassroots organisations are central to the trip. Riders meet the teams at This Life Cambodia, Sustainable Cambodia, Friends International and Chumkriel Language School, and visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to understand the country's history. A AU$200 donation is included in the price, and riders choose which organisation receives it. Terrain is mostly flat, with compact gravel, dirt tracks and some single track, and a support van is on hand every day for luggage, water, fruit and tired legs. Accommodation is in comfortable hotels, some with pools, and several dinners are at social enterprise restaurants.

Highlights

• Sunrise cycling around Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm
• Private boat crossing of the Tonle Sap wetlands past floating villages
• Grassroots NGO visits, with a AU$200 donation to the organisation you choose
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Friends International in Phnom Penh
• Optional Bokor Mountain climb and Khmer cooking class in Kampot
• Pepper plantations, salt lakes and the Kep crab market on the final ride

Surface and terrain
Mostly flat, with compact gravel, dirt tracks and some single track alongside paved roads. One optional climb up Bokor Mountain (about 20km uphill). Standard flat-bar mountain bikes, average pace 15-18km/h. Total ascent is not published.

Weather
Estimated: Nov-Feb is Cambodia's cooler dry season (about 22-32°C, sunny). Mar-May is hot and humid, often 35°C or more. Jun-Oct is the wet season, with warm humid days and afternoon downpours.

Suitable for
Recreational riders who want culture and community connection over big mileage; rated 2 of 5 for difficulty. Best for those comfortable with 50 to 75km days at an easy pace on mixed surfaces. Solo travellers welcome, and the support van is available for anyone needing a rest.