Cambodia Heritage by Bicycle

Cambodian heritage is often linked to the UNESCO-listed temples of Angkor, French colonialism, and the legacies of the Khmer Rouge regime. On this 7-day bike tour, we want to show you that there’s so much more! In the capital, Phnom Penh, we reveal the city’s character beyond its somber reminders of genocide. In the plains of gently flowing rivers, we discover an agrarian world shaped by Buddhist and animist beliefs. And in Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, we traverse an ancient landscape of stately temples and hinterlands once ruled by Hindu god-kings, now imbued with rustic rural charm. Each day, we cycle on quiet back roads, immerse ourselves in local life, savor authentic Khmer cuisine, and unwind in cozy hotels.

We meet in Phnom Penh and dive into the city with a rickshaw ride through its backstreets, a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and a stop at the Royal Palace. The next day, we go island hopping in the Mekong River to discover rural silk weaving villages. Then we head north, exploring hilltop stupas at the former capital of Oudong before taking on red-dirt roads to reach the ancient, jungle-covered ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk. Finally, we arrive in Siem Reap where, cycling on paths perfect for mountain biking, we’ll explore the majestic temples of the once-glorious Khmer Empire, including, of course Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. We also embark on a sunset boat cruise on the shimmering Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake famous for its floating villages. The tour ends in Siem Reap following a farewell ride in the countryside.