7 Day Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Cycling Tour in Cambodia
Cambodia Cycling Tour
Cambodia is an amazing country to cycle across. From the chaos of Phnom Penh to the calm of the countryside, Cambodia is easy to fall in love with. The days are long, the country is hot and the people are super friendly.
Key information
- Trip type: Guided
- Lodging: Point to Point
- Terrain: Flat, some off-road
- Starts in: Siem Reap
- Ends in: Phnom Penh
- Total Distance: 140 Miles / 225 Kilometers
- Type of bike: Mountain bike
- E-bike: 180 AUD
- 2 - 12 participants
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- 4 days of riding
- Multiple field trips to villages and communities
- Free use of bicycles along the routes
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
- Transfer from the airport
- Full support vehicle for the ride
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Accommodation
Social Cycles understands how important it is to take a rest in a place that is clean and comfortable - especially after a hard slog on the bikes. That is why they always make an effort to get you settled in somewhere in town suited to that description. Where they can, they will organize boutique-style accommodation for everyone (with a pool) because quite frankly, you deserve it. They will also make sure that a massage is not far away. The rooms are clean and secure. They will usually (but not always) have a fridge and a safe for you to put your belongings.
All rooms have private bathrooms and will come with amenities and fresh towels. The tour is based on twin share accommodation, however, a single supplement is available if you would like your own room for the duration of the tour. There are times when the accommodation may change, but generally speaking, you stay at the following hotels: The Amazing Residence in Siem Reap, Cambana La Riviere in Battambang, Pursat Riverside Hotel in Pursat, and Pacific Hotel in Phnom Penh.
Bathrooms
Toilets in Asia are generally squat toilets. However, all the hotel rooms you stay in have a Western-style toilet and a private bathroom. Local restaurants and homes will all have squat toilets. If you are not used to this style, it can be a little daunting at first. If you are really not comfortable with this, or your knees just are not what they used to be, it is worth waiting for the next Western-style toilet. Just be aware before you leave the comfort of the hotel.
Toilets on the road
If you are on the road and you suddenly need to use a toilet, just let your local guide know and they will find a family home that can host you for a few moments. The community lifestyle in rural villages makes this incredibly easy, but local assistance from the SC team is essential. Bring toilet paper or tissues with you, but use a bin instead of flushing down the squat toilet, as the system cannot take it and you may end up blocking their drains.
Toilet paper
The Asian style of toilet does not usually have toilet paper with it. The custom is to use water and your left hand to clean yourself. If this is the first time you have heard this, just imagine you might be squirming in your seat a little. However, it is commonly considered to be a cleaner method than the Western style.
Think of it like this, if you were sitting in a park and as you sat down on the grass, you put your hand in dog shit. Would you wash your hands with soap and water or wipe your hands clean with dry paper? It is obvious, but just another way of thinking. If you are not comfortable washing, then you are welcome to bring toilet paper with you.
Laundry
Every few days, you have a day off the bikes. In almost all of these towns and cities, you will find a place to get your laundry washed. It is usually 1 USD or 1.50 USD per kilogram and takes 24 hours.
Program
From the constant and random “HELLO!!” from the children on the side of the road to the community development programs set up by the truly selfless and unsung heroes of this world. Traveling Cambodia by bike is an incredible adventure. You will cycle from Siem Reap and finish in Phnom Penh. The pace is relaxed and casual. There is always time to stop for a photo and you rarely cycle more than two days in a row.
When the journey is just as good as the destination, there is no need to rush. Social Cycles will take you on a journey to interact and connect with local grassroots non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the beneficiaries of a funded project of your choosing. Research what really happens on the ground and out in the villages with Social Cycles in a holiday that carefully balances ethical research and local impact with cycling and sightseeing.
- Distance: approximately 225 kilometers / 140 miles
- Terrain: Flat, some off-road
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Siem Reap: Arrival day and welcome dinner
You arrive and stay in the heart of the cosmopolitan lifestyle that has been thrust on Siem Reap since the country opened up to the outside world. After they pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel, you can take some time to relax or explore the city before meeting for a welcome dinner. Dinner is at one of Siem Reap’s best restaurants, Marum. It is part of the Friends International social enterprise projects, providing vocational training for marginalized youth.
- Meals: dinner
- Transit: airport transfer
Day 2 - Siem Reap: Sunrise cycling around the temples of Angkor
Sunrise is from 4:30 a.m. as you hit the bikes for the first time, but it is so worth it. Sunrise over Angkor Wat is a bucket list achievement for good reason. From here, you will venture on to other, and arguably more impressive, temples in the area for the remainder of the morning. In the early afternoon, you will have the chance to visit your first NGO on the trip. You will spend time with these incredibly inspirational people who have dedicated their lives to helping others. Hear their stories and understand what the real issues of the country are.
- Meals: breakfast
- Distance: 30 kilometers / 19 miles
- Terrain: flat, paved
- Activities: Angkor Wat
- NGO: This Life Cambodia
Day 3 - Battambang: River riding, local villages, and coffee stops
You ride out of Siem Reap to the boat port (20 kilometers). Traveling across the wetlands and navigating your way around the Tonle Sap River is an experience you will never forget. The road soon turns to a single track as you get more and more remote. You farewell your support van and venture on into the rural and barren lands of Cambodia. Few villages exist out here, supporting themselves through sustainable fishing methods.
After the boat, it is another 20 to 30 kilometers to Battambang, depending on the river levels. Battambang is great for shopping, with colonial-style streets and hidden secrets where bric-a-brac abounds. Dinner is in another social enterprise-based restaurant, Jann Bai, which is often hailed as the best dinner in Cambodia.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Distance: 40 - 50 kilometers / 25 - 31 miles
- Terrain: off-road, some single-track
- Activities: boat ride (four hours)
Day 4 - Pursat: Battambang to Banan by bike
After an early breakfast, you will make your way along the dusty red back roads to the nearby local attraction of Banan Temple. You will cycle back to the town of Battambang to explore a little more and grab lunch at leisure. You will get to the town of Pursat by early afternoon and into your hotel to enjoy the swimming pool and on-site massage spa. You will get a great experience from an amazing NGO, Sustainable Cambodia. A full presentation by the executives in their office and a tour of their facilities. See the difference the NGO makes firsthand. Be inspired by the real difference made by real people.
- Meals: breakfast
- Distance: 50 kilometers / 31 miles
- Terrain: paved roads, flat
- Transit: two hours
- Activities: Banan Temple
- NGO: Sustainable Cambodia
Day 5 - Phnom Penh: Cycling into Phnom Penh, riverside villages, and Tonle Sap
You start cycling 75 kilometers out from Phnom Penh and ride all the way up to the front door of the hotel. The back roads bring in some of the most spectacular scenery as you pass through villages living on Tonle Sap Lake. The ride takes in great coffee stops, endless photo opportunities, and a couple of ferries. For dinner, it is a feast of tarantulas and crickets at the famous Romdeng restaurant, a social enterprise restaurant from the Friends International team.
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
- Distance: 75 kilometers / 47 miles
- Terrain: off-road, compact gravel
- Transit: two hours
Day 6 - Phnom Penh: Friends International, S-21 genocide museum, and Khmer barbecue
You will start the day by meeting the incredible people at Friends International and learn about the wonderful work they do within the community. This is a great insight into real local everyday issues, from real local everyday heroes. You then venture towards the Russian market and move to Tuol Sleng, also known as the S-21 Genocide Museum. This devastating chapter of the Khmer Rouge and Cambodian history is emotionally challenging but strongly recommended. There is some free time in the afternoon to process your day, whilst you will meet again for a local Khmer barbecue dinner.
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
- Activities: S-21 Genocide Museum
- NGO: Friends International
Day 7 - Departure day
Congratulations! YOu have cycled across Cambodia, covered almost 300 kilometers in the saddle, and more than scratched the surface of what Cambodia is about. You will enjoy a final breakfast together before you set off to the airport or your next adventure.
- Meals: breakfast
- Transit: departure transfer not included, but can be arranged on request
Social impact
For every Social Cycles tour, all riders have contributed 200 AUD to go to the NGO of your choice. During the tour, you are given the chance to engage with, and learn from, local NGOs. You visit no less than three NGOs during the Cambodia tour and spend some time learning about their projects, strategies, and challenges. At the end of the tour, the riders are empowered with newfound knowledge and have the opportunity to combine the allotted donation money and make an impact on a project of their choosing.
In addition to building a profile for their impact partners, Social Cycles also pays each NGO for their time and resources. You spend one or two hours with each NGO. The donation part is included in your ticket price. They want people to be open to the idea of supporting one or more of the NGOs they visit and learn about. If, after meeting some of the local teams and learning about their programs, the riders did not want to donate, then they are not required to and a refund will be arranged.
Bikes
In Cambodia, they use 24-speed mountain bikes. Most bikes have either 27- or 29-inch wheels, whilst some of the smaller bikes are 26 inches. The front suspension is perfect for the bumps along the road and the wider tires allow for strong traction when you need it most. You are welcome to bring your own saddle if you are slightly nervous about getting a bit sore, or have not had the chance to get a lot of saddle time before the ride.
Another good option is to bring along a gel seat (cushion). The bikes are fitted with standard pedals. Again, you are welcome to bring clip-ins should you want them. All bikes are fitted with a water cage. Bikes are fully serviced before and after every ride and you will have your trusty mechanic with you at all times. E-bikes are available for 180 AUD.
Distance
Some days are 30 kilometers, some are 50 kilometers, and some are a little further. When you embark on a 75-kilometer day, the distance can seem quite daunting. However, an early start of 7:00 a.m. and an ETA of 4:00 p.m. arrival gives you nine hours to get there. And two hours of extra daylight up your sleeve if you need it.
Travelling by bicycle is not about the destination, but the journey. You will stop for Khmer coffee, local treats, lunch, and of course, to take plenty of pictures. When you are moving, the average pace is about 15 to 20 kilometers per hour. The small group policy means it is easier for all of you to stay together. You do not need to be super fit for this ride, you just need to be positive.
Group size
They take a minimum of two riders and a maximum of 12. They strongly believe that when you travel with a group beyond 12, there is a risk that voices and opinions may be drowned out when they have the rare opportunities to visit NGOs and ask questions to local leaders. The Siem Reap to Saigon ride also comprises smaller travel opportunities (Siem Reap to Phnom Penh or Phnom Penh to Saigon for example), therefore, there may be more than 12 people in its entirety, but not at any one time.
NGOs
Friends International is leading the charge in the ‘ChildSafe’ movement and the ‘Think Families, Not Orphanages’ campaign. Friends International has an office in Phnom Penh, which makes for a great introduction to Cambodia. Chumkriel Language School is an incredible organization that goes so far beyond teaching language. In Siem Reap, they often get a chance to learn from This Life Cambodia.
In the smallish regional province of Pursat, you will visit and learn from Sustainable Cambodia about their community development and educational programs. Due to the nature of travel, public holidays, and unavoidable timetable clashes, you may not be able to visit all of the above NGOs. If there is one in particular that you are interested in, please let them know prior to travel.
Instructors
Hoem Tong
Hoem is an all-around Khmer superstar! With a passion for people and his country, nothing is too much trouble for this guy! He is a crowd favorite and a good friend. He is also a translator / guide / driver. Hoem has been with Social Cycles from their very first tour and gives testament to the value of local knowledge. He will make sure that you see the real Cambodia.
Brett Seychell
Brett, the founder of Social Cycles, tries to get along to most SC adventures when he can. He loves cycling, food, and social impact; start him talking about this and he may not stop.
Location
The tour will take place in Cambodia.
Food
You will be served dinners and breakfasts as per the itinerary included in the price. The best part about cycling from one country to another is to cycle through the various regions of food along the way. This is slow travel at its best as Cambodia offers salt lakes and pepper farms, fresh crab markets in Kep, and tarantulas in Phnom Penh (optional). Most of the included dinners are at social enterprise-based restaurants, supporting local NGOs.
But this is not the main reason you eat here, it is because the food is delicious. All meals are shared, ‘family style’, so you get an abundance of choices sitting in front of you at the table. A great chance to try a bit of everything. Dietaries are catered for as well, just let Social Cycles know in advance.
What is the food like in Cambodia?
In a word, delicious! The best part is the street food. It is what the region is famous for and for good reason. The markets are like a walking degustation of stick food. At dinners, you will order a variety of local specials and eat ‘family style’, ensuring everybody gets to try as much as possible. You will often eat at vocational training restaurants that serve as social enterprises of the NGOs you visit.
Vegetarians and vegans
No problem. There is a huge variety of vegetarian local specialties available and there will always be vegetarian dishes on the table at every meal. If the majority of the group is vegetarian, it will be reflected in the food on the table.
Dietary requirements
If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please let Social Cycles know. They will cater to all dietary requirements as best as possible. Please get in touch with them if you have life-threatening allergies.
Alcohol
There are plenty of beers around Cambodia. And a cold beer after a hard day on the bike is pretty inviting. They are quite cheap too, with some places selling draft beers for as little as 50c. Wine is a little harder to find (good wine anyway) and is closer to Western prices. Cocktails on the other hand are excellent, well made, and inexpensive (5 to 6 USD).
Just be wary that the weather can be a little warm and a couple too many beers or cocktails will knock you about a bit more than usual the next day. Dehydration will have a huge effect and it does not take much to have a hangover. To be honest, most of the time, you are in bed by 9:00 p.m.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
Shopping
Cambodia is a haven for shopping enthusiasts. Social Cycles will recommend places for you along the way, depending on what it is you are looking to purchase. Common gift ideas from the region include coffee (and coffee-making items), handicrafts, silks, and clothes. All major cities have markets for you to purchase items in. Siem Reap is good for tourist-based souvenirs. You can get some more ideas and inspiration from your Siem Reap city guide.
You will find great gifts (jewelry, watches, bric-a-brac, etc.) in Battambang. The best places to find souvenirs and gifts for people back home are at either Friends ‘n’ Stuff or Mekong Plus. These are the social enterprise arms of a couple of the NGOs you visit. You can find their shops in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
What's included
- Multiple field trips to villages and communities
- 6 nights accommodation
- Most dinners and breakfasts as per the itinerary
- Airport pick-up
- Full bicycle hire
- 200 AUD donation to the NGO of your choice
- Local guides, support van driver, and mechanic
- Full support vehicle for the ride with water and fruit
- Minimum 3 NGO presentations with local staff across Cambodia
- Entry to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh
What's not included
- International flights
- Tips and gratuities (up to 100 USD per person)
- Drinks with meals
- Airport drop-off (8 - 10 USD)
- Travel insurance
- Visa (if required)
- Personal expense
- E-bikes
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Siem Reap International Airport (Angkor Int'l)
7 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Siem Reap International Airport (Angkor Int'l) (REP). Transfer from and to the airport is included. Social Cycles will pick you up from the airport. In Phnom Penh, you will need to get your visa (if you have not already). It is easy to do. You will see some signs directing you where to go (follow the signs for Visa on Arrival). There will be a uniformed official giving out a piece of paper that you will need to complete. It will ask for your address in Cambodia. Please write ‘Mito Hotel'. Give this completed form and your passport, together with your passport photo to the official behind the desk.
This person will take your items and gesture for you to go away and wait away from the line. Your passport and form will be shuffled along a queue of officials sitting behind the desk. When it gets to the end, some 10 meters away, your name will be called and your passport waved in the air. Pay this person (the cashier) 30 USD and collect your passport with a fresh, full-page Cambodia tourist visa stamp. Then proceed downstairs to collect your luggage before exiting to the arrivals hall.
After collecting baggage, you may be asked by customs officials to screen your luggage in a machine before exiting and check your luggage tags against the corresponding labels that you were given when checking in, to make sure you have taken the correct bags. On clearing customs and collecting your luggage, please look for a sign with your name on it. Please do not leave the arrivals hall. If it is crowded, it may take you time to locate the sign. You will be transferred to your accommodation. You can exchange money at the airport but it is better to change a small amount as the exchange rates are better in the city.
You can also get a SIM card at the airport. This is probably the easiest and most convenient place to get a sim. Somebody will be there to meet you (car in Phnom Penh). If your flight has arrived early, then the transfer driver may not yet have arrived. Please just take a seat and wait a little while longer. You may be approached by someone offering you a taxi but do not take it, just wait until you see someone with a sign. You will be provided with a phone number to call once you have booked.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.