Mad Monkey Siem Reap: Sunset Countryside Cycling Tour

If you’re after a laid-back way to see Cambodia’s rural charm without breaking the bank, this Sunset Countryside Cycling Tour from Mad Monkey Siem Reap might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally pedaled through the fields, the reviews, details, and photos suggest this adventure offers a unique peek into local life paired with some seriously stunning scenery.

What we love about this experience is the chance to cycle through vibrant rice paddies, the friendly guide who will likely share insights about agricultural life, and the sunset that transforms the landscape into a painter’s palette. Plus, the inclusion of local snacks and cold drinks makes it feel more like a casual social outing than a structured tour.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is only offered on Mondays and Fridays, and it’s not suitable for those who aren’t comfortable on a bike or are traveling with very young children. This tour suits travelers looking for an authentic, relaxed way to explore Cambodia’s countryside and unwind with a drink at sunset.

Good To Know

• Affordable Experience: At $18, this tour offers great value with included snacks, drinks, and bike gear.
• Authentic Insights: Guided by knowledgeable locals who share glimpses into rural Cambodian life.
• Beautiful Scenery: Expect vibrant rice fields, lotus flowers, and sunset views that are truly picture-perfect.
• Relaxed Pace: The 27km ride is manageable and designed for leisure rather than athleticism.
• Social Vibe: End the day with cold draft beers at the bar, perfect for bonding with fellow travelers.
• Limited Dates: Only available on Mondays and Fridays, so plan ahead if it’s a must-do.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from this Siem Reap Countryside Cycling Tour

Starting at 2:45 PM in Mad Monkey’s lively hostel lobby, you’ll meet your guide for a quick briefing before hopping onto your mountain bike. The tour covers approximately 27km, which is comfortably paced for most riders with some stopping along the way for photos and to soak in the scenery.

The Ride Begins: The initial stretch takes you south of the city, where you’ll glide past picturesque rice fields. These paddies alternate between lush green and golden yellow, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Along the route, you’ll observe farmers engaged in their daily routines — a snapshot of rural life that many travelers find eye-opening.

Highlights and Stops: The guide will likely point out interesting sights, but the real treat is the landscape itself. The rice fields, lotus flowers, and the distant silhouettes of traditional homes make the ride visually rewarding. The tour includes several stops for photos, giving you plenty of chances to capture the moment.

The Sunset Viewpoint: Around 4:30 PM, you’ll arrive at an acclaimed sunset spot. Here, you can kick back with a cold beer or soft drink and enjoy the panoramic views. The atmosphere is relaxed, with many choosing to sit quietly or take selfies as the sun dips below the horizon. The sunset’s glow bathes the fields in a warm hue, often leaving visitors in awe.

Post-Sunset Relaxation: As the tour winds down around 5:30 PM, you’ll start heading back to Siem Reap with the last of the golden light fading behind you. The return ride is gentle, letting you savor the peaceful countryside at dusk.

Ending the Day: Once back at Mad Monkey, you’ll be able to claim your two draft beers at the bar, making for a casual, social end to an enjoyable afternoon. The included snacks add a tasty touch, rounding out the experience.

The Details That Matter

Itinerary Breakdown

• Meet at 2:45 PM for a quick briefing and bike fitting.
• Cycle through scenic farmland for about 1.5 hours, stopping for photos along the way.
• Reach the sunset viewpoint around 4:30 PM, where the view promises to be memorable.
• Watch the sunset, relax, and enjoy drinks before heading back to town by 5:30 PM.
• Arrive back at Mad Monkey around 6:30 PM to claim your beers and unwind.

What’s Included & Not

This tour stacks up well for its price. For $18, you get a mountain bike and helmet, a water bottle, a local snack, a soft drink or beer during the ride, and two draft beers afterward. The inclusion of quality gear ensures a comfortable ride, and the snacks add an authentic local flavor.

However, gratuities are not included, which is typical in many tours. The tour is designed for those comfortable on a bike — if you can’t ride or have mobility issues, this might not be suitable. Also, children under 18 are not permitted, likely due to safety considerations.

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Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and sunscreen — the afternoon sun can be strong.
• Bring a camera to capture the rural scenery and sunset.
• Dress in sporty clothes suited for cycling, and consider sunglasses for glare.
• Remember that smoking is not allowed during the tour, so plan accordingly.

The Experience Aspect

From actual reviews, guides are often described as knowledgeable and friendly, adding context to what you’re seeing. One reviewer mentioned that the guide was excellent at pointing out details about local farming techniques, which helped deepen the experience.

Though there was a less positive review about a canceled tour due to low participation, the majority seems satisfied with the consistency and quality of the experience offered on scheduled days.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This Sunset Countryside Cycling Tour is perfect for travelers who want an authentic glimpse of Cambodia’s rural life without the fuss of long or strenuous excursions. It’s well-suited for those comfortable on a bike and looking for a relaxed, social experience with stunning scenery. If you’re eager to unwind at sunset with a cold drink in hand and enjoy photo opportunities along vibrant rice paddies, you’ll find this a worthwhile addition to your Siem Reap stay.

It’s also a great way to connect with fellow travelers, especially since the bar at the end fosters a friendly, informal atmosphere. Just remember, it’s not ideal if you’re traveling with kids under 18 or if physical cycling is a concern.

The Sum Up

In terms of value, the Mad Monkey Siem Reap Sunset Countryside Cycling Tour offers a lot for just $18. You get a scenic ride through colorful rice fields, the chance to learn about local farming, and a memorable sunset view, all wrapped up in a laid-back, social environment. The inclusion of snacks, drinks, and gear means you won’t need to worry about extra costs or logistics, making it a straightforward yet enriching experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy light outdoor activities and are keen to see Cambodia’s countryside from a local perspective. It’s an ideal way to add some authentic, picturesque moments to your trip without the intensity of longer excursions or the crowds of the temples.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the ride is designed to be manageable and leisurely, suitable for most people comfortable on a bike.

What should I bring? Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, a camera, and water to stay hydrated.

Can I join if I don’t ride a bike well? This tour requires riding a bike comfortably; if you cannot ride, it may not be a good fit.

Are children under 18 allowed? No, the experience is not suitable for children under 18 years.

What’s included in the price? You get a mountain bike and helmet, a water bottle, a local snack, a soft drink or beer during the ride, and two draft beers at the bar afterward.

What time does the tour start and end? The tour begins at 2:45 PM and typically ends around 6:30 PM back at Mad Monkey.

Is the sunset view guaranteed? While the tour is scheduled for sunset, weather conditions can affect visibility, but the guide will choose the best spot for sunset viewing.

In summary, this cycling tour offers a relaxed, authentic look at the Cambodian countryside, perfect for those who love scenic views, local culture, and casual social moments. For just $18, it’s a fun, affordable way to see a different side of Siem Reap, especially if you’re up for a bit of light exercise and some spectacular photo opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby