Angkor Wat & Bayon: the Smiling Temple Bike Tour

Discover the Charm of the Angkor Wat & Bayon: the Smiling Temple Bike Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring Cambodia’s most iconic temples in a laid-back and engaging way, this bike tour in Siem Reap offers a wonderful mix of scenery, culture, and comfort. While it’s not designed for thrill-seekers or hardcore adventurers, it delivers a peaceful, immersive experience that’s perfect for those wanting to take their time and soak in the sights.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the easy-paced cycling along flat, shaded trails lets you enjoy the natural beauty and ancient architecture without feeling rushed. Second, the insightful guidance from knowledgeable guides enriches your understanding of the sites—and makes the experience more meaningful. Lastly, the inclusion of a relaxed lunch, fresh coconut juice, and bottled water ensures you stay refreshed on your journey.

The only thing to consider is that the entrance fee to the Angkor Archaeological Park isn’t included, so budget accordingly. This tour is best suited for those who want a gentle, scenic introduction to the temples of Angkor, especially if you prefer a group experience that’s more about discovery than endurance.

Good To Know

• Relaxed pace: Easy, flat bike ride suitable for most fitness levels.
• Rich sights: Visit Angkor Wat, Bayon, and some of the lesser-known trails.
• Insightful guides: Learn about the temples’ history and significance.
• Comfort included: Helmets, quality bikes, lunch, and drinks are covered.
• Not rushed: The 5-hour duration allows for a leisurely exploration.
• Additional costs: Park entrance fee and hotel transfers are not included.

The Experience in Detail

Starting the Journey

The tour kicks off at 8:00 am, a convenient time to beat the heat and crowds. Upon meeting your guide—who speaks excellent English—you’ll be handed a well-maintained mountain bike (brands like Giant and Trek are used) and a helmet, setting the tone for a safe, comfortable ride. The meeting point’s accessibility near public transportation makes it easy to join without hassle.

This is a private tour, so only your group will ride together, allowing for a more personalized experience and flexibility to ask questions along the way.

The Ride to Cambodia’s Most Famous Temples

The first part of the tour winds through peaceful, shaded paths, often lined with enormous trees and the sounds of monkeys scampering across the streets. It’s a pleasant change from crowded tourist spots, giving you a chance to appreciate the natural environment and perhaps catch glimpses of butterflies and flowers.

What we loved: the sound of nature and the shade from the trees make pedaling almost meditative. The route is flat, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels, and the gently rolling landscape keeps the ride enjoyable without feeling strenuous.

Visiting Angkor Wat: The Wonder of the World

The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly Angkor Wat, possibly the world’s most famous temple and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. As you arrive, the impressive silhouette of this massive structure dominates the skyline, and your guide will share stories behind its construction and symbolism.

The experience isn’t just about seeing the iconic silhouette but also exploring some of the hidden trails and lesser-visited corners. You might find yourself gazing up at the towering spires or climbing the protective wall for a stunning panoramic view. Expect to spend some time here, soaking in the grandeur and perhaps snapping some memorable photos.

The South Gate of Angkor Thom

Next, the group rides toward the South Gate of Angkor Thom, renowned for its intricate, defensive carvings. Here, you can stroll along the walls, spotting carvings of deities and demons from Hindu mythology. The relaxed pace allows you to enjoy the artistry and take plenty of photos.

Venture on the Protection Wall at Prasat Chrung

The tour includes a climb up the protection wall at Prasat Chrung—a spot less crowded and offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle. Reviewers have noted that this part of the journey was a highlight, with one describing it as “a peaceful moment with a stunning view”. It’s a chance to appreciate the scale and craftsmanship of Angkor’s defenses.

The West Gate of Angkor Thom

The West Gate offers a different perspective—less restored and more atmospheric—where you can appreciate the ruins in a quieter setting. It’s an excellent spot for contemplative photos and enjoying the sounds of wildlife.

The Smiling Faces of Bayon

The final temple on the itinerary is Bayon, famous for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 serene, smiling faces. Walking through this temple, you’ll notice the intricate bas-reliefs and the calming expressions on each face, making it one of the most memorable parts of the tour.

The group is encouraged to spend some time here, absorbing the peaceful yet mysterious atmosphere. To enhance your experience, your guide will share stories about the symbolism behind the smiling faces and the temple’s history.

The Return and Refreshments

After roughly five hours, the ride concludes with a well-deserved rest and refreshments. The tour includes lunch, fresh coconut juice, and pure drinking water, helping you refuel after the ride. Together, these touches add value, especially since many tours might charge extra for food and drinks.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Value for Money: At $40 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day out—bike, guide, lunch, drinks, and safety gear—without the hassle of arranging individual tickets or transportation. The inclusion of a quality bike and a knowledgeable guide means you get more than just a scenic ride; you gain insights that deepen your appreciation of Cambodia’s most iconic sites.

Ease and Accessibility: Given the flat, peaceful trails, this tour is ideal for most travelers, including those who prefer a relaxed pace or aren’t avid cyclists. It’s an excellent way for families or older visitors to enjoy Angkor without the strain of extensive walking or complicated logistics.

Authentic Experience: Riding through less crowded trails, you get a more intimate feel of the landscape and the ruins. The guided narration offers context that you might not get from alone exploration, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Comfort and Convenience: The inclusion of helmets, high-quality bikes, water, and coconut juice ensures you stay comfortable and hydrated. Plus, the pickup option—though not included in the price—can be arranged, simplifying your day.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the tour is largely positive, a few practical points are worth noting. The entrance fees to the Angkor Archaeological Park are not included, so you should budget for those separately. Plus, because the tour is primarily leisurely, it might not appeal to those seeking a more adventurous or physically demanding experience.

Weather can influence the ride—if rain or storms occur, the experience might be canceled or postponed, but the tour offers a full refund or rescheduling.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This bike tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience Angkor Wat and Bayon in a relaxed, scenic way. It suits those who appreciate nature, cultural sights, and historical storytelling without the pressure of long walks or strenuous activity. Families, older travelers, or anyone new to cycling will find this an accessible, rewarding way to explore the ancient temples.

If your goal is to see the highlights comfortably while enjoying a peaceful ride, this tour ticks all those boxes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included in the price, but the meeting point is near public transportation. You might need to arrange your own transfer.

What is the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 8:00 am, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxing.

Are the bikes suitable for all skill levels? Yes, the bikes are quality mountain bikes (Giant/Trek) on flat terrain, making them suitable for most riders, including beginners.

Do I need to bring my own equipment? No, helmets and bikes are provided, along with bottled water and coconut juice, ensuring you stay comfortable.

Is the entrance fee to Angkor Wat included? No, the entrance fee to the Angkor Archaeological Park is not included and must be purchased separately.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s a gentle ride on flat paths, so most travelers—including families with children—should find it manageable.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothes suitable for cycling and weather conditions, along with sun protection, are recommended.

To sum it up, the Angkor Wat & Bayon: the Smiling Temple Bike Tour offers a relaxing yet enriching way to experience some of Cambodia’s most famous temples. It combines gentle cycling, insightful guidance, and comfortable amenities, making it a superb choice for travelers wanting to see the highlights without the rush. Perfect for those who love scenic rides, cultural stories, and the chance to enjoy Angkor’s beauty at a leisurely pace. If you value authenticity and comfort in your explorations, this tour deserves a spot on your Siem Reap itinerary.