Angkor Wat Cycling Tour (20-25 km)

Exploring the Angkor Wat Cycling Tour: A Balance of Adventure and Culture

If you’re looking for a way to experience the temples of Angkor beyond the usual tourist crowds, this Angkor Wat Cycling Tour offers a compelling blend of active exploration and culture. While we haven’t personally tried it, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of a well-organized, enriching day that’s perfect for those who want more than just a bus ride through history.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the quality of the guides, like Mr. Young, who is praised for his knowledge and storytelling. Second, the backroad cycling routes, which promise quieter, more private viewings of the temples. Third, the inclusion of a local Khmer lunch, adding a taste of authentic cuisine to your day. However, one thing to keep in mind is that cycling for 20-25 km requires a moderate level of fitness, so it’s not for absolute beginners.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy active adventures, want to explore Angkor’s lesser-known paths, and appreciate insightful guides. It’s a great choice for those looking to combine fitness, culture, and a bit of adventure in a single day.

Good To Know

• Active exploration: Cover 20-25 km on a mountain bike, experiencing the temples in a more dynamic way.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and engaging guides like Mr. Young enhance the experience with stories and tips.
• Authentic scenery: Ride through quiet backroads and scenic routes away from crowded main roads.
• Comprehensive itinerary: Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and optional smaller temples for a full day.
• Value for price: At $55, including bike, guide, lunch, and hotel transfer, it offers solid value for a full-day tour.
• Cultural insight: Learn about Khmer history and culture firsthand from your guides.

What to Expect on the Angkor Wat Cycling Tour

Starting the Day: Easy Pickup and Bike Fittings

Your adventure kicks off early, with pickup at your Siem Reap hotel around 7:50 AM. Once at the tour base, you’ll be fitted with a well-maintained mountain bike and helmet, ensuring safety and comfort right from the start. The small group size, capped at around 10 travelers, helps keep things personal and flexible.

Morning: Exploring Siem Reap and First Temples

The guide will lead you through Siem Reap town, beginning with a walk around the Royal Residence and Royal Garden. These first moments are a good chance to get comfortable with your guide and ask questions before leaving the town behind.

Next, you’ll cycle out of town, enjoying the fresh air and seeing local life up close. The first major stop is Angkor Wat, the world-famous temple built in the early 12th century. Here, you’ll stroll through galleries showcasing impressive bas-reliefs and learn about the temple’s significance from your guide. The rainbow bridge and reflective pools are highlights that set the scene for the day.

Mid-Morning: Discovering Angkor Thom and Bayon

The route takes you to Angkor Thom, the ancient city that once served as the capital of the Khmer Empire. The South Gate, decorated with stone faces, offers a striking photo opportunity.

Then, you’ll explore Bayon Temple, famous for its giant stone faces carved into towering structures. According to reviewers, guides like Mr. Young excel at sharing fascinating stories behind these faces, making the visit more meaningful. The guide’s ability to clarify the history behind these sculptures adds depth that you won’t get from just wandering around alone.

Lunch Break: Authentic Khmer Cuisine

A highlight of the tour is the local Khmer lunch provided at a nearby restaurant. Travelers often appreciate this as a chance to relax and refuel with authentic flavors, rather than grabbing a quick snack. The inclusion of lunch in the tour price makes it a more comfortable, all-in-one experience.

Afternoon: Temples with a Mystical Touch – Ta Prohm and Optional Stops

Post-lunch, the group cycles to Ta Prohm, often called the ‘Tomb Raider’ temple due to its appearance in the film. You’ll love the way massive tree roots intertwine with stone structures, creating a scene that feels almost magical. Reviewers mention that guides like Mr. Young lead this part well, pointing out details that many visitors might overlook.

If time and energy permit, you can optionally visit smaller temples like Banteay Kdei or Kravan, which tend to be less crowded and offer a more intimate experience of Angkor’s spiritual landscape.

Final Stop: Return to Siem Reap

The ride back is mostly downhill or on flat terrain, making for a relaxed end to your active day. The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel, just in time for a well-earned rest or to explore more of Siem Reap on your own.

The Real Value of This Tour

At USD 55, this tour packs a lot into one day. Your fee includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a well-maintained bike and helmet, professional licensed guide, snacks and refreshments, and lunch. The only additional cost is the Angkor Pass at USD 37, a necessary entry fee for any temple visit.

What we love about the price point is how it balances active exploration with cultural depth. You’re not just riding around; you’re engaging with history, enjoying local cuisine, and learning from guides who are praised for their expertise. The small group size enhances the feeling of personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and get insider tips.

The Guides Make the Difference

The glowing review from a traveler, who called Mr. Young an “excellent guide,” underscores the importance of knowledgeable leadership. His ability to clearly explain the history and culture, as well as lead quiet back-road pathways, makes the experience truly special. Plus, the fact that guides are skilled at taking good photos is a bonus for travelers wanting memorable snapshots.

Practical Tips

• Be prepared for 20-25 km of biking, so moderate fitness is advisable.
• Dress appropriately—long shorts or T-shirts covering shoulders are recommended, as modest attire is required for temple visits.
• Wear light, breathable clothing, especially during the hotter months, though cooler weather in November-January makes for more comfortable riding.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cycling adventure suits active travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, outside the typical tourist trail. If you’re interested in history but prefer to see it from a slightly more adventurous perspective, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s also ideal for those who want a more intimate experience of Angkor’s temples, away from large tour buses and crowds. The inclusion of a local guide ensures you gain insights that many travelers miss when exploring alone or on larger groups.

However, keep in mind that this is a full-day activity requiring a certain level of fitness and comfort with biking. It’s not suited for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer a more relaxed sightseeing style.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re craving an active, culturally immersive day in Angkor, this cycling tour offers excellent value. The small group size and knowledgeable guides like Mr. Young elevate the experience, making it both educational and fun. You’ll cover key sites, explore quieter pathways, and enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine—all in one well-structured day.

For travelers who love a bit of adventure and want to see the temples from a different angle, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable on a bike, eager to learn, and enjoy discovering hidden corners of Angkor that most visitors miss.

In sum, this tour combines physical activity, cultural insight, and genuine local flavor, making it a memorable way to experience the wonder of Angkor Wat.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own bike?
No, the tour provides a fully maintained mountain bike and helmet included in the price.

How long is the biking part of the tour?
You’ll cycle approximately 20-25 km across the day, visiting multiple temples and scenic routes.

What is included in the tour price?
The fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, bike and helmet, licensed guide, snacks, refreshments, and lunch.

Is there an age limit or fitness requirement?
Most travelers can participate, but moderate fitness is recommended due to the biking distance.

Can I visit smaller temples like Banteay Kdei?
Yes, if time permits, optional stops at smaller temples are available on the way back.

What about the temple entry fee?
The Angkor Pass, costing USD 37, is not included and must be purchased separately.

This cycling tour offers a fantastic way to see Angkor with the benefit of guided commentary, fewer crowds, and an active day. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking to experience Cambodia’s most iconic sites in a different way, this tour delivers a memorable, value-packed experience.