Hidden Trails from Angkor to the Cambodian Coast

A memorable and fun way to travel through Cambodia, from Siem Reap, with its amazing Angkor temples, to the beaches and towns of the south coast.

From $1600
  • Intro
  • Itinerary
  • Dates
  • Price and What's Included

This tour takes riders on an achievable and enjoyable ride across the Cambodian countryside and through some of its less visited towns and villages. Starting from Siem Reap, home of the majestic Angkor temples, we head to the sleepy town of Battambang with its French colonial architecture. From here the route takes us east and southwards through fascinating rural communities, offering experiences that are just not possible when travelling by any other means. Skirting the bustling capital of Phnom Penh we continue through Kirirom National Park to the scenic south coast towns of Kep and Kampot.

Cambodian people are often referred to as ‘the friendliest people in Southeast Asia’, and this tour is a fantastic way to get up close and personal with these engaging locals. The cycling terrain is a mix of sealed and unsealed roads, tracks and trails, with no more than 5kms over the entire journey on anything resembling a highway. The accommodation is comfortable with 4 nights in high standard small boutique hotels and the remaining nights in more modest, but clean rooms, as the nature of the region dictates. All rooms provide air-conditioning and en-suite bathroom facilities.

Hidden Trails from Angkor to the Cambodian Coast itinerary







View Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Battambang. Cycle the surrounding area – 30kms
We set out from the Grasshopper Adventures shop on day one and head straight out from Siem Reap by car, driving for a few hours to reach Battambang. After enjoying a local lunch, we have a little rest time before taking a late afternoon cycle out to the Bamboo Train, a famously quirky rail system that is one of the most famous aspects of Battambang. We take a short trip on this grassroots transport system and visit a village brick kiln, before riding back into town with a stop at the most popular afternoon snack shop in town.
Meals: L, D

Day 2: Cycle Battambang and transfer to Kampong Chhnang – 40kms
This morning take an exciting cycle through the villages to learn about the cottage industry that supports the economy of this area. For this we meet up with a local university student who will show us around the villages just outside Battambang. The ride is on a lovely route along the river with lots of shade. We stop to see rice paper making, banana drying, rice wine and prahok production, as well as a stop at the best snack stop in all Cambodia, the kralanh shop. After returning to town, we drive to Kampong Chanang where we take a pleasant trip in a rowboat through the floating villages before we settle down for the night in this small town.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Cycle Oudong and Kompong Speu – 60kms
Our third day eases us into longer distances on the bike, but before that, we take a little time to see the pottery villages of Kampong Chanang. We then drive down to the former capital of Cambodia, Oudong. After visiting the mountain top temple, we ride along quiet country trails and back roads all the way to the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The city is not for us today though, so we push on past the metro area and southwards to the minor town of Kampong Speu and a modest guesthouse awaits.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Cycle to Kirirom National Park – 60kms
We start with a drive to get away from the highway. We then have an enjoyable morning pedal. We pay a visit to the Chambak waterfall and have lunch in the nearby community. This area has been established as an eco-tourism area of sorts to encourage locals to conserve their flora and fauna. In the afternoon, we have an enjoyable ride on more of those quiet backroads with only motorbikes and the occassional delivery truck for company. As the day wears on, Kirrirom Mountain comes into sight and we meet our first challenge of the tour. The winding road up to the top of the hill is shaded and only steep for short sections. It is only optional though as the intention is to pack up and take the van to the top. Kirirom is a National Park with pine trees dotting the higher elevations. After the tropical palms and coconuts of the flatlands, it is a very different feel.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Transfer and cycle to Kep – 50kms
We have a morning to enjoy Kirirom. There are some nice walks and a mountain bike trail to explore on and a waterfall for a dip. We then have an early lunch and drive for around two hours to find the start of our ride. We cycle on small trails and backroads past limestone kasts on our way towards the coast. We reach the lovely seaside town of Kep late afternoon and check into our beautifully located accommodation with views out over the Gulf Of Thailand.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Cycle to Kampot – 35kms
A morning in Kep is a nice experience. You can explore the Kep National Park behind our accommodation where small trails are perfect for walking and a larger fire trail is good for biking. Rabbit Island is nearby and a boat trip out allows you to enjoy some lovely white sand. We leave Kep mid afternoon and ride on small trails, then minor roads past what is known as the Secret Lake, a man made reservoir. We roll into the lazy little town of Kampot just in time for a sunset drink on one of the many bar balconies facing the imposing Bokor Mountain.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Transfer and cycle to Sihanoukville – 55kms
It is only a short drive today to skirt the base of Bokor Mountain on our way along the coast. We hit the bikes after forty minutes in the car. The ride takes us through pleasant little fishing villages with colourful boats bobbing in the gentle swell. A short section is spent on a highway, but you will be well sheltered by the support team. We ride past Ream National park and actually pedal on the hard-packed beach sand at one point as we near Sihanoukville. A low hill or two make for a last day challenge. The tour concludes on arrival at a hotel of your choosing. Please ask us for recommendations.
Meals: B

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Seasons

Cambodia is hot year round with the coolest temperatures between November and February. March to May is the hottest season with the rains coming between June and October, which helps to cools things down. We can run this tour all year around, as long as you don’t mind it bring hot and/or rainy.

Best time to go

January

February

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Base price per person $1600

Single Supplement US$250
Groups of 5 or more will also have an accompanying bike mechanic.

Services

An air-conditioned support vehicle is always on hand for tired riders. Groups are accompanied by an English speaking local tour leader and a bike mechanic will also be provided for groups of 5 people or more.

What is included

  • High quality mountain bikes and helmets
  • A refillable water bottle
  • All transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Backup vehicle for cycling
  • Snacks, water and fruit during cycling
  • Twin share accommodation (single room option available at a supplement)
  • All meals as listed (including water)
  • Entrance fees at sights visited as part of the itinerary
  • Local tour leader

What is not included

  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Accommodation in Siem Reap
  • Travel insurance (we insist you have it)
  • Soft/alcoholic drinks during included meals
  • Tips, laundry and other personal expenses
  • Optional tours
From $1600

Eye Candy

Cycling through Cambodia was an experience I'll never forget.
James Castrission Sydney, Australia