TRIP PROFILE:
This trip is a fully guided and supported by van to cycle on the backroad to visit Angkor temple complex. From Angkor temple, we cycle on another backroad passing the rice field and the village to visit the pre-Angkorian temple in Rolous Group and take a great boat trip on Tonle Sap lake to visit the floating village. Banteay Srei, the pink sand stones appreciated by the most visitors as the most beautiful carving temple together with the Landmines museum are the must see. They are located 35km from Angkor complex. Kulen is a great water fall for trekking to escape from the crowded tourists at Angkor complex. With a combination to visit Beng Mealea, the temple of Indiana Jones, make it the perfect day to remember.
We cycle 145km and trekking 12km, the cycling is mostly on the quiet backroad with only some part of our return trip to be on the main road as we have to avoid cycling on the same road. The main road is tarmac and the backroads are nice with the wonderful views, a bit sandy. The trekking is a bit climb with a little rock for 200 meters, after that flat all ways.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Siem Reap-Angkor Complex (30km by bicycle)
Depart from the hotel on the main road and cycling through Angkor pass check point. Cycling through the shady road with a little pumping because of the a few pot-holes. There you will begin to see Kravan temple, Banteay Kdei, and stop at the famous Ta Phrom, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom (45 minutes-1 hour). It was built in 12th century by the famous King Jayavarvan VII indicated to his mother. While clearing back the forest archaeologists decided to leave the vegetation of Ta Phrom in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discoverers found it and the other Angkor temples.
Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains and soar high above the temples. Continue the cycling through small circuit passing Ta Keo temple, Chao Say Tevoda, Tommanon before reaching to Angkor Thom city. There you will see, Terrace of Leper King, Terrace of Elephant, Baphoun, Phimean Akas. Stop at Bayon temple and start the visit (45 minutes-1 hour). Angkor Thom built by Cambodia"s great king, Jayavarman VII. Then visit the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. Angkor Wat is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of massive "temple mountain" dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B,L,D)
Day 2: Rolous Group & Tonle Sap Lake (50km)
Depart from the hotel, crossing the bridge at Old Market to cycle 15km toward Rolous Group. The first 2km, is on the tarmac road toward the bus station. Then, passing the rice field and the village. Rolous Group was the first capital of Angkor Empire during 800 A.D. Visit the Pre-Angkorian temples including Preak Ko, Bakong and Lo Lei.
Afternoon, cycling to Tonle Sap Lake. Turn left at the crocodiles farm crossing the bridge. Then cycle on small road along the river through villages, pagodas and schools. This road is good for cycling as to avoid the busy traffic. After cycling 8km, turn right across the bridge to the main road as there is no further access on the small road. Continue cycling toward the hill about 3km (July-December) where the boat stop. (Note: January-June, the water is low and the boat will stop further 3km). Board on the boat to visit the floating village, floating school, fishing farm. After 1 hour boat drive. Return the Siem Reap on the main road to avoid cycling the same road. Overnight in Siem Reap. Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Banteay Srei, Landmines Museum (70km)
Depart from the hotel on the main road. Arrive at Angkor Wat and turn left to the west. Continue to cycle 2km before turn right to the rural road. The road is good for cycling as you can avoid the busy traffic but you can see rice field, village, pagoda. Arrive in Banteay Srei before lunch. Visit (45 minutes) Banteay Srei temple known as women citadel (built in 967 A.D dedicated to Brahma). While some of temple are impressive because of their sheer size, Banteay Srei stands alone in the quality of its construction and decoration. Its pink sandstone walls are decorated with what some consider the best carving of all, and still an excellent state of preservation.
On the way back, cycle on the main road to visit Banteay Samre and Landmine Museum of Mr. Akira. Mr. Ra is dedicated to clearing the Cambodian countryside of landmines laid during the years of conflict and relies entirely on visitors" donation to fund his work.
Day 4: Full Day Trekking Temple & Mountain (Walking 12km) Soft Adventure
07h00am: Meet with your guide. Transfer from the hotel to the foot of Kulen Mountain which takes 50 minutes. On arrival, get water in the cool box. Begin walking up the hill. The first 2km is uphill and rocky. After the 2km, the path is more flat. Water stop at Km2. Visit the River of Thousand Lingas lying under the river bed, people believe it brings fertility and blessing Angkor area as the river flows from Kulen to Siem Reap. Walk 700meters to visit the Grand Reclining Buddha. Kulen mountain remains the sacred place local people believes. From the Grand Reclining Buddha, walk another 500 meters to the water fall, where we enjoy swimming the 30 meters high water fall.
After lunch, transfer to Beng Mealea temple. Beng Mealea is an untouched temple hidden in the jungle surrounded by its mood 900 meters by 1,200 meters. Beng Mealea is a beautiful, charming temple. It has it own character which cannot be found in any other temple. We can feel very peaceful sitting inside the temple as we can get rid of the many tourists at Angkor area. Late afternoon, transfer back to the hotel. TOUR ENDS.