Cambodia Bike, Hike & Kayak (Secrets of Angkor & The Mekong) 8D7N, Fully Guided

Approx. 48 km (30 miles), 2-3 hours biking

Sous-dey! Welcome to the Kingdom of Wonder. Meet with your leader in Phnom Penh, then transfer to the quiet riverside town of Chhlong. With the capital’s busy morning streets fading behind you, the scenery takes a gradual unveiling into Cambodia’s calm countryside.

The first ride on this tour is a gentle introduction to what’s to come. We follow quiet backroads through emerald rice fields lined with tall sugar palms. This is rural Cambodia at its most vivid, and you will find it even more timeless: stilt houses tucked among the trees, ox-drawn carts rumbling along, and children waving with big smiles and cheerful “hello!”s as you pedal by.

As we get closer to Kampong Cham, the route detours to the peaceful Mekong island of Koh Paen. During the dry season (roughly January-June), the crossing is over the famous seasonal bamboo bridge, rebuilt each year by hand, and entirely from bamboo. The green (wet) season offers equally beautiful views along the river; however, a quick boat ride replaces the bridge crossing, delivering an added dash of excitement to the adventure. Lunch is sourced locally, and afterwards, the support van transports you the rest of the way to your countryside hideaway in Chhlong.

A welcome dinner graces the evening scene: get to know the group better and raise toasts to the journey ahead.

Once a grand home for wealthy timber merchants and subsequently a French Governor’s residence, the 4-star Le Relais de Chhlong is housed in a meticulously restored 1916 colonial mansion on the banks of the Mekong River. Inside, spacious, air-conditioned suites invite pure relaxation amidst lofted ceilings and private terraces overlooking the river or garden; all complemented by lush tropical gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.

Approx. 43 km (27 miles) 2-3 hours biking

Wake up to the slow rhythm of the Mekong, with a garden in view and the gorgeous colonial setting of your charming villa

Begin the day properly with a coffee, perhaps breakfast on the terrace where it’s fresh, cool air and the Mekong moving steadily. Then, head out for the ride north along the Mekong. Our route today weaves through villages still in the wake of the morning, with sights set on Kratie, a laid-back and riverside town known for its lively market. Think stalls displaying tropical fruits, fresh fish, and plenty of local snacks.

From here, we join a local ferry to Koh Trong, a car-free island in the middle of the Mekong River. Life in Koh Trong is rural and very much authentic, and this afternoon, you get to experience just that. Lunch takes precedence as we move to a local home where a family is waiting to welcome us. If it’s pomelo season, you get the opportunity to taste the region’s prized citrus, either fresh or tossed into a bright salad with shrimp, peanuts, and mint. Otherwise, lunch is fresh and satisfying.

Following a well-served lunch, there’s the option to enjoy a swim in the Mekong. We return by van to our riverside retreat afterwards, where the afternoon is free to do as you please. Perhaps relax with a book, sip a cold Anchor beer, or spend the time by the pool framed by the river.

The Kampi River pools are one of the last places on Earth where the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin still lives in the wild. Today, we swap our bike saddles for kayaks to explore its serene stretch; no engines, just paddles and the slow current to take us. These gentle giants, known for their rounded heads and expressive faces, surface unexpectedly, sometimes just meters away. With only about 110–113 remaining across this entire Mekong stretch (critically endangered and closely monitored), treasure every sighting!

Along with a local guide, we pedal slowly, sharing insights about the river, the dolphins, and the communities that live along the riverbanks. Moving downstream, scenes of everyday Mekong life unfold: fishermen casting nets, children swimming near the shore, water buffalo cooling off in the shallows, and villagers cycling along the river paths. We arrived in Kratie, also a great opportunity to enjoy lunch today by the river, before we transferred by van to Stung Treng.

Nestled on the serene banks of the Sekong River, Stung Treng Resort invites you to unwind in its tranquil embrace, offering a picturesque outdoor swimming pool and lush gardens perfect for an evening stroll. Indulge your senses with a variety of exquisite local and international cuisines at the on-site restaurant, a perfect culinary conclusion to a day of riverside repose.

Rise to the morning with a coffee before setting out for the day’s adventure. Today, we head north to the edge of Cambodia, where the Mekong flows toward the Laos border. After travelling nearly 5,000 km from the Tibetan Plateau, the river spreads into a flooded forest landscape, with tall trees growing straight out of the water. We paddle through this quiet stretch of river, stopping on a small river island for a picnic-style lunch of grilled local dishes, sticky rice, and fresh tropical fruit to top it off.

Refuelled, we continue upstream by longtail boat. Life here is shaped by the rhythm of the Mekong, and our path reveals it all at an enjoyable pace as we pass fishing boats, riverside homes, and even locals relaxing in hammocks along the river banks.

By late afternoon, we returned to Stung Treng. The rest of the evening is perfect for unwinding by the river before regrouping for dinner together.

Approx. 31 km (19 miles), 1-2 hours biking

Before Angkor Wat became legendary, there was Sambor Prei Kuk, the “temple in the lush forest,” and a serene UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 6th-7th centuries. Today, we strap on our walking shoes and step back to when this site was the capital of the Chenla Kingdom.

More than 100 brick temples once stood here, and many are scattered through the forest today. Their distinct octagonal towers and intricate carvings make up the earliest examples of Khmer temple architecture (the foundations of the style later perfected at Angkor). The temples feel both ancient and mysterious, shaded by tall trees and wrapped in quiet jungle. As you walk between the crumbling sanctuaries and moss-covered towers, you explore the early roots of Khmer civilization itself. We get back on our bikes after the visit, hitching a relaxed ride through the countryside to our hotel in Kampong Thom.

The plan for tonight is simple: a laid-back dinner at the hotel featuring Cambodian favourites such as fish amok, the country’s famous coconut curry, along with fresh green mango salad or grilled meats with lemongrass, served with plenty of rice.

Retreat to the tranquil embrace of Sambor Village Hotel, nestled on the serene banks of the Stung Sen River, where boutique charm meets the rustic beauty of Kampong Thom. After a day of exploring ancient temples, find solace in the saltwater pool or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, allowing the peaceful ambiance to restore your mind and body.

Approx. 44 km (27 miles) 2-3 hours biking

Today is focused on temples. Our first stop is a temple poetically known as the “Citadel of Women,” and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The Banteay Srei temple was built in the 10th century and is smaller than most in Angkor. However, its incredibly detailed carvings make it famous. Made from pink sandstone, the intricate reliefs are so finely cut that many consider them to be the finest stone carvings in the entire Angkor region. Interestingly, it wasn’t built by a monarch but by two royal scholars and courtiers who served as trusted advisors to King Rajendravarman II.

Lunch follows after the temple visit, then we hop on the saddles and ride toward Siem Reap along quiet countryside roads. Our path flaunts classic rural Cambodia, where you find wide rice paddies, water buffalo grazing in the fields, and farmers working under broad-brimmed hats. In some villages, you may even catch the sweet scent of palm sugar being boiled down from palm sap. Before long, we enter Siem Reap through the vast Angkor Archaeological Park.

Dinner is yours to enjoy, and because Seap Reap is known for its lively food scene, you have lots of good options to try. Local dishes such as beef lok lak with pepper-lime sauce, grilled pork with sticky rice, wood-fired pizza, or crispy spring rolls are just the start of an evening full of authentic Khmer flavours.

Your night’s accommodation is the boutique Shinta Mani Angkor, nestled in the tranquil French Quarter of Siem Reap. A sanctuary of refined elegance where your journey into Cambodian culture begins, just moments from the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat. Indulge in the sublime serenity of the Shinta Mani Spa by BENSLEY before savouring Khmer delicacies at its signature restaurants.

Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walking

Following breakfast, we head north to the Phnom Kulen, a forested plateau about 50 km (31 miles) from Siem Reap and one of the most sacred places in Cambodia. While it is often called the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, this sandstone mountain is where King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java in 802 CE, simultaneously marking the rise of Angkor. The same mountain also supplied much of the sandstone used to build the temples of Angkor you see today.

Before the temple, we pause for a fun, hands-on experience on how to make traditional Khmer rice noodles (num banh chok) from locals who’ve perfected the craft for generations. Then we set off along the Langur Trail, a gentle jungle path thick with forest and named for the dusky, shy langur monkeys that inhabit the canopy. With a bit of luck, you may spot these often-shy primates high in the canopy. Otherwise, we move on to one of Kulen’s hidden highlights: a tiled pool built into the mountainside and fed by a cool natural spring. While it is mainly maintained by local monks, it offers one of the most refreshing and peaceful spots to swim in the region.

Nearby, we join a traditional Buddhist water blessing. The ritual involves monks chanting softly in Pali while gently pouring holy water over your hands (or sometimes shoulders/head for the full version), before tying a sacred red string bracelet around your wrist. It may appear simple, yet its profound impact carries protection, good fortune, and positive energy in Cambodian culture.

A picnic lunch follows afterwards in the forest shade, before we hitch a return ride to Siem Reap. Enjoy some time to unwind at the hotel. Relax by one of two sparkling swimming pools, including a magnificent 20-meter lap pool, all within this exquisite Bill Bensley-designed enclave. Tonight is special: our last night together and a chance to sit together one last time, with good food, vibes, and shared memories from the journey.

Approx. 25 km (16 miles), 1-2 hours biking

As the sun rises at dawn, the five lotus-shaped towers of the temple slowly emerge from the darkness, reflected in the surrounding pools. This sight alone has drawn travellers here for generations, and today, you get to share in the enriching experience.

The temple itself was built in the 12th century and originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Today, however, it stands as a Buddhist sanctuary and the largest religious monument on Earth.

After exploring the temple in the quiet of early morning, we settle in for a relaxed picnic breakfast to replace lost energy. Then one final ride through Angkor Archaeological Park, the vast UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves the remains of the Khmer Empire’s capital across more than 400 square kilometres. Our route follows quiet trails and shaded paths between the temples, stopping at highlights such as Tah Prohm and the Terrace of the Elephants, and also traces a few lesser-known corners of Angkor that most visitors never see.

Finally, it’s time to bid farewell and onward with memories that will stay long after the journey ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.