Your holiday starts at the hotel in Siem Reap. A single group transfer from Siem Reap Airport is provided. The remainder of the day is free for catching up on sleep following the long flight, or for independent sightseeing. Siem Reap is located a few kilometres south of Angkor Wat and extends along the banks of the Siem Reap River. As the gateway to the Angkor complex, the town is a popular tourist destination, with colonial and Chinese style architecture in the old French Quarter and some colourful and bustling markets.

After breakfast, you will pick up your bikes and the local guide will be on hand to make sure you get the right size. During our time at Siem Reap, we will make several excursions by bike and on this first day we will ride out beneath the peak of Phnom Bok, taking quiet roads to the temple of Banteay Srei, which is located 23 kilometres to the north-east of Angkor Wat. Banteay Srei or ‘Citadel of Women’ is one of the most elaborate temples in the Angkor region and arguably the jewel in the crown of Angkorian artisanship, with perhaps the finest stone carving seen anywhere on earth. After a visit to the temple and a relaxing packed lunch, we have a short bus transfer to take a walk beside one of the tributaries of the Siem Reap River to the site known as Kbal Spean, the ‘Thousand Lingas River’. Rocks on either side of the stream and even under the water have been intricately carved. The crvings represent epic Hindu themes; including Shiva, Nandi (Shiva’s bull), as well as the innumberable phalluses. A refreshing dip in a waterfall is the ideal way to end our first day, before we return to our hotel in Siem Reap.

We leave the hotel by bike for the world famous temples of Angkor, a source of national pride to all Khmers after years of horrific war and trauma. Bypassing the main tourist route we follow small dirt roads and narrow jungle paths which lead us to the stunning spectacle of Angkor Wat, the biggest of the Angkor temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Angkor Wat is the largest Hindu temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. Literally translated, Angkor Wat, means ‘heaven on earth’ and has become a national symbol of Cambodia. Angkor is the earthly representation of Mt Meru, the Mount Olympus of the Hindu faith and the abode of ancient gods. We will spend some time looking around the site and then, at sunset, we will climb the pyramid at Pre Rup. As the sun goes down, the majestic reddish hues of the temple are intensified and views of the surrounding rice fields of the Eastern Barray are quite stunning. We return to our hotel in Siem Reap.

Today, we cycle north-east of Siem Reap through a rural area with lots of small villages, to reach the temple of Roluos. These structures are some of the earliest temples built by the Khmers (between 877 and 889) and mark the dawn of Khmer classical art - they are mostly built of brick. Amongst the most important temples in this group are: Lolei, Preah Ko, Bakong and the little-known Chao Srei Vibol. We will concentrate on the special temple of Bakong, built by King Indravarman in 881. It is the most remote of the temples and the least visited, but that make it perfect for us. There’s lots to see here, including an active Buddhist monastery at one of the entrances. We will have lunch at a traditional Khmer house in the countryside. In the afternoon, we will cycle back to our hotel in Siem Reap.

Cycling to Angkor Thom from our hotel, the spectacular sight of the faces of 54 demons and 54 gods makes for a jaw dropping entrance to this ancient capital. The major Khmer king, Jayavarman VII, built this huge facility in the late 12th to early 13th century, after driving enemy forces from his kingdom. A square wall with a side length of approximately 3 kilometres surrounds the holy city of Angkor Thom. We visit Bayon, the central temple of Angkor Thom. Bayon has several towers and its most impressive features are the stunning, metre-high, stone-carved faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. After lunch in a local restaurant, we have the opportunity to visit the lesser known sites hidden in the forest on foot and by bike. The Phimeanakas Temple is reached by a short walk through the jungle and is a 3-tiered laterite pyramid. This temple is said to have been the home of a spirit who, each night, took the form of a beautiful woman and was visited by the Khmer Kings. At dinner, we will be entertained by traditional Khmer Apsara dancers. We spend our final night at the hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, we have a short ride to Tonie Sap Lake, where we board the public speedboat which will take us on the Sangkae River to Battambang. The Tonle Sap (Khmer: Great Lake) is the largest lake in South-East Asia and one of the most productive inland waters of the earth. The inhabitants of the stilted floating villages on the Tonle Sap live mainly from fishing and growing vegetables in the same way that their families have for generations. These villages are primarily Khmer and have around 3000 inhabitants between them. Travelling by boat is a simple, yet rewarding way to gain an insight into the lifestyles of these Cambodian people, whose livelihoods are dependant on the lake and river. Depending on water levels, our journey takes between 6 and 8 hours. During particularly dry conditions it may be necessary to make part of this transrfer by road. There will the opportunity to stretch our legs during the journey. Overnight at a hotel in Battambang.

After breakfast, we cycle through traditional riverside villages and across a scenic landscape, to the 11th century temple of Wat Ek (10 kilometres north-west of Battambang) which is a popular pilgrimage and picnic site for Khmers. After lunch, we leave Battambang province and drive along the Tonle Sap to the easy-going town of Kampong Chhnang. Literally translated, Kampong Chhnang means ‘Clay Pot Port’ and it is famous for its distinctive pottery. Kampong province was important during the French period for the production of rubber. In the late afternoon, we stroll by the river port, with its floating houses and numerous fishing boats and can get a real feel for traditonal Cambodia. Overnight at a hotel in Kampong Chhnang.

Today’s morning ride takes us through paddy fields and plantations fringed with palm trees. Small villages along the way produce attractive pottery and we have chance to stop and peruse their wares. In the afternoon, we leave the Kampong province and transfer to Kirirom National Park. Kirirom literally translated means ‘Mountain of Joy’ and was given the name by the King, on the suggestion of a monk from Phnom Penh. With its lush and elevated location, the Kirirom National Park has a real escapism feel to it, with stunning views across to the Cardamom Mountains. A mix of tarmac and dirt road riding today. Overnight at a hillside resort in the park.

After breakfast we explore the Kirirom National Park by bicycle. Situated at an altitude of between 600 and 700 metres, we have views across to the eastern side of the Cardamom Mountains. Thanks to its proximity to Phnom Penh, Kirirom was one of the first national parks to be established in Cambodia and is a popular destination for locals. Clad in luxuriant forest and traversed by narrow pathways, the park is a great place to explore by bike, looking out for the resident monkeys, elephants and even leopards. This a challenging ride on tarmac roads and there is lot of ascent. The support vehicle is on hand if anyone needs to take a break. After our ride, we leave the park and travel by car and river-boat into the Cardamom Mountains. Our destination is the village of Chi Phat, in Koh Kong province, which has a population of around 3000 inhabitants. Until relatively recently, this area was known as Cambodia’s ‘Wild West’ and for a long period this village was in effect closed to the outside world, as the regime of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge transformed the village into a forced labour camp. We overnight at a local community project homestay in Chi Phat.

Located in the southern Cardamom Mountains, Chi Phat is at the heart of South-East Asia’s largest remaining tract of rainforest. Whilst poachers and loggers used to operate in this area, the establishment of the Wildlife Alliance in 2002 effectively put a stop on their activities. A large community-based ecotourism project, using local labour to actively regenerate the area was set up. This has included reforestation projects to encourage the wildlife to return to the region. The people of Chi Phat are directly involved and the village benefits from this involvement. Cycling on hidden trails through the jungle, there is a lot of up and down and some sections where we will have to push our bikes. We also have the chance to swim in the clear waters of an idyllic natural pool below O’Malu Waterfall. We will also visit the Village of O’Kay, set amongst lush rainforest and banana plantations, where elephants often feed. We spend a second night at the homestay in Chi Phat.

In the morning we say goodbye to our homestay hosts and cycle on a dirt trail beside the Preak Piphot River, which takes us down to Andoung Teuk. Here, we are reunited with our vehicle and have a 3-hour transfer to the sleepy, riverside town of Kampot. A former colonial settlement, where beautifully-restored buildings stand side by side with crumbling French ruins, we have the chance to look around. Situated on the banks of the Prek-Kampong River, 30 kilometres from the coast, Kampot was founded as a port in the late 18th century. After lunch, we take a boat ride on the Kampot River, passing lush green palms, small villages and local fishermen, en route to our riverside bungalow accommodation. During the course of the day, we also have the chance to try kayaking on the quiet waters of the river.

We say goodbye to the bikes today and have a short transfer to the laid-back, coastal town of Kep. Here, we find a fusion of faded French Indo-China and a real seaside atmosphere, set beside a tropical sea. From the 1930’s right up until the Khmer Rouge period, Kep was a popular place for wealthy travellers and a stroll along its promenade is testament to its rather ‘swisher’ past. From Kep, we take a 30 minute boat ride to Koh Tonsay or Rabbit Island, (locals say it resembles a rabbit). The main beach on the island is a 250 metre, palm fringed stretch and after our full-on adventures in Cambodia we have definitely earned the right for some full-on R&R! In the evening, we retuirn to our bungalow accommodation at Kampot.

After breakfast, we transfer to the country’s capital, Phnom Penh. Rising from its troubled past, Phnom Penh is very much on the ‘up’, alive and a real feast for the senses in every respect. Situated beside the Tonle Sap River, the waterfront is crowded with Cambodians every evening and this provides an excellent way of ‘getting in amongst it’ and immersing ourselves in the local culture. Our city tour will include the distinctive structure of the Royal Palace and a visit to the Silver Pagoda and National Museum. Alternatively, the Russian and French markets can be an option for those keen to practice their haggling skills! At sunset, we take a boat ride on the Mekong. The chocolate-coloured waters of the Tonle Sap and the Mekong are the real lifeblood of the city and from the river we can admire the Phnom Penh skyline and its Royal Palace, as the sun goes down. Overnight at a hotel in Phnom Penh.

Your holiday ends after breakfast. A single group transfer to Phnom Penh Airport is provided.