Is Cambodia at the top of your list of destinations for bike tours in Asia? Having led countless cycling holidays through this incredible country, we understand why. In a crowded field of amazing destinations, Cambodia has the credentials of a front-runner.
You can take in the legendary Mekong River, spectacular temple complexes, lush forests, tropical beaches, and the emerald green rice paddies of low-lying flood plains. But you may just remember the local people, and their warmth and hospitality, even more!
At Grasshopper Adventures, we provide a range of unforgettable bike tours in Cambodia that dig beneath the surface-level experience. We have carefully crafted itineraries that explore much of what this fascinating country has to offer, including its wildlife, rice paddies, traditional villages, and ancient wonders from the 12th century’s greatest empire.
If you would like to ask us any questions about our tours, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. In the meantime, let’s inspire your upcoming adventure by looking at the best bike tours in Cambodia.
Take the Scenic Route from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Cambodia’s capital city — Phnom Penh — and its most popular destination — Siem Reap (and Angkor Wat) — are located in quite different parts of the country. From a cycling perspective, this presents an opportunity to take an arching route between the two, escaping the busier roads. Allowing you to have an authentic Cambodian experience that shows you what life is really like here.
Our own Bike, Hike, and Kayak Tour in Cambodia takes you on this incredible journey. Some of the highlights include:
- Eating family-cooked meals and connecting with village communities
- Pedalling peaceful palm-lined trails along the mighty Mekong River
- Kayaking among the rare and inquisitive Irrawaddy dolphins
- Hitting the water again to explore the Mekong’s breathtaking flooded forests
- Ascending to Preah Vihear's ancient, clifftop temple ruins overlooking Cambodia and Thailand
- Soaking in the enchanting atmosphere of Siem Reap
- And who could forget exploring the spectacular temples of Angkor Wat!
If this sounds like the trip of a lifetime to you, you’re absolutely right. It is! There’s more to Cambodia than Siem Reap, and this tour will show you why!
Enjoy the Slow Road to Siem Reap from Bangkok
Our Cambodia Bike, Hike & Kayak Tour takes in the upper half of the country before culminating in Siem Reap. But there’s just as much adventure to be had approaching this gem of Cambodia from the southwest. And this is exactly what our Slow Road to Angkor Bike Tour in Cambodia and Thailand does.
Starting in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, the tour crosses the Cambodian border on day 4. The first stop is Battambang, a provincial capital and one of the country’s largest cities. Battambang is free of the bustling crowds of a capital city and has a welcome creative streak. This is evidenced in its quirky cafes, innovative restaurants, and boutique hotels. Sometimes referred to as the rice bowl of Cambodia, Battambang is the leading rice-producing province in the region, and the lush surrounding countryside can be equally alluring.
Once arrived in Siem Reap, you can ride the shaded paths and trails winding through the spellbinding Angkor Archaeological Park. These will take you to the major temples, such as Preah Khan and Ta Prohm, as well as the Elephant Terrace. To cap your quintessential Angkor Wat visit, revel in the transcendental experience of seeing a sunrise over the world’s largest religious structure.
Hit the Road and Cycle from Angkor to Saigon
Whereas the previous bike tours skirt around the edges of Cambodia before heading to Siem Reap, cutting through the centre of the country in the direction of Vietnam is another unique and rewarding experience. Starting in Siem Reap this time, the Cycle Angkor to Saigon Bike Tour in Cambodia and Vietnam travels south and southeast through the heart of the country.
This route allows you to get off the beaten track typically taken by tourists. We visit the province of Kampong Thom, home of Sambor Prei Kuk's pre-Angkorian temple ruins from the 7th century. Despite being slowly swallowed by the surrounding jungle, these ancient wonders are in remarkable condition for their age. Some of the structures are becoming one with trees as tentacle-like roots slowly subsume them.
A delightful ride through the quiet countryside leads you to the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. In addition to exploring the capital, you can also spend an afternoon cycling the peaceful Silk Islands of the Mekong River, situated just outside the city center. From here, you board an international boat and travel down the Mekong River for the Vietnam leg of this exciting bike tour.
Marvel at the Mekong River and Cambodia’s Must-See Sights
As Asia’s third-largest river, it’s no surprise that the Mekong frequently features in the best Cambodia bike tours. And what’s the best way to explore this magnificent waterway? By bike and boat, of course!
At Grasshopper Adventures, we have made this hybrid-style Mekong tour a reality! The Mekong Bike & Boat Adventure in Cambodia and Vietnam allows you to explore the banks and villages of the river on two wheels in the mornings, then return to the boat for an afternoon cruising the Mekong in style and comfort.
The Cambodian leg of this awe-inspiring journey takes in some of the country’s must-see destinations and attractions, including Phnom Penh, the Silk Islands, Siem Reap, and Angkor Wat. Everyone at Grasshopper Adventures takes huge pride in the fact that this tour ranked in first place on National Geographic’s 17 Ultimate Adventures to Inspire.
Discover the Best of Cambodia on a Grasshopper Adventures Bike Tour!
We hope this article has inspired you to take the first step toward your own cycling adventure in Cambodia. Keep in mind the information above is only an introduction, there are even more amazing sights and experiences packed into these tours.
Browse our range of bike tours in Cambodia to find the perfect fit for you. If you would like more information about any of them before booking, please feel free to contact us.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Cambodia!