Cambodia – The Road to Angkor Watt

Once again we have designed a route that no other tour

The Route

Once again offbeat Roads has designed a route that no other tour company uses. We avoid the main highway to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh which is what almost all tour companies use. Busy highway and nothing to see on the way. We offer you Cambodias real culture, people and sites generally not visited by most tourists, if any. Our tour also is a bit longer and offers so much more of the real Cambodia. Siem Reap is only part of it.

We start our tour is the bustling city of Phnom Penh – the commercial and political hub of Cambodia. The city offers several cultural and historical attractions including the National Museum and the Royal Palace.

Phnom Penh is located along the fabulous Mekong River and the main street along the river is full of cafes and restaurants to chill out and relax and watch the hustle and bustle of Phom Penhs apparent choas of 1,000's of mopeds. Sometimes a family of 4-5 will be on one moped or stacks of goods precariously balanced. The side streets are often busy with local markets. All part of this cities magic, vibe.

At night you can walk along the river and be tempted by vendors selling bowls of assorted dried bugs and the specialty being fried Tarantulas, legs and all. First Tarantula and beer on us.

From here we head south for a 2 day ride to Cambodias beach area. This is a nice rolling, semi mountainous area and paved, good riding. We will relax for a day off at the beach and then drive back to Phom Penh where we will do a part days ride to Kompong Cham mainly along the Meekong. Beautiful ride. Nice hotel on the river.
We continue along the river to the remote village of Samraong-a little village at a dead end road. We were the first tourists ever to go and stay there. Along the way we stop for lunch at an incredible Pagoda and monk school sitting high over the Meekong. To get to the village we head through rubber tree plantations and remote villages. This our most adventureous day. Staying in the school yard, this our only night camping. Awaken to the children lining up for school and raising the flag. Fabulous experience.

Head back by truck to main road and bike to Kompong Thom. Another nice hotel.
From here we drive to Tbeng Mean Chey[along the way we will stop and visit the remote site of Koh Ker] and stay in local hotel. We head by bike to the fabulous Preah Vihear temple, sitting high atop the mountains bordering Thailand. Again we are pretty much the only tourists the visit this site from the Cambodia side. This temple by far has the most remarkable setting of all the Khmer Temples in the country. Perched high off the cliff edge of the Dongrek Escarpment you look 600 meters below over the Cambodia you just rode through and the Thai border on the other side.
This temple sits in five layers up the mountains peak and overlooks everything--stunning temple, stunning view and few tourists. Everybody focuses on Ankgor Watt and rarely visit this incredible site. One hell of a sunset.

The road up is 4kms and at times is 35% grade--yes 35%. Most riders go up in the truck but for those with legs and lungs or courage of steel give it a try, so far nobody has made it. We stay in village at the bottom. This site was once one of the Khemer Rouges strong holds.

We ave a day off to explore, relax and ejoy this site and its view from atop the world.

From here its a 2 day bike ride stoping for the night in a hotel inAnalong Veng with its local markets to enjoy. On the way into Siem Reap we pass by several ancient temples and can stop to enjoy. Great finish to our riding section.

About Siem Reap

Three nights hotel in Siem Reap and one day with guide in Angkor Wat--heavily touristised but is a must. Siem Reap town itself is bustling with activity and lots of great restaurant and bars. Despite the busyness these temples leave a lasting impression. There is a serious wow factor The other day we visit a few more outlying temples with jungle growing around and in them. Few tourists and the exact opposite of the perfect temples of Angkor Wat. Jungle sounds abound.

We finish with a serene boat ride on Tonl Sap Lake back to Phnom Penh, starting off in the floating villages. You will love the wildness and realness and the unique way of these peoples lives.

About Ankor Wat

The historic ruins of Angkor are among the most incredible sites in the world. There are few places if any that can match what remains of the splendid Khmer civilization, which reached its flamboyant zenith between the 9th and 14th centuries. The top draw, the Angkor Wat, is deservedly one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The area is atmospherically surrounded by protected jungle, rice patty plantations and man made lakes. We will spend a few days biking around to the various temples on roads the ancient Khmer built.

The Road

About 50% paved but the dirt roads are smooth and not rocky--mountain bike rentals available. Not a difficult tour and good for the experienced to the average rider.

Accommodation

Hotels will be used in Phnom Penh at the beginning and ending of the trip and local guest houses during the riding section.

Rating

The terrain includes both flat and hilly sections with a few good climbs but nothing overly demanding. A certain degree of fitness and bike confidence is recommended for this tour.

Tour Length

14 days including 3 nighs in Siem Reap.

Dates 2009

January 21 - February 4 or any 2 week period from Febuary into early March

Special arrangements with respect to tour dates can be arranged for groups of six or more.

Cost

$1950

Our route is longer and see more of real Cambodia then the other tours that use the traditional paved and busy route from Phom Penh to Siem Reap.

What’s Included

Hotels, support van and guide, all meals, fruit and water while cycling, entrance fees. And always – first tarantula and beer on arrival.

Specific menus for vegetarians can be arranged but please let us know in advance.

What’s not Included

Flight to Cambodia, visas, alcohol.

If you would like to book your Cambodia adventure or would like to obtain more information on this trip please contact Off Beat Roads.