THE ROAD OF THE KHEMERS/ANGKOR WAT

Schedule

Day: 
1/2
Arrive Phom Penh. You will have 1 1/2 days to relax and enjoy this marvelous city sitting on the shores of the great Meekong River. The heart and soul of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.You can explore the city visiting the Palace or riverside Monastary or sit at riverside cafes, have some cold beers/drinks and watch the hustle along the rivers roadside. At nite the locals all come out to relax on the Meekongs shore and an abundance of fried bugs and the local delacacy of fried Tarantulas is available on demand from vendors. Tarantula reminded me of tofu except for the legs as Tofu does not need to shave. There are some great local markets to shop and explore as well. There is an option to visit the Killing Fields nearby but its not our thing.
Day: 
3
PEAM CHI KANG   Today we head into the real Cambodia. The one tourists rarely see, the one Off Beat Roads loves to show you. Nice days ride using quiet side tracks along the Meekong. Peaceful ride passing beautiful Pagodas in each village and staying in a nice guest house overlooking the river. Guest House
Distance: 
85km.
Day: 
4
Kampong Thom Starting the day off riding once again along the Meekong and all its glory. Passing through small rural villages, rice fields, Pagodas, the color of orange Monks walking the roads and the life of real Cambodians. Today we stop also along route and visit a hill top Pagoda and school overlooking the Meekong. Here you can visit the living quarters of the students/future monks and wander these peaceful grounds. A few monkees may wander along with you We finsih the day with a short drive into Kampong Thom. Hotel
Distance: 
80km.
Day: 
5
Ta Seng An incredible day as we really get on to the off beat roads to this wonderful small village. You can really experience Cambodia and the peples lives emeshed beautifuly into the surroundings. Take a deep breath, enjoy the serenity. Enjoy as this is what it is all about. Home Stay
Day: 
6
TBANG MEAN CHEY Riding through forest onto unsealed roads to the site of Preah Khan. A stunning but rarely visited Khemer Temple site. It is remote and lucky us, no tourists. Can really enjoy this site and immagine what it must have been like 1,000's of years ago. A little time traveling courtesy of Off Beaty Roads. If time we will also stop at Koh Ker, another remote temple site, en route to Tebang. Part of day is cycling and finsh with drive into town. Hotel
Distance: 
60km.
Day: 
7
PREAH VIHEAR This rarely visited temple is a must and no other bike tour goes to it. Spectacular 5 teired temple sitting high atop the mountains that border Thailand. Was one of the former Khemer Rouge strongholds and fortunately this temple is still there. The ride is relatively flat until we get to the temple road. Most riders take the truck up but we dare you to try this as is at 35% grade climb[4kms]--we are not kidding. At top is a small village and this spectacular temple site. Totally different then the busy touristy, massive and perfect temple sites of Siem Reap The only tourists come from the Thai border and nobody uses the road in that we use. Enjoy. Guest House at town at bottom of mountain road
Day: 
8
SIEM REAP Transport to Siem Reap: But along the way we take a detour to a temple outside Siem Reap Park area into the jungle remains of a once spectacular temple. The jungle has grown in it and around it and you can wander while listening to the sounds of all the jungle birds. Giant tree roots hold these walls in their grasp like giant, gentle hands. Nice Hotel
Day: 
9
ANGKOR WAT Ride to the main temples like Ankor Wat along the deep canals and lakes the Khemer dug out. You can witness this incredible system of water they built that made them the such a powerful people for a few hundred years. Nice Hote
Distance: 
35km.
Day: 
10
PHNOM PENH Via Tonle Sap on a great boat ride through the floating villages. You will love this day witnessing the life these people have built on floating villages on one of Meekongs tributaries. Amazing photo ops. Then a nice boat ride on the open waters of the Meekong to Phnom Penh Hotel
Day: 
11
PHNOM PENH TO TAKEO We start the tour by heading south to the beach/ocean area. We pass by Bati Lake, Prasat Neang Khamu/Black Virgin Temple and others, one sitting on a rock platform with stunning views. Hotel
Distance: 
75km.
Day: 
12
TO KEP Taking back roads to this beautiful old French Colonial beach resort town is a great days ride through the countryside and tree covered hills. Enjoy the beautiful beaches that this area is known for. Guest House
Distance: 
104km.
Day: 
13
TO SIHANAOUKVILLE Early morning transport to the quiet colonial town of Kampt where we will have breakfest and start our ride to Sihanaoukville, a popular resort town on the Gulf. This is one of those coastline rides made for biking. It truly is a magnificent days ride passing through traditional fishing villages throughout the day. Cambodian fishermen love their colorful boats and makes for great phot ops. Guest House
Distance: 
100km.
Day: 
14
DAY OFF Relax most of the day, swim read and enjoy before we start to head back to Phnom Penh. Late afternoon we drive back to Phom Penh Hotel