Cycling Siem Reap's countryside

Minimum age: 18

Highlights

• The Siem Reap River
• Seeing typical village activities
• Visit a natural palm sugar producer
• Local cuisine

All about the trip

Nestled along the river and surrounded by countless paddy fields, Siem Reap is a perfect place to explore Cambodia’s rural way of life.

An early pick-up to get a jump start on the heat. Once our bikes are adjusted we start a leisurely ride on quiet roads along the Siem Reap River, observing the close connection between the river and those that live on its banks. We first break exploring an ancient pagoda and learn about its importance to Siem Reap. We'll soon find ourselves riding on a dirt road as we cycle in the countryside and in the middle of numerous rice paddy fields. Rice production is vital to Cambodia's agrarian society and is the base of almost all dishes. The vibrant green rice stalks turn to gold when ready to harvest and we are likely to see farmers in their fields with their water buffaloes. We cycle through villages, saying hello to the curious children and seeing typical village activities such as hand weaving bamboo baskets. We'll take another break and visit a natural palm sugar producer. We'll learn how to harvest and boil the liquid into hard sugar, and of course, have a taste. Now that we have burned some calories, it's time for lunch and more tastes of Cambodia through the local cuisine. We'll eat at a restaurant near West Baray, a rectangular earthen reservoir. Once sated it's back on the bikes for more riding and taking in the serene life of rural Cambodia before we head back to Siem Reap.

What is included in the price

• Guide
• Bike and helmet
• Snacks and drinks
• Lunch

What is not included in the price

• Pick-up and drop-off
• Tips

Instructions

This easy 40 km ride, starts on a smooth tarmac city road then continues to dirt countryside roads.