Cambodia Mekong Trail by Bike

Handcrafted Travel
Daily Departure

Overview

  • Active Adventure
  • Culture & Heritage
  • Off The Beaten Path
Day 1 – 7: Siem Reap – Stung Treng - Kratie – Kampong Cham
  • Arrive in Siem Reap.
  • Explore the Angkor Archeological Park by bike. Visit Chao Srei Vibol temple, Koh Ker Temple, temple of Preah Vihear, etc. Sightsee the landscape in Kratie, Kampong Cham and more along the trails following the Mekong River.
Day 7 – 9: Phnom Penh
  • Travel to Phnom Penh.
  • Full-day heritage tour around Phnom Penh: the Royal Palace Compound, Independence Monument, the Killing Fields, etc.
  • Board the departure flight to your next destination.

Customizable itinerary

Conquer the Mekong Trail by bike in 9 days! This is one of the most popular cycling tours organized to let you explore Cambodia. Start from Siem Reap, cycle to visit the renowned Angkor Archeological Park and the great Koh Ker temple. In Stung Treng, take on the scenic trail that follows Mekong River before traveling to Kratie and Kampong Cham. Continue to bike along the banks of the Mekong River to reach Phnom Penh – Cambodia’s charming capital. See the city’s impressive landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the Killing Fields, all of which will tell you about Cambodia’s great stories, its dark past and also about its unique culture and wonderful people.

Susadei! Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport, your private guide and driver are waiting to meet you, holding up a welcome signboard with your names on it and take you directly to your hotel for check in.

Are you ready to be on the trail for your amazing cycling holiday with unique experiences?

Spend the afternoon exploring the main Angkor Wat Temple, a largest religious site in the world. There are not really enough words to describe this jewel in the crown of Angkor. You have to witness it for yourself. The scale of the complex is certain to be above expectations, covering an area of 2 km2, but you can easily see the majority of the places of interest in a morning, especially if you decide to start early enough to see the sunrise. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, it faces west instead of the usual requirement to face east. Built between 1113 and 1150, it eventually changed to a Buddhist Wat (temple) in the 13th century after a religious revolution in Cambodia. You will have plenty of time to explore most of the complex; you will be amazed at the intricate carvings and bas-reliefs, the long terraces, the many different pavilions and galleries.

Tonight you are invited to a welcome dinner accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance depict Khmer mythology and culture.

Please note: You must have both a passport and a visa to enter Cambodia. And your passport must also have at least six months’ validity remaining beyond the date that you enter Cambodia. You can get a visa on arrival in Cambodia. Make sure you have two passport-sizes photographs.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: (_/_/D)

Early this morning will travel by private vehicle to Angkor, enjoy a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, a truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then enjoy having your packed breakfast near Phnom Bakheng next to the moat of Angkor Thom. Starting back on your bike and cycling to explore Angkor Thom, the site of the ancient capital of the Khmer period. Visit the South Gate, Bayon, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of Leper King. Continue the fun cycling pass Preah Khan temple in the jungle to Ta Prohm, which is high up many people favorite temple list.

Will enjoy lunch at local restaurant opposite Srah Srang.

In the afternoon you’ll get on your bicycle for cycling to Kampong Phhluk floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, you’ll take a boat excursion to see the village on stilts. Explore this great ecosystem by way of canoeing and hear the calls of the birds or macaque monkeys while observing the forest beneath the lake’s surface, you’ll see the Buddhist temple is standing on the island with some beautiful Buddhist life painting on the celling. You will return to Siem Reap on your two wheels vehicle.

Tonight, you will enjoy with the Phare Cambodia Circus Performance, it’s a circus-style entertainment featuring high-flying acrobatics with live music depict about the life of street kids etc.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: (B/_/D)

In the morning after breakfast we transfer to Roluos where we get on our bikes and cycle through the spectacular countryside, passing villages and friendly local people. Next, we’ll visit Chao Srei Vibol temple, it lies to the east of Angkor, is an “off the beaten track” monument and unrestored ruin. Continuing on to Koh Ker temple group via various transfers. Koh Ker is a 10th-century temple complex in the north Cambodian jungle, also known “one of the battle fields of the recent civil war”. A former capital of the Khmer Empire, the site is now remote and dense jungle. The main structure, Koh Ker Temple, is a stepped 7-tiered pyramid called Prasat Thom. The large rectangular tank, Rahal Baray, supplied water to the complex. The Prasat Krahom, meaning “red temple,” is known for its sandstone carvings, while Prasat Pram is covered in strangler figs.

Overnight in a small town known as Sro Em
Meals: (B/L/D)



After breakfast at a local restaurant we will cycle to the foot of Dangrek Mountain then transfer by truck to the mountaintop to pay a visit to the temple of Preah Vihear, situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva. The Temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 meters long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. Now a day is known as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here we transfer to Stung Treng to the next cycling segment.

Overnight in the town of Stung Treng
Meals: (B/L/D)



Starting in Stung Treng we visit the morning market, then we jump on our mountain bikes and take a fun ride along some gravel roads with river views to Srae Krasang. This trail follows the Mekong River and is a great place to cycle off the main road, enjoying the scenery and remoteness of the area. (28 km)
We continue cycling around 6 kilometers more along the river to see a very unusual tree (Ko Ky Tmor), which collapsed into the water many years ago and is now petrified, then we carry on to the dolphin pool. After our picnic lunch a car will be waiting for us for the 3-hour transfer to Sadan, where we pick up our cycling again and it’s off to Kratie.

Overnight in the small town of Kratie on the river bank of Mekong.
Meals: (B/_/_)

After breakfast at the hotel, we cross the water to the beautiful island of Koh Trong where we will cycle around, as well do some tree planting. Then we cross to the mainland on the opposite side of the island to Kratie town. Here we will enjoy more amazing countryside trails arriving at Preah Prolung where the van will be waiting for us with a picnic lunch at a Chinese restaurant. In the afternoon we ride past Chlong and continue to Krochmar. We will transfer from here to stay overnight in Kampong Cham.

Overnight in Kompong Cham
Meals: (B/L/D)

After breakfast we continue cycling along the banks of the Mekong River passing the local market, villages with tobacco plantations, then enjoy the packed lunch near the riverbank. We continue to cycle until we pick up the van for our transfer to Phnom Penh, avoiding the busy traffic. After checking in at your hotel, we will have a farewell dinner.

Tonight will enjoy with Cambodian Living Art performance at the Cambodia National Museum that will start at 07:00 pm to depict about Cambodian life before heading for dinner.

Overnight in Phnom Penh
Meals: (B/L/D)



Morning
After breakfast, meet your guide and head out to visit the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi), an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city.

Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace Compound built-in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, the most conspicuous feature and also one of the most impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), which display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold, and silver.

Next, proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from the French colony. Continue to visit the National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was built since 1917 containing more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, and others. Pass through the River Front Park whose scenery is much worth shooting.

For lunch, you will be treated to a delicious Khmer meal at Le Lotus Blanc, a lovely charity restaurant where former street children are taught the principles of hospitality.

Afternoon
Gain insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the infamous Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as Prison S21) and listen to English commentary en route. The prison comprises 4 buildings with exhibitions in several rooms. During your visit, you will barely meet a single person who didn’t lose a member of their family during these years, yet they are all willing to talk openly about it with you. They wish you to hear about it and see these places, to ensure that it never happens again.

After an hour and 15 minutes at the museum, take a 40-minute drive to the Killing Fields, see a documentary on the Khmer Rouge regime. Under the leadership of Pol Pot, his government caused the deaths of more than two millions people. There will be around 1 hour and 15 minutes to explore the site. An audio guide is available in 15 languages along with a map of the fields.

Continue to visit the fascinating Russian Market, where you will have ample opportunity to shop for some souvenirs. End your day at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the city, located on a small hilltop that forms the highest elevation of Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh
Meals: (B/L/_)


After breakfast and a leisurely morning on your own, you will check out by midday and your private driver will pick you up and take you to Phnom Penh International airport for your departure flight home or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.

Meals: (B/_/_)



Useful Information

This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and the availability of ground services. Please click on REQUEST A FREE QUOTE (above) and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!

Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suite your requirements.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • Exploring the ruins of the world-famous Angkor temples together, and watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat
  • A cycling day trip through the spectacular countryside, passing villages and friendly local people to visit the second-largest temple complex in Cambodia, Koh Ker, once served as the capital of the Great Khmer Empire
  • Visiting an UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Temple of Preah Vihear, composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 meters long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD
  • Delve into the dramatic Khmer legacy in Phnom Penh on a full-day guided tour around the Cambodian capital, passing by the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

Dining Experience

  • 8 hotel buffet breakfasts.
  • 6 dinners and 5 lunches at well-selected restaurants

Travel Highlights

  • Your own private guide and driver for in-depth cultural touring based on your interests
  • Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our locally born travel specialists
  • Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and preferences
  • A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, hand-picked hotels and restaurants, private airport transfers, internal transportation, and entry visa assistance…etc
  • Around-the-clock support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip

What’s Included?

Private English speaking guide, accommodation, private tours and transfer, A/C vehicles, some main meals, all entrance fees, tax and service charge.

What’s Not Included?

Your international flights from and to Cambodia, the entry visa to Cambodia, personal expense, tips to guide and driver.

Request this tour

Free service. No credit card required

Reviews on Our Service

We are committed to giving our customers unforgettable experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and beyond, not just something staged for tourists. Read reviews written by our customers about their experiences in Indochina after they have returned home. These include the ratings and comments on attractions, guides, activities, hotels and food.

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4.9/5
5 97.66%
4 2.13%
3 0.21%
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Vietnam Luxury Vacation Review: Sightseeing, Culture, 12-Day Travel

Asia Pioneer Travel was professional, provided prompt communication before and during our trip, and offered an itinerary custom to our wish list and timeline.

They helped us focus on highlights of areas which we would have spent considerable time researching and organizing without their help. Their attention to detail in information shared ahead of time, as well as step by step planning of transportation, meals, lodging, and sightseeing options offered a stress-free vacation- optimizing our time and energy on experiencing everything beautiful Vietnam has to offer!
The landscape, scenery, and customs of Vietnam are stunning and diverse. Each area we visited offered its own unique beauty. Absolutely amazing!!!
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Rachel Faust - USA
Mar 8, 2023
From: 5

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sightseeing, Rice Fields, Boat Rides, 18-Day Trip

We started searching for our tour for Vietnam / Cambodia back in October 2022 to start the tour in the first week of January 2023. We selected this travel agency, and contact name provided to us was Elly. She was extraordinary with her communication with us. Excellent English speaking language capability & excellent in communication on Whats app and email communication. We went back & forth few times to arrange the tour we wanted. She was very accommodating in arranging our schedule. We requested automobile tour for both countries, just for two of us.

We requested SUV FOR OUR COMFORT AND  WE GOT IT!
We requested to get the high end hotel in each city and she gave us choices and not only that but send videos of each hotel for each City and then waited for us to decide which hotel we select. All the Hotels turned out to be one of the best we would expect to be. M/s Elly, personally came to visit with us on the evening of our first day tour. Very respectful and asked if she could do anything for us.I had requested before in our communication, if she would arrange for power converter for us, since my camera chargers are all in 110. So brought two power converters for us! Something, not everyone will do this kind of service. So all the kiddos to her!

as to the drivers in each city were very courteous, very professional and very careful in how and where they have to do driving.

our Guides in each city were so friendly, courteous and knowledgeable in where ever we visited. How ever wish two guides in Hue An and Ho Chi Minh City spoke English more clearly.

We only wish we had one extra day in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, , however, there is so much to see in the world! Perhaps next time will visit Vietnam.

As to Cambodia, same thing to express about site seeing and our Guide and drivers. Guides and drivers really made our travel thro’ the countries where we do not speak that language, made it so comfortable and enjoyable.

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Sudhir D - USA
Mar 3, 2023

Outstanding!

Hi Lam…hope you don’t mind me contacting you directly. My wife Barb  & I (Paul) have just arrived home after completing a great tour of Vietnam which was organised through your company Asia Pioneer Travel.

We want to tell you personally how impressed were were with the level of service that we received…it was amazing and the best that we have experienced anywhere. After we made initial contact with you, you handed us over to Chloe to arrange the trip which she did in very quick time and the amount of detail that she went to was fantastic. From the moment that we walked out of Hanoi airport on arrival to see our guide waiting, we knew that we were in for a great trip. The drivers & guides were fantastic and Chloe was in contact by email constantly making sure that everything was going to plan & that we were happy. At one stage we need to vary the itinerary by extending accommodation & changing air tickets and Chloe did that without any fuss or bother.

We also met some wonderful Vietnamese people along the way and Ive got to say that they are our kind of people, very generous & friendly.

Enough of my ramblings, thanks for a great visit to Vietnam, and a special thank you to Chloe for looking after us in such a terrific manner…she is a very special caring lady.

Kind regards & I hope that we have the opportunity to use Asia Pioneer Travel again….Paul & Barb Little from Newcastle Australia

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Paul & Barb Little - Australia
Mar 2, 2023

Superbly organised and very flexible

We travelled to Vietnam for two weeks, booking the whole trip through Lizzie at Asia Pioneer, including hotels, excursions, trips, guides and internal flights. Lizzie was so helpful and flexible, accommodating changes to our schedule until the last minute, especially as we missed our connecting flight in Dubai and arrived a day later than planned (our fault). Nothing was too much trouble, including getting my wallet back to me after I left it in the car taking us to the airport.

We started in Hanoi in the North and worked our way south to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), taking in Ha Long with its amazing sea stacks and sleeping on a boat, then to Sa Pa on the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi, with its wonderful countryside and rice terraces. Afterwards, we went to Hoi An for three days of relaxation. Hoi An probably my favourite place and three days are enough to cover it. Then onto Hue, the original capital, my least favourite place and then finally on to HMC, which was a real contrast to the North.

The 3-star hotels that Lizzie picked were very good and comfortable, and the guides were very knowledgeable. I would definitely use Asia Pioneer again for future Asia trips.

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Alex Miller - United Kingdom
Mar 1, 2023