Where to cycle in Cambodia? 6 must-see places

Discovering Cambodia by bike is ideal for soaking up the incredible atmosphere of the Cambodian countryside, immersing yourself in the local culture, exploring the fabulous temples of Angkor and admiring at a slow pace the magnificent landscapes of this captivating and endearing country. From a simple stroll to a sportier outing, discover the best places to cycle in Cambodia.

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1. In the Angkor Archaeological Park

Is there not a more beautiful bike ride than the one that allows you to discover the fabulous treasures of the Angkor Archaeological Park, an architectural jewel of humanity classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? You will not deny yourself the pleasure of cycling between the majestic temples in the shade of giant Kapok trees to reach architectural wonders buried in the jungle like that of Ta Prohm.

It will also be an opportunity to tour the countryside by bike, so that you can taste the legendary Khmer hospitality from village to village and explore isolated temples, far from the tourist hustle and bustle, like the magnificent temple of Banteay Srei, one of the jewels of Angkorian art known for the finesse and complexity of its sculptures.

2. On the Koh Dach Island 

Located at the gates of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, the charming Koh Dach Island or Silk Island is a perfect destination for those who want to discover Cambodian country life by bike at a slow pace, as if frozen for eternity. This small almond-shaped island, rocked by the waters of the legendary Mekong River, is known for its many weavers who make silk and cotton textiles.

Cycling along the island's small paths, you will be able to observe village women busy on their ancient looms nestled under beautiful houses on stilts of traditional Khmer architecture. Also worth seeing on the island are sparkling pagodas, some vestiges of the French presence and at the Northern tip of the island a seasonal beach where you can cool off and contemplate the magnificent sunset.

3. In the Kratie region

From the charming Kratie Town, head North to Kampi, located about fifteen kilometers away. Leave your bikes behind and embark on a wooden motorized pirogue to go and observe the Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins, a species unfortunately in danger of extinction due to the many dams built upstream on the Mekong.

At the Southern entrance to Kratie City, you have the opportunity to go by bike to the pagoda of Wat Roka Kandal, probably one of the oldest pagodas remaining in Cambodia. Founded at the beginning of the 19th century, it has since been partly restored but its nave has retained its framework and its 30 wooden pillars. Another beautiful walk is to cross the Mekong by boat to go to the magnificent Koh Trong located just opposite Kratie. The small paths of the island reveal a delicious Khmer peasant authenticity and the views of the Mekong, the floating fishing villages are magical at sunset.

4. In the Kampot countryside

This pleasant river town located on the banks of the eponymous river and at the foot of the Elephant Massif is the starting point for superb bike rides in one of the most photogenic countrysides of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The Kampot countryside reveals splendid carpets of rice fields bristling with sugar palms, one of the emblems of Cambodia.

You can observe peasant life in the rice fields at your leisure, especially in December during the harvest, discover the hamlets drowned in the vegetation of the Cham ethnic fishing community, explore some caves and admire the mirrors held up by the salt marshes where the sky is reflected.

5. Ascent of the plateau of the Preah Monivong National Park

The more athletic will try to climb the plateau of the Preah Monivong National Park, located about ten kilometers from Kampot. The plateau, accessible after 33 km of mountain road, was home to a climatic station at the time of the French colony, of Bokor. The climb offers you sublime panoramas of the Gulf of Thailand and the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc.

At the summit, you can admire some vestiges of the French presence including a church, a few houses, the old town hall which became the residence of King Monivong and the old casino converted into a flashy hotel. To recover from this demanding climb, go and cool off in the Popokvil waterfalls hidden in the heart of the jungle.

6. In the countryside of Kampong Cham

The must-do bike ride from this quiet river town is to go to Koh Paen Island by taking the famous bamboo bridge of nearly 800 meters, the longest in the world. It’s an island where you can enjoy discovering a touching rural Cambodia between orchards, rice fields, fields, seasonal beaches and traditional wooden houses on stilts.

Still by bike, you can go to the rubber plantations of Chup, which were the largest in Cambodia during the French colony, to the pre-Angkorian Buddhist temple dating from the 11th century of Wat Nokor and to the legendary hills Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey which offer a magnificent 360-degree panorama of the entire Kampong Cham region.

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