Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: Cycling, Hiking & Kayaking of the Mekong River

We are leaving the hustling city of Phnom Penh in the morning, which is a spectacle, with thousands of motor scooters competing for space among larger vehicles with various cargo. The scene unfolds into flat, open plains with stunning green rice fields, surrounded by the Sugar Palm, a beloved Cambodian arboreal plant. Starting from a small town, we ride through villages and farmlands, surrounded by excited children who greet us with warmth. We will have plenty of stops to interact with locals and explore their daily jobs. As we cross over the mighty Mekong by ferry to a little island, Koh Pen, known as a fruity island, a surprise is the man-made bamboo bridge that is re-erected yearly. Lunch is a last leg away before we shuttle to the air-conditioned vehicle for our aura facade-colonised building accommodation.  

As you awoke in the French colonial building with a serene, and charming garden surrounded by lush greenery and the soft chirping of birds, you felt a sense of peace and relaxation wash over you. The breakfast will be served in the beautiful wooden open house. We hit the road today just across the river by a short ferry crossing. The journey ahead promised to be an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery on the red road. Today we will hop on one of the islands on the Mekong, where a home-hosted lunch awaits. Koh Trong is one of the famous pomelo farms; you can try out one of two to test, or you can order the family to cook one dish for you. We then embark on the last ferry, crossing over for a short drive back to the hotel.

Today is an awe-inspiring journey. As a routine breakfast at the charming wooden house, we then settle for a transfer to the conservation center of the Irrawaddy dolphin, and the river adventure is awaiting. We will give up the bike for our hands and exercise by paddling through the river. As we are kayaking down-stream toward the conserved pool of those magnificent creatures, we will enjoy the tranquil flooded forest and a few little islands. We pull over for indigenous snacks that you can try out. We will have a simple lunch before we continue our journey in our transport to the next rustic-designed resort by the riverside for our overnight stay. In the evening, we can unwind by taking a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and witnessing a breathtaking sunset. 

The fishermen got up early to collect the fish from the overnight trap. They were eager to sell their catch at the market. Perhaps they will wake you up from their motorboat engine, and you can just look out from your window or walk down to help them. It is a great morning to start our day with a hot cup of tea from the yard while the vibrant dawn is slowly lighting up. Today our excursion is about kayaking and river activities. We drive up north, and from there we will kayak through the wetland conservation area, RAMSAR. After over three hours on this pristine river, we will have a chance to swim. We will then return to our resort, tired but exhilarated from our adventure.

You will miss the Mekong, but there are a lot more beautiful and neat places to explore. After our breakfast, we will pack up and be ready to roll out. Our two-wheel mount is waiting for us across the river. After you visited the busy local market, those caught fish were put on sale here, and we then got on our journey again. Today is about to relax and enjoy your path riding on tar with a serene landscape of the upland region of the country. Surprisingly, we will overnight in the stronghold area during the 1990s in Cambodia. From here, it is a place to understand more about the history of the region and its significance. Upon arrival, we will explore the lost civilization that today became the world heritage of UNESCO. The Koh Ker group is among the most prominent archaeological sites in Cambodia, known for its stunning ancient temples and structures. As we wander through the ruins, we will witness the grandeur and architectural brilliance of the Khmer Empire. The intricate carvings and towering pyramids will bring us back in time, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of this once-thriving civilization.

A day starts with the crowing of a rooster, leading to an early journey to witness the stunning temple at dawn. The tour begins from the hotel, featuring a visit to Angkor Wat, celebrated as the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey includes visits to major sites such as the south gate of Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple, with a knowledgeable guide offering insights into the history and significance of each location. Following this, you will engage in an exhilarating biking trip that features single mountain bike trails throughout the park, allowing for breathtaking views along the way. After a fulfilling day, we will return to the hotel for rest. This biking adventure offers a unique perspective on the ancient ruins and their natural surroundings, making it an unforgettable experience for all. This tour is ideal for those wishing to delve into the rich history and natural beauty of Angkor Park.

Wake up in the fresh day and charming city of Siem Reap. After breakfast, we will hop in an interesting transportation that is only available in Cambodia and troll around to a landmine project that adopted African giant pouched rats to sniff the landmine. Followed by a visit to the local handicraft of Fare Trade village or similar.