Exploring Cambodia by Bicycle
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When you think of a faraway trip to a country like Cambodia, your first thought might be a bus trip or an individual tour. But distant destinations are also easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, and an active vacation in Cambodia is a very special experience. With a bicycle tour you will get to places where tourists do not easily go and you will learn a lot about the rich history and culture. Furthermore, the stunningly beautiful landscapes with unique villages and towns will be even more delightful to experience when you travel by bike.
Exploring Cambodia by bicycle is a great way to get to know the country up close. You cycle through small Khmer villages where time seems to have stood still and along vast rice fields. The bicycle is the only form of transportation for many Cambodians, so contact with the locals is quickly made.
In Cambodia you immerse yourself in a completely different world. For example, you get to know the world-famous temple complex Angkor Wat, the majestic Mekong River, and the beautiful, unspoiled coast of southern Cambodia.
A well-known cycling route is from the infamous Killing Fields near Phnom Penh, along the Mekong River, through villages, ancient Khmer temples and children running enthusiastically with you to the jungle-infested temples at Siem Reap.
We recommend taking a few days to see all the temples around Siem Reap. You can also go cycling along Lake Tonlé Sap. And a day trip around Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is also great fun to do.
What are the bike paths like in Cambodia?
The country has vast plains, as well as the higher Cardamom Mountains. So both beginners and experienced cyclists or mountain bikers can go for an active cycling vacation in Cambodia; there are cycling routes in every level. 
The roads in Cambodia are not equally good everywhere, sometimes they are paved, sometimes unpaved, but you always cycle through beautiful nature including rubber plantations and fields of soybean plants.
How to organize a cycling vacation in Cambodia?
There are several ways to book a cycling vacation in Cambodia. You can join an organized tour in Cambodia: often short cycling tours of one or more days are part of the itinerary. For example this popular 12 Day Cycle Angkor to the Beaches Cycling Tour in Cambodia or a 5 Day Angkor Cycling Adventure in Siem Reap.
Alternatively, you have the option to travel solo. This approach demands a bit more preparation, yet it offers complete autonomy over your journey.
Best travel time for a cycling holiday
The rainy season, commonly referred to as the monsoon season, commences in April or May and lasts until November. Throughout this period, Cambodia receives approximately 75% of its annual rainfall. The nature of these rains can vary. They can appear as brief, intense downpours swiftly followed by sunshine. On other occasions, they linger, causing steady rain for days on end.
For travelers considering a Cambodian cycle holiday, the period spanning from December to early April is often recommended as the best travel window. However, it's worth noting that March and April can be very hot, which may be overwhelming for some.