Cycling in Cambodia travel guide

A Cambodia cycling vacation typically spends no more than a few days in the cities, instead embracing the potential for adventure that comes with taking rural backroads. While it’s good exercise of course, especially if you opt for a more laborious itinerary, the focus is very much on absorbing the local culture rather than racing for the finish line – you won’t see many fellow riders wearing lycra. Traveling by bike makes it easy to escape the main tourist trail and get a more authentic insight into communities and landscapes that don’t tend to see many visitors.

We also offer family cycling vacations in Cambodia. Most are suitable for children aged 10 and up, with reduced daily distances. Some families with younger children may prefer to miss locations such as the Killing Fields near Phnom Penh. And if you’d like to expand your horizons, why not opt for a multi-country Indochina route that encompasses Vietnam and possibly even Thailand, too?

On full cycling days you will travel anywhere from 20km to 85km depending on the grade you select, but the pace is generally relaxed throughout, so you can stop for a break or to snap a photo whenever you want. The terrain is predominantly quite flat, but more adventurous routes might see you tackling a mountain, such as in Bokor National Park. It is the climate that tends to prove most challenging; Cambodia’s dry season sees daytime temperatures of up to 40°C, while in the wet season regular downpours and thick mud in some areas can make the going tough.

Cambodia is probably not an entry-level destination for a cycling vacation, but given the generally flat terrain and that most itineraries offer a relaxed pace padded with rest days, neither is it especially challenging. It’s the landscape, the culture and history that will take your breath away here, not the exertion. Most of the time you will be traveling through peaceful rural areas, where heavy traffic means a truculent water buffalo blocking the road, but cycling in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is a very different experience of course. The sheer level of traffic, and the ‘organised chaos’ that ensues, make it necessary to board the support vehicle and wait for quieter roads before getting back in the saddle.

Opt for an easy tour if you like to see and do plenty, but can live without the burning thighs, thanks anyway. You’ll be maintaining a steady pace throughout, with plenty of rest days and others where you’ll be out of the saddle by lunchtime. These itineraries have an intense focus on culture – you won’t be riding every day but you will always be out and about, whether that’s kayaking on the river, wandering a floating market on foot, or sightseeing in Siem Reap by private van.

Groups are provided with lightweight, robust and geared mountain bikes able to cope well with both on- and off-road conditions.

Essentials you will need to bring include your helmet, water bottle and gloves. You may want to pack a gel seat, and some chamois cream probably won’t go amiss either. Long trousers and tops with sleeves are required when visiting temples.

“The hotels we use in Cambodia are normally 3-star, all have air con, and usually a pool too – handy in the hot season. Our dinners are in NGO-connected social enterprise restaurants that provide vocational training for young Cambodians – and the food is very tasty too, always a bonus!”