Full Day Angkor Temples by Bicycle

Few sites have drawn culturally-minded, photographers and those interested in the historical value much as the Angkor temples in the heart of Cambodia. Revered for its expansive size, its plethora of temple ruins and palaces and the story behind the Angkor Archaeological Site, it now stands tall as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites…and for good reasons. During this day, we bike from highlight to highlight, guided by a professional English-speaking guide.

Your biking guide will be ready at your hotel early in the morning where you will be receiving your bicycles for the day. After some adjustments to fit your height, we are ready to move into the Angkor complex after obtaining the much-needed entrance pass to enter this magical place, covering hundreds of square kilometres in the past and was home to close to one million residents. We only take the most important temples during this full day.

Start your tour to the most spectacular temples at Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII and one of the most important ancient cities. This city is surrounded by an 8-meter high wall, drawing a perfect square. Depending on the route and trying to avoid the crowd, we entrance through ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces, may indicate something special awaits. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake.

From here, we follow our guide and pedal to the Bayon Temple in the exact centre of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the former Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants, The Phimeanakas and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are all known for their intricate bas-reliefs. To enter one of the Royal sites at Angkor Thom – the Baphuon – one requires to be properly dressed before entering. Your guide can explain the requirements to enter this holy site.

We enjoy a local lunch at a restaurant near Srah Srang and the perfect time for a break to let all the impressions sink in as we have still an afternoon coming up. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Combined with the Banteay Kdei, one of less-accessible temples, your afternoon really starts out in the same line as the morning. Taking in the smaller temple complexes completes your day such as Sras Srong and Kravan Temple cast a whole new light and shine because of their unique construction. It is time to head back to your hotel and your choice to end the day on your bike or comfortably drive back aboard your support vehicle.