Things to do in Cambodia

Exploring ancient Angkor temples by bike

By Sam Art Kim

Operations Manager, Asian Trails, Alfred&’s partner in Cambodia

Angkor Wat Temple

On this cycling tour, you’ll spend the day pedalling around Angkor, the world’s largest temple complex. Guests really enjoy the eco-friendly aspect of this trip, getting to cycle through the scenic grounds. The day begins at 7.30am, when a local guide will greet you at the hotel. From there, it’s a short ride to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the great Khmer Empire, which is surrounded by high stone walls.

The highlights at Angkor Thom include an avenue lined with 108 hand-carved mythological statues (this is a holy number in Mahayana Buddhism) and Bayon Temple in the centre of the old city. This one has 54 towers decorated with beautiful faces, which represent the 54 provinces of the fallen empire. The elephant terrace is a popular photo spot, featuring dozens of statues and carvings of the animals. We’ll have time to make a few more stops, including at Baphuon and Phimeanakas temples before lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit perhaps the most popular Angkor temple, Ta Prohm, which many people know from the Tomb Raider films. The crumbling remains are entwined with trees and vines, so it looks like you’ve just stumbled across secret ruins while walking through the jungle. As the tour continues, you’ll get to see quieter temples that are often overlooked by tourists, including Banteay Kdei. The adventure ends at Pre Rup Temple, where the sunset makes the bricks glow with golden light.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
by Siobhan Henderson

Length11 Days

Price range£3,500 - £3,750pp

Alfred & Sam Art Kim

Sam Art Kim began his career in the tourism industry as a private driver, before working as a representative at the tourist information centre in Siem Reap Airport. He joined Asian Trails in 2005 and is passionate about providing innovative tours for guests that showcase Cambodia’s unique culture, architecture and traditions.

Sam Art Kim, Siem Reap temple biking tour guide

Alfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like James, who's travelled extensively in Cambodia. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the celebrity chef who can help you to rustle up home cooked Khmer meals, the guide who can show you the less-touristed parts of Angkor Wat and the locals who can give you a real insight into traditional village life.

James Davinson

Asia Travel Expert for Alfred&

James has spent the last 12 years travelling throughout Asia, including time exploring the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia. He has long been fascinated by Asian culture, the fantastic cuisines and the welcoming people found on his favourite continent. But his passion for diving has fuelled many of his most memorable experiences here. Sharing the water with Thresher sharks, off the coast of tiny Malapascua Island in the Philippines, being an all-time high point.
Chef Nak

Celebrity Chef and Cookbook Author

Nak is Cambodia’s first female celebrity chef, a cookbook author and star of the TV show, Lunchtime with Chef Nak. Her mission is to preserve Khmer culture through food and her first cookbook, Nhum (which means 'to eat'), features 80 traditional recipes. Nak has her own menu at Phnom Penh’s prestigious Rosewood Hotel and consults for organisations like UNICEF on improving nutrition in Cambodia. Currently, Nak is working on a second cookbook that provides a different window into Khmer cuisine.
Sam Art Kim

Operations Manager, Asian Trails, Alfred&’s partner in Cambodia

Sam Art Kim began his career in the tourism industry as a private driver, before working as a representative at the tourist information centre in Siem Reap Airport. He joined Asian Trails in 2005 and is passionate about providing innovative tours for guests that showcase Cambodia’s unique culture, architecture and traditions.
Kim Nou

CEO, Maisons Wat Kor

Kim Nou initially trained as a food chemistry engineer while working part-time in the tourism and hospitality field. However, realising his passion for the industry, he went on to work for a well-known French tour operator for over 25 years across Cambodia. In 2013, Kim Nou launched Maisons Wat Kor with the aim of preserving traditional Khmer culture and is hoping to open a new hotel in Siem Reap in the coming years.
Benjamin Lehmann

General Manager, Farmhouse Smiling Gecko

Benjamin Lehmann hails from Switzerland and has vast experience in the hotel industry. He studied at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne, regarded as the world’s best hospitality school. He has lived in Asia for 7 years, managing luxury brands in Koh Samui and Phuket in southern Thailand before moving to Cambodia. Benjamin is passionate about sustainability and believes in putting people and the environment at the centre of his work.
Chinda Ney

Siem Reap branch manager, Asian Trails, Alfred&'s partner in Cambodia

Chinda lives in Siem Reap and has worked in the travel and tourism industry for over 15 years. Her experience includes working for high-end hotels and as a hospitality and tourism teacher. Chinda is now the Asian Trails branch manager for Siem Reap and is passionate about providing stellar tours for guests that showcase Cambodia’s unique culture. Chinda also loves to travel and has explored much of Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Singapore and Malaysia.