Exploring ancient Angkor temples by bike

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.