Highlights
- Explore the ancient ruins of Angkor by bicycle
- Climb Mt. Kulen and swim under a waterfall
- Go out on the town in Siem Reap
- Learn how to cook traditional Khmer delicacies in a local village
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia |
| Day 2 | Discover Angkor's secret trails by bike |
| Day 3 | Hike up the holy Mt. Kulen |
| Day 4 | Visit a village, learn to farm and cook Khmer-style |
Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Arrive in Siem Reap, where you'll meet your guide at the airport. After a quick 20-minute drive to your hotel in town, take the evening to explore all this bustling city has to offer. Wander through the colorful night market, sample Cambodian cuisine from street vendors and local restaurants, indulge in a foot massage, or check out Siam Reap's funky art galleries. Ready for more? Bask in the luxury of the Press Club, or take on the lively nightlife of Pub Street and beyond.
Day 2: Discover Angkor's Secret Trails by Bike
Discover Cambodia's majestic, UNESCO-protected ancient city of Angkor by bicycle. Built to simulate Mount Meru, the home of Hindu gods, Angkor was the capital of the medieval Khmer Empire and was once the largest city in the world. The sprawling stone complex is full of symmetry, intricate detail, and religious symbolism, and features hundreds of surviving temples and the remnants of a sophisticated canal system. The 21.7-mile (35 km) bike ride will take you through the jungle on dirt paths, encountering the magnificent temple ruins of Ta Prohm and Bayon. Cycle through the 1,000-year-old Victoria Gate at Angkor Thom and continue on to the Terrace of the Elephants. Following lunch, explore the iconic Angkor Wat temple.
Later in the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Cambodia's more recent history and the tragedies of the brutal Pol Pot regime. Let your guide know if you'd like to make an optional visit to a memorial for those massacred in the Killing Fields before returning to Siem Reap. If you'd prefer a more lighthearted afternoon, continue straight on to your hotel to cool down in the pool. Spend your evening exploring Siem Reap.
Day 3: Hike Mt. Kulen and Swim Under a Waterfall
Climb beautiful Mt. Kulen, located just half an hour north of Angkor Wat. The mountain is considered holy in Cambodia, and is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. It is here that the stone was quarried to build the temples of Angkor. As you hike up the trail on this short three-hour trek, you'll have sweeping views of the Angkor plains below. Along the way, you'll discover more temple ruins and visit a giant reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom. You'll find 1000-year-old lingas, or carvings representing the Hindu god Shiva, etched into the river bed at Kbal Spean. Make your way to a 33-foot-tall (10 m) waterfall, and cool off with a swim before heading back down the mountain.
Day 4: Learn to Farm and Cook Like a Local
After breakfast, you'll take a short drive from Siem Reap to a nearby village where you'll see traditional farmers practicing their trades. Learn how the locals weave baskets, go net fishing, and farm vegetables, rice, and native fruits. Cook a flavorful Khmer-style lunch with the guidance of a professional chef. You'll prepare an unforgettable meal using locally grown, organic produce on meticulously clean cooking stations. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the village before heading to the airport for your departing flight.