The road to Angkor Wat is flat, so on that score it's pretty easy to bike. But it is rather long. It's 8 km to Angkor Wat, roughly another 8 km for the small circuit, and then finally 8 km going back to town.
Once you're at the Angkor Archeological Park, there are many signs directing you where to go. So it's easy to figure out where you next temple is.
Tips on biking to Angkor Wat
Having biked to Angkor myself, there are several things, and tips, that I think could make your biking experience more enjoyable (mine too, if I came up with this list sooner).
1. Get the right bike
This is probably what saved my life. I used a mountain bike, the one with multiple gears. Plus, my bike has a basket in the front where I put my backpack.
2. Get your temple itinerary straight
Since the Angkor Park is huge, you should make note on which temples you'd like to see. Even if you're going by tuktuk, they divided the visit into two: the big tour, and the small tour (petit or grand circuit).
With bike, it makes even more sense to prune and be ruthless with your choice of temples. It’s much better to enjoy the temples in leisure than try to see everything with an already tired body.
3. Bring an extra clothes for change
You will sweat like you never before. In addition to the actual physical exercise of biking, you have the added factor of the famously hot Cambodian sun. Most likely, your top will be totally wet, which could be uncomfortable.
4. Bring enough water
Bring only enough, because carrying too many water bottles will slow you down, and plus, there are lots of people selling cold water around.
5. Lunch within the park
When people visit the temples by any other types of transportation, they usually go back to Siem Reap for lunch and siesta. But since you're biking, it doesn't make sense to go back to town, then back after lunch to continue to visit. Well, unless you're really fit, then of course nothing is stopping you.
There are lots of great places for a relaxing lunch in the park.
So in short…
The whole point of biking to Angkor Wat is to enjoy it, and have a great time while doing it. Which is why I think a good level of fitness is a must.
Also, I would not really recommend biking there for first time Angkor visitors. THere's so much to see on your first day, and if you're biking and making yourself tired, you won't be able to enjoy the temples as much.
Enjoy!
Travel Cambodia – Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat, Sihanoukville
Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through 1980, the Khmer Rouge ruled the country, fanatics bent on genocide. Millions were killed and the period was put to film in the movie, “The Killing Fields.” Fortunately, those days are over and the country is becoming a tourist destination.
Cambodia is a land of incredible contrast. Thick forest, mountains and pristine rivers compliment amazing white beaches. When you get down to it, however, travelers know Cambodia for two things, Angkor Wat and the nastiest roads around. But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. The city is a combination of old French beauty and modern condominiums. The city is full of amazing Wats [Buddist monasteries], including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and Wat Moha Montrei. Modern buildings surround these monasteries and it’s difficult to avoid a feeling that the old ways are being lost.
Still, the vibrancy of the city is impressive considering the fact that it was completely abandoned for three years in the last 70s. During this period, the Khmer Rouge tried to return the Cambodian people to their agricultural heritage and evacuated all cities. The only exception, of course, is Tuol Sleng, a high school used to torture and kill “enemies of the state.” Just beyond the city, one will also find the infamous killing fields where thousands upon thousands were put to death.
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is a small, sleepy village on the Southwest edge of Cambodia. Fairly undeveloped, the area is an oasis similar to the beaches of Thailand. The difference, however, is the lack of tourists. Depending on the time of year, the beaches can be more or less empty and privacy assured. Rooms run between $5 and $15 a night and come with private bathrooms. If you are looking to lounge professionally, Sihanoukville is a very good place to do it.
Angkor Wat
Stunning. There is no other word for the temples of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a temple surrounded by hundreds of others. Each is unique and worth a look. The most famous are Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Phrom. Angkor Wat is in the best shape as well as the most known. The Bayon is impressive, but the constant mob of tourist makes it a pain to visit. Ta Phrom is amazing because it has been left to the jungle, which is to say trees and the structure have become one in many areas. If you have seen Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie, you have seen Ta Phrom. Personally, I prefer Angkor Wat to the Pyramids in Egypt.
Roads From Hell
Cambodian roads are evil. There is simply no other way to put it. The country is hit by monsoons every year and is still recovering from the Khmer Rouge. This combination has resulted in roads with huge potholes, missing bridges and pretty much the worst elements of Dante’s Hell. Avoid them if at all possible!
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