Cambodia’s capital doesn’t feature so much in the way of big tourist sights but there is the Royal Palace and a stroll along the riverfront is pleasant enough. If you’re interested in Khmer Rouge history, you can go see the sobering Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison. Phnom Penh is also the only place in Cambodia you’re likely to find a decent bike mechanic and, like Siem Reap, there are plenty of restaurants and hotels where you can treat yourself after a few days out in the wilds.
Day 1: Arriving Phnom Penh
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, meet your guide and transfer to town. With ochre-colored colonial buildings, bustling squares, trendy cafés, and frangipani-lined boulevards and situation at the confluence of Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap River, Phnom Penh offers nice biking loops. Overnight in Phnom Penh
Day 2: Phnom Penh (35 km biking)
After breakfast, travel on National Road 2 for a scenic biking trip along the rural outskirts to Kean Spay before looping back to Phnom Penh. Enjoy daily local life including the tradition of weaving scarf and sarongs. In the afternoon, scout on a city tour to visit the National Museum which houses Khmer art and sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history; the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom and home to the Silver Pagoda, so-named because its floor is made up of 5,000 silver tiles; and the Tuol Sleng Museum for atrocities committed under the Khmer Rogue regime. End the day riding along Mekong riverbank before sunset. Overnight in Phnom Penh (B)
Day 3: Phnom Penh (44 km biking)
After breakfast at your hotel, cycle to Udong, the capital of Cambodia between 1618 and 1866, and now a quiet town (expect a mix of paved and broken roads).Still, Udong boasts impressive Khmer architecture from the glory days. The ruins are sprinkled across two ridges. The smaller has two ruined buildings, several stupas and the remains of Ta San Mosque. A 16th century treasure is supposed to be hidden below the larger ridge, which is topped by the scattered ruins of a sanctuary and Buddha statue, blown up by the Khmer Rouge in 1977. Surrounding the ruins are some still intact smaller viharas, stupas and Buddhas. At the base of the ridge is a memorial to victims of Khmer Rouge. Climb the stairway to the temple ground for a panoramic view of the countryside. A packed lunch before driving back to town with the option to stop at a village to enjoy rustic local life. Overnight in Phnom Penh (B, L)
Day 4: Phnom Penh (50km biking)
Travel to a quiet road before cycling through countryside with several stops along the way for snacks before reaching Tonle Bati Temple, a recreation area for Khmers. Although busy during the weekends, the site is quiet and peaceful during the week. Tonle Bati is an Angkorian-style temple that remains largely intact. Pedal 20km more to Phnom Chisor temple, constructed of literate and brick with carved lintels of sandstone, and surrounded by partially ruined walls of a 2.5m-wide gallery with windows. Cycle back to town. Overnight in Phnom Penh (B, L)
Day 5: Phnom Penh
Free at your leisure until transfer to the airport for your onward flight. End of service (B)
