Cambodia Package: Wings & Wheels 10-Day Cycling and Birdwatching Journey

Highlights of the Trip

Take the trip of a lifetime on our 10-day Wings & Wheels Cambodia package, tailor-made for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and avid cyclists alike. Your Cambodia travel itinerary begins in the captivating city of Siem Reap, where you’ll spend a full day unravelling the mysteries of iconic Angkor temples, culminating in a breath-taking sunset view from the summit of Pre Rup Temple.

That’s just the beginning this unique expedition. Your path leads you to the enchanting Tonle Sap, where you’ll explore the intricate floating village of Chong Kneas and discover the avian wonders of the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary. A short flight takes you to Phnom Penh where you can immerse yourself in Cambodia’s rich heritage, visiting the National Museum and the Silver Pagoda. As the sun stoops below the horizon, relish the tranquil beauty of the Chaktomuk River by sunset cruise.

Next, prepare to venture off the beaten path as you journey to Chi Phat for a homestay experience. Swim and unwind in the waters of Chhay Chrey and learn about the vital reforestation efforts and conservation of Cardamom forests. Witness the mesmerising sunset from Bold Mountain here, too.

Then the real adventure begins with a 3-day mountain biking expedition. Pedal your way through diverse landscapes, from O’Ampov campsite to Angkorian burial sites, passing by Dragon Fish River, Bat Cave, and Teuk Vet Waterfall among other sights. Explore O’Peam Krovanh River, Veal Ta Prak, and stay at Damnak Bird Watching Campsite.

Leaving your bikes behind, take a breakfast & bird-watching cruise along the Stoeng Prat River, promising close encounters with Cambodia’s avian treasures. Conclude the trip with a mesmerising sunset at Phnom Trangoil and a peaceful night in Chi Phat before your departure the following day.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, keen bird watcher, mountain biking aficionado or all three, this tour offers a unique blend of niche opportunities to experience the culture, history, nature, and breathtaking scenery of Cambodia from a special perspective.

To discover more of our Cambodia travel packages explore our website or contact us on +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Siem Reap

• Angkor Temples: Explore the Bayon Temple, Baphoun, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, and Ta Prohm temple. Discover the magnificent Angkor Wat at sunset.

Phnom Penh

• National Museum: Specifically designed to showcase the country’s glorious past and its vast collection of ancient artifacts and cultural relics.
• Silver Pagoda: Also known as Wat Preah Keo or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, this is a dazzling and significant Buddhist temple located in the royal palace complex of Phnom Penh.

Koh Kong

• Chhay Chrey: Accompanied by a local guide, you will swim and relax in this beautiful area.
• Bold Mountain: A breath-taking peak that offers stunning views of the city. Marvel at the striking sunset from this peak.
• Bat Cave and  Waterfall: A chance to immerse yourself in nature.
• Teuk Vet: A beautiful waterfall.
• O’Malu Waterfall: This enchanting waterfall is located in a secluded area, surrounded by lush green forest and majestic mountains.
• Veal Ta Prak: Hike to this beautiful destination to see the serene pond.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary, which spans over 42,000 hectares, is a crucial breeding ground for various species of birds, including the critically endangered lesser adjutant.

Reforestation Project Nursery: Here you can learn about this crucial project and plant a tree.

Explore a post-Angkorian Burial Jar Site: This site is a significant historical landmark that holds great cultural and archaeological value.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Cambodia

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including fish amok, a creamy and fragrant dish made with freshwater fish, coconut milk, and a variety of herbs and spices. Another popular dish is lok lak, which consists of marinated beef served with a tangy and sweet sauce, often accompanied by a fried egg on top. For those looking for a vegetarian option, a delicious choice is bai sach chrouk, a simple but flavourful breakfast dish made with grilled pork, rice, and pickled vegetables.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Tonle Sap Lake, explore this magnificent fresh water lake. 

Cruise through the floating village in Chong Kneas.

Sunset cruise on the Chaktomuk River.

Visit Dragon Fish River.

Swim in the Stung Pruit River. 

Embrace a bird-watching trip along the Stoeng Prat River by traditional rowboat for two hours and motorboat for one hour.

Accommodation of this Tour

Phnom Penh: Home Chic Hotel (Well located hotel with a nice swimming pool – Superior room).

Siem Reap: King Rock Boutique Hotel (A boutique hotel in the city centre, features spacious room and a nice swimming pool – Deluxe room).

Chi Phat: Homestay or tent (basic accommodation).

Itinerary

Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival

Arrive at Siem Reap airport. Meet your guide for transfer to your hotel in city centre. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2: Angkor Wat Temples Tour

Enjoy breakfast. Spend today at the Temples of Angkor. Start in ancient city of Angkor Thom, visiting monuments such as the Bayon Temple, Baphoun, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Then travel to explore the Ta Prohm temple (the ‘Tomb Raider’ temple). Visit Angkor Wat and enjoy the breathtaking sunset from the top of Pre Rup Temple.

(Adjust your itinerary to suit your interests. If you’d like to include more temple visits or fewer temple visits in favour of more free time, we can adapt the itinerary.)

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Tonle Sap Lake Tour

An early start for a visit to Tonle Sap, the largest natural lake in Southeast Asia. Visit the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, famously important for its eight species of bird: Milky Stork, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Adjutant, Oriental Darter, Grey-headed Fish-Eagle, and Lesser Adjutant. Enjoy either lunch in a Prek Toal Village or a picnic lunch box.

Late afternoon, board the boat back to Siem Reap and cruise through the floating village in Chong Kneas.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Phnom Penh Transfer Flight & City Tour

Enjoy breakfast. Transfer to airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. Arrive at Pochentong Airport in Phnom Penh. Be greeted by your guide. Transfer to hotel to check in. Have lunch. Visit the National Museum and Silver Pagoda. Round off the evening with a sunset cruise on the Chaktomuk River.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Chi Phat Transfer, Chhay Chrey & Visit the Reforestation Project Nursery

This morning, you will be accompanied by your friendly guide and driver to Chi Phat in Koh Kong, arriving around noon. You will have lunch before they escort you to your homestay where you can relax and refresh.

In the afternoon, take a short walk with a local guide to Chhay Chrey – approx. 2km to swim and relax. Then take a motorbike taxi transfer to the Reforestation Project Nursery to learn about the reforestation project. (Optional) Plant a tree and contribute to the Conservation of the Cardamoms. Following this, take the motorbike taxi to Bold Mountain to view the spectacular sunset over the mountains.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Mountain Bike Tour of O’Ampov Campsite, O’Spott River, Bat Cave & Waterfall

Have breakfast at your hotel. Set off on a mountain bike ride to O’Ampov Campsite. En route, visit O’Spott (Dragon Fish River), Bat Cave & Waterfall, and the Teuk Vet (Curve River) Waterfall. Stop for lunch at the O’Ampov Campsite. After lunch, trek approx. 2.5km to a post-Angkorian burial jar site.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 7: Mountain Bike Tour of O’Peamn Krovanh, O’Malu Campsite & Waterfall

Enjoy an early breakfast. Set off by mountain bike to O’Peam Krovanh – approx. 12km. Eat lunch on the bank of the O’Peam Krovanh River (Cardamom Tree River). Then continue biking to reach O’Malu campsite – approx. 11km. Here, you can swim and relax as you please at the O’Malu Waterfall.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Mountain Bike Tour of O’Kay, Veal Ta Park, Bird-Watching Campsite & Stung Fruit River

Have breakfast and take a short cycling route to O’Kay – approx. 3.5km. Leave your mountain bikes behind and hike to Veal Ta Prak to see the pond. Then trek on towards Antea Prang campsite where you will have lunch. Continue your trek and by late afternoon reach Damnak Kos Bird-watching Campsite. There will be time for a swim in the Stung Pruit River before dinner.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 9: Boat Tour of Stoeng Prat River, Chi Phat Bike Transfer & Phnom Trangoil

Leave the campsite early and enjoy a bird-watching trip along the Stoeng Prat River by traditional rowboat for two hours and motorboat for one hour. You will be given good quality binoculars and life jackets on the boat and breakfast will be served. Arrive in Chi Phat and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, take the motorbike taxi to Phnom Trangoil to see the awe-inspiring sunset views.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 10: Departure Flight

After breakfast, leave Chi Phat and travel to Phnom Penh in plenty of time to connect with your departure flight.

✓ Breakfast.

To discover more of our Cambodia travel packages or design your dream Cambodia travel itinerary, explore our website or contact us on +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com

Price

£2,030

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap, transfer to hotel, leisure time.

Day 2: Explore Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm temple, visit Angkor Wat, sunset at Pre Rup Temple.

Day 3: Visit Tonle Sap Lake, explore Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary and Chong Kneas floating village.

Day 4: Fly to Phnom Penh, visit National Museum and Silver Pagoda, sunset cruise on Chaktomuk River.

Day 5: Transfer to Chi Phat, explore Chhay Chrey and Reforestation Project Nursery.

Day 6: Mountain bike tour to O’Ampov Campsite, O’Spott River, Bat Cave, and Waterfall.

Day 7: Bike tour to O’Peamn Krovanh, O’Malu Campsite, and Waterfall.

Day 8: Bike tour to O’Kay, Veal Ta Park, Bird-Watching Campsite, and Stung Fruit River.

Day 9: Boat tour along Stoeng Prat River, Chi Phat bike transfer, sunset at Phnom Trangoil.

Day 10: Departure from Phnom Penh after breakfast.

FAQs

1. Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
   • Yes, the tour offers a variety of activities, including biking and trekking, with options for different fitness levels.
2. What is included in the Tonle Sap Lake tour?
   • The tour includes a visit to the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a boat cruise through the floating village in Chong Kneas, and either lunch in Prek Toal Village or a picnic lunch box.
3. Can I customize the itinerary to suit my interests?
   • Absolutely! The itinerary can be adjusted to include more temple visits or allow for more free time according to your preferences.
4. What accommodations are provided during the Chi Phat transfer and subsequent tours?
   • Accommodations include a homestay in Chi Phat and camping at various campsites during the biking and trekking tours.
5. Are meals included throughout the tour?
   • Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided each day, featuring a mix of local cuisine and picnic-style meals.
6. Do I need to bring my own equipment for biking and trekking?
   • No, all necessary equipment, including mountain bikes, helmets, and safety gear, will be provided for biking tours. However, it’s recommended to bring appropriate footwear and clothing for trekking.
7. What transportation is provided between destinations?
   • Transportation includes airport transfers, flights between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, motorbike taxis for local transfers, and traditional rowboats and motorboats for river tours.