Overview
There are few places in Southeast Asia that are as family-friendly as Siem Reap. A great variety of activities, some great traffic-free cycling and comfortable, child-friendly accommodation make this a great four days away for any family.
The tour is not just about cycling but aims to combine some exploration by bike with some other great activities and of course, delicious food.
We start by rising very early to see the sunrise over Angkor and then explore during the cool of the morning. We visit a good balance of iconic temples and lesser-known ruins, all the while cycling on the back trails and avoiding the crowds. In the following days, we ride countryside trails and meet the locals who call these areas home. We learn about Cambodian village life and taste some great local snacks. In the evening, a unique circus experience awaits and on your last day in this exciting and charming city we take to a kayak to explore the floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake (note: boat option available for those with very young children).
This is a tour for families of all ages. There is something for everyone!
80 KM riding. This is a predominantly flat ride, but we do encounter a few smaller hills as we ride along the banks and levees. The surface is mostly unsealed as we ride on small paths and trails created by walkers, bicycles or motor-scooters. We spend some time on the road, but this is almost always quiet back roads.
Pedal-assist E-bike will be an available option for this tour, departing from 15 Feb 2020 onwards, for $105 surcharge.
Deposit amount: $400 USD
Single supplement: $390 USD
Highlights
Your family will always remember taking in the sunrise above the spires of Angkor Wat before exploring the temple park.
Pedal back trails through the countryside and visit small villages to learn about daily Cambodian life.
The whole family will love an entertaining acrobatics show by the Phare Circus.
Swap the bikes for kayaks as you paddle the floating villages of Tonle Sap on a fun, active day.
Day to Day
Your driver for the next 4 days will welcome you and your family from the airport and transfer you straight to your evening accommodation for a few hours rest. Taking you straight into the action your guide will pick you up from the hotel in the mid-afternoon and into the Siem Reap countryside where a round of Putt-Putt golf awaits, an Angkor themed 14 hole course will keep the smiles happening for a few hours. As the Putt-Putt champion is crowned we get on the bikes for a short ride into the traditional local villages which surround Siem Reap. Tonight we are welcomed into a family home for a farm to table dining experience. The kids can explore the farm and learn about the ways the different veggies are grown. The meal is prepared fresh from the family garden and served privately for your family giving you the chance to feel right at home.
Today is all about secret adventure. We start the morning bright and early for sunrise at Angkor Wat. After a walk around the ancient monument, we have a private buffet breakfast in the jungle of Angkor, it's here where the real adventure begins as we head deep into the Angkor jungle, away from the crowds and heavy traffic of the park. Go through local communities and find hidden temples amongst the lush jungle. Exploring Bayon and Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple) along the way we end up at our nightly accommodation, a very comfortable homestay, nestled not far from Banteay Srey in time for lunch and a few hour naps. In the mid-afternoon we transfer to a secret lake, a mostly unknown and visited an ancient reservoir which offers some peaceful kayaking in a safe environment. Explore the area with your expert local guide and even stop for a spot of traditional fishing using bamboo rods. After we get out of the lake we transfer back to our comfortable local style property, where we can settle in and host an evening game of soccer for the kids.
Please note: Appropriate dress (knees and shoulders fully covered) is compulsory for entry into certain sections of Angkor Wat, and should also be observed throughout all temple areas for reasons of cultural sensitivity.
We start the morning with a village walk around the homestay area, the perfect chance to spend some time with the friendly locals and try some of their everyday meals like the famous Nom Banh Chok breakfast. We make our way to Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre where the family can explore the incredible range of butterflies that are collected for education at the center. We have an hour or two for a slow pack up at the homestay and a chance for the kids to have another game of soccer. From here we transfer back to Siem Reap, where we have a fun-filled few hours at a local pottery class. With everyone given the chance to make their own take-home gift, we learn the process with plenty of laughs along the way. Whilst our pieces of art are being fired in the kiln we check back into your luxury family hotel and allow some time for a few hours of swimming or nap by the pool.
In the afternoon, after a break back at the hotel, we are in for an acrobatic experience! The Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus is an art and acrobatics NGO in Siem Reap with the aim to revive the culture of arts in Cambodia and train vulnerable Cambodian youth in the art of circus. This afternoon we are students! With the young professionals teaching the family some basic acrobatics and giving the kids a chance to explore the art of circus. We will have dinner on-site before seeing our teachers transform into their roles in the show which is packed with acrobatic stunts which will keep the whole family glued to the performers on stage. With all shows crafted to give some big laughs, the best seats in the house will put you in good stead to be part of the action. When the shows finish, the performers are more than happy to welcome you for a group photo.
Today we are back on the bikes in the Siem Reap city, exploring the Siem Reap countryside stopping along the way at the brand new Fauna In Focus conversation center where the whole family can explore the biodiversity of Cambodia in a fun and interactive way. We then make our way to our friends at Apopo where we learn about the incredible work their African Giant Pouched Rats are doing in helping to detect and remove landmines! Get up close and personal with the not so little critters and watch them do their live-saving thing in a live demonstration (no live explosives used!).
We return to town by car in time for lunch. Stopping off along the way to pick up our pottery. Unless you plan on staying a little longer in Cambodia, a car will be ready to return you to the airport. Late checkout is included for those on a late flight, but if you wish to depart early, you could leave on a 15:00 or later flight and not feel at all rushed today.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
We’ve carefully crafted this family cycling itinerary with kids in mind in order to create a unique and special adventure that will leave lasting memories. Not only will you have the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archeological Park, but you will also enjoy fun and easy cycling, take in village life, see a circus show, and paddle around in kayaks. With an expert and safety-conscious guide in the lead, the whole family will learn about Cambodian culture while having a fun active holiday.
