Cycling The Ancient Wonders

📍 Transfer from hotel to Dom Dek: 30 minutes Cycling distance up to: 85km Difficulty: Medium

After meeting the Adventure Cycling Guide and preparing for the day, transport will be provided along the bustling highway of National Road 6, one of the main traffic arteries in Cambodia. The cycle’s start point is the town of Dam Dek, a busy crossroads that links the northeastern part of the country to the rest of the world. Once the cycle begins, the town drops away quickly. Small homes and farms replace the dusty buildings and quiet rice paddies overtake the noisy streets. This tree-lined road is an easy, tarmac cycle, which feeds directly to the first stop of this morning: the amazing temple of Koh Ker Temple  

This temple is under the reign of the Kings Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II, Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the whole empire and more than ten thousand people lived here during that time (928 – 944 AD).  With over 70 temples as well as the highest pyramid style temple in Cambodia, the main Koh Ker temple will remind you of the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico.  

Enjoy cycling and/or trekking to various temples and learn about the history from your knowledgeable guide.  This amazing archaeological site, today located in a remote area, is on its way to being classified by UNESCO’s World heritage. 

Tonight, we stay in a simple guesthouse with a local family in the village of Koh Ker.  Enjoy great Khmer food and get to know the locals and their way of living in this remote area.
 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer from hotel to start point: 30 minutes Transfer from Preah Vihear Base to Summit and return: 30 minutes Transfer from Preah Vihear Base to Sra’em: 30 minutes Cycling distance up to: 90km Difficulty: Medium to: 90km Difficulty: Medium

Begin the morning with a short transfer from Koh Ker. Another large mountain towers off to the right, visible from the town of Kulean (not to be confused with Kulen from yesterday). This will be the first of two large mountains today, the second being the ridge atop which sits Preah Vihear Temple.

The road passes through Kulen Prum Tep Wildlife Sanctuary. Few people live along this dry patch of earth, but where water begins to return, so does civilization. Nearby is the small village of Sra’em, which serves as the gateway city to Preah Vihear. Come to a stop a few kilometers away and trade bicycles for a 4WD vehicle… it’s time to ascend to the temple!

An ancient king built the temple of Preah Vihear on the top of the hill to better worship the Hindu gods. Fabulous views await over the fertile plains of Cambodia and Thailand from the top of the hill. The impressive ruins reach skyward to nearly 500 meters, perched on the edge of cliffs with some more amazing views. While the temple is not yet restored, it boasts spectacular carvings and lintels nearly as splendid as those at Banteay Srei. The temple’s spectacular location paired with a unique design is the reason UNESCO listed Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site. 

After visiting the temple, head back down the mountain (be prepared for a sharp descent!) and return to Sra’em for the evening.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer from Anlong Veng to Siem Reap: 2 hours Cycling distance up to: 80km Difficulty: Medium

In the morning, follow the winding border roads to Anlong Veng province. Unlike the central and southern portions of Cambodia, this area had been under contention by the Khmer Rouge up until the late 1990’s. The rebels have long since traded in their weapons for ploughshares, living simple lives on the now peaceful land. It was in this region that the infamous Pol Pot resided (protected by his followers) until his death; he is currently buried here today. Among Pol Pot’s followers and protectors was Ta Mok, the general commander of the Khmer Rouge. Ta Mok went on to be arrested after Pol Pot’s death in 1998 and later died in prison. Stop for a brief visit to Ta Mok’s House, which once served as headquarters for the now defunct movement.

After a somber visit here, return to Siem Reap.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch