Overview
Embark on a soul-stirring journey through the heart of Southern Cambodia with our 4-Day Phnom Penh to Kep & Kampot Cycling Tour. This meticulously crafted itinerary is designed specifically for adventurous souls who yearn to break free from the constraints of traditional tourism and dive headfirst into the authentic, rhythmic pulse of Cambodian rural life. Our journey begins in the vibrant, high-energy capital of Phnom Penh, but as we pedal away from the city's golden spires, the urban cacophony is quickly replaced by the soothing, rhythmic humming of tires on sun-baked red earth paths and quiet, paved backroads that snake through an endless sea of emerald rice paddies.
Over these four transformative days, you will traverse approximately 240 kilometers of ever-changing terrain, but this is far more than a physical challenge—it is a passage through time itself. You will find yourself cycling back into the 11th century as you ascend to Brahmanism temples perched majestically atop lonely hills, and then rolling into the elegant, faded grandeur of French colonial riverside towns. This expedition offers a profound, unfiltered connection to the soul of Cambodia. You will feel the warm tropical breeze on your face, smell the distinctive aroma of Kampot’s world-famous pepper plantations, and breathe in the crisp, salt-crusted air of the Gulf of Thailand as we approach the coast.
From the mystical, mist-shrouded peaks of Bokor National Park to the rustic simplicity of fishing villages, every kilometer tells a story of resilience and beauty. This is a sensory feast where the vibrant greens of the countryside meet the deep blues of the ocean, and where the day’s exertion is rewarded with the exquisite taste of fresh-caught crab in Kep. Whether you are an avid cyclist or a cultural explorer, this tour promises an intimate encounter with the "Kingdom of Wonder" that few others ever get to experience.
Highlights
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Ancient Hilltop Heritage: Challenge yourself with a climb to Phnom Chiso, an 11th-century temple offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
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Historic Waterways: Journey to Phnom Da, the cradle of Khmer civilization, exploring pre-Angkorian ruins accessible by scenic boat trips through ancient canals.
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Coastal Serenity: Relax on the pristine shores of Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), a tropical paradise where the water is warm and the pace is slow.
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Colonial Charm & Nature: Cycle through the quiet streets of Kampot, famous for its French colonial architecture and world-renowned pepper plantations.
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Bokor Mountain Challenge: Conquer the winding roads of Phnom Bokor National Park, experiencing a dramatic change in climate and visiting the hauntingly beautiful "Ghost City."
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Culinary Delights: Savour the legendary Kep Crab with green pepper, a must-try dish for any food enthusiast visiting the southern coast.
Brief Itinerary
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Day 1: Phnom Penh – Phnom Chiso – Ta Keo (Cycling: 85km)
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Day 2: Ta Keo – Phnom Da – Kep (Cycling: 85km)
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Day 3: Kep – Rabbit Island – Kampot (Cycling: 35km)
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Day 4: Kampot – Phnom Bokor – Sihanouk Ville (Cycling: 35km)
What’s Included
Included:
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Professional English-speaking cycling guide.
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High-quality mountain bike rental (Trek/Giant) with helmet.
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Accommodation as mentioned (Twin/Double sharing).
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All entrance fees for mentioned temples and national parks.
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Private boat trips to Phnom Da and Rabbit Island.
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Support vehicle for luggage transfer and emergency assistance.
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Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
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Snacks, fresh fruits, and drinking water throughout the cycling days.
Excluded:
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Cambodia Visa fees.
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International airfares and airport taxes.
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Travel insurance (Mandatory).
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Personal expenses (Laundry, telephone, drinks).
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Tips and gratuities for guide and driver.
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Optional activities not mentioned in the program.
Itinerary
Experience the ultimate 4-day cycling tour from Phnom Penh to the serene coasts of Kep and Kampot. Explore ancient temples at Phnom Chiso, the historic ruins of Phnom Da, and the lush Bokor National Park. Perfect for adventure and culture seekers!
Tour Plan
Your adventure begins with a warm meet-and-greet at your hotel. We quickly escape the urban bustle of Phnom Penh via a comfortable private vehicle, dropping you at the starting point (25km away) where the air is fresher and the roads are quieter. After a quick bike fitting and safety briefing, we ignite our journey.
The morning ride is a scenic immersion into rural life, leading us to the magnificent Phnom Chiso Temple. This 11th-century Brahmanism masterpiece sits atop a hill, waiting for those brave enough to conquer its 500-step staircase. Your reward? A fabulous, panoramic vista that stretches across the horizon, dotted with rice fields and distant mountains. After a revitalizing local lunch, we continue our 85km trek through the heart of Ta Keo province, a region untouched by time. As the sun begins to dip, we reach the quiet town of Ta Keo for a well-deserved dinner and a restful night.
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Route: Phnom Penh Outskirts → Phnom Chiso → Ta Keo Town
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Cycling Distance: ~85km
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Road Condition: Mostly paved backroads with some flat, dusty village paths.
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Meals: Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Hotel in Ta Keo