Siem Reap Angkor Temples Bike Tour with Lunch

• Day tours by bike
• Cambodia
• Siem Reap

A biking adventure to the awe-inspiring Angkor temples

Embark on an unforgettable ride to the largest religious structure in the world: Angkor Wat. This guided tour allows you to take the less-traveled, local routes around one of the world's most famous, and popular, religious sites. With the help of a local guide, you'll uncover the awesome temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon and the Elephant Terrace, Ta Prohm, and stop off for a delicious traditional Cambodian lunch.

You'll begin your bike tour by riding along small roads and paths towards the southernmost of the Angkor Park's temples: Angkor Wat. As you cycle up to the temple, you'll be immediately struck by the epic proportions of its magnificent scale and the stunning detail taken over every aspect of its construction. Marvel at the quincunx of towers that represent Mount Meru, home of the Hindu gods, as you proceed towards the temple over the surrounding moat.

Its construction took 28 years from 1122 to 1150 CE, and was ordered by the Khmer King Suryavarman II to be dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple was later converted to a Buddhist site, and your guide will point out the differences in the temple's towering statues and intricate decorations that reflect this transition between religions.

Cycling on, you'll arrive at Angkor Thom, the final and longest-standing capital of the Khmer Empire, established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Enter through one of the ancient city's four gates, each lying at the cardinal points on a compass. Once inside, follow your guide as they lead you around the myriad temples, shrines, and towers within. Admire the bas-relief decorations, depicting the various gods, goddesses, and other-worldly beings of ancient Hindu myths and poems.

Venture onwards to the center of this complex, where you'll discover Bayon, the state temple. On every side of each tower, you'll see a stone carving of the smiling, serene face of the Buddha gazing upon you. You'll also stop at the Elephant Terrace, an epic viewing platform designed to allow the king to watch the return of his victorious armies. Allow your guide to point out the contrasts between the classical style of Angkor Wat and the baroque Khmer style of Bayon as you wander around in the temple's tranquil atmosphere.

You'll stop your bike tour for a traditional Cambodian lunch, allowing you some time to rest and reflect on your morning's sightseeing. You'll then ride onwards towards the crumbling but captivating Ta Prohm temple. Marvel at how the jungle is slowly reclaiming this ancient structure, and find the famous Stegosaurus carving with the help of your guide, often touted as evidence that the Khmer knew of dinosaurs or even encountered them during their time.

Ride back to Siem Reap along dirt paths, passing scenic views of the Cambodian countryside. This family-friendly bicycle tour will leave you feeling awed by a day in the ancient city of the Khmer Empire, whose intricacy of design and monumental architecture make this experience truly unforgettable. See more of Cambodia's breathtaking beauty by taking the Siem Reap Countryside Bike Tour to discover the back roads and cottage industries that sustain rural life here.

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Highlights

Angkor Wat, Bayon, The Elephant Terrace, Ta Prohm, Traditional Lunch

What’s included

• Bike and helmet rental
• English-speaking guide
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Water

Angkor Pass not included

Meeting place & directions

Grasshopper Active - Siem Reap Day Tours by Bike - 9B Benoit Street, Siem Reap (next to NATT Coffee) Siem Reap District, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia