In October and November 2001 we cycled from Vientiane (Laos) to Siem Reap in Cambodia. We cycled through Eastern Thailand, following the Mekong River for some time and visited the famous Khmer ruins in the southern part of Eastern Thailand. We entered Cambodia at Poipet to end our trip at Siem Reap. This page shows specific information on cycling around the Angkor Wat area.
General information
The extensive Angkor Wat temple complex is located at 7 kilometres north of Siem Reap. You can rent a car with driver and guide or, as most people do, ride around on the back of a small motorbike.
But of course, the best and most independent option is to pedal around on your own or rented bicycle. It is no longer necessary to have a guide to enter the Angkor Wat area. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the Angkor Wat area.
Along with the hundreds of souvenir shops there are plenty of simple eating places to stop and rest.
Maps, guides and routes
Guides
With a good printed guide the Angor Wat area can be visited on you own. There are several bookstores and souvenirs that sell books about the area.
Maps
All hotels, guesthouses etc. distribute free maps and booklets about the area. These simple maps are sufficient for finding your way along all points of interest.
A map of Siem Reap with hotels and restaurants (jpg-image 200 Kb) and a map of Angkor Wat area with major temples, roads etc. (jpg-image 80 Kb)
Routes and roads
Roads are paved but a bit bumpy. The whole area can be easily visited in two or three day trips from Siem Reap.
Rent a bike
Those without their own wheels can hire a bike in Siem Reap for US$ 3,- per day. Want to know more about getting to Angkor on your own bike? Check out our Thailand-Laos-Cambodia tour report.
Points of interest
The Angkor Wat complex consists of several groups of temples and other structures. The whole area is covered with dense forest and the narrow roads that lead to the various ruins are lined with giant trees.
The roads around the Agkor Wat area are quiet and perfect for cycling
Larger version
The highlights are Angkor Wat itself, the walled city of Angkor Thom with the Bayon inside.
Angkor Wat
Giant temple. The whole complex measures 2 by 2 km's. The building itself has no less than 3 floors! This is where souvenirs sellers are most active. Lock your bike to one of the trees near the entrance and take your time.
Angkor Thom
Surrounded by an impressive wall with 4 even more impressive gates. Have your picture taken when you bike through one of the enormous gates.
On-line resources
About the Poipet - Siem Reap road:
There are plans to pave the entire road. Check out www.angkor.com/road.shtml for
the latest news. The Tales
of Asia website also has extensive info on this subject (last update november
27, 2002).
Questions?
Is it safe to bike around Angkor Wat?
Yes it's entirely safe. Only if you venture deeper into Cambodia and far away
from the Angkor Wat area you may encounter the danger of landmine's and bandits.
How much time do I need to visit the whole area?
Probably two or three full days. Beware of 'temple-burnout'. Including to many
monuments in a day is not a good idea. Start with a trip around all major
points and return to your favourites later for a detail view.
Angkor Wat on the local currency....
Questions
Have a look at our FAQ pages for questions other visitors of this site asked us. If you still have some questions left do not hesitate to send us an e-mail.
