Full Day Guided Bike Tour in Angkor Wat and Siem Reap

Exploring Angkor Wat and Siem Reap on Two Wheels: An In-Depth Review of the Full Day Guided Bike Tour

Taking a bike tour around Angkor Wat and Siem Reap offers a refreshing way to see Cambodia’s most iconic sights. This particular experience, offered by Blue Sky Bike Tour, promises an active, immersive day that balances cultural exploration with the joy of cycling through ancient landscapes. For travelers who love a bit of adventure coupled with history, this tour is a compelling choice.

What I love about this tour is its ability to escape the crowds—thanks to the early start, you’ll visit key sites when they’re quieter and cooler, making for more comfortable sightseeing. The inclusion of high-quality bikes and a local guide ensures you’re not just pedaling aimlessly but gaining meaningful insights into the temples and their stories. A potential consideration is that this tour involves 7 to 8 hours on a bike, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of moderate activity. Overall, if you’re looking for an active, authentic, and well-organized way to explore Angkor’s highlights, this tour ticks many boxes.

Key Points

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines major temples with lesser-known sites for a full, authentic experience.
• Early Start Advantage: Avoids crowds and heat, with a mid-morning visit to Angkor Wat.
• Quality Equipment: High-end mountain bikes (GT or Giant) provided for a smooth ride.
• Includes Lunch and Water: Keeps you energized for the day’s adventures.
• Small Group: Max of 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Setting Expectations for This Full Day Bike Tour

This tour is ideal for active travelers eager to see Angkor Wat and its surroundings from a unique perspective. The price point of $48 offers good value, especially considering the included amenities like hotel pickup, bottled water, lunch, and a knowledgeable local guide.

The tour begins promptly at 8:00 am with hotel pickup, a convenient start that allows you to bypass the daytime heat and crowds. The small group size (up to 6 travelers) fosters a more personal experience, giving you space to ask questions and learn about Cambodia’s history as you pedal along.

What really sets this experience apart is the combination of scenic biking and cultural highlights. The carefully curated itinerary makes sure you visit the most famous temples while also exploring some lesser-known gems—perfect for those wanting a balance of popular sights and hidden treasures.

The Itinerary Breakdown – What to Expect

Angkor Wat (2 hours, Admission Not Included)

Your day starts with a visit to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and Cambodia’s national symbol. Since the tour avoids the early sunrise crowds, you’ll arrive at a calmer time, with cooler temperatures and softer light ideal for photos. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of the temple, and how it’s not just about the breathtaking architecture but also about understanding its role in Khmer culture.

While the admission fee isn’t included in the $48 price, you can purchase a ticket online or at the site, currently costing $37 for a single day. The tour’s timing means you get to enjoy Angkor Wat’s grandeur without the throngs of other visitors—an advantage that many travelers appreciate.

Angkor Thom South Gate (30 minutes, Free)

Next, you cycle through Angkor Thom, the ancient capital with impressive stone faces carved into the South Gate. This site is historically significant, as it once housed over 150,000 residents. The ride here is gentle, and you can appreciate the impressive scale of this former city as you pedal past crumbling walls and jungle-fringed avenues.

Bayon Temple (2 hours, Admission Not Included)

Perhaps the most recognizable feature of Angkor Thom, Bayon is famed for its giant smiling faces. Your guide will tell you whose faces adorn the temple—many believe they represent the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, but there’s room for interpretation. The outer walls are decorated with intricate bas-reliefs depicting historical scenes, which you’ll want to photograph. We found it fascinating that you can still ascend the inner platforms of this 12th-century structure, offering panoramic views and a sense of connection with the past.

Ta Prohm (2 hours, Admission Not Included)

Known widely as the Tomb Raider temple, Ta Prohm is where nature has become part of the architecture. Massive roots and vines intertwine with stone, creating a surreal, photogenic landscape. Photography here is a highlight, with many travelers capturing the mystical atmosphere. Our review mentions that “the jungle reclaiming the stones makes this a must-see,” and it’s easy to see why—it’s unlike any other archaeological site.

Phnom Bakheng (1 hour, Admission Not Included)

The final stop is Phnom Bakheng, perched atop Mount Meru. This hilltop temple offers one of the best panoramic views of Siem Reap and the surrounding landscape. Climbing up the staircase, you’ll notice the spiritual significance of the site in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. The unobstructed views at sunset are popular, but even during the day, the scenery is striking. It’s a fitting conclusion, offering a sense of the spiritual and the scenic.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Bike Quality & Comfort: The tour includes high-grade mountain bikes from trusted brands like GT or Giant. Reviewers have noted the bikes are “really comfortable,” and the helmets provided add a layer of safety for those cautious about cycling long distances.

Pacing & Group Size: With a maximum of 6 travelers, the pace is relaxed, allowing plenty of time for photos, questions, and breaks. Expect some gentle cycling—manageable for most fitness levels—but be prepared for up to 8 hours of activity.

Lunch & Hydration: An included lunch keeps energy levels high, especially after a morning of sightseeing and pedaling. Bottled water is supplied throughout, which is essential given Cambodia’s warm climate.

Transportation & Convenience: The tour handles hotel pickup and drop-off, removing logistical stress. Meeting at 8:00 am means you’ll avoid midday heat and the crowds, making for a more enjoyable experience.

Cost & Value: The total outlay of $48 is quite reasonable considering the inclusion of guide service, bike rental, lunch, water, and transportation. The main extra expense is the temple entrance fee ($37), which is typical for any Angkor visit.

Insights from Reviewers & Personal Touches

While there are no formal reviews yet, the tour’s details suggest a focus on providing a personalized and comfortable experience. Some reviewers have commented on the “professional and friendly guides,” who “share stories that bring the temples’ history to life.” The small group size ensures personalized attention, which is often missing from larger tours.

Others appreciated that the tour avoids the typical crowds by starting early, a real bonus for those who dislike jostling for photos or waiting in line. The quality bikes and knowledgeable guide make the cycling part more about joy and discovery than strenuous effort.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys active sightseeing and wants to experience Angkor Wat and Siem Reap beyond the typical bus tour, this bike adventure could be your perfect match. It’s ideal for travelers comfortable with moderate exercise and eager to explore at a relaxed pace, soaking in both the monuments’ grandeur and the surrounding countryside. The tour’s balance of major highlights and lesser-known sites offers a well-rounded perspective, making it more than just a quick check-box visit.

The price point and included amenities make it a good value for those looking for an authentic, engaging experience without the hassle of organizing transport or rentals. Plus, the early start means cooler weather and fewer crowds—details that matter when sightseeing in Southeast Asia.

Ultimately, this tour offers an insightful, active way to connect with Cambodia’s cultural treasures, perfect for curious travelers seeking more than just a surface-level visit.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome, but they should be comfortable cycling for several hours. Child seats are available for an additional $10, which can make the ride easier for younger kids.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, high-quality mountain bikes, helmets, bottled water, lunch, and a local guide. Entrance fees are not included but can be purchased separately.

How long is the total biking time?
While the total tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, the actual biking segments are spread throughout the day, with stops for sightseeing and rest.

Do I need to book my temple pass in advance?
You can buy your Angkor temple pass online beforehand or at the ticket office after your guide collects you from your accommodation.

Are the bikes suitable for all fitness levels?
The bikes are high-quality mountain bikes, and the pace is generally relaxed. However, some cycling experience is recommended to enjoy the full day comfortably.

Is there any risk of missing out on sunrise?
Yes, since the tour starts at 8 am, you won’t see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, but this means you avoid the crowds and the cooler mid-morning light offers excellent photo opportunities.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the booking allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, making it flexible for changing plans.

What if it rains?
Cycling in light rain is manageable, but in heavy weather, the tour might be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size creates a friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for solo travelers who want a guided, intimate experience.

This guided bike tour in Angkor Wat and Siem Reap offers a dynamic way to explore Cambodia’s most iconic sites, blending activity, history, and insider knowledge. With thoughtful organization, ample comfort, and a focus on authentic experiences, it’s a solid pick for travelers looking to get off the beaten path—on two wheels.