Where to Cycle in Cambodia: Our Favorite Destinations
Exploring Cambodia by bicycle means taking time for encounters, rural landscapes and quiet roads, between rice fields, Mekong islands, temples and Cham fishing villages.
Traveling by bicycle in Cambodia is the ideal way to discover, at your own pace and in an eco-friendly manner, the magnificent landscapes of this authentic and captivating country.
As you pedal through the Cambodian countryside, you'll uncover local culture and the distinctive atmosphere found deep within rice paddies or along the legendary Mekong River.
In this article, we present our favorite destinations for cycling in Cambodia.
Battambang

Situated on the banks of the Sangker River, Battambang is the country's second-largest city.
Renowned for its fertile plains, the surrounding countryside is perfectly suited for wonderful cycling rides. The landscape is idyllic, carpeted with rice paddies and authentic villages with traditional wooden houses.
From the city, head toward Phnom Sampov hill to discover the caves and religious sanctuaries nestled at its summit.
The bicycle ride to the Prasat Banon temple will reward you with a stunning panorama of the Sangker River, rice paddies and surrounding villages.
Pedaling through Battambang's enchanting countryside, you'll be immersed in the heart of rural community life. It's an opportunity to connect with locals and learn more about their way of life.
Good to know
You'll find numerous bicycle rental shops in the city center. The best time to explore Battambang by bicycle runs from November to April.
Kampot, the Pepper Capital

Kampot ranks among the best destinations for cycling in Cambodia. On your two-wheeler, follow the dirt paths crisscrossing the surrounding countryside to admire magnificent rice paddy landscapes where towering palm sugar trees rise—one of Cambodia's emblems.
Renowned worldwide for its pepper, don't miss the opportunity to pedal out to the plantations. During your visit, producers will share all the secrets behind the creation of this Cambodian terroir product.
South of Kampot, cycle out to Trey Koh island, home to a community of Cham fishermen and rice farmers. An ideal excursion to dive into local life and admire beautiful pagodas, charming stilt houses, and salt marshes.
Good to know
The best time to visit Kampot by bicycle runs from November to May.
Kratie

From the charming town of Kratie, set out on a cycling excursion to Wat Roka Kandal pagoda, one of Cambodia's oldest.
Next, head north toward Kampi. From there, leave your bicycles behind for a boat trip to observe the last freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins.
Opposite Kratie, board a boat heading to Koh Trong island. A road circles the island, ideal for a cycling tour through rice paddies and traditional houses. It's also a prime location to enjoy stunning sunsets over the Mekong.
Good to know
Kratie is easily reached by bus from Phnom Penh. The best time for cycling in the Kratie area runs from November to May during the dry season.
Kampong Cham

For pleasant cycling rides in Cambodia, opt for a stay in Kampong Cham. Located on the right bank of the Mekong, it's the perfect place to pedal along the small roads bordering this legendary river.
A circuit much beloved by cyclists leads to Koh Paen island. To reach it, you'll cross a remarkable 800-meter bamboo bridge—the longest in the world! On the island, you'll discover an authentic, rural Cambodia.
Don't forget to visit the rubber plantations of Chup and the Buddhist temple of Wat Nokor. For stunning views of the region, head by bicycle toward the beautiful hills of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey.
Good to know
The town is easily reached by bus from Phnom Penh. The dry season is the ideal time for cycling in the Kampong Cham area.
Koh Dach

Koh Dach, a small almond-shaped island nestled in the middle of the Mekong, is an ideal destination for those wanting to cycle in Cambodia.
Nicknamed the Silk Island, it's renowned for its community of weavers who create silk and cotton garments and in cotton. An opportunity to meet villagers and learn more about the use of traditional looms.
As you pedal around Koh Dach, you'll discover stunning pagodas, a few remnants of the colonial era, and a timeless Cambodia.
Good to know
The island is located just outside Phnom Penh, 15 kilometers from Cambodia's capital. The best time to visit Koh Dach runs from November to May.
Frequently asked questions
The dry season from November to May is ideal for cycling in Cambodia, with milder temperatures and little rainfall.
You'll find bicycle rental shops in the city centers of major destinations such as Battambang, Kampot and Siem Reap, with generally affordable rates.
Yes, the routes around Battambang and Kampot are fairly flat and accessible to cyclists of all levels, with beautiful country roads.
You'll discover rice paddies, traditional villages, ancient pagodas, local plantations and can observe the daily life of rural communities.


