Cambodia: Hike, Bike & Kayak

This is an active and varied tour with a number of activities to get your pulse going. While specific prior training isn't necessary, some travellers have found parts of the itinerary quite challenging and a reasonably high level of fitness is needed to get the best out of the experience.

You'll be spending a night with a local family on this trip. While the accommodation is shared and basic, this is a great opportunity to connect with the local people (and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals!). Read more about the experience here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cambodia-homestay-experience

This trip involves some long days of driving, so some patience will go a long way towards your enjoyment here.

At times our accommodation may not have continuous hot water. Most travellers don’t find this a problem and are often keen to cool down from the heat with a refreshing cold shower!

Cambodia can get very hot, so days cycling, or even temple hopping can take it out of you quickly. We recommend packing adequate clothing, sun protection, and that you always have lots of water with you

Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. You will visit a number of temples on this trip, and this requires a level of modesty. Be sure to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Helmets are provided for the longer cycling activities on Days 2 & 7, but not for the short village bike ride in Koh Trong on Day 3.

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.

Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).

If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, LOCAL BIKES
TREK mountain bikes with front suspension will be provided and are included in the cost of this trip.

EXTRA BIKE BITS
You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. Please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

POLICY ON CYCLING HELMETS
Helmets and safety: all cyclists should wear helmets in the interests of personal safety, and our leaders are required to do so at all times on all trips. On road cycling sections of the trip, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. Those who decide not to wear a helmet do so entirely at their own risk. Helmets are provided on all cycling activities apart from the homestay (which is an island with almost no cars) - it's up to you if you wish to bring one from home for these days.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
We recommend you have the following:
A helmet, sunglasses, cycling gloves and waterbottles or hydration system (e.g. camelbak). Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-fitting daypack.

RECOMMENDED CYCLING CLOTHING
Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' especially for temple visits), breathable clothing, and possibly a lightweight waterproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances., LOCAL DRESS:
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong., WATER BOTTLE:
This trip includes one or more sections in a private vehicle with a water dispenser. We encourage all our travellers to bring a refillable water bottle on your trip to help reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles.

A reasonable level of fitness is required for this trip. You should be able to complete a 10 kilometre walk in a day and be comfortable on a full day's bike ride. No prior kayaking experience is needed. We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the months before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Doing mountain walks or climbing long stair cases is good preparation. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trip to its fullest.

Hotel Sor, 219BC, Preah Monivong Blvd, Sangkat Orussey 4, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA, Phone: +855 23216888

Alternate Joining Point

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.

For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met as you exit the Terminal Hall by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact our local team on the number listed in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section. Neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment.

Alternatively, pre-paid taxis are available from the airport. At the taxi stand you will advise your destination and pay the fare. Taxi fare to your hotel in town will cost approximately USD10-15. please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport.

Please make sure that you provide your flight details no later than 14 days before departure to book your arrival transfer with us.

If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer you will be met as you exit the Terminal Hall by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. If you cannot find your transfer representative, or if your flight is delayed, please call our hotline on +855 92 555 969. Please note that neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment.
Pre-paid taxis are available from the airport. There is a taxi stand where you will advise your destination and pay the fare. Taxi fare to your hotel in town will cost approx. US$7-15. Exact price will depend on your final destination. Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport.

Kouprey Hotel, Top Town Road Krous Village, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, CAMBODIA, Phone: +855 63765674

Alternate Finish Point

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip.

If you have pre-booked a departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends.

A taxi from the hotel to the airport will cost about US$35 and take about 1hour 15minutes - 1hour 30minutes

Breakfasts included: 5

Lunches included: 2

Dinners included: 1

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

CAMBODIAN FOOD:
Wondering what Cambodian food is like? Check out our guide to the local cuisine here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cambodian-food-guide/

Is it true they eat spiders in Cambodia? Read about it here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cambodia-eating-spiders/

BREAKFASTS:
At some hotels you may have a menu or buffet with choices of Cambodian and Western food. At homestays you will have simpler breakfasts of local foods, eggs, bread, jam, tea and coffee.

FOOD ALLERGIES:
Travelling in South East Asia with a food allergy? We have some advice for you here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/travelling-food-allergies-south-east-asia/

WEATHER IN CAMBODIA
Any time of the year is a good time to travel in Cambodia, with each season having its advantages. The climate in Cambodia is generally hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures stay in the 30Cs most of the year, dropping back to the 20Cs at night. There are officially two seasons in Cambodia – wet and dry. During November to May you can expect dry conditions, while June to October will have wetter weather.

SEASONAL FLOODING IN CAMBODIA
Severe storms and widespread seasonal flooding, including localised flash flooding, can occur without warning in Cambodia, particularly during the local wet season from July to November. The Cambodia/Thailand land border is occasionally closed due to flooding. Should land travel be disrupted and we need to fly, travellers will need to use their contingency funds to cover any additional costs.

During public holidays and festival periods in Cambodia some businesses may close, transport may be extremely busy and travel times may increase. The main holidays in Cambodia are:

Chinese New Year (28 January- 04 February 2025)
Khmer New Year (14 - 16 April 2025)
Royal Birthday of the King Sihamoni (14 May 2025)
Pchum Ben Day (21 – 13 September 2025)
Water & Moon Festival (06 October 2025)

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +855 92 555 969

HOTELS:
Most of the accommodation on this trip is in hotels (mostly 2 to 3-star). Facilities are often basic, with some properties not having a continuous supply of hot water on occasion. All rooms are either fan cooled or with air conditioning and twin share with private facilities unless stated otherwise in the daily itinerary. Double beds are not widely available in South East Asia.