SIEM REAP – Travelers leaving Phnom Penh at night can be in Siem Reap, with its temples, heritage sites and Tonle Sap Lake, by the next morning. 

The night bus, which costs 50,000 to 70,000 riel ($12 to $17), is popular with tourists. 

For those who need to return to Phnom Penh the next morning, the night bus is also a feasible option and allows for a trip that spans two nights and one day.

Siem Reap province offers many options for solo travelers and couples. Renting a motorbike costs less than 40,000 riel, while a bicycle is even cheaper. 

This province is known for being cyclist-friendly destination many bike lanes. The APSARA National Authority has developed bike lanes around the Angkor Archaeological Park as well, allowing tourists to cycle and enjoy the sights, including buffalo and the rich biodiversity surrounding the Angkor Thom walled city.

The natural sounds of cicadas, birds, and monkeys create an enjoyable atmosphere for cyclists as they traverse the forests around Angkor Thom, though identifying specific sounds may be challenging due to the variety. 

Along the road, the lush greenery of the rainy season makes for breathtaking views.

Cycling around the Angkor Thom 

Angkor Thom walled-city, now becoming a popular destination for cycling, spans 12km and is divided into four quadrants, offering a suitable place for cycling to visit other temples in Angkor Thom.  

Tourists who have visited Angkor Wat many times may choose to explore other attractions. Cyclists can capture scenic photos at Tonle Om Gate, the southern gate of Angkor Thom, and proceed to explore the walled city on the west side of the gate. 

International tourists often enjoy cycling tours here, guided by local tour guides who provide historical insights and share stories about the lives of local residents.

For solo travelers, cycling can feel like a journey back in time, with quiet stretches where leaves sway in the wind. 

Angkor Thom has five gates, and cyclists can ride from Tonle Om to Prasat Chrung, continuing to the Ta Gav Gate recently restored by the APSARA National Authority and which has gained popularity.

After passing through Ta Gav Gate, tourists will reach Prasat Chrung, one of four temples, each located at a corner of Angkor Thom. These temples, built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, contain historical inscriptions. From here, cyclists can proceed to the famous Dei Chhnang Gate, followed by the Chey Gate (Victory Gate) and the Gate of Death (Angkor Thom East Gate).

British Ambassador to Cambodia Dominic Williams spent a weekend touring the 12km route around Angkor Thom, describing his trip in Siem Reap on Facebook as a “a happy time”. 

Cycling around Angkor Thom typically takes an entire morning. For lunch, tourists can dine near the north side of the Elephant Terrace, where a meal costs about 15,000 riel for local visitors.

After lunch, tourists can explore other temples, such as Neak Pean, Pre Rup, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei, or Preah Dak village. In Preah Dak village, tourists can enjoy eating delicious food at reasonable prices. To see the sunset, tourists can go to Pre Rup temple to see the sunset, which can make the trip even more memorable.  

Visitors may also choose to visit the Elephant Terrace, Phimeanakas, and Baphuon temple. Behind Baphuon temple, there is a large Buddha statue constructed by Khmer King Ang Chan I, also known as Chan Reachea.

If tourists have already seen these temples, Neang 12 Temple is another option. Some of these temples are large, while others are smaller, surrounded within shaded forests.

Prasat Top, located east and west of Bayon Temple, is also worth a visit for both cyclists and motorcyclists. 

After a day of exploring Angkor Thom, tourists can enjoy the spectacular sunset from the top of Phnom Bakheng, built during the reign of King Yasovarman I. From this vantage point, the golden view of the West Baray is particularly stunning.

In the evening, visitors can spend time at Pub Street before boarding the night bus back to Phnom Penh, which typically departs between 10:30 pm and 11:55 pm, allowing for flexible scheduling. 

After a day in Siem Reap, tourists can arrive back in Phnom Penh by morning in time for work or other commitments.

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.