By bicycle and a local 'train' explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Battambang. Using a socially conscious bike company, visiting the Phare Circus and dining in a vocational restaurant, this tour is a great way to give something back. An added bonus is a visit to the secluded Banteay Chhmar temple on the way back to Siem Reap including a ride on a ‘local tractor’.
Transfer from Siem Reap to Battambang with your Tour Guide who will accompany you for the duration of your visit.
This afternoon head 12km out of town to Phnom Sampeau. Stay until dusk to catch the natural phenomenon of thousands of bats exiting a cave. It is quite a spectacular to behold.
This evening enjoy dinner at Jaan Bai, a training and development restaurant is run by the Cambodian Children’s Trust.
Meal included: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation at: Selected hotel, Battambang
Spend the morning on a bike taking in the traditional Cambodian local industries surrounding Battambang. The half day bike tour takes a relaxed 22km route along shaded roads through the countryside. The private tour is guided by a local guide as an initiative set up to provide scenic and informative bike rides through the local countryside. You will get to try your hand at local industries such as rice paper making, rice wine and snack on Battambang’s famous bamboo rice cakes.
In the afternoon travel a few kilometres to the start a train track based on the original local freight service. Used initially as a way of transporting goods between villages, today it is a popular way to transport tourists through the countryside with a little extra adrenalin added on a 6km trip.
This evening visit a circus performance at the renowned Phare Ponleu Selpak. More in the style of Cirque du Soleil than a traditional European circus, be amazed for an hour by a show of modern Cambodian tales told through dance, acrobatics, aerial acts and music.
Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation at: Selected hotel, Battambang
Depart Battambang today for the return drive to Siem Reap. Your visit will take in one of the most attractive but least visited temples at Banteay Chhmar.
First, visit the main temple that was constructed by Jayavarman VII on the site of a 9th century temple. Today it is still an adventure to visit and walk amongst the atmospheric ruins, sometimes clambering over huge sandstone blocks as you may make your way through the complex. A local guide will accompany you as part of a community tourism project.
After exploring the temple head to the community centre where a tasty lunch will be served. Head next to the Soirees du Mekong silk production center located in the village. Linked closely to the French NGO, Enfants du Mekong, the center has helped train more than 70 weavers learn the skills needed to produce quality silk garments.
Travel like a local on Khmer tractor for a fun way to ride amongst the Cambodian countryside. Arrive at Banteay Top temple which has similar Bayon-style face towers as you may have seen in Siem Reap.
Head back to your car from where it is a 3 hour drive to reach Siem Reap.
Meal included: Breakfast/Lunch