Cycle through the amazing temples of Angkor in the quiet of dawn, the best time to marvel at these masterpieces, watching the rising sunlight cast its rays onto the ancient stones as parrots dart from tree to tree.
Rise early to travel to Ta Prohm in the dawn light. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhout in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, creating a unique atmosphere.
After soaking up the unique atmosphere of Ta Prohm, hit the saddle and cycle through this majestic landscape to the awesome walled city of Angkor Thom. Pass Takeo, an incomplete pyramid temple, abandoned after being struck by lightening and enter the city at Victory Gate, leaving the ground trail and cycling across the top of the fortified walls to the Gate of the dead (East Gate). Emerge on the central square of Angkor Thom, winding our way along the Terrace of the Leper King and Terrace of Elephants.
Your last stop in the ancient city is the enigmatic and enchanting temple of the Bayon. At the exact centre of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped off with the all-seeing four faces of the Buddha of Compassion, which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads stare down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to keep a hold on such a vast empire.
You will use flat roads and trails with little traffic, there is plenty of shade and temples are positioned close to one another. This is the ideal way to experience Angkor Thom and will provide a memory that will not be forgotten. Cycling distance is around 12 Km and stops can be made wherever you would like to stop.
