CAMBODIA – Siem Reap – Participate in The Local Village Life by Bicycle

Description

This half-day tour offers the opportunity to completely immerse in the daily life of the local villages that are situated in Siem Reap’s surrounding countryside. The tour starts with cycling from a local market, through villages on red sandy roads, and visiting some truly remote ancient temples, far off the beaten path. During the tour, there is also some stops by some local houses to meet the families working on their daily tasks and take part in some activities like making rice noodles, trying the traditional breakfast Nom Bahn Chok, learning how to make their own palm leaf handicrafts, and, of course, tasting some fresh coconut and delicious bamboo sticky rice.

Can be combined with

Thematic Leisure

• Siem Reap – “Phare, The Cambodian Circus” Show in Siem Reap
• Siem Reap – Bokator School (Khmer Martial Art)

Selling points

• To offer a well-paced and responsible (eco-friendly and socially-conscious) way to discover the Cambodian countryside
• To have deep insights into the local culture, crafts, and products
• Active participation in the creation of different products and foods
• To engage directly with the local people as guests cycle through local villages
• To visit remote and lesser-known temples, far off the beaten path
• Accessible for all types of travellers with different physical conditions and limitations

Time And Transportation

Duration

• 5 hours depends on the time spent at the workshop and on visiting the temples.
• Suggested departure is in the early morning from the hotel in order to enjoy a more lively market and active village life. Also, the temperature is much cooler earlier in the day.

Min pax

1

Max pax

20

How to sell it

• This cycling tour is designed for everyone who would like to experience local Cambodian life in a more engaging and active way
• Perfect for families and children (good physical condition, suggested 10 years old up)
• Half-day Active/Leisure activity
• Possible to combine with other leisure activities
• Easy to propose one more day visit in Siem Reap to include this tour
• Relatively simple gastronomy experience: tasting typical local food and snacks with the locals

Why this activity

• Timing is flexible
• Booking and touring on a private basis
• Adaptable to all types of travelers (active travelers but also casual cyclists)
• Good quality bicycles rented out in Siem Reap
• Safe, yet off-the-beaten-track trail
• Back-up vehicle following the group
• Always a vehicle for safety and back-up behind the group (with a trailer)
• Easy, pleasant, and safe village trail for cycling
• Good-quality bicycle (mountain bike) and easy to organize with supplier
• Back-up vehicle following the group

Good to combine with

• Lunch at Bong Thom Homestay
• Visit to Banteay Srei
• Visiting other temples
• Other cycling tours around Siem Reap (but not on the same day)
• With Cycling Modules

Do not combine with

• With another cycling tour on the same day

Market suggestion

Pros

• Easy to find a tour guide for this cycling tour

Cons

• Landscapes are less beautiful during dry season
• It can be dusty and very hot during dry season

Information

• Distance: 15 kilometers
• Duration: about a 5-hour tour, including cycling, travel time, and site visits
• Average speed: 10 km/h
• Net elevation gain: Flat dirt trail
• Terrain: Red, sandy road that passes through local villages
• Difficulty: Easia Level 1
• Type of bicycle: Mountain bike GIANT, TREK, MERIDA
• Bikes available in Siem Reap: 150 and up
• Possible to use the bicycle trailer – however, in some parts, the kid and parent must walk for some meters
• No possible to use the tandem, being off road trail

Alerts

• Travelers who visit Phnom Bok temple must climb a 600-stair mountain
• During the rainy season, the trail can be muddy in some parts
• During dry season (April to June), temperatures can be high
• Possible to use bicycle trailer for kids

Important information

Important information:

MAP OF THE MODULE Link:  (Please don’t share with the guest)

INFORMATION TO COLLECT FROM GUEST

• Understand the client and travelers’ needs and expectations
• Understand the Cycling level of the travelers – (0. No cycling experience, 1. Casual Cyclists, 2 Intermediate Cyclists, 3. Expert Cyclists, 4. Sport/Professional Cyclists)
• Request information from clients and fill the Information Active Participants file: Name & surname, the height, bicycle size, cycling level, any specific allergies, Insurance details and remarks about cycling shoes, pedal or hand grips for bike

INFORMATION ABOUT CYCLING ACTIVITY

• Duration and distance are measured carefully and are quite important, but we can reduce or extend the amount of daily cycling kilometers, and the vehicle is always available for back-up
• This activity is perfect for children with good level of cycling and who are in good physical condition. Full-day van support in case travelers can’t finish the tour.
• Roads condition are good: pleasant trails are mainly flat, easy to cycle, with no difficult technical paths.

SEASONALITY DETAILS

From November to the end of March, Cambodia is the perfect temperature. In April and May, the country is very hot. June to August is the green season, with some rain during the early morning and late afternoon, which promotes beautiful, green landscapes. Avoid September and October due to the heavy rain.

LOGISTIC & TRANSPORTATION  

• Guide with supplement cycling
• Mechanic follow the group from groups of 9 guests and above
• We always have a back-up vehicle (trailer or track for bicycles, and vehicle for guests)

BICYCLES AVAILABLE 

Bicycle Supplier in Siem Reap:

• GIANT // ATX EXP
• MERIDA MATTE
• TREK // MARLIN 6HDC 2015

SNACK PACKAGES

• No snacks needed in this tour – we have two stops where guests will taste traditional Cambodian food and snacks

Price range

$$

Quotation guideline

We need to quote:
Activity – Participate in the Local Village Life choice of standard or deluxe activity
Leisure cycling – Please use the Leisure cycling services on ERP – What to include on the quotation –

• Mountain Bike with helmet per pax
• Entrance fee – Angkor Temple pass
• Local guide day tour fee
• Supplement cycling less than 25km
• Mountain bike for guide
• Tuk Tuk / Trailer back-up for bicycles
• Vehicle back-up for pax
• Lunch at local restaurant

Inclusion

• As per above guideline..

Exclusion

• Entrance fee – Angkor pass
• Water fee
• Temple pass
• Lunch
• Snack – no need snack

Possible Extra

• Lunch
• Visit Banteay Srei Temple
• Golden silk farm

Remark

• For this tour, it is easy to find guides in all languages – but we need to add a supplement cycling
• Suggested to add 1 mechanic for groups of 11 guests and up (Active/leisure tour)
• Possible for kids with a good level of cycling, 15 km distance on a flat road
• No possible to use the tandem

Important notes

INFORMATION OPERATION

MAP OF THE ACTIVITY: Link – please share with the guide and brief him before the tour

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACTIVITY

• Starting point at Preah Dak Market: This starting point can change depending on the road condition, size of the group; we can start the tour directly from the Noodle-Making House if necessary
• Noodles making workshop
• Cycling to the next workshop – Palm leaves box
• Cycling to Banteay Samre – small temple – quick visit
• Cycling to Phnom Bok – climb 600 stairs to reach the top – in case of travelers with limited physical condition we can avoid this stop
• Cycling to Sticky rice house
• End of the tour

 HOW TO BOOK

• Logistical contact: Mr Chay Tel: +855 12 615 610
• Inform Mr. Chay that the activity will be done by bicycle, so it will take longer than usual (4 to 5 hours max)
• The 3 workshops will follow the same order- the only thing different is that the coconut house will be a bit later (2 hr 30 mins after experiencing the palm leaves box)

BICYCLE SUPPLIER

• Bike rental in REP (Aing Kimsan) – both bicycles and trailer to follow the group for a half-day
• Request information Active guest excel file from Sales: Name & surname of travelers, the weight, the height, bicycle size, the cyclists’ level, allergies, and insurance details.
• Send to the supplier the information about the guests when you book the service in order to prepare the bikes in advance and all the tour properly
• Reconfirm the service at least 2 days in advance of the group arrival
• Ask the bike supplier for similar type of bicycle, same brand and, if possible, same color.

TRANSPORTATION

In case of Active Leisure program:

• In this activity, we request our bicycle supplier to provide a trailer, and we have our normal transportation that follows the group

In case of Active tour

• 2 packages for the logistic on ERP /TMS 
  • LOGISTIC – STANDARD PACKAGE or
  • LOGISTIC – SUPERIOR PACKAGE

GUIDE

• In case of Leisure Active: For this tour, we can use most of the guides, since it is a very simple tour
• In case of Active: Use Active Guide Database and contact Active team before booking a cycling guide
• Always remember to provide the First Aid kit to the guide
• Explain clearly the guests’ profile and client’s expectations to the guides
• Ask the guide to stop and try some local snacks along the way, which is important to allow travelers to experience local life and Cambodian traditions in a tasty and refreshing way
• Cycling guide must be flexible on the spot and the guide must adapt the speed and the length of the trails based on the needs of the guests

ADVENTURE SERVICES 

• Snack package: for this activity, we don’t need snacks; Bong Thom workshop included in the trip
• Active first aid kit – Operation Team must give to the guide
• Bikes, Helmet, bike repair kit – Supplier must provide them
• Special Active catering equipment (towel, tables, chairs, cutlery, etc.) – when we have a picnic lunch during an active program, Operation must provide to the driver, guide, and the catering equipment

Special Guide notes

SPECIAL GUIDE NOTES:

• Have to study the tour very well together with operation & production: link to the map
• Need to reconfirm with bike shop one or two days before the tour and check the equipment before the tour.
• Need to reconfirm with Bong Thom Home-stay about the activity before departing
• Should prepare and check the bicycles with the name (or number) of the travellers in advance in order not to lose time.
• Should prepare and check that the cold water and some snacks are ready before the tour.
• Should check that the van is clean and ready for the travellers
• The guide must do a briefing before starting cycling – the guide needs to mention:
  • Cycling rules and signs to follow during the ride
  • The guests’ obligation to wear the helmet – it is mandatory.
  • Distance and duration of the cycling day
  • Where they will go and what they will visit, including points of interest
  • Type of terrain
  • Share some local insight and information about the locations, sites, and culture before departure
  • Should give information about the code of conduct, how to behave on the destination in order that the guests respect both the environment and locals
• Cycling guide must be flexible on the spot: adapt the speed and the length of the trails to the needs of the guests
• Detailed timing: Departure should be around early morning from the hotel in order to have enough time to reach the final destination
• During the tour, call the restaurant or the person in charge of the picnic to set up at least 1 hour before and let them know the intended arrival time – Important to have a good and warm meal during lunch or dinner already prepared
• Should have lunch together with the Active guests, if requested.
• The guide must stop and allow/encourage the travellers to try some local snacks along the way; important to encourage the travellers to experience local life and traditions of the country
• Should check the climate conditions before the tour to avoid risks (for example; dangerously slippery conditions, very hot weather) and be careful during the tour not to put the lives of the guests in danger. At the end of the day, the guide needs to check all the bicycles and help the mechanic to clean and fix them, as well.
• Language – use polite and professional language, and adapt the behaviour depending on the guests’ character and behaviour
• Shoes – proper shoes – please no sandals or flip flops
• Cycling uniform/outfit – guide must dress properly, wearing cycling clothes

Different Choice

• Siem Reap – Participate in the Local Village Life

Contact

• Contact Siem Reap Bicycles Supplier: Aing Kimsan Bicycle Shop and Rental – 092 999 199/ 097 666 6997 –[email protected]:     
• Aing Kimsan Bicycle Shop and Rental – 092 999 199/ 097 666 6997 – [email protected]
• Bong Thom Home-stay – contact: Mr Chay Tel: +855 12 52 00 92/ 69 52 00 92 & E-mail: [email protected]

Product Launch Package

Download the pictures here. 

English

Siem Reap – Participate in the local Village by Bicycle

You will start your cycling tour by visiting Preah Dak, a local market famous for selling fresh vegetables and fruits and, of course, famous Cambodian rice noodles. From the market, cycle eastward on a dirt road to reach your first stop: a local house renowned for its production of Cambodia’s famous rice noodles. The family will give your a great, warm welcome, and you will discover their way of life by helping through the different stages of making rice noodles. Afterwards, you will have the chance to taste them, mixing them into the delicious traditional breakfast, Nom Bahn Chok.
The next stop will lead you to a house where a local family creates palm leaf handicrafts as a source of income. The villagers will teach you to make one of your own, and you can take your own craft back as an exceptional and very personal souvenir- a true demonstration of your crafting skills!
After these thoroughly immersive cultural experiences, you will continue cycling to two of the least-visited and well-preserved temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park: Banteay Samre and Phnom Bok, enjoying the relaxing countryside as you ride your bicycle through rice paddies and palm trees on your way there. Your last stop will be a small village that specializes in bamboo sticky rice production and harvesting coconut fruits. Taste these delicious Cambodian snacks and indulge in a fresh coconut while relaxing under the shadow of palm trees to end a perfect day.

French

Participation à la vie locale, à vélo

Votre tour à vélo commencera par la visite de Preah Dak, un marché local connu pour ses fruits et légumes frais et pour ses célèbres nouilles de riz cambodgiennes. Vous remonterez à vélo et prendrez la direction de l’est pour suivre un chemin de terre jusqu’à une maison locale où l’on fabrique ces fameuses nouilles de riz du Cambodge. La famille vous accueillera chaleureusement et vous découvrirez leur mode de vie en les aidant dans chaque étape de la fabrication des nouilles. Vous aurez ensuite l’opportunité de les goûter en les incorporant au Nom Bahn Chok, le délicieux petit-déjeuner traditionnel.
La prochaine étape de votre tour vous fera découvrir l’artisanat dans une maison où une famille fabrique et vend des objets en feuilles de palmiers. Les habitants vous enseigneront leur technique pour que vous puissiez vous aussi fabriquer un souvenir original et unique à ramener chez vous.
Après ces intéressantes immersions culturelles, vous poursuivrez votre route à vélo vers Banteay Samre et Phnom Bok, deux temples peu visités mais bien conservés du Parc Archéologique d’Angkor. En chemin vous pourrez admirer les paysages reposants de la campagne jalonnés de rizières et de palmiers. Ce tour se terminera par la visite d’un petit village spécialisé dans la production de riz gluant dans du bambou et dans la récolte de noix de coco. Vous pourrez gouter ces délicieux en-cas cambodgiens et savourer de l’eau de coco fraîche sous l’ombre des palmiers en vous reposant à la fin de cette belle journée.

Niveau 1
Distance et durée de l’activité à vélo: 15 kilomètres – 1 h 30 min 

Spanish

Participe en las actividades locales durante su excursión en bicicleta

Comenzará su excursión en bicicleta visitando Preah Dak, un mercado local famoso por vender verduras y frutas frescas y, por supuesto, los famosos fideos de arroz camboyanos. Desde el mercado, se dirigirá en dirección este a través de una carretera de tierra para llegar a su primera parada: una casa local conocida por su producción de los famosos fideos de arroz camboyanos. La familia le dará una cálida bienvenida, y podrá descubrir su forma de vida ayudándoles en diferentes fases de la producción de fideos. Después, tendrá la oportunidad de disfrutarlos, integrándolos en el delicioso desayuno tradicional, «Nom Bahn Chok».
Su siguiente parada le llevará hasta una casa en el que una familia fabrica objetos artesanales a partir de hojas de palmera como forma de ingresos. Los habitantes del pueblo le enseñarán a crear sus propias artesanías, y podrá aprovechar esta oportunidad para llevarse consigo su creación como recuerdo personal, así como para demostrar sus habilidades artesanas.
Después de estas experiencias culturales realmente inmersivas, continuará su excursión en bicicleta hasta dos de los templos menos visitados y mejor conservados del Parque Arqueológico de Angkor: Banteay Samre y Phnom Bok, en los que podrá relajarse por la campiña a medida que pedalea en su bicicleta a través de campos de arroz y palmeras. Su última parada será un pequeño poblado especializado en la producción de arroz pegajoso y la cosecha de cocos. Pruebe estos deliciosos aperitivos camboyanos y permítase disfrutar de un coco fresco mientras se relaja bajo la sombra de las palmeras para un final de día perfecto.

Nivel 1
Distancia y duración de la excursión en bicicleta: 15 kilómetros – 1 hora y 30 minutos 

Italian

Partecipate in bicicletta alla vita del villaggio locale

Inizierete il vostro tour in bicicletta visitando Preah Dak, un mercato locale famoso per la vendita di frutta e verdura fresca e, naturalmente, i famosi spaghetti di riso cambogiani. Dal mercato, pedalerete verso est su una strada sterrata per raggiungere la vostra prima fermata: una casa locale rinomata per la produzione degli spaghetti citati. La vostra famiglia vi darà un caloroso benvenuto e scoprirete il loro modo di vivere aiutando nelle diverse fasi della produzione di spaghetti di riso. Successivamente, avrete la possibilità di assaggiarli, integrandoli nella deliziosa colazione tradizionale, “Nom Bahn Chok”.
La prossima tappa vi condurrà in una casa dove una famiglia locale crea oggetti artigianali con foglie di palma come fonte di guadagno. Gli abitanti del villaggio vi insegneranno a crearne uno e potrete cogliere l’occasione per riportare a casa la vostra creazione come un souvenir eccezionale e molto personale, oltre a dimostrare le vostre abilità artigianali.
Dopo queste esperienze culturali davvero coinvolgenti, proseguirete in bicicletta verso due dei templi meno visitati e ben conservati del Parco archeologico di Angkor: Banteay Samre e Phnom Bok, godendo della rilassante campagna mentre andate in bicicletta attraverso risaie e palme durante il tragitto. L’ultima tappa sarà un piccolo villaggio specializzato nella produzione di riso appiccicoso di bambù e nella raccolta di frutti di cocco. Assaporate questi deliziosi snack cambogiani e concedetevi una noce di cocco fresca rilassandovi all’ombra delle palme per concludere una giornata perfetta.

Livello 1
Distanza e durata della corsa in bicicletta: 15 chilometri – 1 ora e 30 minuti

German

Nehmen Sie am lokalen Dorfleben teil – mit dem Fahrrad

Sie beginnen Ihre Radtour mit dem Besuch von PreahDak, einem lokalen Markt, der berühmt dafür ist, frisches Obst und Gemüse zu verkaufen – und natürlich auch für seine kambodschanischen Reisnudeln. Vom Markt aus radeln Sie in Richtung Osten auf einer unbefestigten Straße und erreichen Ihr erstes Ziel: ein lokales Haus, bekannt für die Herstellung von Kambodschas berühmten Reisnudeln. Die Familie dort wird Sie herzlich willkommen heißen und Sie werden deren Art zu Leben kennenlernen, indem Sie bei den verschiedenen Stufen der Reisnudel-Zubereitung mithelfen. Anschließend haben Sie die Chance, die Nudeln selbst zu probieren, während sie Ihnen als schmackhaftes, traditionelles Frühstück namens „Nom BahnChok“ serviert werden.
Die nächste Etappe der Tour bringt Sie zu einem Haus, in welchem eine lokale Familie Kunsthandwerk aus Palmenblättert kreiert und damit ihr Einkommen bestreitet. Die Dorfbewohner werden Ihnen zeigen, wie Sie Ihr eigenes Kunstwerk schaffen können. Sie haben somit die Möglichkeit, Ihr eigens geschaffenes Werk als ein besonderes und sehr persönliches Souvenir mit nachhause zu nehmen; zugleich können Sie Ihre handwerklichen Fähigkeiten unter Beweis stellen.
Nach diesen Erlebnissen, bei denen Sie tief in die Kultur eintauchen können, setzen Sie die Fahrt mit Rad fort und besuchen zwei, kaum besuchte und gut erhaltene Tempel im Archäologischen Park Angkor: BanteaySamre und Phnom Bok. Genießen Sie die ruhige Landschaft, wenn Sie mit Ihrem Fahrrad über die Reisfelder und an den Palmen vorbeiradeln. Ihren letzten Halt werden Sie in einem kleinen Dorf, das sich auf die Produktion von Bambus-Klebreis und das Ernten von Kokosnüssen spezialisiert hat, einlegen. Probieren Sie diese leckeren kambodschanischen Snacks und genießen Sie eine frische Kokosnuss, während Sie im Schatten der Palmen entspannen und ein perfekter Tag endet.

Schwierigkeitsstufe: 1
Strecke & Dauer der Radtour: 15 Kilometer – 1 Stunde und 30 Minuten 

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