Local Livelihood Full Day Bike Tour in Battambang
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About this experience
With our guide, you will spend your day exploring the countryside around Battambang on a bicycle visiting Cambodian families who produce traditional products (such as rice paper, dried bananas, bamboo sticky rice, and rice wine), made in the same way they have been for generations. You will learn first hand about every day life in rural communities which make up over 70% of Cambodia’s population. You will continue on to: Enjoy a delicious Cambodian lunch at a family home. Visit a Buddhist Temple and learn about Buddhist principles and practices. Visit French colonial architectural sites and learn the history behind them. Bamboo Train (Optional, afternoon stops dependent on preferences and time)
A portion of your tour fee goes back to the local community and your guide is a local student getting vocational training through Soksabike.
Available options
Local Livelihood Full Day Bike Tour in Battambang
Pickup included
What's included
Mountain Bike and Safety Helmet
Local guide
Bottled water
Water
Lunch
Snacks
Hotel pickup
One drink at Kinyei Cafe
What you'll see
* After a free pick up from hotel (7 or 7:30) you can choose to have a free welcome drink at Kinyei cafe or get right on the road. Have a quick bike safety tutorial and learn some basic Khmer and you're off.
*Meet families that make traditional products such as rice paper, dried banana, bamboo sticky rice, fish paste and rice wine.
*Have a refreshing snack break in a traditional house with fresh fruit and coconuts.
*Learn about every day life in rural communities.
*Enjoy a scenic ride through the rice fields.
*Visit a memorial site for the victims of the Khmer Rouge.
*Have a lunch made by a local family in a traditional Khmer house.
*Learn about Buddhism and monk-hood at a local temple.
*Visit French colonial sites to get deeper insights into Cambodian history.
*Take a ride on Battambang's famous Bamboo train
*All afternoon stops flexible and time dependent.
*Return to the Soksabike office through the countryside.
*Support these communities by working with Soksabike - we give a portion of our revenue back to each family you visit.
*Our guides have excellent language skills and as a local, they can share personal insights on the tour - or help you ask the familiies you'll visit questions you might have. Our guides are local universities students and are receiving vocational training and support.
Inclusions:
* One free drink at Kinyei cafe.
* Mountain bike with safety helmet.
*Snacks and tastings at stops.
*Water
What's not included
Hotel Drop Off
Insurance
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.9
37 reviews
5★
35
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You will be picked up from your hotel at 7:20am.
Please advise guest heights and dietary restrictions at time of booking. Please dress to have knees and shoulders covered out of respect for local culture.
Important notes
Hotel drop-off is not included
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
About Battambang
Battambang is a charming provincial capital known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture, vibrant local culture, and stunning natural surroundings. It offers a mix of historical sites, scenic landscapes, and authentic Cambodian experiences, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a more laid-back and culturally rich experience in Cambodia.
Top Attractions
Battambang Bamboo Train
The Battambang Bamboo Train is a unique and thrilling way to explore the Cambodian countryside. Riders board a simple bamboo carriage mounted on rails, powered by a small engine, and enjoy a scenic ride through rice fields and rural landscapes.
Adventure
1-2 hours
Moderate
Phare Ponleu Selpak
Phare Ponleu Selpak is a non-profit organization that provides arts education and training to Cambodian children and young adults. The organization is known for its circus performances, which showcase traditional and contemporary Cambodian arts and culture.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Moderate
Wat Banan
Wat Banan is a historic temple complex located atop a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The temple features ancient Khmer ruins and intricate carvings, providing a glimpse into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.
Historical
2-3 hours
Moderate
Battambang Provincial Museum
The Battambang Provincial Museum showcases the history and culture of the Battambang region through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. The museum provides valuable insights into the area's rich heritage and historical significance.
Historical
1 hour
Low
Killing Caves (Phnom Sampeau)
Phnom Sampeau is a hilltop site with historical significance, featuring a natural cave system and a memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. The site offers a somber but important glimpse into Cambodia's recent history.
Historical
2-3 hours
Low to Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Nom Banh Chok
A traditional Cambodian rice noodle dish topped with a green fish-based curry gravy, often served with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Breakfast
Vegetarian options available
Fish Amok
A steamed fish curry made with coconut milk, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, often served in a banana leaf.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish
Bai Sach Chrouk
A popular breakfast dish consisting of grilled pork served with rice and pickled vegetables.
Breakfast
Contains pork
Lok Lak
A stir-fried beef dish with onions and a tangy lime-pepper dipping sauce, often served with rice and a fried egg.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains beef and eggs
Popular Activities
Bamboo Train ride
Hiking to Wat Banan
Riverside dining
Coffee shop hopping
Phare Ponleu Selpak performances
Visiting temples and historical sites
Boat tours on the Sangke River
Not applicable
Best Time to Visit
November to February
The best time to visit Battambang is during the dry season when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are enjoyable. This period offers the most comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall.
22°C - 32°C
72°F - 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Khmer
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Battambang is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and tourist spots. It's important to take precautions to protect your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- • Use reputable tour operators and avoid touts and fake tour guides.
- • Be cautious when using public transportation and always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Getting there
By air
- Siem Reap International Airport • 170 km (105 miles) from Battambang
By train
Battambang Railway Station
By bus
Battambang Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Battambang. They connect the city center to various neighborhoods and nearby towns.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PassApp
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Sangke River Area
Phare Ponleu Selpak Area
Day trips
Wat Ek Phnom
40 km (25 miles) from Battambang • Half day
Wat Ek Phnom is a historic temple complex located in the nearby town of Ek Phnom. The temple features ancient Khmer ruins and intricate carvings, providing a glimpse into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.
Wat Banan
15 km (9 miles) from Battambang • Half day
Wat Banan is a historic temple complex located atop a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The temple features ancient Khmer ruins and intricate carvings, providing a glimpse into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.
Kampong Chhnang
60 km (37 miles) from Battambang • Full day
Kampong Chhnang is a nearby town known for its pottery and silk production. The town offers a unique glimpse into traditional Cambodian crafts and the daily life of local artisans.
Festivals
Battambang Festival • December
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) • November
Pro tips
- Visit the Bamboo Train in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
- Try local street food and snacks, such as Nom Banh Chok and Fried Tarantulas, for an authentic and memorable culinary experience.
- Explore the city's markets, such as Psar Nat and Psar Boeung Chhuk, for unique souvenirs and a glimpse into the daily life of Battambang's residents.
- Attend a performance at Phare Ponleu Selpak for a unique and captivating cultural experience that showcases traditional and contemporary Cambodian arts.
- Hike to the top of Phnom Sampeau for stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a visit to the Killing Caves memorial.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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