Oudong Mountain and Tonle Sap Lake cycle tour from Phnom Penh

Ride through riverside villages and paddy fields to a former royal capital

This cycle tour from Phnom Penh follows the Tonle Sap Lake riverside through farmlands, floating villages and rice paddies, with a final climb up Oudong Hill to see royal stupas and the largest Buddha statue, plus views across the Cambodian countryside. The day runs nine hours and includes hotel pickup, a Cannondale mountain bike, ferry crossing, Khmer lunch, an English-speaking guide and tropical fruit stops along the route. Children from age 9 are welcome; e-bikes are available for an extra charge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cycle tour around Oudong and Tonle Sap

• Pick up from hotel in Phnom Penh
• Drive to meeting point north of Phnom Penh
• Cycle along Tonle Sap riverside
• See farmlands, floating villages, and paddy fields
• Visit fishing and Muslim communities
• Enjoy tropical fruits while cycling
• Visit silver and bronze handicraft villages
• Connect with local artisan and villagers
• Climb Oudong Hill
• See largest Buddha statue and royal stupas
• Enjoy stunning views of Cambodia countryside

The Experience

The route starts at your hotel in Phnom Penh and heads north to the meeting point, where you pick up a Cannondale mountain bike and helmet. From there, the ride follows the Tonle Sap Lake riverside through a landscape of farmlands, floating villages and paddy rice fields. You'll pass Muslim communities and Buddhist temples, and the supported vehicle travels alongside the group, so you can rest or store gear as needed. Tropical fruit and water stops keep the pace manageable through the morning.

The middle section takes you through silver and bronze handicraft villages where you meet local artisans and watch them work. This is where the fishing community and wetland birds—Little-Egrets, Black-winged Stilts, Kingfishers and others—become part of the scenery. You'll also cross the Tonle Sap Lake by ferry before heading toward Oudong Hill. Lunch at a Khmer local restaurant happens midday, fueling the final climb.

Oudong Hill is the day's centerpiece. The former royal capital of Cambodia from the 17th to the 19th centuries sits northwest of Phnom Penh, and the climb rewards you with the largest Buddha statue, royal stupas and a view across the Cambodian countryside that frames everything you've cycled through. The ride is moderate in pace but covers distance, so a reasonable fitness level and comfort on a bike for several hours matter. The whole day takes nine hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Phnom Penh.
• Cannondale mountain bike and helmet.
• ferry crossing of Tonle Sap Lake.
• supported vehicle accompanying the group.
• lunch at a Khmer local restaurant.
• English-speaking cycle guide.
• purified drinking water and tropical fruit throughout the ride.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Vana Adventure Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the standard bike if you're comfortable cycling for several hours and want to move at a steady pace; pick the e-bike option if you prefer electric assist on the longer stretches or want to conserve energy for the Oudong Hill climb. Children from age 9 can join, and the guide adjusts the pace to keep the group together through the farmlands and villages.

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Top questions

What kind of bike do I ride on this tour?

You ride a Cannondale mountain bike with a helmet included. E-bikes are available to rent for an additional $20 per bike if you prefer electric assist.

What happens at Oudong Hill?

Oudong Hill is a former royal capital of Cambodia that ruled from the 17th to the 19th centuries. You climb to see the largest Buddha statue, royal stupas and a panoramic view of the Cambodian countryside.

Is lunch included, and what will I eat?

Yes, lunch at a Khmer local restaurant is included in the tour. You'll also get tropical fruit and purified drinking water during the ride to keep your energy up.

What birds and wildlife might I see along Tonle Sap Lake?

The lake and riverside are home to wetland birds including Little-Egrets, Black-winged Stilts, Black-shouldered kites, Kingfishers, Little-Cormorants and Whiskered Terns, depending on the season and time of day.

How does the ferry crossing work during the tour?

The ferry crossing of Tonle Sap Lake is included in the tour price. A supported vehicle travels with the group, so you can load your bike and rest if needed during the crossing.

What's the fitness level required for this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour covers distance over nine hours with a climb up Oudong Hill at the end, so comfort cycling for several hours is important. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.