From the Gulf of Thailand to Angkor Wat

Sihanoukville

Exotissimo invites you to explore by bike the essence of Cambodia, from its colonial past to its violent history, from its coastline to the breathtaking magnificence of the Angkor temples. Begin at Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s still as yet undeveloped beach resort, with its sandy beaches washed by the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Start cycling on country roads to Kampot, once the fashionable haunt of the French colonial elite and past the ruins of once luxurious mansions that were destroyed by the Khmer Rouge along the coastal road.

Phnom Penh

Beyond Kampot, head to the hills and up into the Bokor Mountain Nature Reserve. The rough road snakes and winds up the mountain to the summit at 1,080 metres above sea level. Here lay the abandoned buildings of Bokor, once a hill resort for the rich and famous.  Admire the breathtaking views across the Gulf of Thailand before freewheeling back down the mountain and on along the coast to Takeo, a small provincial capital.

Ride onwards to the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Though the volume of traffic increases the closer you get to Phnom Penh, there are still quiet stretches of road along the way. Stop off to explore Tonle Bati Temple, 31 kilometres from Phnom Penh, a little visited Angkor-era temple without many tourists.

The following morning head to the jetty to board for a morning cruise across Tonle Sap Lake to Siem Reap, home of the fabled Angkor temples. In the afternoon, take to the bike to explore some the fabulous Angkor temples including Angkor Thom, the Bayon and the Terrace of Elephants. Continue the following morning with a visit to the Angkor’s crowning glory, the grand temple of Angkor Wat.  Later in the day explore the remarkable Ta Prohm, a temple that has been left to be reclaimed by nature and features incredible tree roots breaking through the stone carvings and walls. Return to Siem Reap late in the afternoon to enjoy a farewell dinner with a traditional Khmer  dance performance. Please contact adventure@exotissimo.com or cambodia@exotissimo.com for more information.

MiCasa changes name

Phnom Penh

In early January, the 4-star 6-storey MiCasa Hotel in Phnom Penh, located on the banks of the Tonle Sap River and minutes from the city’s main attractions, changed its named to Himawari, a Japanese word for ‘sunflower.’ The hotel’s facilities, including 115 suites and studios with fully equipped kitchens that feature refrigerators and microwave ovens, a business centre, bar and restaurant, gymnasium and swimming pools, will not be changed despite the new name.