Siem Reap to Kampong Phluc

Route overview

Suited to riders of any level who can manage 78 km, as the 201 m of climbing makes no real demands.

A flat 78 km loop from Siem Reap out through Prasat Bakong to the Tonle Sap village of Kampong Phluk and back.

The loop starts in central Siem Reap, where the elevation is essentially at lake level, and heads east across the plain. There is no climbing to speak of in the first half: the profile registers no gain at all over the opening 39 km. Svay Thom comes at 14.2 km, Lolei at 20.5 km and the town of Prasat Bakong at 23 km, the route running just to one side of each. Beyond Prasat Bakong the road turns south towards the Tonle Sap, reaching Kampong Phluk at 44.3 km, the furthest point of the loop and the natural place to stop. From there the return leg swings back north-west towards the city. What little rise there is comes late: the high point of the whole ride, at just 19 m, arrives at 70.1 km, some 50 m above the 78 km total gain of 201 m spread thinly across the day. Siem Reap is regained at 76.3 km, with the final couple of kilometres closing the loop in the city centre.

Highlights

• Kampong Phluk on the Tonle Sap at 44.3 km
• Prasat Bakong and the village of Lolei on the outward leg
• Almost entirely flat: 201 m of gain in 78 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

5–7 hours riding

Know before you go

• No cafés or restaurants listed beyond 0.5 km, so carry food and water for the full loop
• Recorded in April, when the Cambodian plain is at its hottest

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.