Picturesque Pedaling and Pleasant Paddling

IMG_2765As an avid cyclist and aspiring adventurist, I was really looking forward to my full-day “Pedals and Paddles” tour with Grasshopper Adventures. Starting at 7:30 on a bright Thursday morning, I set off to do some awesome countryside biking and then kayak through the floating villages of the Tonle Sap til sunset. I had pretty high expectations, and they were TOTALLY exceeded!

I had a phenomenal time with Haeng, my guide who spoke excellent English and did a wonderful job of balancing the physical demands of the day with rest and relaxation. I never felt rushed or pushed beyond my limits. And truthfully I think anyone could do this trip and enjoy themselves, even if they’re not normally the bicycling type.

During the cycling portion of the day I had the opportunity to tour a local market where I was the only foreigner there. Halfway through the morning we stopped for a snack and a 20-minute hammock nap. Then, included in the cost of the tour, was a lovely lunch lunch of delicious fruit and authentic Cambodian cuisine. I also got to observe the rural way of life in the country and learn about some neat on-going aid projects.

After that, the kayaking was just as superb (for the most part). Hardly any bugs bothered me as I forged bravely through overgrown mangrove forests and then serenely down the Tonle Sap. The day ended with a beautiful sunset and we got back to the van just before dark. From there I was transferred back to the bike shop and then given a free tuk-tuk ride to my hotel.

I highly recommend Grasshopper Adventures and look forward to touring with them in the future!

Sugar cane juice! Cambodian STOP. Hammock time. Girlled chicken and FROG! Ahhh the countryside Bikes bikes bikes A high-income rural house Lunch! Moree hammock time. The open road. Boats boats boats. About 10 feet about the water you could see lines in the trees from where the lake rises to in the wet season. Crazy! IMG_2703 P1030185 4. Tonle Sap Lake  and Floating Village Tour - I was torn about recommending this one, and if you read one of my other posts, you'll understand why. But I put it on here anyway because it IS so popular. Just be respectful of the people when you go, and try to avoid getting scammed by tour operators (ask your hotel if they can recommend a guide or company instead of just showing up to the docks). P1030203 P1030193 P1030217

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