Angkor Wat Bike Race and Ride 2011

03 Dec 2011
Place: Angkor Archaeological Park - in front of Angkor Wat

Coinciding with the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, the annual Angkor Wat Bike Race and Ride is held on Saturday 3 December 2011 on the grounds of the magnificent Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap. The different courses will take participants along narrow roads, passing spectacular backdrops with ancient temples, lush jungle, monkeys, cows, water buffaloes, elephants, rice paddies and local villages.

Both start and finish of the Angkor Bike Rally is in front of the majestic Angkor Wat

The main objective of the race is to raise funds for Village Focus' projects in Cambodia. It is, however, also important that all participants and spectators have a good time. Thus, the Cyclo Race was introduced to give participants a lighter view of Angkor Wat and surrounding temples whilst, at the same time, a good workout.

The 30 km Angkor Bike Ridey can be a leisurly tour of the Angkor complex and allows participants to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery on traffic-free roads. Due to the relatively flat course, it should be possible to join and participate with a moderate fitness level. For the more hard-core racers out there, the competition is pretty fierce with many strong competitors in the 100km race - both local and international.

Participants come from all over the world including Estonia, the Philippines, Mauritius, Norway, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Australia, China, Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Singapore, Switzerland and, of course, Cambodia. 

The route is paved all the way and is in relatively good condition, but there are some some potholes and small stretches with uneven surface. It's good fun and despite the early start, remember to drink enough water...!!!

Online registration for the Angkor Bike Races 2011 are closed.

Sign-ups still available in Siem Reap until 30 November.

Harnessing Oodlesofdosh through Pedalling and Exhaustion...

Whilst many people in western countries will be facing the thought of only a few Saturdays left for X-mas shopping, your local team at angkorhotels.org, trustees from HOPE, local hotel- and guesthouse owners and many people in Cambodia will be contemplating yet another cycle challenge.



Angkor Wat and the Angkor temples make a spectacular backdrop for an awesome cycle ride and enthused by earlier cycle rides and fundraising efforts, the young adults at Sangkheum Center for Children not only wanted to take on a challenge, but to help raise funds for themselves and the next generation of young adults at the Sangkheum Center.

With valuable support from a generous donation of bicycles given to the young adults at Sangkheum by Hotel de La Paix which recently ran a joint campaign with MasterCard and their kind guests, this has now become an exciting challenge for a dedicated team of young adults, educators and supporters to train for the 30 km cycle ride around the Angkor temples.

After successfully completing the 2009 and 2010 races, HOPE is sporting another enthusiastic field of Young Adults in the 2011 races...

For more information, updates, current fundraising status and secure online donation options, please also visit the Young Adults' online fundraising page.

NOTE - Friends and supporters in the UK can also text HOPE64 £1 / £2 / £5 / £10 to 70070 (e.g. 'HOPE64 £5') to support the young adults harnessing oodles of energy through pedalling and exhaustion.

Accommodtion during the Angkor Bike Ride weekend

If you are looking for accommodation during the Angkor Bike Race and Rally and / or the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, please check out these fine properties that offer special rates for event participators. Make sure you note that you will participate in the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, Bike Race and Rally (or any of the other races available) when making a booking.

Sokha Angkor Resort (Official Accommodation Partner)
Conveniently located in the centre of Siem Reap with walking distance to the Old Market, Sokha Angkor Resort offers a range of tastefully decorated rooms and suites. Additionally,  you will find an outside salt water swimming pool, its signature Jasmine Spa to loosen up tense muscles and a variety of fine in-house dining options.

All participants of the Angkor Bike Ride and Angkor Wat International Half Marathon will get an additional 25% discount on the published and already discounted rates on angkorhotels.org. Please note that you will participate in the events at the time of booking.

My Home Tropical Garden Villa
Located a 5-minute walk from the hustle bustle of Siem Reap's Old Market area, My Home Tropical Garden villa is locally owned and operated and offers 'hotel standards at guesthouse prices'. With an additional 25% discount for event participants, this is a fine place to rest your head without breaking the budget. Traditional Khmer massage treatments can also be arranged to relieve sore limbs.

Shining Angkor Boutique Hotel
Family-owned and locally managed, Shining Angkor is conveniently located in a quiet residential area only a short ride from the Angkor temples. With spacious rooms, salt water swimming pool and a generous 40% discount for event participants and their travel company, Shining Angkor is a very good budget alternative for participants in this years events.

Soria Moria Boutique Hotel
Soria Moria Boutique Hotel is centrally located in the popular Wat Bo Area and offers a combined experience of traditional Khmer hospitality and Scandinavian sophistication. The spacious air-conditioned rooms all have complimentary wi-fi access, cable TV, mini bar and complimentary water. The en-suite bathroom has a large bathtub with shower and locally produced amenities.

A 25% discount for all event participants and an additional 25% donation to the Young Adults fundraising efforts should ensure a comfortable stay and add value to your efforts.

If you can't make it to Siem Reap and Cambodia on the day of the race, but are thrilled by the idea of visiting Angkor on two wheels, you can always experience Angkor by bicycle – leisurely day trips or multi-day adventure expeditions – in the company of experienced and certified cycle guides.

Please also make sure to visit Village Focus' official website to read more about their projects in Laos and Cambodia.