The surrounds of Kompong Thom town offer some beautiful rural and riverine scenery, best taken in by bicycle along a few key routes.

Head to the west side of the bridge on Route 6 and turn right where the Mittapheap Hotel is and just follow the road along there for as far as you want to go before heading back again. The scenery is stunning, with rice fields as far as the horizon, forests and villages. If you keep going, it’s only 36 kilometres to Sambor Prei Kuk along this road, though make sure you have a GPS system with you to get there and back again.

Alternatively, turn right when you come out of the hotel, and follow the route along, keeping to the left. You’ll follow the river for several kilometres before coming to a T-junction beside a pagoda. If you take the left, you’ll eventually come to a dead end where there is a river crossing. If there’s a boat, hop on, and continue your journey on the other side. If not, as on the day when we were there, it’s still a pleasant ride on the way back again. The route takes in some gorgeous river scenery and snapshots of village life.

You can hire bikes at Sambor Village, though if you're staying here they are free.