Discover Local Khmer Food and Explore a Riverside Pagoda Spend a laid-­‐back afternoon pedalling around the heart of rural Cambodia on this two-­‐wheeled exploration of local culture and cuisine. Highlights: • Sample a delicious selection of authentic Khmer dishes • Cycle through lush green paddy fields • Enjoy a moment of reflection at a riverside pagoda • Learn how rice noodles are made from scratch When to go: Afternoon Duration: 3-­‐4 hours Transport: Bicycle Follow the track leading away from Eden and up to the main street. When you reach it, turn right and continue straight for around ten minutes. Along the way you can expect to be greeted by a stream of curious faces and enthusiastic hellos from the locals. You can also look forward to navigating your bike around the dozens of chickens wandering aimlessly in the street! When you reach a tall, colourful archway on the right, pass through it and follow the road as it stretches through emerald green paddy fields. Take the second left turning you come to and continue straight for a few minutes more. The road bears right and opens into a riverside clearing, home to a popular local eatery with breezy wooden huts lining the bank. Banh Chiau, a crispy, meat-­‐filled crepe served with salad, fresh herbs, pepper sauce and roasted peanuts, is a recommended dish here. The spicy papaya salad, Bok Lahong, is another delicious choice. Give yourself some time to digest the beautiful river view (and your lunch!) before hopping back on your bicycle. Return the way you came until you reach the first junction. Here, instead of turning right back toward the main street, turn left. Within a few short moments you will reach an entrance flanked by two white horse sculptures. Far from the well-­‐trodden tourist trail, this quiet riverside pagoda offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere of a local temple. After exploring the pagoda grounds, wander down to the riverside where you can enjoy a coffee beside another gorgeous view. Next, head straight back to the main street. Pass back through the colourful archway and turn right. After around ten more minutes of chicken dodging, you will come to a small bridge with a sign on the left for ‘Free Wi-­‐Fi’. Turn left here. Follow the track as it runs alongside a trickling stream full of pink lotus flowers. After around five minutes, you will come to a restaurant on the left where you can observe rice noodles being made from scratch in the kitchen. If you have any room left after lunch, they are definitely worth a try. To get back to Eden, return to the main street and turn right. After about twenty minutes cycling you will see Eden signposted on the left.