See ancient relics from a long-forgotten kingdom, swim in a waterfall and test your off-road skills on Grasshopper Adventure's new tour of Cambodia's Kulen Plateau.

About an hour north of Siem Reap, the holy mountain plateau of Phnom Kulen is considered the birthplace of the Khmer empire and is studded with the moss-covered ruins of Mahendraparvata, a city that predates Angkor Wat by more than 300 years.

Off-road mountain biking enthusiasts will find much to challenge them in this region, including single-track with sections of rock, sand and stones, wider trails through forests and cashew plantations, some thrilling descents and crossings over shallow streams.

You'll also visit the largest reclining Buddha in Cambodia, ride through dense jungle to see enormous elephant and lion statues and stop at remote temples and villages on this daily-departing tour.

Enjoy a well-deserved rest and lunch by a waterfall and have a swim near the incredible 'River of 1000 Lingas', an Angkor site where the stone riverbed and banks have been intricately carved with Hindu deities and phallic motifs.

A knowledgeable, English-speaking guide hosts the tour, explaining the history of this fascinating region and providing technical tips on the sometimes challenging trails.

The tour includes transfers to and from Siem Reap.

Tour Info
Dates: Daily departures
Cost: US$130 pp
Duration: 1 day
Cycle distance: 38km
More at http://grasshopperadventures.com/tour-GHKM14.php