Cambodia is a very beautiful country with a terrible past. Since the stunning ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples that dot the country are slowly being reclaimed by the earth traveling around Cambodia on two wheels is the greatest way to see it. In addition to hundreds of kilometers of fantastic enduro riding there are friendly locals and delicious food. This guide will help you make the most of your vacation to Cambodia regardless of why you’re there and whether you’re riding a rental bike or your own.
Motorcycle travel into and out of Cambodia
There are four ways to enter Cambodia: via the maritime port at Sihanoukville in the south, Thailand, Laos, or Vietnam. From South Korea, we sent our motorcycle to Cambodia. It is not too difficult to enter and depart Thailand and Vietnam on a motorcycle, either your own or a rental.
Regarding Laos, entry might be difficult, and they can try their luck by bribing Cambodian customs officials. Your permission needs to be borderless. It is simpler to go out of Laos than to enter it. All you have to do is present your temporary import to Laos customs, where you will receive stamped paperwork for ten dollars. Your Laos temporary import will have this paperwork attached to it.
Documentation and visas for Cambodia
The cost of a visa for foreign nationals is $30 upon arrival. In addition, a temporary import permit (TIP) is required. The TIP expires on the same day as your visa and is valid for 30 days. Be cautious while choosing your border; your Cambodia motorbike TIP will specify which one you must cross to go out. You can apply for a 30-day extension of your TIP and extend your visa. Though there are other places you might be able to accomplish this, we know you can do this in Phnom Penh. The TIP extension should be free of charge, and the visa should cost an extra thirty dollars. Kindly inform us of any changes that you become aware of.
Cambodian motorcycle road conditions
The principal thoroughfares are fast, single-lane carriageways that pose a threat. Often, oncoming cars may flash their lights as they overtake and merge into your lane, anticipating that you would move to the hard shoulder. Riding a motorbike may be risky as you often have to get off the road and go quickly into sand on a hard shoulder, even though it doesn’t appear to bother them. Additionally, animals and dogs frequently dash across the road, so you need to be alert.
There are several dusty off-road trails that wind around the nation. For those who want a little rocky terrain, they are fairly enjoyable, simple gravel trails. Less than half as excellent as those in Thailand, the roads in Cambodia can be unreliable, more crowded than those in Laos, and they need complete focus, particularly when traveling quickly.
Water, food, money, and gasoline
It is not difficult to locate gasoline and diesel across the nation. Selecting the higher grade of gasoline is what we would advise. In the unlikely event that you run out and are far from a gas station, the wooden shacks that border the highways will probably have extra to sell in Coke bottles. In addition, food and water are easily found everywhere in Cambodia and are not an issue. The cuisine of Cambodia is excellent, particularly Lok Lak and Amok.
Things to Do for Motorcyclists in Cambodia
Because of the nine incredible temples at Angkor located just outside the city, Siem Reap is the center of tourism in Cambodia. The most famous and frequented temple in Cambodia is the magnificent Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple from the 12th century that is still a must-see. The eight surviving temples are equally remarkable. It costs 37 USD to get a day pass that gives you access to both the Angkor region and the temples. Longer passes are also available. Regardless of what the security guards say, you may ride your foreign bike through to the temples. Some individuals may attempt to convince you that you require a tuk-tuk service; however, this is untrue and most likely simply an attempt to promote their friend’s services. Ask to see the section where it states that foreign cars are not allowed if you are stopped at a gate. If you don’t back down, you will be allowed in.
Here’s my suggestion for visiting Angkor in a day. Arrive at Angkor Wat at daybreak (about 5 a.m., depending on the season). Park just next to the bridge and on the west side of the temple. There will be a lot of other motorcycles there. It doesn’t mention anywhere that you can’t, so challenge them if they claim you can’t ride your large or exotic motorbike through and they will allow you through.
See the dawn then get to the Baylon Temple early to avoid the throng. Neak Poun, Preah Khan, and Ta Prohm follow. After that, when the crowds have thinned down, head back and visit Angkor Wat. Take in the evening sunset from Pre Rup.
Kampot
Slumbering fishing city Kampot is located on Cambodia’s southern coast. Since there are so many dusty roads in the region, it’s great for motorbike travel. A thrilling journey up to Bokor National Park is also available. The narrow mountain road was designed for bicycles. The bends are flawless, and the asphalt is new and smooth. Once there, Buddhas and temples perched on mountains await you. While in Kampot, take a free tour of the renowned Kampot Pepper plantation by riding over to La Plantation. For enduro bikers, the ride there is fantastic, and it’s rather intriguing.
Temple exploring
Kaoh Ker and the Temple of Preah Vihear near the Thai border are home to some of Cambodia’s greatest temples. Searching for these historic treasures on dirt roads will be a really enjoyable experience. It could take some time, since there are around 3,000 located throughout the nation!
Motorcycle Repairs
Not as much of a bike nation as its neighbor Thailand, Cambodia still has good garages. For recommendations, we suggest contacting Dean, the owner of the Just Ride Moto Café in Siem Reap, and the Cambodia Motorcycle Riders Forum on Facebook.
Motorcycle trips and rentals in Cambodia
This guide is for those planning to travel overland on motorcycles and enter and exit Cambodia on their own bikes. However, some tourists might prefer to rent or purchase a bike or sign up for an organized trip. If this interests you, we suggest using skyscanner.net to get the best deals on flights. Just be careful to choose by month and click on “flexible dates” when choosing your dates. In this manner, the cheapest dates will appear in green.
But it’s not so simple to purchase or rent in Cambodia. Tours happen more often. Renting in Vietnam or Thailand and traveling over the border is a more popular choice. See the guides below for information on bike shops and how to purchase a bike in Southeast Asia.
Places to Stay in Cambodia
Cambodia has an abundance of lodging options, particularly in the larger towns. If you’re looking for a base, it’s advisable to book early because inexpensive lodging fills up rapidly, particularly in areas like Siem Reap and close to popular sites. For affordable possibilities, check Booking.com and the iOverlander app.
Top Tips :
- Our highest recommendation for lodging in Siem Reap is Pool Party Hostel. Although it seems like a crazy Australian party spot, that’s not what it is. The place has safe parking for bikes and trailers, a fantastic pool, and clean, spacious rooms with fast internet, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. The owner, Sokphan, is a legend. The cost per night is around $10.
- Travel at your own pace on Cambodia’s main routes. You are not going to win a game of chicken when an approaching vehicle swerves into your lane while honking and flashing its lights. Take your time and move slowly since you must dive into the hard shoulder, which may be filled with loose sand.
- Cambodia is ruled by the dollar. You can alternatively use USD and Cambodian riel. For minor purchases, we used riel and used USD almost entirely. Anywhere in the nation, USD may be used; however, be wary of fake currency, since they won’t take bills that are even slightly torn or crumpled.
- There are phone stores all around Cambodia. A cell card SIM with unlimited data costs about $8. It functions effectively across the nation.
- You’ll enjoy exploring Cambodia on a motorcycle. To escape the heat and congestion, plan enough time to see as many temples as you can. You should also go early in the morning or as the sun is setting. Enjoy yourselves!
