Khmer-Trails & Pistenpower – Motorcycle trips in Cambodia

Today's beautiful and varied leg begins early in the morning. After about a kilometer of driving, we will cross the Mekong by ferry to avoid the traffic chaos in Phnom Penh. On the other side of the Mekong, we can directly start off on small narrow paths and streets! Along the river, we ride through various villages and past numerous temples. In the Kampong Cham area, we stop to enjoy an authentic Cambodian lunch. Back on the road, we get to know real Cambodia as we ride through the backyards and gardens of the local population. We will visit the beautiful Han Chey Temple and enjoy a dreamlike view of the Mekong River! Just before Kratie, we cross the Mekong again. In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset in front of the hotel by the riverside - perhaps with a refreshing and tasty drink?

There is a main road to Siem Reap, but we will soon leave this road and head onto gravel roads and small paths to visit small villages and local markets. When we arrive from the south in Siem Reap, we will soon see the first impressive temple complexes of Angkor Wat. Siem Reap is one of the liveliest cities in Cambodia. In the center, there are countless good restaurants and many charming cafés. Additionally, this is the perfect place to buy souvenirs, write emails, or indulge in a massage. This afternoon you have time to visit the great temple complex of Angkor Wat. The temples of Angkor are a source of inspiration and pride for all Cambodians and also attract most visitors. The period of the Angkor Empire spans 600 years and during this time more than 70 temples, palaces, libraries, and other buildings were constructed over an area of 350 km². Actually, Angkor Wat is just one of these temples, but today the name refers to the entire area. To explore all the temples of this gigantic complex, you actually need several days. But your tour guide can advise you on which temples to visit at the best time and which temples you should not miss at all.

If it has rained recently, today could be a strenuous and challenging day. The drive to and through the Cardamom Mountains can then become a muddy event. Although Cambodia has welcomed many tourists for years, the Cardamom Mountains have so far only been discovered by a few foreigners. The mountains form the border between Cambodia and Thailand and were long a stronghold of the Khmer Rouge. At the beginning, the gravel roads are wide and flat, but they become bumpier and narrower as we enter the mountains. Agricultural plains give way to tropical rainforests. We will spend the night in a simple guesthouse in the small village of Veal Veng. We need to order food and drinks in advance so that the guesthouse can prepare them in time for us.

We leave the mountains on a freshly paved road towards Sre Ambel. On this stretch, it is still relatively quiet. After lunch, we continue our way to Phnom Penh. We take a look at life in the countryside and exchange it again for the hustle and bustle of the city. In the evening, we take a moment on the boulevard to reflect on the experiences of the past week. The 'Night Market', located at the start of the promenade, offers the opportunity for last-minute souvenirs.