Day 1.

Escaping Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh - Kratie

70% Tarmac / 30% Dirt Road ... 270km

Your journey begins at VMS HQ, with a morning briefing before setting out into Phnom Penh’s traffic madness. We drive past Royal Palace, cross the Tonle Sap/Mekong River by ferry, hit the road along the Mekong, and finally leave the Capital behind.

Following the highway, we reach the city of Kampong Cham, famous for Cambodia’s longest bamboo bridge. After taking in the sight of this amazing structure we continue our trip towards Kratie province, home of some of the few remaining individuals of a species of freshwater dolphins, endemic to Southeast Asia, called Irrawaddy dolphin.

After we arrive in the picturesque riverside town of Kratie, we head a little further north along the river to a small place called Kampi and embark on a little boat cruise to visit the dolphins.

Day 2.

Ascending to Sen Monorom

Kratie - Mondulkiri

70% Tarmac / 30% Dirt Road ... 210km

The mountains are calling: We are leaving the Mekong River valley behind us (for now) and turning east to enter Cambodia’s southeastern province of Mondulkiri, home to the Punoung people, one of Cambodia’s ethnic minorities.

Tiny ‘Sen Monorom’, the regional capital is today’s destination. A mere thirty minutes’ drive away is Cambodia’s highest waterfall called ‘Bousra’ where a very special adventure is waiting for the brave traveler: Zipline – Fun!!! Flying through the waterfall.

We will spend our evening in the beautiful natural landscape setting of Nature Lodge sitting under the stars and by the campfire.

Day 3.

Nature Lodge and Elephant Encounters

REST DAY

After two days of solid riding, we slow things down a little and spent a relaxing day in the beautiful natural landscape setting of Nature Lodge. There are still several elephants living in the forests of the Mondulkiri region.

If you feel adventurous, a visit to an elephant sanctuary can be arranged. Observe the grey jumbos in their natural habitat while walking with them through the jungle to a place where you can take a swim with these gentle giants and give them a good scrubbing.

Day 4.

Motorbike Dash to Crater Lake

Mondulkiri - Rattanakiri

60% Tarmac / 40% Dirt Road ... 195km

We are leaving Mondulkiri’s mountainous scenery behind and continuing our journey northbound to the province of Rattanakiri. The most direct connection between Sen Monorom and our next destination – the city of Banlung – the former ‘Death Highway’ is now fully sealed and therefore has lost its bite.

On the plus side: a refreshing splash in the crater lake ‘Yeak Laom’ near Banlung is only three hours’ drive away.

Day 5.

Borderlands Immersion:

Rattanakiri - Siem Pang - Preah Romkel - Kampung Sralav

50% Tarmac / 50% Dirt Road ... 200km

One of the most breathtaking sights the Land of the Khmer has to offer are the torrential waters thundering through the seemingly endless maze of rocks and ravines of the Mekong Falls in the north of Cambodia close to the border to Laos.

This is where we are going on day 6 of our adventure. We will spend the night in a small village nearby which is a great opportunity to whiteness everyday life in the countryside firsthand for a bit. Cook with the locals and experience a night in one of those long-legged stilt houses.

optional: Take the boat to get to a small Laotian river island with an amazing French-colonial history.

Day 6.

Where Borders Meet:

Kampung Sralav – Tbeng Meanchey – Sa Aem

50% Tarmac / 50% Dirt Road ... 265km

We are traveling through the remote North of Cambodia, first along the border to Laos, then along the border to Thailand to visit “Prasath Preah Vihear”. The temple has seen an armed confrontation between Thai and Cambodian border troops only a few years ago but the conflict has been settled by the UN so nowadays the area is saved to visit.

Most dramatically perched atop an escarpment in the Dangrek Mountains (elevation 625 m), the southern tip of the temple structure affords a great view over the plain below (good weather provided).

Day 7.

The Road to Angkor:

Sa aem – Preah Vihear Temple – Koh Ker – Siem Reap

70% Tarmac / 30% Dirt Road ... 225km

After breakfast, we get on our big bikes and continue our journey. The next stop is Koh Ker Temple, the first ancient Angkorian structure that we visit on our journey and a truly unique sight that rarely receives foreign visitors. Our final destination for today in Siem Reap, the gateway to the millennium-old ruins of the Khmer Empire of Angkor – a world-class UNESCO world heritage site.

Day 8.

Angkor Wat Beckons

Rest Day

This day is yours. Feel free to use it as you please. However, we strongly recommend paying a visit to the UNESCO world heritage site Angkor Wat and other major temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park as they are without a doubt the highlight of our big bike adventure

Day 9.

Wonders of Battambang

Siem Reap - Battambang

70% Tarmac / 30% Dirt Road ... 175km

We are about to explore Cambodia’s western part, the province of Battambang. The province’s main city, gentle Battambang is the old capital city of Cambodia and our final destination for today. Shortly before our arrival, we will make a stop, get off our big bikes and climb the stairs up to the top of Phnom Sampaeu, a limestone hill that affords a beautiful view over the lush and fertile countryside Battambang province is famous for.

We will use the opportunity to get a glimpse inside the colorful temples that adorn the mountain top. The war relics that dot the surroundings will teach us a little more about Cambodia’s troubled recent past.

The one thing Battambang is famous for though is the ‘bamboo train’. Hop on one of those curious vehicles and enjoy the ride!

Day 10.

Bamboo Trains & Hidden Peaks!

Battambang – 1500 Mountain

70% Tarmac / 30% Dirt Road ... 165km

After breakfast, we depart from Battambang, following the Stung Sangker River to reach the ancient Banan Temple. This 11th-century Angkorian temple is perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.  

Next, we experience the famous Bamboo Train—a unique ride on a makeshift bamboo platform powered by a small motor, gliding along old railway tracks through the rural landscape. Continuing our journey southward, we head towards Phnom 1500, located in Veal Veng District, Pursat Province. This mountain, also known as Phnom 1005, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying breathtaking views of Cambodia’s landscape.

Day 11.

Mountain to Coast: Journey Through the Cardamom Range:

1500 Mountains – Thmoda – Koh Kong

20% Tarmac / 80% Dirt Road ... 170km

Today, we begin our journey by ascending Phnom 1005 in Pursat Province, a mountainous area offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From there, we ride approximately 85 kilometers along the Thai-Cambodian border, enjoying the scenic route through the Cardamom Mountains. Our descent leads us to Koh Kong City, a coastal town known for its natural beauty and proximity to the Gulf of Thailand.

Let me know if you’d like more details or assistance with planning your route!

Day 12.

Just Chilling

Rest Day in Koh Kong

After 11 days of ridding, today is all about taking it slow. We’ll sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast before boarding our boat around 11 a.m.

The rest of the day will be spent cruising along the peaceful Koh Kong River, gliding toward the Cardamom Mountains. Along the way, we’ll soak in the stunning natural scenery, swim at the waterfall and unwind as the sun sets over the water, before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 13.

Cardamom Canyons & Jungle Crossings

Koh Kong – Thmorbang - Chipat

40% Tarmac / 60% Dirt Road ... 200km

After a well-deserved rest day, we’re back on the bikes to explore the stunning Cardamom Mountains. We’ll start with a 60 km ride on the highway out of town before diving into the heart of the jungle. The dirt road takes us deep into the wilderness—narrow paths, river crossings and thrilling descents await. Our adventure leads us to a hidden waterfall just before reaching Chi Phat, a village known for its eco-tourism and community-based conservation efforts. We’ll spend the night there, immersed in nature and local culture. 

Day 14.

Bokor's Misty Peaks to Kep Beach Shores

Chipat – Borko National Park – Kampot – Kep

70% Tarmac / 30% Dirt Road ... 195km

After breakfast, we’ll leave the village and cross the river by ferry, heading west to connect with National Road 48. From there, we ride towards Bokor National Park, making our way up to its misty summit. At the top, we’ll explore the hauntingly beautiful remnants of the old French colonial era—including the iconic casino and church, both still standing against time. After soaking in the views and history, we continue our journey through Kampot and end the day in the coastal town of Kep, just a short distance from the Vietnam border 

Day 15.

Journey's End: South Coast to Phnom Penh City

Kep – Phnom Penh

70% Tarmac / 30% Dirt Road ... 165km

We have reached the final leg 15-day of our big bike journey. Following the highway North of the coastal of south, we make our way back to the Capital City of Phnom Penh.