Jan 2023 |
Here's a brief and tips on Cambodia motorcycle adventure route and travel based on my 25 days riding there.
Planning
Most of what I learned about entering Cambodia came from online groups, some good ones are on Facebook; there one can post questions and share updates of recent experiences; Cambodia Motorcycle Riders Forum (CMRF) 🇰🇭🏍 is great; websites like GTRider and rider blogs are also good sources
For those of you on a Singapore-registered bike same as me (or any SE Asia nation, I believe), there is no special pre-documentation or registration required to enter Cambodia, just show up with your PP, DL, and bike registration and fill in the necessary forms at the border.
If you don't have your own, one can easily rent a motorcycle in Cambodia and travel anywhere; it appears that bikes from Vietnam can enter Cambodia, but that is not an area I have any first-hand knowledge.
Duration & Route
I didn't have a set agenda when I entered Cambodia, got 30 days VoA and bike temporary import
I entered in the north at Laos-Cambodia border (see map below) with a plan to exit at Poipet (you need to clarify your departure point when you enter). I stayed 25 days, exiting back into Thailand.
I think the route I took (see map below) is fairly standard and covered the major locales one may want to experience in Cambodia.
Honestly, for riding, Cambodia can be a bit dull: the terrain is mostly flat; wind is constant; there aren't many "wow" scenes along the way...if you are looking for more exciting riding, add Northern Thailand and/or Laos to your trip (and Vietnam, I am told).
Border & Entry
I crossed into Cambodia at Non Kok Khien-Trapaingkriel Border Checkpoint Stung Treng
Before attempting entry, I read-up and made some posts on the online groups mentioned above; that said, much of what I read or tips I got was not 100% correct (though all the feedback was much appreciated)
For those touring Laos and seeking to enter Cambodia, I can recommend an approach to entry that worked for me, tips I learned from SGBikerboy (he crossed in 2016) that worked well for me in Dec 2022.
Aside from Poipet and O'cham border crossings, one can probably expect to pay a "fee" to bring your bike into Cambodia. I paid $40, which was much less than as much $200 others had been "quoted" by customs officials recently at the border.
Insurance
You cannot buy moto insurance for Cambodia, it's not sold, nor required, but you may want to consider researching further into this topic; I was told by a Thailand-based expat rider that the lack of bike insurance may impact your existing travel insurance (assuming you have one), whereby your travel insurance provider can reject a claim if you do not have complimentary moto insurance; honestly, I question this, as insurance policies like mine from World Nomads covers "motorcycle riding" in Cambodia (eg: what would be the case if a person was on a rental bike, as many would be?). Regardless, upon entering Cambodia, I didn't read the fine print of my travel medical policy, rolled the dice and rode on in.
Roads & Driving
Overall, paved roads are not great in Cambodia, typically lumpy, inducing a blender-like feeling; in many places roads are a mix of pavement and gravel ("red roads"); there was a lot of road construction in progress and dusty dirt roads; in major towns, you will find 4 lane expressway type roads, but these have bi-directional traffic on each side of the road.
Pretty much anything goes on Cambodia roads: kids at the wheel; cars passing in your lane from in front and behind; driving on wrong side of road, etc, etc. One needs to drive with extreme caution and vigilance, always eyes on the road, reading the traffic, looking and thinking far ahead; I didn't have any close calls, but perhaps I have become desensitized.
Cost
Cambodia is slightly more expensive than Laos, a bit less than Thailand IMO. I averaged about $50 per day; if you were on a tight budget you could easily live on half that amount.
Fuel is a bit more expensive than Thailand, but most other things are cheaper.
Communication & Safety
English is spoken in varying degrees everywhere
I didn't have any security incidents, never felt unsafe
I left my bike parked on street in Phnom Phen, and in a hotel lobby for an extended period of time in Sihanoukville
Mobile & Wifi
I bought a Metfone SIM as soon as I crossed the border, paid about $5, with no clarity on what I was buying; after that, I figured out how to download the app and add credits via my Visa card, and recharge from an array of confusing packages.
Metfone has shops in major centers and there is usually someone who speaks decent English and can help you with service options.
Overall, data is more expensive in Cambodia than Laos and Thailand.
I barely tried wifi anywhere, the connections always seemed poor.
Accommodation
You can find excellent basic accom everywhere, AC, hot water, decent bed
I used Agoda a lot to pre-book. But you can easily do walk-in bookings everywhere
I paid between $12-25 a night, average was about $18 (USD).
Must do
I recommend spending extended time in: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot & Kep, Koh Rong.
Koh Kong, Kratie, Battambang are good for a couple of days of exploring.
My route
Trip reports
Questions?
Contact me at sdasia@gmail.com, happy to assist
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