Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4WDs will cost around US$60 to US$120 a day, depending on the model and the distance travelled. Driving
yourself is just about possible, but this is inadvisable due to chaotic road conditions, personal liability in the
case of an accident and higher charges.
MOTORCYCLE
Motorcycles are available for hire in Phnom Penh and some other popular tourist destinations. In Siem Reap
(and at times in Sihanoukville), motorcycle rental is forbidden, so anyone planning any rides around Siem
Reap will need to arrange a bike elsewhere. In other provincial towns, it is usually possible to rent a small
motorcycle after a bit of negotiation. Costs are US$3 to US$10 per day for a 100cc motorcycle and around
US$10 to US$25 for a 250cc dirt bike.
Drive with due care and attention, as medical facilities and ambulances are less than adequate beyond Ph-
nom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang. If you have never ridden a motorcycle before, Cambodia is not the
best place to start, but once out of the city it does get easier. If you're jumping in at the deep end, make sure
you are under the supervision of someone who knows how to ride.
The advantage of motorcycle travel is that it allows for complete freedom of movement and you can stop
in small villages that Westerners rarely visit. It is possible to take motorcycles upcountry for tours, but only
experienced off-road bikers should take to these roads with a dirt bike. Anyone planning a longer ride
should try out the bike around Phnom Penh for a day or so first to make sure it is in good health.
For those with experience, Cambodia has some of the best roads in the world for dirt biking, particularly
in the provinces of Preah Vihear, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri and the Cardamom Mountains.
There are several specialised dirt-bike touring companies.
Cambodia Expeditions
(
www.cambodiaexpeditions.com
) This team has been running motorbike tours and
rallies in Cambodia since 1998. Very professional with some great routes in the north of the country.
Dancing Roads
(
www.dancingroads.com
)
Offers motorbike tours around the capital and gentle tours further
afield to the South Coast. Based in Phnom Penh, the driver-guides are fun and friendly.
Hidden Cambodia
(
www.hiddencambodia.com
) A Siem Reap-based company specialising in motorcycle
trips throughout the country, including the remote temples of northern Cambodia and beyond.
Red Raid Cambodia
(
www.motorcycletourscambodia.com
)
More expensive but experienced French-run
outfit offering trips throughout Cambodia, including the Cardamoms.
Siem Reap Dirt Bikes
(
www.siemreapdirtbikes.com
) Based in Siem Reap, as you might guess; offers
everything from day trips to six-day remote temple adventures.
Insurance
If you are travelling in a tourist vehicle with a driver, then the car is usually insured. When it comes to mo-
torcycles, many rental bikes are not insured and you will have to sign a contract agreeing to a valuation for
the bike if it is stolen. Make sure you have a strong lock and always leave the bike in guarded parking where
available.
