Morning:

We begin by avoiding the main South Gate of Angkor Thom. Instead, we ride through the West Gate, where the tarmac ends and the trail begins.

Ride the Wall: From the West Gate, we take our motorbikes up onto the top of the ancient city wall. This 8-meter-high earthen rampart offers a unique, elevated dirt track through the jungle, with stunning views of the moat on one side and the forest on the other.

Prasat Preah Palilay: We descend from the wall near the North Gate to find this hidden gem. Tucked behind the more famous terraces, this small temple is often completely deserted and framed by towering cotton silk trees.

Ta Nei: We continue east through the forest on a sandy, single-track trail to reach Ta Nei. This temple is unreachable by tour buses, making it one of the quietest spots in the park.

Lunch: Ongreang Cafe (Pradak Village)

Around midday, we head toward the village of Pradak. Ongreang Cafe is the perfect pit-stop: it’s a beautiful, open-air wooden structure that serves authentic Khmer food and excellent coffee. It’s a favorite for "slow travelers" because it overlooks the rural village life rather than a parking lot of buses.

Afternoon: The Jungle Loop & The Island Temple

After a relaxed lunch, we explore the quieter northern reach of the park:

Preah Khan (East Gate): We enter through the Eastern Gate, which is far less crowded than the main entrance. This sprawling monastic complex feels like a labyrinth of stone and vines.

Neak Pean: A short ride away, we walk across the long wooden causeway over the Jayatataka Baray (reservoir) to this "island temple," designed as a symbolic place of healing.

Prasat Bat Chum: For our final stop, we head south toward the reservoir of Srah Srang but take a dirt detour to Bat Chum. This tiny, three-towered temple sits in the middle of rice fields and is rarely visited, offering a peaceful end to the day.

Finally: We enjoy a sunset ride back to Siem Reap through the local villages of the park’s eastern side, following the river back into town.

Morning: Depart from Siem Reap around 8:30 AM for a first immersion along the river through traditional fishing villages. We stop at the hill of Phnom Krom, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater reserve. We then take a unique trail into the heart of the floodplains to witness the vastness of this vital ecosystem. Lunch is served in a peaceful garden restaurant back in Siem Reap.

Afternoon: Head toward the West Baray, a titanic reservoir dug during the Khmer era to irrigate Angkor. We loop around it via dirt tracks, discovering the ancient stone bridge of Spean Memay. Return to the hotel around 5:00 PM via quiet riverside trails.

• Overnight: Siem Reap (Hotel with pool).

Morning: Villages, Ruins, and Hidden Forests

We depart from Siem Reap between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. Our journey begins with a scenic ride along the Siem Reap River, passing through traditional Cambodian villages. We’ll take a refreshing coffee or coconut break near the "Ghost Lake" before exploring the tranquil Chau Srei Vibol temple. From there, we head off the beaten path to visit an unusual mangrove forest tucked away in the countryside. After a relaxed two-hour ride covering approximately 68 km, we’ll enjoy a local lunch at Romduol Sorsei Restaurant (ភោជនីយដ្ឋាន រំដួលសរសី).

Afternoon: The Labyrinth of Beng Mealea

The adventure continues with a ride along winding roads to the majestic Beng Mealea temple. You’ll have plenty of time to explore this sprawling, labyrinth-style ruin, navigating through its atmospheric remnants and jungle-clad stones. Our return to Siem Reap follows peaceful backroads between Trav Kot Lake and Chau Srei Vibol, providing the perfect opportunity for sunset photos in the lush rice paddies.

Overnight: Siem Reap (Same hotel).

Morning: Head for Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain where the Khmer Empire was born in 802 AD. We’ll follow the jungle trails of the national park to explore its highlights: a hike to the sculpted riverbed and a visit to the Preah Ang Thom pagoda, home to a massive 17-meter reclining Buddha carved directly into a sandstone boulder. After taking in the views, we enjoy a local lunch in Svay Leu following a winding descent down the mountain’s eastern slope.

Afternoon: In the early afternoon, we’ll ride through the picturesque countryside on beautiful dirt back roads toward Kbal Spean. A short but rewarding jungle trek leads us to the "River of a Thousand Lingas," where intricate 11th-century carvings emerge from the water near a refreshing waterfall.

Finally: We conclude our adventure with a scenic ride back to our hotel in Siem Reap.

• Overnight: Siem Reap (Same hotel).

Into the Authentic North countryside.

Morning: Red Dust, sand and Rural Roads. We set off at 8:00 AM, heading north toward the province of Oddar Meanchey. The morning is all about the joy of the ride, as we navigate a fun mix of the paved Road 202 and the winding dirt tracks surrounding Angkor Chum. This route offers a raw glimpse into the Cambodian countryside, far from the temple crowds.

Afternoon: Local Immersion & Relaxation We’ll arrive in Oddar Meanchey early, pulling up to a welcoming local guesthouse for a traditional lunch. As this is a designated break day, the afternoon is yours to shape. You can choose to kick back and relax, or wander through this quiet provincial town. Here, there are no signs of tourism (just the rhythm of genuine local life). It’s the perfect time to explore the market or narrow streets at your own pace before the longer, more challenging ride awaiting us tomorrow.

Evening: Garden BBQ & Local Tales As the sun dips, we’ll gather in our homestay’s garden for a laid-back feast. We’ll enjoy an array of street food delicacies, including BBQ skewers, grilled meats, and fragrant jasmine rice. It’s a night for cold drinks, sharing stories from the road, and perhaps catching up on some "Cambodian gossip" as we soak in the quiet village atmosphere.

Overnight: Oddar Meanchey (Local Guesthouse).

Remote Temple, Borders, and the Gem City

Morning: The Remote Majesty of Banteay Chhmar

After breakfast at our guesthouse, we depart at 8:30 AM, carving through the winding stretches of Road 56. Our first major stop is the massive, forest-cloaked Banteay Chhmar temple. We’ll explore these stunning, less-visited ruins before heading to the bustling town of Sisophon (Banteay Meanchey) for a well-earned local lunch at a comfy bungalow type of venue.

Afternoon: The Border Run to Pailin

In the afternoon, the landscape shifts as we dive into secondary country roads. We’ll eventually join the scenic Border Road 59, tracing the edge of the country through rural landscapes until we reach Pailin, the historic "Gem City." We’ll settle into a central local hotel for the evening.

Evening: Beer Garden Vibes

To wrap up a big day of riding, we’ll head to a lively nearby beer garden. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cold drink, a hearty dinner, and the local atmosphere of this unique mountain-fringed town.

Overnight: Pailin (Central Local Hotel).

The Heights of Samlout

Morning: Waterfalls and High Country

After breakfast and a quick motorbike check, we kick off the day with a climb up to the hidden Elephant Head Waterfall. From there, we descend through the rolling, hilly countryside of Phum Balaing. This stretch is all about the journey where we’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop at local farms, cool off by the river, or pull over for panoramic hilltop views.

Afternoon: Mountain Trails and River Lunches

Lunch is a relaxed affair, likely enjoyed at a riverside bungalow or at one of the various local venues along the way where we can recharge. The real adventure begins in the afternoon as we tackle a rugged trail through the mountains south of Samlout. It’s a rewarding ride that brings us back to our base for the evening: a cozy rural bungalow nestled in Samlout.

Evening: Tranquility in the Foothills

We’ll enjoy a quiet dinner on-site at our accommodation, reflecting on the day’s mountain pass and the shift in scenery. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploration.

Overnight: Samlout (Bungalow).

From the Cardamoms to the Coast

Morning (early): The Ascent to Osoam

We kick off the morning with an adrenaline-filled "semi-hard trail" shortcut straight from our bungalow. Once we hit the main track, we begin the climb up Road 10, winding through the mountains toward Osoam Lake. We’ll pull in for a well-earned coffee break at Nali’s, a lovely local stop, to soak in the crisp mountain air before the next leg.

Afternoon: The Veal Veng Descent

Prepare for some of the most spectacular views of the trip as we ride through the gorgeous, mid-altitude peaks of Veal Veng. The road takes us through sweeping valleys and lush mountain passes as we gradually descend toward the Gulf of Thailand. Our destination is the quiet coastal town of Khemarak Phoumin (Koh Kong), where the mountain air meets the sea breeze.

Late lunch until evening: Tapas and Tides

To celebrate completing this epic 215 km stretch, we’ll head to the beach for tapas and drinks by the water. It’s the perfect setting to relax with your toes in the sand as the sun sets over the ocean.

Dinner in town for noodles or seafood.

Overnight: Koh Kong (Central Local Hotel).

Day 9: The Grand Cardamom Traverse

Morning: Mangroves and the "Border Trail" Challenge

We kick off at 8:00 AM with an optional visit to the lush Koh Kong mangrove forests. From there, the day’s big decision awaits: for the experienced and brave, and if the "captain" agrees, we may tackle a rugged dirt trail along the Thai border. This route is spectacular but highly weather-dependent, as rain can turn the terrain into a serious challenge. Alternatively, we’ll take the legendary Road 10, winding through the heart of the Cardamom Mountains and crossing the highest bridge in Cambodia.

Afternoon: From Peaks to Paddies

After a lunch break in the Osoam-Pramaoy area, we continue our picturesque journey along the meandering mountain passes. As we descend toward the plains, the landscape shifts to a labyrinth of dirt roads cutting through rice paddies and along ancient canals. We’ll pause to marvel at a giant Golden Buddha before reaching our final stop of the day.

Evening: The Bat Flight & Garden Bliss

Right on cue, between 5:30 and 5:45 PM, we’ll gather at the Phnom Sampov bat caves to witness millions of bats streaming out into the sunset: a truly iconic Cambodian sight. We wrap up this epic 265 km journey in Battambang, settling into a comfortable bungalow with a lush green garden and a pool, perfect for a celebratory dinner after the longest ride of this adventure. We deserve a good relaxing evening in a serene comfortable place (friendly welcoming owner).

Overnight: Battambang (Bungalow & Pool).

Day 10: The Victory Lap to Siem Reap

Morning: A Gentle Start by the Lake After nine days of intense riding, we’ll start a little later to ensure everyone feels rejuvenated. Our final day begins with a cruise around Kamping Pouy Lake, the largest man-made reservoir in Cambodia. From there, we’ll navigate a mix of trails and quiet backroads toward Bavel, keeping the ride scenic and steering clear of the busy National Road 5.

Afternoon: The Shortcut Home We’ll follow beautiful countryside roads through Mongkol Borey and Preah Netr Preah, taking a strategic shortcut that keeps us immersed in rural life right until the end. The final stretch is a long, straight run that brings us back into the familiar heart of Siem Reap, completing our ambitious 231 km loop.

Evening: Recovery and Celebration Upon arrival, we’ll head back to the hotel for a well-deserved shower. Then, we’ll swap our bikes for a tuktuk ride to a reputable local massage center to soothe any trail-weary muscles. We’ll gather one last time for a farewell dinner, reflecting on the incredible 10-day adventure, the challenges conquered, and the memories made across the Kingdom.

Overnight: Siem Reap (Your Hotel).