A 4-Day Motorbike Expedition: The Northern Temples Circuit
Around 550 km
Route Summary:
Total Distance: Approximately 550 km
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Rider Level: Easy to Moderate (suitable for all riders)
Road Conditions: Almost entirely paved roads, accessible for all motorbikes. No challenging off-road sections.
This four-day motorbike expedition is a recommended route for self-guided riders. It ventures far beyond the main Angkor complex, offering a journey through the historic heart of the ancient Khmer Empire. The route links the lost pyramid city of Koh Ker, the remote, cliff-top sanctuary of Preah Vihear, and the sacred waterfalls of Phnom Kulen in a logical and scenic loop starting from Siem Reap. This itinerary is suitable for riders of all levels, mostly using well-paved roads through Cambodia’s northern provinces.
Book this tour with Mototom or rent a motorbike by contacting us.
Day 1: The Lost Capital of Koh Ker
Prasat Beng Mealea temple, not far before koh Ker temple.
Route: Siem Reap → Koh Ker
Distance: ~120 km (NR6/Road 64)
The adventure begins with a relaxed ride northeast from Siem Reap, starting on the National Road 6. The journey then passes through rural Cambodian landscapes on Road 64, where you can even decide to visit Prasat Beng Mealea temple ($10 ticket entrance) before arriving at the vast archaeological site of Koh Ker, a former capital of the Khmer Empire. Arriving in the early afternoon allows ample time to check into a local guesthouse and begin exploring. The main attraction is Prasat Thom, a spectacular seven-tiered sandstone pyramid that rises majestically above the surrounding jungle, offering incredible views from its summit. The ticket is $15 on location.
Day 2: The Cliff-Top Sanctuary of Preah Vihear
Route: Koh Ker → Preah Vihear Temple → Sra'aem
Distance: ~130 km (+30 km from Preah Vihear to the accommodation in Sra’aem) (Road 64/Road 62)
After breakfast, the route leads north on good roads connecting the two great temple complexes. The day’s main objective is Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop a 525-meter cliff on the border with Thailand. The ticket is $10 on location. It is important to note that to ascend the steep road to the temple, personal motorbikes must be parked at the base. The ascent is completed via a mandatory official 4x4 pickup or moto-taxi ($25 or $5). The afternoon can be spent exploring the temple's magnificent, elongated series of sanctuaries, culminating in the stunning panoramic views from the final cliff-edge Gopura. The day concludes with a short ride to the nearby town of Sra’aem for an overnight stay.
Day 3: The Southern Road to the Sacred Mountain
Route: Sra'aem → Foothills of Phnom Kulen
Distance: ~150 km (Road 2625-2648 and Road from Trapeang Prasat to Road 64) or ~178 km (from Anlong Veng, then Road 66)
This day involves the longest ride of the tour, tracing a path south back towards the Siem Reap region. The journey showcases the heart of northern Cambodia. Instead of returning directly to the city, the route diverts towards the final major destination of the circuit: Phnom Kulen. The objective is to arrive in the late afternoon and settle into an accommodation in the foothills of the sacred mountain, positioning for a fresh start on the final day's exploration.
Day 4: Waterfalls of Kulen and the Final Ride to Siem Reap
Koulen Waterfall
Route: Phnom Kulen National Park → Siem Reap
Distance: ~80 km (including mountain exploration) (Road 67)
The final day is dedicated to exploring the lush, sacred plateau of Phnom Kulen, considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire. The ride up the mountain offers scenic views before revealing the area’s main attractions. Highlights include a short jungle walk to the River of a Thousand Lingas (Kbal Spean), featuring its ancient riverbed carvings, a visit to the Preah Ang Thom Pagoda to see Cambodia's largest reclining Buddha, and a refreshing swim at the base of the beautiful, two-tiered Phnom Kulen Waterfall.
After enjoying the mountain's natural and cultural sites, the final, short ride of approximately 53 km leads back to Siem Reap, concluding an epic four-day circuit of Northern Cambodia's greatest temple treasures.
You want to make this trip a reality? Contact us to book your adventure with Mototom motorbikes or opt for a fully inclusive tour with a Mototom guide.
