A 6-Day Motorbike Expedition: The Northeast and Mekong Circuit

Around 1100 km

Route Summary:

  • Phnom Penh to Phnom Penh (loop).

  • Total Distance: Approximately 1100 km

  • Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

  • Rider Level: Easy to Moderate (suitable for all riders)

  • Road Conditions: Paved roads, accessible for all motorbikes. A few off-road sections (easy dirt roads when dry).

This six-day motorbike expedition offers a scenic loop from Phnom Penh through Cambodia’s remote northeastern provinces: Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, and Mondulkiri. Designed for self-guided riders of all levels, the mostly paved route features waterfalls, jungle landscapes, ethnic villages, and wildlife encounters. With plenty of activities along the way, the trip is easily customisable for a deeper, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

This is where you get to see the real Cambodia, with its natural inhabitants who are some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever be lucky enough to meet. The wildness of the landscape, the clean air, the open roads, and the freedom to switch between dirt and tarmac make it an adventure rider’s dream.

This guide below is a suggestion. Adding more days would be ideal if you want to explore this beautiful part of Cambodia in greater depth.

Book this tour with Mototom or rent a motorbike by contacting us.

View of a black Royal enfield in front of a bamboo bridge in Cambodia

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 in front of Koh Pen bamboo bridge, Kampong Cham

Day 1: The World's Longest Bamboo Bridge and an overnight stay at Chhlong.

Route: Phnom Penh → Koh Pen (Kampong Cham) → Chhlong

Distance: ~199 km (NR6/Road 223/PR222/Road 308/)

Departing from Phnom Penh’s bustle on National Road 6, the journey leads through the countryside to the Mekong-side city of Kampong Cham. The day's main attraction is the remarkable seasonal bamboo bridge to Koh Pen island (a small fee applies). It is essential to know this bridge is typically only present during the dry season; a permanent concrete bridge provides access during the rainy months. From Kampong Cham, the route continues north, leaving the highway for scenic riverside roads like Road 308 that weave through traditional villages. The ride concludes in Chhlong, a quiet town renowned for its faded French colonial architecture, offering a peaceful end to the day.

Day 2: On the way to Kratie and the Irrawaddy Dolphins

Route: Chhlong → Kratie (Krong Kracheh) → Stung Treng

Distance: ~173 km (the stretch from Chhlong to Kratie is 38km) (Road 73/Road 7 along the Mekong)

From Chhlong, embark on a 40 km ride to Kratie, a little town on the Mekong River renowned for Irrawaddy dolphin viewing. To maximize your chances of spotting these magnificent mammals, aim for early morning (6-7 AM) or late afternoon (make sure to arrive before sunset to book a boat on time to see the dolphins), when they are most active. This may require an early start from Chhlong or an overnight stay in Kratie. After your dolphin encounter, continue your journey north along the Mekong to Stung Treng, where various resorts and guesthouses offer comfortable accommodation for the night.

Day 3: From Stung Treng to Wild Rattanakiri

Route: Stung Treng → Banlung

Distance: ~140 km (Road 7/Road 78)

If you have an extra day available, you can visit the Preah Nimit Waterfall, also known as Sopheakmit or Lbak Khoun, is a waterfall on the Mekong River, located in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, near the border with Laos, 68 km away from Stung Treng. It's a spectacular sight where the river cascades over a limestone plateau. The waterfall is known for the power and volume of the Mekong River, especially where it splits into several branches.

Otherwise, simply head to Banlung, the capital of Ratanakiri Province in northeastern Cambodia, offering a range of attractions, with a particular focus on natural beauty. Accessible waterfalls like Katieng, Ka Chanh, and Cha Ong are popular, and the volcanic Yeak Laom Lake is a must-see. Other options include exploring Virachey National Park (requires planning), visiting the Ethnic Minority Museum, and experiencing jungle trekking or elephant visits in their natural habitat (contact Airavata Elephant Foundation).

waterfall of Bou Sra and trees

Bou Sra Waterfall

Day 4: A ride through the jungle and Rural Mondulkiri

Route: Banlung → Sen Monorom

Distance: ~190 km (Road 76)

The road from Banlung to Sen Monorom (Route 76) is paved and offers scenic views of the Cambodian countryside. The journey takes roughly 4 hours, suggesting a reasonable travel time for motorcycles through a mountainous and jungle area with plantations like rubber and cashew. The scenery along the route is primarily rural, with forests and hills, and the area is known for its natural beauty.

In Sen Monorom, capital city of the Mondulkiri, consider visiting the Bou Sra Waterfalls, learning about the Bunong indigenous tribes, or seeing elephants at an ethical sanctuary. To truly explore most of the remote and interesting points of interest (Bou Sra Waterfalls is 40 km away for instance), spending more than a night (up to 3 nights is recommended) would be beneficial. It is recommended to book your accommodation ahead due to the isolated area that is far from other main towns.

Day 5: A ride back to the last stopover before the capital

Route: Sen Monorom → Snuol (Snoul)

Distance: ~132 km (Road 76)

For those traveling between Mondulkiri and Phnom Penh, Snoul offers a practical and interesting overnight stop. After approximately two hours of riding on Road 76, you'll find a small town where you can rest and recharge. It's a great chance to connect with local life, perhaps by exploring the bustling market or enjoying a meal at a local eatery, offering a more authentic slice of Cambodian culture than major tourist hubs. Time to finally try the grilled cricket with your beer?

View at dawn of the ferry on the Tonle Sap and Mekong going to Phnom Penh

Ferry back to the capital

Day 6: From Less Ridden Roads to the Capital's Growing Traffic

Route: Snuol (Snoul) → Phnom Penh

Distance: ~225 km (NR7, NR8 and NR11 + ferry)

Your final day on the road will see you transition from the relative quiet of the Cambodian countryside to the bustling energy of the capital. As you approach Phnom Penh from Snoul, the traffic will gradually become more dense, a clear sign you're nearing the heart of urban Cambodia.

A unique and fitting way to conclude your epic ride is by taking the Arey Ksat Ferry (also known as Areiksart Ferry). This local ferry crosses the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers, providing a moment of calm and a fantastic perspective of the city's skyline as you glide across the water. Motorcycles are loaded directly onto the ferry, making for a seamless and authentic entry into Phnom Penh, marking the end of your incredible cross-country motorbike adventure.

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.

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