Let’s Visit the Kingdom of Wonder: Cambodia is Open, Safe, and Ready for Your Adventure!

A tiller on a dirt road near Koulen mountain, Cambodia. Credit: Paul Mackie

Note to the reader: This article is based on travel conditions in late 2025. While the heart of Cambodia remains fully open and welcoming, adventure travelers should always verify current regional advisories from their home government (like the U.S. State Department or UK FCDO) before hitting the road.

For the adventure traveler, few experiences compare to exploring Southeast Asia on two wheels. The freedom of the road, the scent of tropical air, and the ability to detour down a red dirt track to a hidden temple make motorcycling the ultimate way to see Cambodia.

However, social media and news cycles can sometimes paint a confusing picture. If you have heard rumors about border tensions or safety concerns, it is time for a reality check. Whether you are planning a self-guided rental or a professional tour with an outfit like Mototom, here is the truth about riding in Cambodia right now.

Walk Peace, Phnom Penh, December 2025. One voice for Peace.

Staying Clear of the Border Zones

It is essential to be transparent: as of late 2025, there have been renewed reports of localised military tensions, specifically along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Major government advisories currently recommend staying at least 50km away from the actual border line in provinces like Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey.

The good news? Cambodia is a vast country, and these localised issues do not significantly impact the vast majority of the "Kingdom of Wonder." The main tourist corridors, including Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and the southern coast, remain peaceful, stable, and completely open for business. For a motorbike traveler, this simply means planning your route to stay inland. The heart of the country is as warm and welcoming as it has ever been.

Landing in Style: Brand New International Airports

Getting your adventure started has never been easier. The days of tiny, ageing terminals are over.

• Siem Reap-Angkor International (SAI): Opened in late 2023, this state-of-the-art facility is located about 45km from the temples. It can handle large, long-haul aircraft, meaning you can often fly directly into the "gateway of Angkor" without a stressful connection. Best to visit the temples and the countryside.

• Phnom Penh International (PNH): The capital’s hub is busier than ever. While a second, even larger airport (Techo International) is nearing completion, the current airport remains a smooth entry point for those wanting to start their ride in the city. Best if you want to experience the city vibe and head up to the coast right after. Read more about the airports here.

Walk Street, riverside. Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh: From "Stopover" to Number One

For years, travelers used Phnom Penh as a quick one-night stop. Today, it is a global "Trending Destination." In early 2024, Tripadvisor ranked Phnom Penh #9 in the world on its "Best of the Best" trending list, with many travelers on social media even pushing it toward the #1 spot for its blend of French colonial charm, world-class food, and high-energy nightlife.

View of Phnom Sampov in Battambang

For a rider, the capital is the perfect place to gear up. While the city traffic is "organised chaos," it’s an incredible experience to navigate the riverside at sunset before heading out to the quiet, open roads of the provinces. Be careful and look around at all times for your safety. Read this if you want to know more about safe riding in Cambodia.

Voices from the Road

The best way to judge Cambodia isn’t through a news report, but through the eyes of those who live for the road and the ‘real’ Cambodia.

Travelers like Chris Mix Lewis, a well-known polyglot and adventurer who has spent years in the region, have long praised Cambodia for its "unique smells, friendly people, and the joy of zooming through the streets." His content often highlights a simple truth: the rural people of Cambodia are among the kindest on earth. When you break down or get lost on a motorbike, it’s the locals who will be the first to offer a smile and a hand.

The Riding Community: Reviews for specialised tour operators like Mototom confirm that the adventure is better than ever. Riders frequently report that once you get off the main highways, the "red dirt" experience is world-class.

"The scenery changes constantly, from flat rice paddies to jungle hills. Locals wave everywhere you go, especially the kids. The road conditions vary, but that’s exactly why we came."

The Verdict

If you stay away from the immediate border regions, Cambodia is a safe, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding place for a motorbike tour. The infrastructure is modernising, the capital is booming, and the spirit of adventure is alive and well.