Ride the Essentials: The 9 'Not to be Missed' Motorbike Routes in Cambodia
Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a casual rider looking for the perfect weekend escape, Cambodia offers some of the most diverse and rewarding motorcycling terrain in Southeast Asia. From the misty heights of the Cardamom Mountains, the Bokor Mountain or Koulen, to the ancient "lost" temples of the north, the "Kingdom of Wonder" is a rider’s paradise.
To help you plan your next expedition, we’ve compiled the top 9 best motorbike routes in Cambodia, featuring insights from Mototom Cambodia.
The dream road: road number 10 through the Cardamoms
1. Road 10: The Cardamom beauty (Battambang to Koh Kong)
This is arguably the most exciting new addition to Cambodia’s road network. Starting from National Road 57 (the road connecting Battambang and Pailin), Road 10 cuts southward, starting from Samlout, through Osoam and the heart of the Cardamom Mountains.
The Ride: Expect nearly 200km of pristine pavement (road motorbikes friendly) winding through dense jungle, passing through Samlout and Veal Veng before reaching Koh Kong.
Highlight: The adrenaline-filled descent through the mountains and the breathtaking view from the "Tallest Bridge in Cambodia," newly completed since 2025.
2. The Bokor Hill Climb (Kampot Loop)
For those who love smooth tarmac and lean angles, the ascent to Bokor Mountain is legendary. This short trip starts and ends in the riverside town of Kampot.
The Ride: A 32km climb of perfectly paved "S-curves" that rise from sea level to over 1,000 meters. Mind the monkeys on the road!
Highlight: The dramatic temperature drop as you enter the "misty microclimate" at the summit, where you’ll find the eerie ruins of the Old Catholic Church and the French Colonial Casino. Don’t miss one of the waterfalls up there! For the adventurers, go down from the dirt road the other side.
1000 lingas river of Koulen. Photo credit: Paul Mackie
3. The Koulen Loop: Sacred Peaks & Hidden Temples
A favourite on the Mototom Siem Reap tours, this route takes you far beyond the crowds of Angkor Wat. The $20 fee is the only drawback, but it gives you access to so much in that area that it's definitely worth it.
The Ride: This route takes you from Siem Reap to the sacred plateau of Phnom Kulen, returning via the overgrown galleries of Beng Mealea. For the ultimate experience, extend your trip North to spend a night near the ancient 'lost' pyramid of Koh Ker.
Highlight: Swimming in the Phnom Kulen waterfalls and visiting the "River of a Thousand Lingas" where ancient carvings are etched into the sandstone riverbed. Excellent cliff views too, and a fun road to ride (enter from the west side before 11 AM to get a pass, then go down to Svay Leu on the East side. Stop at one of the resorts up there for lunch or the night). Contact us for more.
4. The Mekong River Run (Phnom Penh to Stung Treng)
Following the lifeblood of Cambodia, this route tracks the mighty Mekong River through the remote eastern provinces until Preah Nimith waterfall. Plenty of trails for off-road lovers in addition to the regular paved roads.
The Ride: Departing Phnom Penh, head to Kampong Cham to witness the "World’s Longest Bamboo Bridge" (seasonal, rebuilt after each monsoon!), then continue north through Chhlong to Kratie.
Highlight: Stopping in Kratie for a sunset boat trip to spot the rare, round-headed Irrawaddy Dolphins before continuing the long, scenic ride to the Lao border at Stung Treng.
Waterfall in Phnom 1500
5. Road 55: The "Ribbon Road" (Pursat/Veal Veng)
Connecting the town of Pursat to the Thai border at Thmor Da, Road 55 is often called the “Ribbon Road” because of its winding, serpentine shape as it clings to the mountainside. You can stay overnight at one of the resorts in Phnom 1500, in simple accommodations in Pramaoy, or in remarkable places further east at Osoam Lake along Road 10. The Riverside hotel on the Pursat side is more expensive but really comfortable.
The Ride: Famous for the Phnom 1500 viewpoint, where the road looks like a giant grey snake winding through the green canopy.
Highlight: The hair-raising switchbacks that provide some of the best photo opportunities for motorcyclists in the entire country.
6. The Northeast Adventure (The Highland Loop)
If you want to see a different side of Cambodia, head to the highlands of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri.
The Ride: A 6-day expedition featuring higher-altitude hills, pine forests, and ethnic minority villages. The road between Sen Monorom and Banlung is a mix of sweeping curves and beautiful red-earth trails.
Highlight: Exploring the volcanic Yeak Laom Lake and the "Sea of Forest" lookout in Mondulkiri. Terre Rouge is an amazing lodge to visit, especially if you can connect with the owner. He can show you the elephants they protect and the beautiful jungle.
An XR lost in Veal Veng
7. The Cardamom Loop (The "Old School" Adventure)
For those who want more dirt and dust, the loop from the Thmor Da roundabout to Khemara Phoumin in Koh Kong is a real adventure. Before riding, make sure there are no tensions at the Thai border, as this area saw Thai military incursions into Cambodia in late 2025.
You can push the adventure even harder and more fun if you also visit Tatai, Areng and Chipat after Khemara Phoumin! (Enduro motorbikes territory, especially if raining).
The Ride: This route takes you into the "red roads" that can be challenging during the rainy season but are pure bliss for adventure bikes during the dry season.
Highlight: You can spend a night in a remote homestay or ride through 80 km of spectacular dirt road to reach the beach, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the cool mountain air.
8. The Kirirom Pine Forest Run
Located just a few hours from Phnom Penh, Kirirom National Park (the "Mountain of Joy") is the perfect quick escape for city riders.
The Ride: A steep climb through a rare pine forest, offering much-needed relief from the lowland heat.
Highlight: Riding through the shaded forest trails and visiting the abandoned royal villas of the 1960s.
9. The Kep-Kampot Coastal Cruise
Sometimes, the best ride is a slow one. The coastal run from Kep to Kampot (and onwards toward Koh Kong) is all about the atmosphere between the sea and the hills.
The Ride: Pass through the famous salt fields, stop at the Kep Crab Market, and ride past the organic pepper plantations of La Plantation.
Highlight: A sunset ride along the Kampot River or a detour to the "Secret Lake" for a refreshing dip after a day in the saddle.
Pro Tips for Your Cambodia Ride
Gear Up: Even on short trips like Bokor, always wear a helmet and protective gear. Cambodian roads can be unpredictable. Always look around and behind for monkeys or tillers.
The Right Bike: For the mountain routes like Road 10 or the Cardamoms, a mid-size adventure bike like a Yamaha XT250, Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 or 450, or CF Moto 450 is ideal. You can contact Mototom to rent one.
Safety First: Avoid riding at night. Unlit roads, roaming livestock, and slow-moving vehicles make after-dark travel extremely dangerous. Riding over 200km per day is exhausting in Cambodia, keep it short to enjoy more interactions with locals
Ready to hit the road? Visit mototomcambodia.com to rent the perfect machine or join an expertly guided tour through these incredible landscapes.
