A spectacular ride for intermediate to advanced riders. We love the Cardamoms, as not only do you get to ride some of the best off road Cambodia has to offer, it is also one of the most beautiful parts of this great country. Sandy single track, rutted rocky climbs and descents, rickety bamboo bridges and large river crossings; either on a boat or just riding through depending on the time of year, are some of the treats we have in store for you on this epic adventure. Throw in Khmer hospitality and friendliness, you will gain a true insight into what Cambodia is all about. As this route becomes impassable during the height of the wet season we recommend this trip between November and June. We will be riding between 100 and 200 km per day.

Itinerary

Day 1: Siem Reap

Airport transfer/getting settled into your hotel and meeting fellow riders, then off to the temples for the day. We will arrange a guide and transport  for you, so you have a chance to learn about this amazing country’s history. Then we’ll meet for an evening meal, and go through the tour itinerary. You will be staying in a comfortable hotel.

Day 2: Siem Reap to Battambang

We will leave Siem Reap on a mixture of red graded dirt roads and sandy single track that cut through the surrounding countryside. We will cut across the North of the Tonle Sap on some fairly chopped up trails. There will be some fast riding on the open flood plains in parts but some serious ruts so we have to go a bit carefully. Then, a series of rice fields and single track will take us to Kamping Poy; a Khmer Rouge era dam before our stop for the night. We will be staying in a nice hotel with a pool.

Day 3: Battambang to O Soum

Riding today will be a mixture of dirt roads and windy single track in the morning, and then picturesque, dirt roads with several steep climbs as we head into the Cardamoms. The route we used to take has been recently graded, but don’t worry as there is a new forest section, with lots of rocks, ruts and roots to keep you entertained. We will be staying in the mountain village of O Soum in a local guesthouse.

Day 4: O Soum to Koh Kong

Today the riding isn’t as technical as we have to jump on the graded Chinese built dirt road that links the new hydropower dams. The old route was so mashed up that only a few groups would make it and since then most tour groups use the Chinese road, so it has become impassable. There will be some amazing views and the riding is still entertaining; if you lose your concentration for a second you’ll be down a gulley! There are a couple of sections that are a bit more chopped up with some nice climbs/descents. Then there are a couple of options: either more graded roads or more technical riding. We will see how the group feels. This extension should bring us in to Koh Kong around 4pm. A nice hotel overlooking the estuary near the Thai border will be our accommodation for the night.

Day 5: Koh Kong [rest day]

After three days riding you’ll need a little R&R. As will the bikes, so we’ll be doing some work on them while you can just relax or check out some of the nearby waterfalls and rapids. You can either chill on the riverside at the comfy restaurant or you can explore the town yourself. We can also cross the estuary and go to the beach for a swim near Thailand, where there is also a casino if you want to try your luck.

Day 6: Koh Kong to Chipat

If you want extreme we have several technical climbs for you, lots of dodgy bridges, slippery single track and river crossings. This is probably one of the best trails through the Cardamons. We will be staying in a charming rural village homestay in the village of Chipat, which is the gateway to the Aural National Park. There are rapids nearby where we can end the day with a nice refreshing swim.
You will find some of the most untouched parts of Cambodia here, with new species being found all the time. This is rapidly changing with the onset of deforestation & development in the region. We will be staying at the local village guesthouse/homestay.

Day 7: Chipat to Kampong Som

Today is an awesome ride on loads of deep sandy single track, rocky climbs, rutted descents, river crossings and more. We should arrive in Srae Ambel town in the afternoon, after which we can follow the coast into Sihanoukville. If there's time we can stop at the Kbal Chay waterfall where you can swim and freshen up. Then an easy ride into the coastal town of Sihanoukville, where the tour ends. Sunset & beers on the beach to round off the perfect trip.