Six Day Cardamoms Adventure

Level - Intermediate/High Intermediate

Itinerary

• Day 1: Siem Reap to Battambang [237km]

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 that 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 2: Battambang to O Soum [151km]

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 3: O Soum to Koh Kong [140km]

Today the riding isn’t as technical as we have to jump on the graded Chinese built dirt road that links the new hydro-power 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 gully! There is a nice waterfall where we can have a swim and relax and have a picnic lunch. After lunch there are a couple of sections that are a bit more chopped up with some nice climbs/descents. The only problem with today is the final section as they have concreted it. Very frustrating but not much we can do as at this time it is the only way through to Koh Kong. But not to fret as day 4 & 5 will make up for it! A nice hotel overlooking the estuary near the Thai border will be our accommodation for the night.

• Day 4: Koh Kong to Chipat [200km]

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 home-stay 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/home-stay.

• Day 5: Chipat to Kep[350km]

Today will be a long day on awesome trails, deep sand and technical forest trails with rocky climbs and descents, river crossings, rocks, ruts, roots and more. Once we leave the Cardamons we will drive through Srae Ambel and along the coast, before heading west to Kampot. By this time it will be late so we will probably have to jump on the highway for the last 70 km. If we make good time though there are alternate routes we can take. We will be staying at a beautiful resort overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

• Day 6: Kep to Phnom Penh [250 km]

The final day will be a mixture of sandy single track, dirt roads, as we make our way along the coast and then through Phnom Voar Mountain. We will cut across land ton some great sandy single track that follows a small Mountain Range that takes us from Kampot to Takeo Province.  Nearer Phnom Penh, we will have to jump on dirt roads, and the final stretch will be tarmac. If there is time we can visit the Killing Fields [Choueng Ek] en route before we arrive in Phnom Penh. There is an option to have a sunset boat cruise on the Mekong River. This will depend on the time we arrive back. Accomodation is a nice comfortable hotel with a pool.

• TERRAIN
• sandy single track, rocky climbs, unsealed dirt roads, rutted clay roads
• BIKE
• Honda XR250R
• INCLUDED
• airport transfer, welcome meal, XR250R, riding gear, petrol, twin accommodation, entrance and river crossing fees on riding days, English speaking guides, full support throughout the tour, sweeper for groups of 3+, hammocks and mosquito nets if needed,
• NOT INCLUDED
• food, drink, alcohol, personal insurance, bike insurance, bike damage, flights, visa, personal expenses,
• OPTIONAL EXTRAS
• XR400 upgrade - $40 per day
• WR250F/CRF250 upgrade - $60 per day
• WR450/CRF450/KTM450EXC upgrade - $80 per day
• single room accommodation for an extra $15 per day / include meals for an extra $20 a day / 4x4 support vehicle for backup, breakdowns, luggage for an extra $150 per day / third party liability insurance on the bike per day (international motorcycle license required) / roughing it in the jungle option [hammocks/tents] / boat cruise on the Mekong / shooting range