Cambodia: it used to be the ‘wild west’ of Southeast Asia with bumpy and dusty dirt roads but more and more roads are being paved, making for a much smoother ride.
There’s still a rougher edge to this country than its gleaming neighbour Thailand but plenty of tourists come here to explore the wonders of Angkor Wat, beaches on the south coast and the capital Phnom Penh.
Now that even more remote roads are being paved, Cambodia is completely viable as a cycling destination in the wet season; something that would have been unthinkable just a few years back. The showers usually come in the late afternoon and can be quite refreshing after a hot day in the saddle.
Having said that, there are still a few excellent dirt roads to explore, particularly along the Mekong River between Phnom Penh and Laos. Notable among these is the Mekong Discovery Trail.
We explored Cambodia in the summer of 2008, and our notes are below. Obviously quite some time has passed since we were there, so a few things will have changed. Do search around the net to find other, more recent, links.
- Accommodation: Where you can stay in Cambodia and what it costs.
- Budget and Shopping: Finding your way around the markets.
- Food and Water: What’s on offer to eat and drink.
- Getting a Visa: Yes, you can get it at the border.
- Health and Safety: Worry about the water, not landmines.
- Money Matters: Bank machines can be found but leave your credit cards at home.
- Phnom Penh and City Map: Getting around the capital city.
- Roads and Maps: Grab a good one from home, if you can find one.
- Angkor Wat: Information about Cambodia’s most amazing site.
- Siem Reap: Where to stay and eat while seeing Angkor Wat.
Cycle This…
- Anlong Veng to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh: Entering Cambodia via the back door.
- Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville loop: A trip to the beach.
- Phnom Penh to Laos and Don Det: Along the Mekong – fantastic!
See Also…
- Cycling around Phnom Penh: A PDF article from AsiaLIFE magazine.