Hi guys
Came back from Phnom Penh a couple of days ago and competetd my 1st stage of the ride that I've planned.
Rode from home in Malaysia to Hatyai on 23 July and catch an evening express train to BKK while the bikes were transported by lorry.
Reached BKK railway station on next morning at 10.00 am and managed to get the bikes ready at ther transporters premises next the railway station at about 11.30 am. The main challenge here was the ride out of BKK and avoid the lunch time city jam. The local guy who guide us out of the city did not do a complete job as he only guide us to the main highway to Nakhon Nayok and we got in the wrong lane within a few kms after that despite we paid 500 baht for his fee.
Next we managed to get the help of a bike taxi who did a fantastic job by guiding us to the highway leading to Nakhon Nayok and he only ask for 200 baht. We reach the border town of Aranyaprathet about 6.30 pm and checked in to the GH for the night. Road side food at Aran was good as usual in Thailand.
Next morning, we crossed the border to Poipet and the immigration and customs at Thai side is efficeint while the immigration at Cambodian counterpart is also OK despite the chaotic situation there at the border.
However, my partner who is a Thai was asked to pay 1100 baht for the Visa despite that I clarify that under ASEAN countries there's no need for such a requirement. Maybe it could be the present situation at Preah Vihear that the both countries are having tense relationship and the payment of 1100 baht was as to avoid any further arguement and undue delay. The was a Visa sticker in the Thai passport but I did not examine the details of the contents.
Next we ride towards Siem Reap on route 6 and the road is quite ok although it is a little narrow. The traffic on the road especially the trucks and buses overtakes but driving in the middel of the road without much consideration of on coming traffic. Maybe this is the culture of the country. As compared to Thailand the road users here are much more dangerous.
The ride is quite pleasant at the county side before Kompong Thum.
However the journey from Kompong Thum towards Phnom Penh is not as pleasant. Especially the road from Skon to Phnom Penh with heavy traffic and road repair.
We stayed for 2 nights in Siem Reap at the Freedom Hotel which is USD20/- per night and ample parking for bikes and the room is reasonably good for such a price (without breakfast).
The visit to Angkor Wat for sunset and sunrise is worthwhile despite it was a cloudy day. We have insuffiicient to visit the whole Angkor Wat due to time constraint but there will be another visit most probably sometime next year.
We also took the boat ride at the river market and the Tonle Sap lake for USD20/- per person which is a bit stiff. Nonetheless it will be an one off affair.
On the 5th day morning we ride towards Phnom Penh and stayed overnight at Asia Hotel located along Monivong Blvd and it cost USD20/- per night with breakfast. Quite convenient as there is a KFC outlet on the groundfloor of the hotel. Parking for bikes are at the five foot way of the hotel building with night security guard (uncovered).
Next morning, I rode around the city along the river side for a short tour and takes the evening flight home while the bikes are kept at Phnom Penh for the 2nd stage of the ride to Vientaine sometime end of Aug.
Will upload the pics later as my camera is not with me now but is should be ready after the 2nd stage of the ride. Hopefullly the video goes well also.
Came back from Phnom Penh a couple of days ago and competetd my 1st stage of the ride that I've planned.
Rode from home in Malaysia to Hatyai on 23 July and catch an evening express train to BKK while the bikes were transported by lorry.
Reached BKK railway station on next morning at 10.00 am and managed to get the bikes ready at ther transporters premises next the railway station at about 11.30 am. The main challenge here was the ride out of BKK and avoid the lunch time city jam. The local guy who guide us out of the city did not do a complete job as he only guide us to the main highway to Nakhon Nayok and we got in the wrong lane within a few kms after that despite we paid 500 baht for his fee.
Next we managed to get the help of a bike taxi who did a fantastic job by guiding us to the highway leading to Nakhon Nayok and he only ask for 200 baht. We reach the border town of Aranyaprathet about 6.30 pm and checked in to the GH for the night. Road side food at Aran was good as usual in Thailand.
Next morning, we crossed the border to Poipet and the immigration and customs at Thai side is efficeint while the immigration at Cambodian counterpart is also OK despite the chaotic situation there at the border.
However, my partner who is a Thai was asked to pay 1100 baht for the Visa despite that I clarify that under ASEAN countries there's no need for such a requirement. Maybe it could be the present situation at Preah Vihear that the both countries are having tense relationship and the payment of 1100 baht was as to avoid any further arguement and undue delay. The was a Visa sticker in the Thai passport but I did not examine the details of the contents.
Next we ride towards Siem Reap on route 6 and the road is quite ok although it is a little narrow. The traffic on the road especially the trucks and buses overtakes but driving in the middel of the road without much consideration of on coming traffic. Maybe this is the culture of the country. As compared to Thailand the road users here are much more dangerous.
The ride is quite pleasant at the county side before Kompong Thum.
However the journey from Kompong Thum towards Phnom Penh is not as pleasant. Especially the road from Skon to Phnom Penh with heavy traffic and road repair.
We stayed for 2 nights in Siem Reap at the Freedom Hotel which is USD20/- per night and ample parking for bikes and the room is reasonably good for such a price (without breakfast).
The visit to Angkor Wat for sunset and sunrise is worthwhile despite it was a cloudy day. We have insuffiicient to visit the whole Angkor Wat due to time constraint but there will be another visit most probably sometime next year.
We also took the boat ride at the river market and the Tonle Sap lake for USD20/- per person which is a bit stiff. Nonetheless it will be an one off affair.
On the 5th day morning we ride towards Phnom Penh and stayed overnight at Asia Hotel located along Monivong Blvd and it cost USD20/- per night with breakfast. Quite convenient as there is a KFC outlet on the groundfloor of the hotel. Parking for bikes are at the five foot way of the hotel building with night security guard (uncovered).
Next morning, I rode around the city along the river side for a short tour and takes the evening flight home while the bikes are kept at Phnom Penh for the 2nd stage of the ride to Vientaine sometime end of Aug.
Will upload the pics later as my camera is not with me now but is should be ready after the 2nd stage of the ride. Hopefullly the video goes well also.
:lol: 
