Siem Reap Road Trip Top 10
Siem Reap Road Trip Top 10
The plan was to go to Battambang first but I found some time to sneak away to Siem Reap as soon as I arrived to Cambodia. Thanks to those who gave me advice about road trippin' in Cambodia. Bringing my own helmet, boots, and gloves made a big difference . . .
Here are my thoughts about the trip:
10. Most of road 6 is as smooth as a baby's bottom which can get you a bit lazy. There are a few pothole areas and there stray hazards all over.
9. All the cows, all over the place, all the time . . . It gets your appetite good and ready for the Sait Gow Ang waiting for you at the end of the trip.
8. All the dogs, all over the place, all the time . . . It gets your appetite good and ready for the . . . oops, I was thinking about a different country.
7. Over 12 hours of driving throughout the trip and not a single middle finger to be seen.
6. Over 12 hours of driving and no McfukingDonalds ever seen.
5. Road 6., as with all major roads cuts directly through provinces, forcing you to slow down, check out the local food stands, and take on a snack or two. I still have the runs from one such food stop (duck fetus eggs and some luke warm instant noodle thing with mystery protein spread all over the top) I'd take this over chlorinated shit burgers any day . .
4. I gotta give a plug to that "Dead Fish" bar/rstaurant for its coolness factor. Yeah, it's touristy but damn, why can't somebody do something like that in Phnom Penh? The seating area is comprised of different leveled platforms and there's even a crocodile pit in the corner. It would be great to see some drunk guy topple over.
3. Crazy Korean Missionaries wearing their 300 dollar Burberry shirts and diamond studded Rolexes are everywhere! Can't feed em' to the lions nor can you shoot them. But maybe in those little provinces . . . you can . . . see that's my point.
2. All the freaking "stories" heard in PP can harden your heart. Nothing really bad has ever happened to me but I find myself always looking over my shoulder, literally and figuretively. It's great to get out and just see how super friendly everybody really is. . .
1. Gotta take my hat off to those fellas from all those years ago. They moved and carved up a lot of stone. F what the "popular"vote from that 7 wonders thing says, Angkor Wat pretty much rocks. Most of those other places, you go, you see, you nod, and you pretty much head back. Angkor Wat truly is a wonder. . . and also a great motorcycle loop seeing those temples.
Here are my thoughts about the trip:
10. Most of road 6 is as smooth as a baby's bottom which can get you a bit lazy. There are a few pothole areas and there stray hazards all over.
9. All the cows, all over the place, all the time . . . It gets your appetite good and ready for the Sait Gow Ang waiting for you at the end of the trip.
8. All the dogs, all over the place, all the time . . . It gets your appetite good and ready for the . . . oops, I was thinking about a different country.
7. Over 12 hours of driving throughout the trip and not a single middle finger to be seen.
6. Over 12 hours of driving and no McfukingDonalds ever seen.
5. Road 6., as with all major roads cuts directly through provinces, forcing you to slow down, check out the local food stands, and take on a snack or two. I still have the runs from one such food stop (duck fetus eggs and some luke warm instant noodle thing with mystery protein spread all over the top) I'd take this over chlorinated shit burgers any day . .
4. I gotta give a plug to that "Dead Fish" bar/rstaurant for its coolness factor. Yeah, it's touristy but damn, why can't somebody do something like that in Phnom Penh? The seating area is comprised of different leveled platforms and there's even a crocodile pit in the corner. It would be great to see some drunk guy topple over.
3. Crazy Korean Missionaries wearing their 300 dollar Burberry shirts and diamond studded Rolexes are everywhere! Can't feed em' to the lions nor can you shoot them. But maybe in those little provinces . . . you can . . . see that's my point.
2. All the freaking "stories" heard in PP can harden your heart. Nothing really bad has ever happened to me but I find myself always looking over my shoulder, literally and figuretively. It's great to get out and just see how super friendly everybody really is. . .
1. Gotta take my hat off to those fellas from all those years ago. They moved and carved up a lot of stone. F what the "popular"vote from that 7 wonders thing says, Angkor Wat pretty much rocks. Most of those other places, you go, you see, you nod, and you pretty much head back. Angkor Wat truly is a wonder. . . and also a great motorcycle loop seeing those temples.
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congrats on being able to get that down.wasabi wrote:...duck fetus eggs...
so what's the deal with the croc pit restaurant? is it in siem reap? i've heard there was a croc pit place in phnom penh, maybe it shut down? i know, i know, shouldn't be at the top of my mind. but hey always wanted to feed a chicken to a crocodile. better than shooting it with an ak47, doesn't go to waste.
W-S-B,
I'm expecting more info from you on road trips.
In fact I'd appreicate a few more detailed reports on bike trips
you guys have undertaken.
One question though, you always seem to be in such a rush from
Point A to B,
Why ?,
Can we get some info on a slow trip from "A to B",
Say a 4-7 day, time out road trip, from PP and back.
Regards
Kev
,
I'm expecting more info from you on road trips.
In fact I'd appreicate a few more detailed reports on bike trips
you guys have undertaken.
One question though, you always seem to be in such a rush from
Point A to B,
Why ?,
Can we get some info on a slow trip from "A to B",
Say a 4-7 day, time out road trip, from PP and back.
Regards
Kev
,
I refuse to go out with nothing more than a whimper followed by a small farting sound and a shit stain on my bed sheets..
Just thought I'd share that with you.
Just thought I'd share that with you.
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Yeah, Ive been there a few times, I do enjoy feeding the crocs, pretty cheap too at only 2000 riel for a plate of smelly fish and some tongs.4. I gotta give a plug to that "Dead Fish" bar/rstaurant for its coolness factor. there's even a crocodile pit in the corner. It would be great to see some drunk guy topple over.
Never heard of one in Phnom Penh, and they don't normally feed crocodiles on chickens. Dead Fish is in Siem Reap. Theres a crocdile farm in Siem Reap town too, with hundreds of big crocs, you can get a baby one for $25.i've heard there was a croc pit place in phnom penh, maybe it shut down? i know, i know, shouldn't be at the top of my mind. but hey always wanted to feed a chicken to a crocodile.
Who Gives a Fuck?
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Actually, the crocs at the "croc" restaurant was not my primary attraction to the place. It's the seating platforms that make the place unique. All the platforms are on different levels so you feel like you're dining in the jungle with the "Ewoks"(Return of the Jedi). The restaurant is actually a tall barn-like building so there's plenty of room for these platforms. And it seems they designed it well enough so that every platform gets a good view of the central platform which is used for entertainment(dance and music).
One day, I'll be a retired bong and take those month long trips but right now, my schedule is at the mercy of others. On my very first trip to PP, after over 24 hours spent travelling, a bunch of well meaning people escorted me directly from the airport to their office. Nice touch.
Now, on my 7th trip back, I think I've figured out my scheduling a little better and can get away for a long weekend. In fact, I am now in Sihanaukville on the last leg of the Kep-Kampot loop. I really wanted to ride up to Bokor but with worn out tires + rainy/slippery conditions, I decided to leave that for another trip. I did however make it to the pepper farms and got my self a huge ass bag of whole peppers.
One day, I'll be a retired bong and take those month long trips but right now, my schedule is at the mercy of others. On my very first trip to PP, after over 24 hours spent travelling, a bunch of well meaning people escorted me directly from the airport to their office. Nice touch.
Now, on my 7th trip back, I think I've figured out my scheduling a little better and can get away for a long weekend. In fact, I am now in Sihanaukville on the last leg of the Kep-Kampot loop. I really wanted to ride up to Bokor but with worn out tires + rainy/slippery conditions, I decided to leave that for another trip. I did however make it to the pepper farms and got my self a huge ass bag of whole peppers.
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I'll just continue where I left off so that people who are uninterested in "road trippin" won't be bothered with yet another thread on the topic. Also to some of you pros, I'm sure this may seem a bit boring to you . . .
Kingwilson, here's another 10. . . Cambodian coast loop.
10. Even during rain season, it hardly ever seems rain hard core, non-stop, straight on. If it gets too heavy, slow down and turn off to ANY roof that offers some protection. I've never been turned down(even in private residences). Smile, be nice and say a few "sorries" and "thank you's".
9. Those super thin 2,000 riel raincoats come in handy. Dress up your bag(s) with these raincoats, then bungee the thing down to the backseat. The entire bag and its contents stay toasy dry.
8. Not sure if this is the smartest way travel but all my maps tend to get wet and torn apart. A bunch of people always tend to hang out in every rotary or fork in the road. Just ask. Never had to turn back due to wrong directions. . .
7. If it looks like big heap of dung. It is. . . and it's slippery if you go slow. . . and it also means that there's a probably a bunch of cows around.
6. Navigating through a herd of cows can be tricky. I've figured out that it's not a good idea to split up a big one with a little one. Go in between two big ones slowly. Give a short honk and they give you a wee bit more room.
5. Plugs to Kep Lodge. Super friendly Swiss owner and wife team. Great "out of the way" location but only a few minutes to the crab market. Has all the things you want after a long ride. "Roofed" parking for your bike. Good bar and restaurant on premises. And even a pool table in case you're rained in. Incredible view on a crisp morning . . .
4. Any fan of Kampot pepper must check out some of the pepper farms. Farmers will sell dried pepper by the kilo. Also note that you have to navigate through some narrow passes to get to some farms so when it's rainy and wet, it's a bit tricky. Thanks to Mark for your hospitality.
3. Kep's crab market is "famous" so no need to mention but there's also a "roadside" crab market in Kompongsom that don't seem to be frequented much by foreigners. It's located by the first 3 way turn off coming into town next to the 2 HUGE petrol stations. It's basically a market but each shop has one table between their living quarters and shop front. 4 huge crabs and a huge plateful of shrimps, and rice. = 14 bucks. Not cheap but not expensive compared to "on the beach" shops.
2. Roads were generally good. 2&3 is narrower than 6 but has far less traffic. The road from Kep/Kampot to KompongSom is beautiful. Hilly and not congested. There's a major pothole section in a valley area where corrosive water just collects. Not a big problem because the section is so obvious, you probably wouldn't be caught by surprise. Route 4 in itself doesn't seem so dangerous but the combination of all those trucks and crazy Camry guys makes it so. And the cold "mountain rains" don't help the situation much, There's no such thing as right of way or your lane or his lane. Once you accept this, everything seems to make sense.
1. No plugs for the crazy moto-dops and tuk tuk guys in Kompong som. What the hell happened? 10 bucks for a dinner loop? 5 bucks to market and back? 10 bucks buys you a ticket to Vietnam!
Oh yeah. . . one more thing. There's a Thai restaurant in Kompong Som that's located in the heart of the girly bar area. Getting there from the major beach area is maybe 10 minutes by moto. It's run by a Thai girl and husband I think. The food was delicious. . . Same same Thailand. And as I was driving out of the area, a cute girl yelled out, "_________!!". No matter which language, no matter for which reason, it just makes a man feel damn good to hear those words from a cute girl. Thanks cute girl!
Kingwilson, here's another 10. . . Cambodian coast loop.
10. Even during rain season, it hardly ever seems rain hard core, non-stop, straight on. If it gets too heavy, slow down and turn off to ANY roof that offers some protection. I've never been turned down(even in private residences). Smile, be nice and say a few "sorries" and "thank you's".
9. Those super thin 2,000 riel raincoats come in handy. Dress up your bag(s) with these raincoats, then bungee the thing down to the backseat. The entire bag and its contents stay toasy dry.
8. Not sure if this is the smartest way travel but all my maps tend to get wet and torn apart. A bunch of people always tend to hang out in every rotary or fork in the road. Just ask. Never had to turn back due to wrong directions. . .
7. If it looks like big heap of dung. It is. . . and it's slippery if you go slow. . . and it also means that there's a probably a bunch of cows around.
6. Navigating through a herd of cows can be tricky. I've figured out that it's not a good idea to split up a big one with a little one. Go in between two big ones slowly. Give a short honk and they give you a wee bit more room.
5. Plugs to Kep Lodge. Super friendly Swiss owner and wife team. Great "out of the way" location but only a few minutes to the crab market. Has all the things you want after a long ride. "Roofed" parking for your bike. Good bar and restaurant on premises. And even a pool table in case you're rained in. Incredible view on a crisp morning . . .
4. Any fan of Kampot pepper must check out some of the pepper farms. Farmers will sell dried pepper by the kilo. Also note that you have to navigate through some narrow passes to get to some farms so when it's rainy and wet, it's a bit tricky. Thanks to Mark for your hospitality.
3. Kep's crab market is "famous" so no need to mention but there's also a "roadside" crab market in Kompongsom that don't seem to be frequented much by foreigners. It's located by the first 3 way turn off coming into town next to the 2 HUGE petrol stations. It's basically a market but each shop has one table between their living quarters and shop front. 4 huge crabs and a huge plateful of shrimps, and rice. = 14 bucks. Not cheap but not expensive compared to "on the beach" shops.
2. Roads were generally good. 2&3 is narrower than 6 but has far less traffic. The road from Kep/Kampot to KompongSom is beautiful. Hilly and not congested. There's a major pothole section in a valley area where corrosive water just collects. Not a big problem because the section is so obvious, you probably wouldn't be caught by surprise. Route 4 in itself doesn't seem so dangerous but the combination of all those trucks and crazy Camry guys makes it so. And the cold "mountain rains" don't help the situation much, There's no such thing as right of way or your lane or his lane. Once you accept this, everything seems to make sense.
1. No plugs for the crazy moto-dops and tuk tuk guys in Kompong som. What the hell happened? 10 bucks for a dinner loop? 5 bucks to market and back? 10 bucks buys you a ticket to Vietnam!
Oh yeah. . . one more thing. There's a Thai restaurant in Kompong Som that's located in the heart of the girly bar area. Getting there from the major beach area is maybe 10 minutes by moto. It's run by a Thai girl and husband I think. The food was delicious. . . Same same Thailand. And as I was driving out of the area, a cute girl yelled out, "_________!!". No matter which language, no matter for which reason, it just makes a man feel damn good to hear those words from a cute girl. Thanks cute girl!
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Not a problem if you have a Garmin GPS Unit with a Detailed Cambodia Map loaded into it.wasabi wrote:8. Not sure if this is the smartest way travel but all my maps tend to get wet and torn apart. A bunch of people always tend to hang out in every rotary or fork in the road. Just ask. Never had to turn back due to wrong directions. . .
"We, the sons of John Company, have arrived"
Nerd.Playboy wrote: Not a problem if you have a Garmin GPS Unit with a Detailed Cambodia Map loaded into it.
- Playboy
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You have no idea of the irony in that statement.gotprahok wrote:Nerd.Playboy wrote: Not a problem if you have a Garmin GPS Unit with a Detailed Cambodia Map loaded into it.
"We, the sons of John Company, have arrived"
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Playboy is definitely not a Nerd.gotprahok wrote:Nerd.Playboy wrote: Not a problem if you have a Garmin GPS Unit with a Detailed Cambodia Map loaded into it.
He may know a brand of GPS unit but rest assured he doesn't know how to use it.
As for the map problem.
I put my maps in the clear plastic map pouch of a tank bag on my bike. The map stays dry and I carry the heavy part/tubes etc forward better balancing the weight.
Also for waterproof bags for clothes etc, I use Canoe dry bags, they keep the dust and rain out perfectly.
cheers
LaudJohn
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