Cardamom Mountains

Day 3
Riding along a challenging jungle path and crossing numerous rickety bridges through Araing and Thmor Bang, we enter the Cardamom Mountains. We take a breather in the frontier town of Koh Kong for the night.

Day 4
We begin the first leg of our journey through the Cardamoms, along the most extreme trail Cambodia has to offer, until we reach O’ Saom. This isolated village is completely cut off from civilisation during the rainy season is completely self-sufficient, with its own homegrown fruits and vegetables and freshwater supply. Villagers also report the occasional glimpse of wild crocodiles. Here you have the option of either camping out or staying, believe it or not, at their own guesthouse!

Day 5
We continue our journey along the trail to Veal Veng, and Pramaouy. Leaving Pramaouy, there are two route options: shorter but more challenging (100km of sand and hill climbs) or longer and less challenging (205 km of mixed red dirt and sealed roads). Whichever route you take the end point is the same; the laidback colonial town of Battambang.

Day 6
We spend the day expoliring Battambang. Passing through picturesque rice fields and villages of stilted houses, we make our way to the hill of Phnom Sampeau for a stunning view of Battambang province. Cambodia’s dark history is revealed here by the skulls and bones of “Killing Cave” victims. It also features a working Buddhist pagoda and numerous cave shrines. From Phnom Sampeau we continue to the 11th century hilltop temple of Phnom Banan. After climbing the steps to the top, relax in this peaceful location and take in more great views before another comfortable night in town.

Day 7
After an off-road adventure that rivals the best, it’s plain sailing from Battambang along a new tarmac road, passing through Pursat and Kompong Chhnang en route to Phnom Penh for a farewell dinner

Day 8
End of Tour. Day spent at your own leisure and transfer from hotel to airport.