This route is a perfect blend of rich history, cultural immersion, and island relaxation — taking you from Bangkok through Cambodia’s ancient marvels before returning via Thailand’s stunning eastern coast and islands. It’s compact compared to some other tours but packed with unforgettable moments, from exploring the majestic temples of Angkor Wat to cruising tropical beaches on Ko Chang. The mix of border crossings and UNESCO World Heritage sites gives this ride a distinctly international feel, while the varied terrain keeps the riding engaging and rewarding.
For this kind of trip, a nimble, versatile and stylish bike like the Honda CL500 really shines. Its lightweight frame and classic vibe make it ideal for weaving through the dirt roads and temple grounds around Angkor Wat, letting you soak in the history at a rider’s pace. Later, as you tackle Ko Chang’s steep, twisty roads, the CL500’s agility and relaxed power come into their own, making those jungle climbs feel more like fun scrambles than a chore. It’s a bike that matches the spirit of this route — adventurous but never rushed.
Crossing into Cambodia introduces you to Khmer culture and history in a way that’s both profound and accessible, with plenty of time to soak in the royal palaces, vibrant markets, and poignant reminders of the country’s complex past. Then, back in Thailand, you’ll unwind with coastal island vibes and jungle hikes, making this route a well-rounded adventure that balances intense exploration with laid-back recovery. It’s an excellent choice for riders looking to combine cultural depth with natural beauty over a manageable 10 to 12 days.
Route: Bangkok → Siem Reap → Phnom Penh → Trat → Ko Chang → Bangkok
Duration: 10-12 Days Highlights: Angkor Wat temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Khmer culture, royal palaces, tropical islands, international border crossings, floating villages, colonial architecture
🗺️ Route Map
Day 1 – Bangkok to Aranyaprathet (~260 km)
Begin your Thailand-Cambodia motorcycle adventure by departing Bangkok for the historic border town of Aranyaprathet. This first day takes you through Thailand’s eastern provinces, showcasing rural landscapes and preparing you for your first international border crossing into Cambodia.
🛑 Stop 1: Rongkluea Border Market Explore this massive border market where Thai and Cambodian traders exchange goods, offering a fascinating glimpse into cross-border commerce and a perfect introduction to the cultural blend you’ll experience.
🛑 Stop 2: Aranyaprathet Railway Station Visit this historic train station that connects Bangkok to the Cambodian border, representing decades of regional transportation history and marking your gateway to Southeast Asian adventure.
🏨 Stay: Aranyaprathet
Day 2 – Aranyaprathet to Siem Reap via Border Crossing (~160 km)
Cross your first international border on motorcycle as you enter Cambodia through the famous Poipet crossing. This shorter riding day allows time for border procedures and your first taste of Cambodian culture as you approach the world-famous Angkor temple complex.
🛑 Stop 1: Poipet Border Crossing Experience the excitement and challenges of crossing from Thailand into Cambodia, where you’ll complete visa procedures and officially enter the Kingdom of Cambodia for your temple exploration adventure.
🛑 Stop 2: Siem Reap Old Market Area Explore the vibrant heart of Siem Reap with its bustling markets, colonial architecture, and numerous restaurants, providing the perfect introduction to Cambodian culture and cuisine.
🏨 Stay: Siem Reap
Day 3 – Rest Day in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat Exploration)
Dedicate a full day to exploring the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park without the pressure of motorcycle riding. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents one of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements and requires proper time for exploration.
🛑 Stop 1: Angkor Wat Temple Complex Visit the world’s largest religious monument, this 12th-century masterpiece of Khmer architecture that serves as Cambodia’s symbol and represents the pinnacle of classical Khmer art and engineering.
🛑 Stop 2: Ta Prohm Temple Explore this atmospheric temple where massive trees have grown through the ancient stones, creating one of Angkor’s most photogenic sites and demonstrating nature’s power over human construction.
🏨 Stay: Siem Reap
Day 4 – Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (~320 km)
Journey across Cambodia’s central plains toward the capital city, experiencing rural Cambodian life and landscapes. This manageable riding day showcases the countryside between two of Cambodia’s most important cities while building toward your exploration of Khmer royal heritage.
🛑 Stop 1: Skuon Spider Market Stop in this famous market town known for fried tarantula snacks, offering a unique cultural experience and chance to witness one of Cambodia’s most unusual culinary traditions during your motorcycle tour.
🛑 Stop 2: Mekong River Crossing Cross the mighty Mekong River as you approach Phnom Penh, marking your arrival at one of Southeast Asia’s great rivers and the lifeline of Cambodian civilization.
🏨 Stay: Phnom Penh
Day 5 – Rest Day in Phnom Penh
Explore Cambodia’s capital city and delve into both the tragic and magnificent aspects of Khmer history. This cultural immersion day allows you to understand Cambodia’s complex past and vibrant present without motorcycle riding pressure.
🛑 Stop 1: Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda Tour the stunning royal complex with its golden spires and precious artifacts, representing the pinnacle of Khmer architectural achievement and the continuing monarchy of Cambodia.
🛑 Stop 2: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Visit this sobering memorial to Cambodia’s tragic recent history, providing essential context for understanding modern Cambodia and honoring the memory of those lost during the Khmer Rouge era.
🏨 Stay: Phnom Penh
Day 6 – Phnom Penh to Koh Kong (~280 km)
Ride westward toward the Thai border through Cambodia’s southwestern provinces, transitioning from the Mekong Delta region toward coastal landscapes. This route showcases Cambodia’s diverse geography as you approach the Gulf of Thailand.
🛑 Stop 1: Koh Kong Bridge Cross this impressive bridge over the Koh Kong River, marking your approach to Cambodia’s coastal region and providing spectacular views over mangrove forests and waterways.
🛑 Stop 2: Tatai Waterfall Visit this beautiful multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by pristine jungle, offering a refreshing break and chance to experience Cambodia’s natural beauty before your border crossing.
🏨 Stay: Koh Kong
Day 7 – Koh Kong to Trat via Border Crossing (~120 km)
Cross back into Thailand through the Hat Lek border crossing, one of Southeast Asia’s most scenic international boundaries. This shorter day allows time for border procedures and your first taste of Thailand’s eastern coastal region.
🛑 Stop 1: Hat Lek Border Market Experience this bustling border market where Cambodian and Thai goods mix, offering duty-free shopping opportunities and cultural exchange in this international crossing point.
🛑 Stop 2: Trat Old Town Explore this charming provincial capital with its well-preserved wooden shophouses and relaxed atmosphere, providing insight into traditional Thai coastal town life.
🏨 Stay: Trat
Day 8 – Trat to Ko Chang (~80 km + Ferry)
Take a short ride to Laem Ngop pier and board the ferry to Ko Chang, Thailand’s second-largest island. This easy travel day transitions you from mainland touring to tropical island relaxation in the Gulf of Thailand.
🛑 Stop 1: Laem Ngop Pier Board the car ferry with your motorcycle for the scenic journey to Ko Chang, experiencing the excitement of island-hopping with your bike in tropical waters.
🛑 Stop 2: White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) Arrive at Ko Chang’s most popular beach with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for unwinding after days of international motorcycle touring.
🏨 Stay: Ko Chang
Day 9 – Rest Day in Ko Chang
Enjoy a full day of tropical island paradise without motorcycle riding. Ko Chang’s pristine beaches, waterfalls, and jungle treks provide the perfect contrast to your cultural explorations in Cambodia.
🛑 Stop 1: Klong Plu Waterfall Hike to this spectacular three-tiered waterfall deep in Ko Chang’s jungle interior, offering refreshing swimming pools and a chance to experience the island’s pristine natural environment.
🛑 Stop 2: Bang Bao Fishing Village Visit this traditional stilt village built over the water, where local fishermen still practice traditional methods and seafood restaurants serve the day’s fresh catch.
🏨 Stay: Ko Chang
Day 10 – Ko Chang to Bangkok (~350 km + Ferry)
Complete your Thailand-Cambodia motorcycle circuit with a ferry ride back to the mainland and comfortable ride to Bangkok. This final day allows reflection on your international adventure as you return to Thailand’s bustling capital.
🛑 Stop 1: Ferry to Laem Ngop Take the morning ferry back to the mainland with your motorcycle, enjoying final views of Ko Chang’s mountainous coastline and tropical waters.
🛑 Stop 2: Chanthaburi Gem Market Stop in Thailand’s gem capital to explore the famous weekend gem market, where precious stones from across Southeast Asia are traded in this historic commercial center.
🏨 Stay: Bangkok
End of the Road Recap
By the time you roll back into Bangkok, you’ll have traversed a rich tapestry of Southeast Asia’s heart — from bustling cities and ancient temples to peaceful beaches and remote jungle waterfalls. Each stage of the journey offers something unique: the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the vibrant nightlife of Phnom Penh, and the serene beauty of Ko Chang’s jungle roads.
The Honda CL500 proves its versatility throughout this route. In the busy streets of Phnom Penh and Trat, the bike’s nimbleness helps you weave through traffic with ease, while its reliable power keeps you confident on longer stretches between towns. On the scenic coastal roads approaching Trat, the comfortable riding position lets you relax and enjoy the views without fatigue. It’s laid-back style makes it the perfect companion for soaking in local culture without the pressure to rush.
This two-country adventure delivers the perfect blend of South East Asian experiences. Cambodia’s temples and towns offer a deeply rewarding cultural journey, while the Thai coastline and islands provide the perfect counterpoint of relaxation and natural wonder. It’s a journey that rewards riders who appreciate both the road and the stories behind the places they visit.
