Cambodia, Cardamom mountains, 5 days fun and pain

The Mrs was happy to see me back in one piece





and the vid

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We stayed in Cambodia another 8 days travelling from Battambang by boat to Siem Reap for a couple of days and then bus to Phnom Penh
I'd like to thank dancing roads for once again putting together a great trip.

Great ride report
I hope to head over next October and use Dancing roads tours they seam to know how to lead a great ride

I've been twice in October/ November, thats just at the "end" of the wet season, November to January, cooler plus drier.Flooding can be a real problem as can the heat in the tight technical stuff. Have fun

Finally just got around to reading this RR Gav. Was making me wanting to go there and ride myself. Will happen oneday

Battambang is a town I really liked, very layed back but with plenty of things to see in the area.

As Cambodia no longer has a functioning rail network, the Bamboo train has novelty value and uses a few Km of rail from a long dead network. The trip leads to a small village which has a brick works.
The platform is wood and bamboo and drive is supplied by a small engine and drive is achieved through a V belt and pully with tension on the belt provided by sliding the engine and using a stick for leverage
Our driver

dismantling to allow traffic to pass



The brick works and our self appointed guides,Twins, good English and knowledgeable.





and a little vid

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Never underestimate the power of the Scarf.

Locally it's called a croma and they're terrific for keeping the sun off the neck, face etc also good for filtering dust when riding

A Croma? I need a few, it's a good look. Rule #1, Look Cool.

Great videos, by the way. Enjoyed the RR.

South west of Battambang is a place called PhnomSampeou, it is also were you''ll find the killing caves
This is the temple on top of the hill, access is gained by a ride on a motor bike( wife and her sister) or by walking up the road or stairs, for the fit/ stupid, me , it wasn't that bad and good views










The views around this place are fantastic as it rises from the surrounding plains













the stair which I came down don't look often used


The we went to Banan temple about 12km away
More F#*^king stair





a much older place than the previous one






and if you look closely you can see Phnom Sampeou on the far mountain



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Ok ,last installment, the boat trip from Battambang to Siem Reap Highly recommended.
A ferry runs along the river from Battambang through the northern section of Tonle sap lake to about 20kms from Siem reap.
Of course all this varies according to the time of year and how much rain has fallen and the trip can be 8 or 18 hours and you may have to get off and push
In November when this is it's just after the wet season and because this year the rains were moderate levels were about middle of the road.
This trip is described in some books as one of the best for scenery, views of village life and to see how locals use the ferry to receive supplies and visit the major towns from the small floating villages.











Because many paths are made through the mangroves etc that grow in the lake there is a problem with branches whipping through the window which hurts or you could lose an eye ,so at one stage everyone stood in the middle of the boat



picking up supplies from the ferry




bit of a weed problem


another drop off point




and the video. Hope you enjoy.

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Stumbled across this RR, loved it. Now to Google "dancing roads"

Look like I'll have some spare time later in the year



Thanks for sharing


Glen

Several of my friends have gone over since I was there. It's an adventure and in this modern life there's not enough of that.

Strewth Guys...Fantastic photos and Text. Many thanks for posting. Truly wonderful. Rod

Very interesting information and photo work.

Feels like I have been there.

Great report gavo, really enjoyed it.
Thanks for taking the time to share it.

Looks like you had a great time thanks for posting.

No problem glad you enjoyed.

Subbed.I would put this ride report in a top 10 of the year list.:eek1

Thanks for that

great stuff!.... except for the leeches...:eek1... looks like some really fun riding.....