Ride from the Cambodian capital through the laid back seaside resorts of Kampot and Kep, then past traditional fishing villages to trendy Sihanoukville. The loop back to Phnom Penh takes you over one of Cambodia‘s few mountain passes. Well, it’s really more of a small hill but in Cambodian terms the climb is just about as big as they come. Stop at the shrines to offer a prayer at the top of the pass for a safe journey back into the capital.
Head south out of Phnom Penh on Norodom Boulevard, following signs to Takeo. The whole way to Takeo on National Road 2 is lined with food and drink sellers, including plenty of sugar cane juice and tukaluk (mixed shake fruit juice) vendors. Refreshment is rarely more than a couple minutes away. The road can be quite busy on weekends if people are heading to the seaside. Soon after you reach the junction where you turn left towards Takeo, you’ll see several guesthouses before you reach the town. Here we found a modern, clean room for $5 U.S. including cable television with bathroom. You can also find accommodation in the town itself.
From Takeo, you follow a small crossroad to reach National Road 3, turning left once you reach the main road. Like yesterday, there are villages along the length of the road and you’re never far from someone selling something to eat or drink. You will pass through a couple Muslim villages, very noticeable from the change in dress of the people.
The town of Chhuk is as good a place as any to have lunch with its choice of a few food stalls and restaurants. You’ll also see a guesthouse and a village homestay marked before you arrive in Chhuk, perhaps an option if you decide to put in a long day from Phnom Penh and don’t stay in Takeo.
Kampot has a range of accommodation options from the $5 U.S. a night basic guesthouses to atmospheric hotels costing $30-40 U.S. a night. Many of the hotels and guesthouses are on the riverfront. The Bokor Mountain Lodge has a bar called Hakiri where you can go for happy hour draft Anchor for just $0.75 U.S. and use their free wireless internet connection. Around the town you’ll find the usual selection of street food and tukaluk (mixed shake fruit juice) stalls. We particularly recommend one man on the riverfront who does a roaring trade in fried vegetarian noodles with an egg on top for just 4,000 Riels.
If you have time to spend, consider staying in Kampot and doing a loop out to Kep for the day or you could spend the night in Kep at the guesthouses and hotels there. There’s also the possibility to ride out to some waterfalls 7km from town on the opposite side of the river (cross the bridge and turn right), a popular picnic and swimming spot with locals.
This is the most beautiful section of the trip. Even in the rain we enjoyed it! The road is in superb condition with a paved shoulder until you reach the junction with National Road 4 to Sihanoukville. Villages are a bit more spread out than the previous two days but there are still plenty of opportunities to pick up food and water. The little fishing ports make great pictures and keep an eye out for shrimp drying by the side of the road. Just don’t run over them!
You bear left onto National Road 4 in Veal Renh Town. There is a dreary looking guesthouse in Veal Renh, although it’s hard to spot. Only a small sign with the word ‘guesthouse’ marks the way. If you just want to eat, watch for a Chinese restaurant on your right as you turn from National Road 3 onto National Road 4. There you can get decent fried noodles.
You lose your shoulder for the rest of the way to Sihanoukville but it’s not a big deal as most traffic is respectful. About 15km before Sihanoukville there are a few sizable hills and no shops so make sure your water bottles are full. It’s not immediately clear when you arrive near Sihanoukville which way to go to reach the downtown area, although a few of the beaches are marked. You may have to ask directions or better yet try to pick up a map of Sihanoukville in one of the numerous free magazines before you arrive. You should be able to get this in just about any bar in Kampot.
In the peak season, staying near the beach is an attractive option but in the low season you’re better off staying in town where more things are open. If you want cheap street food, you’ll also want to stay in the downtown area. Everything on the beach is relatively expensive where food is concerned.
Retrace your steps out of Sihanoukville, over the hills and back to the junction town of Veal Renh. Stock up on any water and food you might want here because the villages thin out quickly after Veal Renh.
Traffic has the potential to be heavy on National Road 4 so keep an eye on what’s coming up behind you and don’t hesitate to pull over onto the dirt shoulder if vehicles are coming in both directions. The first day we found traffic quite manageable but we finished relatively early in the day. The second day, we cycled later into the afternoon and the trucks returning from the port to Phnom Penh can be a real pain. Happily the dirt shoulder is suprisingly rideable if it hasn’t been too wet and about 30km before Phnom Penh a paved shoulder returns. The road was built by the Americans and is in excellent shape.
Once you leave Veal Renh you go through some palm oil trees and after the first few villages there’s very little to eat or drink. What villages and markets you do see tend to be more widely spaced than elsewhere in Cambodia. Pick up cold drinks and snacks when you see them as it may be 10km or more before you get another chance to buy refreshments. The town of Stueng Chhay, around 75km out, is a good spot for lunch, with a couple restaurants and street stalls around. For a novel experience, look for the town gambling den and have lunch there.
About 86km from Sihanoukville is the town of Chamkar Luong where you can also get food and drinks. There’s no accommodation here but if you continue down the road you’ll soon see huge signs for the Picnic Retreat with bungalows and restaurant, around the 95km mark. The bungalows cost $10 U.S. and are quite nice, with their own little balconies overlooking the countryside. The restaurant is outrageously priced so you’d be wise to bring your own provisions for dinner and breakfast as there’s nothing around the resort. There is a small stall run by a family across from the entrance to the Picnic Retreat and if you’ve got a stove you can buy eggs and fresh herbs there to make a cracking omelet or just buy the ice cold beer and have a liquid supper.
Heading out from the resort, there’s a town 10km away and another around the 20km mark. At just over 30km the road climbs to a peak, although the ascent is just a couple kilometers long. At the top are many shrines to offer prayers. Going down the other side, there are quite a few places to eat and this side of the mountain is generally more populated, You can get a guesthouse in Kampong Speu.
From Kampong Speu there are three clustered together as you exit the town towards Phnom Penh or carry on into Phnom Penh for a long day. National Road 4 takes you down to the riverfront. Just keep going straight and it will loop round and drop you right at the water, end services.
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#25, Street 148, Sangkat Phsar Kandal I , Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Value!
Featuring a rooftop infinity pool and a sun terrace, Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel is within a 5-minute walk from the Royal Palace. Guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The property is just 500 m from the Riverfront Park, while Wat Phnom and Chaktomouk Conference Hall 2 are 1 km away. It is 3.8 km to Aeon Mall. Phnom Penh International Airport is 9 km from Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel. Airport transfers are available at a surcharge.
Fitted with parquet flooring, air-conditioned rooms open up to views of the city. The seating area is fitted with a flat-screen TV, minibar and a desk. En suite bathrooms include shower facilities, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, business facilities and concierge services. A fitness centre is available for working out or guests can indulge in in-house spa treatments. Guests may also rent a car to explore the surrounding area.
The in-house restaurant serves a selection of local dishes, along with a wide variety of drinks. Room service options are provided for guests’ convenience.
Daun Penh is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, museums and local food.
This is our guests' favourite part of Phnom Penh, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Phnom Penh! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Phnom Penh! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
House No. 2-4-6, St. 136, Sangkat Phsar Kandal I, Khan Daun Penh, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Deal!
Located along Sisowath Quay, Lux Riverside Hotel offers elegant and comfortable accommodation. Guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is 500 m to Wat Ounaloum and steps away from Riverfront Park. The Royal Palace, Central Market, Chaktomouk Conference Hall 2 and Wat Phnom are all within 1 km away. The nearest airport, Phnom Penh International Airport is 9.9 km from the property. Airport transfers and shuttle services to the city centre are available at additional charges.
Air-conditioned rooms have a seating area furnished with a desk, a personal safe and a flat-screen cable TV. Some units feature a private balcony that open up to views of the city or river. Offering shower facility, the en suite bathroom includes shower facilities, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, ticketing services and luggage storage. A business centre is available for use of photocopying/fax services.
The in-house restaurant serves a tasty selection of local and Continental dishes. After-meal drinks can be enjoyed at the bar.
Daun Penh is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, museums and local food.
This is our guests' favourite part of Phnom Penh, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Phnom Penh! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.4 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
No. 61, Oknha Chrun You Hak (294), Boeung Keng Kang 1, Chamkarmorn, Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Phnom Penh Katari Hotel features an indoor pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the rooftop sky bar. Free WiFi is available in public areas.
The property is 1 km from Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Royal Palace Phnom Penh. It is 2 km to Chaktomouk Conference Hall 2, while Aeon Mall is 2.3 km away. The nearest airport, Phnom Penh International Airport is 9 km from the property. Airport transfers and shuttle services are available at additional charges.
Each air-conditioned room or suite features a flat-screen TV, a personal safe and a minibar. The en suite bathroom offers bath and shower facilities, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for meeting facilities, ticketing and concierge services. A fitness area is available for guests who wish to work out. Alternatively, indulge in massage treatments at the massage salon.
The in-house restaurant is located on the third floor and serves up a variety of dishes, while the sky bar on the 13th floor offers live music and panoramic views of the city.
Chamkar Mon is a great choice for travellers interested in restaurants, foodand culture.
This is our guests' favourite part of Phnom Penh, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Phnom Penh! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Phnom Penh! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Preah Sisowath Quay, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Overlooking the Mekong River and Tonle Sap, The Quay Boutique Hotel is located in Phnom Penh. Boasting modern décor, it offers spacious accommodation, a rooftop terrace and free Wi-Fi.
The stylish rooms at Hotel The Quay are well-furnished with a flat-screen cable TV and DVD player. Standard amenities like bathrobes, a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities ensure a pleasant stay.
Guests can indulge in pampering spa treatments or relax at the rooftop spa pool. The Quay also provides tour arrangements and car rentals at the 24-hour front desk.
Chow Restaurant serves delicious South-east Asian dishes with sunset and river views. Refreshing drinks can be enjoyed at the rooftop bar.
The Quay Boutique Hotel is a 30-minute drive from Phnom Penh International Airport. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are within walking distance from the hotel.
Daun Penh is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, museums and local food.
This is our guests' favourite part of Phnom Penh, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Phnom Penh! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.
We
21, 136th-49th Street, Daun Penh, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Value!
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, bar and views of city, Lavanya Boutique Hotel is located in Phnom Penh, 800 m from Riverfront Park. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.8 km from Chaktomouk Hall.
Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bath, a hair dryer and a desk. At the hotel each room comes with a private bathroom.
Guests at Lavanya Boutique Hotel can enjoy a Full English/Irish or an American breakfast.
The accommodation also offers a car rental service and a business centre.
Popular points of interest near Lavanya Boutique Hotel include Wat Phnom, Royal Palace Phnom Penh and Vattanac Capital. The nearest airport is Phnom Penh International, 11 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Daun Penh is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, museums and local food.
This is our guests' favourite part of Phnom Penh, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Phnom Penh! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.8 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Phnom Penh! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
No. 139 A, Street 99,Chamkarmon, Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Price!
Set in Phnom Penh, 6 km from Riverfront Park, 139 Guest House features views of the city. The property is around 5 km from Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center, 5 km from Chaktomouk Hall and 6 km from Wat Phnom. Both private parking and free WiFi are available at the guest house.
The units in 139 Guest House are equipped with a kettle. At the accommodation every room has a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
Killing Fields - Choeung Ek is 11 km from 139 Guest House, while Aeon Mall is 3.4 km away. The nearest airport is Phnom Penh International Airport, 13 km from the guest house.
Chamkar Mon is a great choice for travellers interested in restaurants, foodand culture.
This property is also rated for the best value in Phnom Penh! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Mr. Tomas Walkiewicz
Country: Poland
City: Krakow
N.of Person: 3 pax
Travel date: 2025-02-10
Booked: Angkor Stunning Hot Air Balloon
Tour Style: Tour Activities
Duration: 30 Mins
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