Northeast Cambodia is home to many ethnic minority groups and boasts beautiful landscapes with abundant wildlife.
Unfortunately, remote Northeast Cambodia is often skipped by travelers, who during their limited stay in Cambodia, prefer to focus their time and energy in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Some might passed by Kampong Cham, Kratie and Stung Treng on their way to the Cambodia Laos border at Dom Kralor. However, few would make the long journey to Ratanakiri or Mondulkiri.
Tucked in the corners of Cambodia, Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri are seldom part of the traveler’s circuit. Depending on the road conditions, a bus ride from Stung Treng to Ratanakiri can take up to 10 hours. Similarly, the bus ride from Phnom Penh to Mondulkiri can take up the same amount of time. Onward journeys from these provinces are difficult because of the lack of proper road infrastructure. Visiting these provinces usually means returning via the same road taken to reach them.
There is, however, a road connecting Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. Sometimes, the road is known as The Death Highway. No, it is not named because of heavy traffic or hairpin bends. It is named because of the terrible road conditions and the remote surroundings. In fact, calling it a road is inaccurate. The Death Highway is effectively a cow path with multiple branch-offs, which turns from soft sand to a nightmare of muddy trails during the wet season. Because of the narrow paths and the river crossing involved, only motorcycles and ox-carts can traverse the path.
The northeast Cambodia loop looks like a natural progression after my previous rides in Vietnam and Cambodia. As a standalone trip, I can be more adequately prepared by spending more time on trip planning and bringing proper equipment like hiking shoes, full-faced helmet and GPS receiver. Lonely Planet Cambodia
The Northeast Cambodia Loop trip report is divided into thirteen parts:
6 responses so far ↓
1 Stef // Mar 24, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Hi, just wondering if you already started the big trip through Rattanakuri a
2 Stef // Mar 24, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Second try;-)
Hi, just wondering if you already started the big trip through Rattanakuri and Mondulkiri and if by any chance you’re looking for a partner to do the trip. I am living in Siem Reap and got quite some free time (a lot actually) and enough dirtbike experience to do the trip, but nobody to do it with. And since it is not a good idea to do it alone…
So if you’re looking for a riding partner, just send me a mail. I am available whenever you wanna start.
Greets,
Stef
3 Stef // Mar 24, 2008 at 7:45 pm
got the webadress wrong:
http://amokincambodja.blogspot.com/
So this is the correct one!
Greets,
Stef
4 atticus // Mar 24, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Hi Stef,
Thanks for the invitation but I have actually completed the ride. I know I have been rather slow in my updates.
Are you aware of gt-rider.com? It has a forum which should make it easier for you to find riding partners. Do take note that it’s already late March. Better get started before the raining season arrives.
5 Stef // Mar 31, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Hi Atticus,
Thanks for the reply. The rainy season is indeed the reason why I am starting to rush things. I might have found a Norwegian guy here who would like to do it in 3 weeks. So I am hoping that will be my ticket to the North east loop. If not it will be for next dry season. How was it by the way? I know I should be more patient, but that’s not one of my best virtues;-)
By the way, are you living in Cambodia or in one of the neighbouring countries?
Thanks anyway for the response and maybe see you around in Siem Reap?
Greets,
Stef
6 atticus // Apr 2, 2008 at 12:15 am
Hi Stef,
I would say it’s great fun and I’m glad that I made the trip. If you need more information, Adventure Cambodia by Matt Jacobson is probably the best guide you can find.
I am from one of the neighbouring countries.
Have fun and hope to see your trip report soon!
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