GPS data sent.

You would need to place a deposit. Usually, it’s your passport. If you do not feel comfortable leaving your passport, you can negotiate to deposit a sum of money (usually up to the price of the motorcycle).

could you please send me your gps data?

is there a deposit to pay when renting a motorcycle?

thanks!

My next trip would be the Philippines in 2 weeks’ time.

I did the trip up to Spitti and Kinaur by bus and it was one of the highlights of my trip. It’s a really great region to explore, whatever your mode of transport. I didn’t go to Ladakh so can’t comment on that from experience but I remember people were doing that trip on Enfields at the time (around 2003)… so it must be doable. I guess it’s all about taking the right equipment, and trying to find a travel partner in case you have problems with your bike. As you said it’s remote…. As anywhere in Asia though, there is usually passing traffic, no matter how remote you think you are. Have fun if you do it!

An Enfield in India, now that’s a trip I have been trying to make. I hope to do a Tamil Nadu loop and visit the Enfield factory. Given a chance, I would also like to ride at Lakadh region. I’m a bit worried about the remoteness and cold though.

Thanks for the reply… I wasn’t expecting anything so quickly, if at all considering you did the ride in 2008.

That’s useful information on the terrain and definitely something to consider. I have zero dirt biking experience and little biking experience past scooters, and around 10 days on a 350 Enfield in India so maybe I would be a little crazy to try this trip…. although I am up for the challenge. I have ordered the Adventure Cambodia book you recommended so I will have a good read of that too.

Thanks for the info on licenses, I guess most people don’t bother but it would be a good idea for me seeing as I lack experience. More for insurance than anything else I guess.

Cheers again.

I do have some sort of dirt biking experience. If you intend to ride the death highway in the dry season, it would be better if you have some riding experience on slopes, uneven terrain and soft sand.

I am not sure of the official requirements for foreigners to ride a bike in Cambodia. But Cambodia is not in International Driving Permit (IDP)’s list. That being said, I don’t believe you would have any trouble with the authority which cannot be solved by paying a fine, unless of course, you caused injuries on others. If you get into trouble, always call your bike shop for help.

I was recently fined 10USD in Sri Lanka for riding a motorcycle without the motorcycle’s registration (or some sort of license). The bike rental shop later refunded me as it’s not my fault.

Thanks so much for the blog, there’s some really useful and inspiring stuff on here. I was just wondering how much dirt biking experience you have and how much experience you think is needed for this trip. Also, I would love to know the official situation with driving licenses (Cambodian?) and the reality… ie, if you don’t have one and get stopped can you buy yourself out of the situation and if so what the ‘fee’ is likely to be…..

Many thanks.

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!

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

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.

So this is the correct one!

Greets,
Stef

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