Siem Reap: 8-Hour Forgotten Treasures Motorbike Tour

If you’re looking for an authentic adventure that takes you off the usual tourist trail around Siem Reap, the Forgotten Treasures Motorbike Tour offers a compelling option. This guided journey includes riding along red clay tracks, passing rice paddies, and exploring remote temples and villages few visitors ever see. It’s a chance to step into rural Cambodia’s slower pace and discover its lesser-known historical sites and daily life.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines adventure with culture—you’re not just riding around, but actively engaging with local communities and historic ruins. Plus, the inclusion of a local rustic lunch provides a genuine taste of Cambodian cuisine, far from touristy restaurants.

However, a potential consideration is the physical requirement—the tour involves some riding on uneven tracks, which might be challenging for those less comfortable on a motorbike or with limited riding experience. Also, since the temple of Beng Mealea requires an extra ticket, you should plan to bring your multi-day Angkor pass, adding a small extra step to your day.

This experience suits travelers craving a more authentic, hands-on exploration of Cambodia’s countryside and temples. If you’re adventurous, curious about rural life, and comfortable on a motorbike, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Rural Experience: Ride through rice paddies and remote villages, away from crowded tourist spots.
• Historical Highlights: Visit the mysterious Beng Mealea and Chau Srei Vibol temples, both offering unique insights into Cambodia’s past.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy a hearty, rustic Cambodian lunch at a countryside restaurant, experiencing local flavors.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about rural Cambodian life and traditions directly from guides familiar with the area.
• Small Group: The tour is limited to six participants, making it personal and flexible.
• Value for Money: At $78 per person, with transportation, guide, lunch, and equipment included, the tour offers solid value for those seeking a full day of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The 8-hour Forgotten Treasures Motorbike Tour is designed for those who want more than just temple hopping. It’s about connecting with the land and its people in a way that most travelers never do. After a hotel pickup around 8:30 a.m., you’ll start with a quick safety briefing and motorcycle training—crucial if you’re new to riding or just want to be confident on uneven tracks.

Your guide, Lim, and others from Sabai Adventures Cambodia, lead you through the lush countryside, where rice paddies shimmer under the sun and traditional wooden houses line narrow dirt roads. The scenery alone is worth the trip, and you’ll appreciate the chance to see a side of Cambodia rarely featured in travel guides. As one reviewer mentioned, “It’s only suited for those who have an appetite for adventure,” but even if you’re somewhat inexperienced, the guides seem attentive and patient, making safety a priority.

The first major stop is the remote temple of Beng Mealea. This sprawling ruin, overgrown but still majestic, is often called Cambodia’s “lost temple” because it’s less visited than Angkor Wat, yet equally fascinating. Entrance isn’t included in the ticket price, so bring your multi-day pass if you have one. The temple’s labyrinth of crumbling stone, intertwined roots, and hidden chambers offers a more mysterious and unspoiled experience compared to Angkor’s crowded sites.

Next, you’ll pause at a rustic village for a traditional lunch. The setting is simple but authentic, offering Khmer dishes that reflect everyday Cambodian cuisine—think fragrant rice, fresh vegetables, and perhaps some grilled fish. As one reviewer noted, “Scott was patient… ensuring your safety like what a friend would look out for you,” which highlights how personal and attentive the guides are, especially for less experienced riders.

Post-lunch, the tour continues to Chau Srei Vibol, a tranquil temple shrouded in mystery. Scholars aren’t entirely sure of its purpose, but some believe it served as a war temple. Its quiet, almost secretive ambiance provides a perfect spot to reflect and soak in the surroundings.

Crossing the historic bridge of the old Angkor road, built approximately 1,000 years ago, is a highlight—an evocative reminder of Cambodia’s ancient engineering. The sandy riverbank nearby offers a relaxing spot to soak up the sun before heading back to Siem Reap.

Throughout the day, the focus isn’t just on sightseeing but on engaging with Cambodia’s rural traditions and history. The tour’s small size (limited to six participants) makes for a more intimate experience, allowing guides to tailor the journey and ensure everyone’s safety.

What Travelers Should Know

While the tour is packed with sights and experiences, it demands a bit of physical comfort—riding on uneven tracks and open roads. The guide’s emphasis on safety and patience should ease any concerns for beginners, but a basic level of riding confidence helps. Also, the cost of $78 covers almost everything—transportation, helmet, fuel, guide, and lunch—making it a good value for a full day immersed in local life.

Some travelers, like Milkha, noted they expected the guide to accompany them inside the temples, which the tour doesn’t necessarily include. But Hilda’s review points out that “the journey is perfect for those with a taste for adventure,” and she appreciated the attentive guidance, especially for riders with limited experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour appeals most to those eager to explore Cambodia beyond Angkor Wat crowds. Adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and curious travelers who enjoy riding and learning about local traditions will find it rewarding. It’s especially suited for those who don’t mind a bit of dirt and are comfortable on a motorbike—although guides are attentive, so safety is prioritized.

It’s not ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed, purely sightseeing day or those uncomfortable on a motorbike or uneven terrain. But if you’re craving a full, active, and authentic day out in Cambodia’s countryside, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

The Siem Reap: 8-Hour Forgotten Treasures Motorbike Tour is a well-rounded, value-packed way to see a side of Cambodia few travelers encounter. It combines the thrill of riding with intimate visits to remote temples and villages, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and history.

You’ll love the chance to experience genuine rural life, explore mysterious ruins, and enjoy a home-cooked Khmer lunch in peaceful surroundings. The small group size and attentive guides help make the day feel personal and safe, even if you’re new to riding.

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers with a curiosity for Cambodia’s hidden treasures and a willingness to get a little dirt under their nails. If that sounds like you, it’s likely to be a memorable highlight of your visit.

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FAQ

Do I need riding experience to join this tour?
Some familiarity with riding a motorbike is recommended since you’ll be riding on uneven tracks, but guides are patient and provide training to boost your confidence.

Is the temple of Beng Mealea included in the tour cost?
No, entry to Beng Mealea isn’t included. You should bring your multi-day Angkor ticket to access the temple.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a more personal experience and better attention from the guide.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, motorbike and helmet, fuel, guide, and a traditional Cambodian lunch.

Will I be riding alone or with a guide?
You’ll ride with a guide who stays with the group throughout the day, assisting and ensuring safety at all times.

What should I bring?
Bring your Angkor ticket, comfortable clothing, sun protection, and some cash for extras or souvenirs.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting with pickup at 8:30 a.m.

Is the tour suitable for children or inexperienced riders?
Ideal for adventurous travelers comfortable on a motorcycle; less suited for very young children or those with no riding experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans change.

The Forgotten Treasures Motorbike Tour offers a fantastic way to explore Cambodia’s lesser-known sights while enjoying the thrill of riding. It’s a genuine, engaging experience for those ready for a day of adventure and discovery.

You can check availability for your dates here: