An Epic 8-Day Self drive Vintage Jeep Adventure in Cambodia
The Lost Temples and Uncharted Roads
Day 1: Let the adventure begin!
The air crackled with anticipation. Eight adventurers, representatives of our first-ever Japanese tour group, stepped into the bustling Cambodian sunshine. This was more than a holiday; it was the start of a 8-day, adrenaline-fueled, self-drive Vintage Jeep Adventure. The jeeps—our trusty, charismatic steeds—were prepped, the route was a closely guarded secret, and the entire team was buzzing with excitement. The mission was clear: to bypass the beaten path and unlock the true heart of Cambodia.
Day 2: The Thrill of the Untouched
The engines roared to life, signaling the official kickoff at Sun & Moon Riverside hotel in Phnom Penh. Our Japanese friends hadn’t just booked a trip; they had declared a quest for the untouched, non-touristy routes. And on Day 2, we delivered a promise and a punch of pure exploration.
We plunged straight into the jungle’s embrace, navigating our rugged, loyal vintage jeeps where modern vehicles fear to tread. Our reward? Incredible, hidden temples—monuments so remote, so steeped in forgotten history, that even most local Cambodian guides had never seen them. The access was brutal, the tracks demanding, but the jeeps performed flawlessly, chewing up the mud and grit with defiant ease.
Despite a moody sky and the occasional spatter of rain, the day was nothing short of magnificent. As evening descended, we retreated to the cool sanctuary of Kirirom National Park. The temperature dropped to the ideal climate for deep sleep, recharging our adventurous souls for the unknown challenges that lay ahead.
Day 3: Blessings, Rubbish, and Roadblocks
The third day began with a visual feast in Kirirom. Sunshine drenched the landscape, contrasting sharply with the ethereal veil of low-hanging clouds that clung to the valley floor. It felt like driving through a dream.
Our first stop was an unexpected lesson in sustainability at the Coconut School. Though the students were enjoying their Sunday, the truly remarkable ‘Rubbish Cafe’ was open. Every detail of the cafe, from the chairs to the wall hangings, was ingeniously crafted from recycled waste. It was a powerful, inspiring stop that added a profound layer of meaning to our journey.
Adventure always includes a touch of the sacred. Pausing at a serene pagoda, we were met by a kind monk who performed a special, protective blessing over our entire team and our fleet of vintage jeeps. The atmosphere was solemn, then joyous—we felt invincible!
However, the jungle has its own rules. Our planned assault on the notorious jungle road between Chi Phat and Araeng was thwarted. Relentless heavy rain had rendered the route completely impassable, even for our determined vintage machines. Disappointment was momentary, swiftly replaced by the thrill of adapting. We pressed on, our spirits unbroken, and arrived safely in the secluded haven of Thma Bang (Kraven La Vallée). Here, far from any crowds, we enjoyed a delicious dinner right by the river—a perfect, restorative end to an adventurous day.
Day 4: Conquering the Cardamoms
We woke to the sound of nature and the gentle breeze. The Krâvanh La vallée Eco Resort safari tents had held fast against a torrential night of rain, giving us a deep, comfortable sleep. By the time we were pouring coffee, a ray of defiant sunshine had pierced the clouds.
Today was about conquering legends. We set our sights on Highway 10. Historically, this route through the Cardamom Mountains was an epic challenge—a brutal series of mud and dirt tracks only for the most dedicated off-roaders. For Cambodia Jeep, it was a ritual. Now, the main road is beautifully paved, winding like a smooth ribbon through the stunning mountains.
But our spirit is defined by defiance! True to form, we immediately peeled off the tarmac, seeking out those forgotten, challenging off-road detours that define our brand.
The day was filled with marvels: crossing the highest bridge in all of Cambodia, a fascinating roadside stop at a rubber plantation to witness the meticulous process of latex harvesting, and a final, exhilarating push through sweeping, hilly countryside. The welcome was universal—the few villagers we encountered filled the air with infectious laughter, waving wildly and shouting “Hello!” The universe was on our side, too: we pulled into our accommodation just as the heavens opened again. A perfect, torrential cue to raise a well-deserved toast to the adventure gods!
Day 5: River Crossings and Jeep Recovery
Forget the predictable hotel buffet. Day 5 kicked off with a true local immersion: breakfast at a bustling village restaurant, savoring a spectacular, mouth-watering beef soup.
Though the main Highway 10 offered a smooth shot to Battambang, we had no intention of taking it easy. Our route was a deliberate patchwork of scenic dirt tracks, bypassing the bland tarmac for the authentic charm of small villages and breathtaking landscapes.
The excitement ratcheted up when we encountered a river running high—too high for a confident crossing. A small detour was required, a quick, coordinated turn that only added to the thrill of pushing boundaries.
The drive was a sensory explosion, passing endless plantations of vibrant pepper, cashew, cassava, and towering sugarcane. Lunch was an event in itself. We found a picturesque spot by a riverbank, where the incredibly kind local staff helped us set up our tables despite the river having slightly burst its banks. Nothing stops a determined adventurer!
The day’s most memorable moment arrived courtesy of a wrong turn. While maneuvering the jeeps backward down a narrow track, one of the drivers, perhaps momentarily forgetting he was commanding a vintage powerhouse and not a modern, cushioned SUV, managed to steer directly into a ditch! The recovery was an instant, high-energy, all-hands-on-deck team effort. Crew and participants worked together, pulling, pushing, and laughing, transforming a brief hiccup into a true bonding experience that defined the spirit of the tour.
The final stretch brought us into a vast, lush kingdom of coconut trees. A local hero on our team stopped at his family home, where we were treated to the freshest, sweetest coconuts imaginable. We finally arrived at the Battambang Resort, but the celebration was pre-booked: an amazing rice wine tasting session followed by a triumphant dinner.
Day 6: Earth Life Village, Triumphs, and an Epic Finale
After a restorative night at the luxurious Battambang Resort, we were recharged for the final days. Day 6 began with a powerful drive along the river, punctuated by poignant, unique stops: a monument crafted entirely from decommissioned AK-47 rifles, a visit to a local family making delicate rice paper, and a pause at a unique stone army tank monument.
The day’s most heartwarming stop was however at Earth Life Village, a beautiful Japanese-founded project that provides education and sustainable income through crafting rattan products. It was a meaningful moment before we returned to Siem Reap, winding through picturesque countryside.
The sparkling wine was uncorked immediately upon our arrival at Le Mayansa Resort, celebrating the successful end of the main self-drive journey. But the adventure wasn’t quite done.
Day 7: Beyond The Tourist Trail: Temple Adventure
We saw our Japanese friends—who clearly discovered Pub Street the night before—rise to the occasion! Despite the ongoing Water Festival creating local traffic chaos, we executed a masterful plan: a dawn departure and an off-road assault on the temples!
At 6:30 AM sharp, the vintage jeeps were roaring towards the majestic monuments. We navigated tiny dirt tracks to escape the crowds, tackling Angkor Wat, the powerful Angkor Thom, the smiling faces of the Bayon, and the iconic jungle grip of Ta Prohm. Lunch was a peaceful, delicious interlude at a local family’s home, miles from the tourist hordes.
Our final drive was an exhilarating cut straight through rice fields and charming villages, bringing us back to the hotel.
Day 8: Drive It. Live It. Unforgettable.
It was the perfect, muddy, unforgettable conclusion to an incredible 8-day odyssey. Spending a week in those vintage jeeps delivered an intimate, unparalleled view of Cambodia that our Japanese friends absolutely loved. The best part? We now almost speak fluent Japanese! We look forward to many more journeys with our wonderful new friends!
Click on the picture below to watch to movie on Youtube.
