This past weekend, eight of us decided to swap city streets for countryside trails, riding out on a two-wheeled escape to Kirirom National Park—a lush retreat about two hours west of Phnom Penh.

Kirirom, crowned Cambodia's first national park in 1993, is known for its cool mountain breeze, pine forests, waterfalls, and a growing list of jungle and water activities. It’s also becoming a haven for both budget backpackers and luxury travelers, with new resorts and eco-lodges sprouting up all around the park.

But this trip wasn’t just for adventure—it was a send-off for our friend Lyz, who is soon heading to the United States to start her next chapter in education. Before she leaves on August 4th, she asked for one last group memory: a day on the road together.

The Ride Begins: 5:30 AM Wake-Up Call

At 5:30 AM, my alarm went off, marking the start of what would become a 100+ km journey. Six of us met up near Bassac Lane, wiping the sleep from our eyes but eager to hit the road. We planned to meet two other friends by Pochentong Airport by 7:00 AM.

While waiting for the group to assemble, I grabbed a quick breakfast of pork ribs and rice—fuel for the long ride ahead.

By 8:15 AM, our full crew of eight was together. Helmets on, tanks full, and spirits high, we changed motor oil, slurped down a few bowls of noodles, and officially hit the road toward Kirirom.

The Long(er) Road to Kirirom

I hadn’t made this ride in over five years, and in my mind, the trip would be a smooth 90-minute cruise. Reality check: it took nearly two hours just to reach Treng Trayeung Market, a well-known roadside stop where travelers stock up on snacks before climbing into the hills.

From there, it was another hour of winding roads, red dirt, and laughter before we reached our first destination: Teuk Tlek Thour Kirirom, a peaceful riverside spot where locals picnic in bungalows and cool off in the shallow waterfalls.

No Adventure Without a Few Bumps

Of course, no road trip is complete without a little drama. On the way, Leakhena, who was giving Lyz a ride, had a minor fender bender while stopping at a red light. Thankfully, both girls were fine, and the gentleman they tapped into simply smiled and waved it off.

Later, Heng’s motorbike caught a flat tire while climbing the mountain’s half-paved, half-dirt road. He had to ride back alone to get it fixed while his passenger squeezed onto another bike, making for a snug ride of three.

Lunch by the River

We finally arrived at Teuk Tlek Thour around noon—mud-splattered, tired, but smiling. And somehow, our group had grown by three more friends who joined along the way.

Lunch was simple but perfect: grilled chicken, fresh fish, stir-fried veggies, and rice, shared picnic-style. A drizzle fell from the sky, but that didn’t stop a few of us from jumping into the ice-cold river while the rest stayed dry, playing cards and laughing over a game of “see kou.”

Exploring the Other Side of Kirirom

By 4 PM, we packed up and rode to another part of the park—a new development filled with modern resorts, zip-lines, cafes, and restaurants. It felt like a small town hidden in the hills, buzzing with life and activity. The blend of nature and modernity was exciting to see, a sign of how Kirirom is evolving.

Back to the City

As the sky began to dim, we saddled up for the ride back. Our goal was to reach Phnom Penh by evening, and by 8 PM, we were rolling into the city, exhausted but happy.

One last meal together—Khmer-style beef soup in Toul Tumpoung—closed out the day. By 9 PM, we hugged our goodbyes and parted ways, carrying home full hearts, sore muscles, and a pocketful of new memories.

Final Thoughts

Some trips are about the destination. Others, like this one, are about the journey and the people you share it with. This ride to Kirirom wasn’t just a day in the mountains—it was a celebration of friendship, goodbyes, and the open road.

Safe travels, Lyz. We’ll see you again on another ride, somewhere, someday.

All photos provided by B3NZ33, Phatry Derek Pan, S7V3N, Lyz.