Quad Bike Adventure in Siem Reap

“You need solid shoes, long pants, and most important(ly), do not forget to bring an adventurous spirit!” This was the advice written on the brochure. We might have forgotten the first two items, but we sure brought enough of the third!

After a short tuk-tuk ride from Golden Temple Hotel where we were staying at, we reached the small compound of Quad Adventure Cambodia full of anticipation.

Rated #1 in Outdoor Activities in Siem Reap on TripAdvisor, we went along with Quad Adventure Cambodia on the recommendation of the hotel manager.

We’d initially wanted to take the 8-hour tour, but decided against it as the weather was scorching hot. So we chose the ‘Easy Ride’ tour instead, and booked the 4pm slot. That turned out to be a good call!

After signing the indemnity forms, we were given a short briefing on the ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle also known as a Quad Bike). We were each given a mask, then we had to go for a short training ride on the roads with the instructors sitting behind us. If you don’t pass, you can’t ride it!

Unfortunately, I didn’t pass too well!

The guide told me that I could control the ATV, but it seemed a bit heavy for me. I think he was afraid that I might not be able to turn well at the sharp corners! So he sat behind me for the tour. But it turned out to be a bonus as I got myself a tour guide telling me about life in Siem Reap as I rode.

After just a few minutes on the road, the engine got so hot that I felt it was burning my leg! Since the engine was situated under the left side of the seat, the guide asked me to rest my leg against the front of the ATV. It helped, and the wind could get into my shorts. But before long, the right side started to heat up too. And that is why you should wear long pants — so you won’t burn your skin against the heated metal. At least there will be another layer giving protection!

When we stood up to take photos of the countryside, we realized our pants and shorts were literally wet. That was how hot it was!

And this is why you should also wear shoes — so dirt won’t attach itself under your toenails!

We rode away from the city area into the surrounding countryside, and the browns turned to greens. You could see the difference in housing. Olden-day houses were built on stilts as it tended to flood during the rainy seasons. But after the dam was built, that problem was largely solved and there wasn’t a need for raised houses anymore.

Past the growing crops we rode, and past the water buffalos and quacking ducks we went. The expanse of the countryside was a great breather away from the dusty city area, and we took it all in.

About halfway through, we took a short break at a present-day temple. The guide (urgh, what’s his name!) told us a little about the temple and monkhood. Apparently, not just anyone can be a monk! If it’s not ‘suited’ for your life, you won’t be able to become one! And the span of monkhood also depends on your ‘reading’. It can be as short as a few days, or be until death!

His parents had wanted him to become a monk, but being able to have just one meal a day was torture to him. So he became a tuk-tuk driver instead. When he was one, there were only about 30 tuk-tuks around, so it was easier to earn money. Now, though, look at how many there are!

So he quit and joined the Quad Adventure Cambodia team instead. He seems quite happy there!

Back at the compound, we were given wet towels to wipe ourselves with. After wiping my face, my towel was brown from the dust even with my mask on while I was driving. Apparently the helmut had a visor I could have pushed down for more protection from the dust, but I realised it too late!

22/05/15: Added the video our instructor took of us riding the quad bikes! Turns out we were driving really slowly!

We paid USD$35 each for the ‘Easy Ride’ tour inclusive of pick-up and drop-off at hotel, and also tipped the guide USD$10. Including a short break midway and photo-taking along the way, the tour took about 1.5 hours.