Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Phnom Penh

Cross the Japanese Friendship Bridge at sunset, with the Tonle Sap catching the last light and the whole Phnom Penh skyline laid out behind you, and you will understand why so many travellers skip the tuk-tuks here. You can rent a motorbike in Phnom Penh and ride the riverfront at Sisowath Quay one hour, then be weaving through the quiet lanes of Koh Pich the next. It is a city that rewards two wheels, and a motorbike is what lets you follow that instinct rather than wait for one.

Phnom Penh's traffic is dense and largely unregulated, which sounds like a warning but works in your favour on a bike: cars get stuck at gridlocked junctions while a scooter simply threads through. The centre is flat and mostly well paved, so a small automatic is genuinely practical, not just fun, and it is the only realistic way to reach sights outside the core, like the Choeung Ek Killing Fields or the ferry crossing to Koh Dach. Wide boulevards downtown and narrow riverside lanes elsewhere both favour something manoeuvrable over a car.

Top 10 things to see in Phnom Penh by motorbike

1. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda — an easy first stop on the riverside, close to most guesthouses and a natural start to a city loop.
2. Wat Phnom — the hilltop temple the city is named after, a handy landmark for getting your bearings on your first ride.
3. Sisowath Quay — a flat, scenic cruise along the Tonle Sap, best at sunset with plenty of riverside cafes to pull over at.
4. Koh Pich (Diamond Island) — cross the bridge onto wide, quiet boulevards, ideal for a relaxed evening ride.
5. Choeung Ek Killing Fields — a sobering half-day ride about 15 km south of the city, one of the essential historical stops.
6. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) — central and usually paired with Choeung Ek on the same day out.
7. Koh Dach (Silk Island) — a short ferry ride north into rural riverside villages and quiet countryside roads.
8. Chroy Changvar peninsula loop — ride over the Japanese Friendship Bridge for river views and a skyline shot of the city.
9. Independence Monument — the roundabout landmark that several of the city's main boulevards radiate from.
10. Wat Botum Park — a quiet riverside green space near the palace, good for a short break mid-ride.

What do you need to rent a motorbike in Phnom Penh?

Cambodia formally requires a Cambodian driving licence for motorised two-wheelers, and a foreign licence is not automatically valid on its own — an International Driving Permit is not required, but it is not a substitute either. In practice many shops will hand over a small automatic scooter without checking documents closely, but that leaves you uninsured if you are stopped or involved in an accident, so it is worth asking your rental provider directly about what they require. Most operators expect riders to be at least 18, and a deposit is standard practice. Avoid leaving your passport as security if you can help it — ask for a cash deposit instead and get the terms in writing.

How much does it cost to rent a motorbike in Phnom Penh?

Average rental prices run around 100,000 KHR per day in low season, rising to roughly 130,000–160,000 KHR in high season, with larger or premium automatic models closer to 180,000–220,000 KHR per day.

• Prices climb around November–February, the busiest tourist window, and again briefly around Khmer New Year in mid-April.
• Rates are softest from June to September, when demand drops and shops are more open to negotiating.

When to book a rental motorbike in Phnom Penh?

November to February is both the best riding weather and the highest season, so book a few days ahead if you are travelling then. March to May is dry but very hot for long rides, and the rainy season from roughly May through October brings heavy afternoon downpours and occasional flooding on low-lying streets — still rideable, but plan around the wettest hours. If you are chasing the lowest price, June to September is your window.

Local traffic rules in Phnom Penh

Cambodia drives on the right, with overtaking on the left. Helmets are legally required for riders and, on paper, for passengers too, though enforcement on the street is inconsistent — wear one anyway. Speed limits sit around 40 km/h in built-up areas, higher on open roads out of town, though signage is patchy so read the traffic, not just the signs. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, and police do run evening breath checks in the city. Carry your rental paperwork with you, as roadside checks on motorbikes are routine.

If you want to rent a scooter in Phnom Penh or something larger for the longer rides out to Koh Dach, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!