I think renting a dirt bike and riding across the country of Cambodia would be a great adventure. I was asked to submit my Original Passport and a deposit (since because, I held an Indian Passport) for renting a motorbike in and around the City. I politely declined it as I was comfortable renting a motorbike (in Thailand and Indonesia) without the aforementioned hassle.
South East Globe (a regional magazine) had very interesting articles and I found one from Chris Minko to be right on money [link]. This is in reference to my earlier bemusement of economic disparity between the Elites and the rest of Cambodians. Chris Minko is equally scathing in his attack on the inept local Administration as well as the powerful interests outside of Cambodia. There is also an article from SE Globe that talks about the exploitation of natural resources in the North Eastern provinces of Cambodia.
Man, it is evil everywhere! In spite of the real estate fiasco in the developed economies (particularly the sub prime housing crisis countries like the USA and UK), there is a constant invitation to buy properties in developing economies across South East Asia. Cambodia, being a fledgling Democracy and largely dependent on foreign money (about 70% of its budget) becomes an easy target for Investors from wealthier nations. Farm lands and natural resources are the easy target. A classic example of what I heard during my trip to Indonesia is…people are being invited to purchase land in the island of Lombok (neighbouring Bali). Ten to twenty years down the line when Kuta-Bali gets saturated with Tourists, Lombok will become the next best alternative.
So, to put it this way, you take a natural paradise, allocate it to the highest most favourable bidder, let him commercialize the region and destroy the endemic culture and ecosystem. One of the reasons I still insist mass Tourism is a long term drain of local resources and culture. It is one of the greatest Paradox as a traveller.
OK. Cutting short on the above topic and getting to adventure part. Yes. If you are planning a visit to Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia, you can buy a dirt bike for around USD 700 and do road trips (technically, you are off-roading) in the above mentioned Countries. I met an Austrian who was travelling on his purchased bike from Laos and another British guy who did the same on a Russian make motorcycle from Hanoi, Vietnam. If you know how to purchase one then you know how to sell one as well. Usually, you can sell it off to other Adventurers or Dealers (may be at a lower price).
Canby Publications in Phnom Penh provide an excellent Visitor’s Guide (free of charge). A copy can be picked up from one of medium to high range establishments. It should tell you the A to Z details of navigating around Phnom Penh, Visas to neighbouring Countries, travel information etc. Highly recommended!