Getting Around

Siem Reap is not a very big town, which makes getting around pretty easy by either walking, cycling, taxi, moto taxi or tuk tuk. Most people visiting Siem Reap tend to try a bit of each mode of transport to get around Siem Reap depending on whether they are going to the Old Market area, Angkor Temples or out to Tonle Sap Lake to visit the floating villages or whatever.

Getting around Siem Reap town

Taxis

Taxis are a good way to get around Siem Reap, especially for getting around the Angkor Temples or for going to Tonle Sap Lake for trips to the floating villages. A taxi is also the best way to get to the further away temples like Banteay Srey, Kbal Spean, Roulos or Beng Mealea. Other places and attractions when a taxi is useful are the Silk Farm and the Landmine Museum.

Buses and Mini Vans

Buses and mini vans are by far the best form of transport for getting around Siem Reap, if you are visiting Siem Reap in a large group. They are especially a great form of transport for visiting the Angkor Temples. Buses for tours to the temples can be arranged at most hotels in Siem Reap.

Tuk Tuks (motor bike drawn carriage)

Tuk Tuks are all around Siem Reap. You will see many of them parked on the streets where their drivers wait for customers. Tuk Tuks are great for getting around the town centre and for getting around the Angkor Temples, especially for the main temple area. If you want to get to the Old Market area or Pub Street from the place you are staying, then tuk tuks are very useful for this and a short ride should cost no more then a few dollars. Most hotels and guesthouses will be able to arrange a tuk tuk and if you are travelling alone or want to be extra cautious, then we would recommend that use a tuk tuk the hotel or guesthouse arranges for you.

Motorbikes

Motorbikes are NOT available for rent in Siem Reap and only foreigners who work or live in Siem Reap are allowed to ride them around town.

Moto Bike Taxis (Motodups)

Motodups are a cheap way to get around town and are an easy way to get around especially for short distances. We do not advise taking a motodup to get around the temples unless the driver provides you with a helmet, because motorbike accidents are not uncommon in Siem Reap.

Electric Bicycles

Electric Bicycles are still available in Siem Reap, but they are not quite as popular as they used to be, although you will still see people using them to get around the Angkor Temples. If you want to rent an electric bicycle to get around the temples, then make sure your battery is fully charged before you set off. You do not want to pedal an electric bicycle around, because they are not easiest thing to pedal. There are electric bicycle stations around the temples to change your battery if you need too.

Bicycles

Bicycles are a good way to get around town and can be rented at many guesthouses and hotels in Siem Reap for a few dollars a day. Bicycles are another way of getting around the Angkor Temples, although you will need to be reasonably fit because the temples are spread well apart. If you travel around the temples on a bicycle, then be sure to protect yourself from the sun, because the weather in Siem Reap can be quite intense especially during hot season. If you do decide to take a bicycle, please be aware that when a car flashes its lights at you he is NOT giving you way, but telling you to get out of his way!

Walking

Getting around Siem Reap on foot is not such a problem, because it is a pretty safe place, although in the evenings we advise you take some form of transport to be on the safe side. If you have good map of Seim Reap, then you can navigate your way around the town centre easily by using landmarks as a guide such the Old Market, the river or a big named hotel for example. Getting around the Angkor temples on foot is near impossible as the distances between temples are not small.

Getting around Angkor Temples

There are a number of ways of getting around the Angkor Temples and it totally depends on what mode of transport is more comfortable or exciting for you, and within your budget. Most people will use a taxi or a tuk tuk to get around the temples but you can also use a bicycle, electric bicycle or a bus if you are in a group. What mode of transport will also depend on how many people are in your group and you will also need to take into consideration your tour guide if you need one, because you will also need to save a seat for him. Most guesthouses and hotels in Siem Reap will be able to help you arrange transport around the temples and the driver who picks you up from the airport, bus station or boat landing will also be hoping for your business.

The following prices are only an approximate guide to what you should expect to pay for transport to the main Angkor Temple area or for the Grand Tour, as some people call it, from around 8:00am to 6:00pm. The main temple area includes some of the main temples like Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom including Bayon, Terrace of Elephants, Ta Prohm and a number of other smaller temples. The driver will charge extra for further away temples like Banteay Srey, Kbal Spean, and Beng Mealea. Drivers and tour guides also charge between US$5 to US$10 extra if you want them to get up for a sunrise. All the prices include driver and fuel costs.

Prices maybe negotiable especially during low season.