Getting around in Angkor
Tuk tuk, taxi, motorbike, bicycle, boat, balloon or helicopter
While the town of Siem Reap is small enough to cover most of it on foot, the Angkor Archaeological Park is not. With a total area of about 400 square kilometers, distances between temples are too large to walk. There are many ways of getting around in Angkor including taxi, tuk tuk, motorcycle, bicycle, balloon and helicopter.
Cambodian driver
As foreigners are not allowed to rent a car or motorcycle and drive it into the Angkor Archaeological Park, you can only rent one with a Cambodian driver.
Itinerary
Tell the driver which places you want to go, he will drop you off there and wait for you to come back. Alternatively, you can ask the driver for suggestions, as most of them know the Angkor Archaeological Park very well and know the schedules of tour buses, so you can avoid some of the crowds. Many drivers speak very limited English; try to find one with fair English language skills to avoid misunderstandings.
Extra charge for remote temples
If you plan to visit some of the more remote temples like the Banteay Srei or Kbal Spean in the Phnom Kulen Hills, expect to pay more because of the larger distances covered. Likewise, if you want to see the sunrise at one of the temples, expect to pay a few dollars more because of the early hour the trip starts.
Tuk tuk
A tuk tuk is probably the most fun way to get around Angkor. Find out what the advantages and disadvantages of tuk tuks are, how to find a good driver, what to do before and during the trip and how much to pay.
Taxi or car with driver
Another way of getting around is to hire a private taxi with driver. A taxi offers protection from sun and rain and will usually be air conditioned. A taxi can be booked through travel agent or hotel. The fare would be around US$ 50 a day, about US$ 10 more to visit the more remote temples.
Motorbike with driver
One of the cheapest ways of getting around in Angkor is by motorbike. As foreigners are not allowed to drive a motorbike in the Angkor Archaeological Park, the only option is to rent one with a Cambodian driver. A motorbike can be booked through most hotels and will cost around US$ 10 for the day.
Bicycle
The option that offers the most freedom is a rented bicycle. It is also the cheapest way of getting around, a bike will cost some US$ 2 to US$ 4 per day, depending on the quality of the bike. Most hotels and guest houses rent bicycles.
Many of the main monuments like Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, Prasat Ta Keo, Prasat Kravan and the Eastern Mebon are close enough to Siem Reap town to be reached on bicycle.
When stopping at a temple, lock the bike; a lock is usually supplied with the rent. Riding a bike you are exposed to sun and possibly rain. The roads will often be dusty and it can get very hot and humid, especially during the hot months of April and May. Apply sun cream, wear a cap or hat and drink plenty of water.
Baray boat ride
A fun trip and a very relaxed way to see some of Angkor is to take a ride on a traditional Baray boat. A trip around Angkor Thom takes about one hour.
Balloon
Balloons offer great aerial views of Angkor. A tethered balloon (attached to a cable) will go a few hundred meters up at a location about one kilometer West of Angkor Wat. The balloon ride will last about ten minutes and cost some US$ 20.
Another option is a balloon flight in the Angkor area. The ride costs about US$ 30 and takes some forty minutes. Make sure you have been explained the route the balloon follows before you book, so you’ll know what to expect to see.
Both options are dependent on wind conditions. Inquire at hotel or travel agent for more details.
Helicopter
The most spectacular way to see Angkor is from the air making a helicopter ride. A scenic helicopter flight in the Angkor Wat area lasting some eight to ten minutes costs around US$ 90. Helicopters can be chartered by the hour as well. Inquire at hotel or travel agent for more details.