The Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992, is spread over 400 square kilometers. To comfortably explore the striking temple ruins, visitors should be aware of transportation options available to get to and around the park.
Transportation to and around Angkor
Taxis are a more expensive choice for transportation, but they provide air-conditioned comfort, costing between $20 and $30 per day. You can hire one for more than one day if needed, additional fees are added for trips to temples off the main circuit such as Beng Mealea and Banteay Srey. Visitors should also be aware that there is less freedom to explore areas in between the temples using taxis.
Motodops are motorbikes on which visitors sit behind the hired driver. A driver is necessary because tourists are not allowed to drive motorbikes or cars in Siem Reap. Less expensive at $8 to $12 per full day rental, the motorbike can reach areas that taxis cannot, but additional charges are added for travel to the distant temples. Also be aware that sitting on the back of a motorcycle is probably the least comfortable way to get to and round the Angkor Archaeological Park. However, if you’re looking for a unique way to explore the temples, consider taking a Vespa tour! With a talented driver at the wheel, you’ll be touring the small roads in style and comfort with plenty of room and a backrest seat. You can sit back and relax as you take in the sights without worrying about navigating or getting lost!
Remorques, more commonly referred to as tuk-tuks, are by far the most popular way to travel around the park. These covered trailers, pulled by a motorized bike with driver, provide protection from the sun while allowing visitors an unobstructed view of their travel. Like the motorbikes and taxis, drivers must be licensed and wear identification when entering Angkor. Costing $10 to $15 per day, with additional charges for outlying temples, this is a great way to explore the ruins in comfort. Some friendly drivers, many of whom speak English, can provide factual information about the temples and other areas of the park.
New Indian tuk-tuks with three wheels have arrived in Siem Reap. For a better experience, we recommend choosing the remorque (old) version of tuk-tuks over rickshaws (new). This way, you’ll have an unobstructed view of your surroundings while zipping around the temples.
While bicycles are a very inexpensive transportation choice and a great way to navigate all corners of the park, visitors should consider a few things before deciding to rent one. The main entrance to the park, where admission passes must be purchased, is approximately 5 kilometers from the center of Siem Reap. This is not an issue if you have purchased your temple pass online. However, temperatures can be quite high, so renting a bike should be done early in the morning. Lastly, be sure that the bicycle is well-made and strong to avoid any travel issues.
A unique way to see the park is from the air! Tethered helium balloon rides are available at the park. Rise above these amazing ruins and view the surrounding area also. Visitors should bring binoculars for this trip.
Those who prefer to fly around the ruins can opt for a helicopter ride around Angkor Wat and outlying temples. The cost varies based on individual or group rates and the specific tour selected for an 8 to 14 minute ride, but the view is unforgettable.
Elephant Rides Banned Since 2020
The Asian elephant is held in high regard in Cambodia. Unfortunately, in 2016, an elephant named Sambo collapsed and died after taking tourists on a ride to the Bayon Temple. There were immediate calls to end the elephant rides there, and an online petition was launched. Although these controversial rides continued for several year, the Apsara Authority has finally banned elephant rides starting January 2020. Elephant lovers may spend some time at the Kulen Elephant Forest, a sanctuary in the foothills of Phnom Kulen National Park, where retired elephants can interact freely, and are treated with the utmost care and attention.
What to Bring
Visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park are well advised to wear light long-sleeved clothing and pants to protect from the sun’s strong rays. Hats, sunglasses and a krama, a Khmer scarf, are also recommended. Shoes should be comfortable and practical. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent may come in handy. Serious explorers may want to bring a flashlight and compass.
Tour Guides
Tour guides can provide detailed information about the temples not found in guide books and cost approximately $30 dollars a day.
Visitors can make arrangements for tour guides and many of the above modes of transportation through their guesthouses. In all cases, settle on the exact cost of your selected itinerary in advance. Be specific about what you want to see, especially if some of the more distant ruins are in your plans. Sunrise and sunset visits are also options that must be planned for in advance. This will avoid any miscommunication.
Where do you recommend to rent a Remorque from? Do you have a specific name of a vendor? We are goin to be visiting in January 2024. We would love a covered one as shown in your article.
Hi Lisa, you can book a remorque / tuk-tuk on GetYourGuide. This is the same type as shown in the cover photo of our article.