Local Transportation

The town of Siem Riep is fairly small and the best way to get around is on foot. If you're out at night or staying along the airport road outside town you may want to hire a motodup (motorcycle taxi). Agree on the price in advance. Drivers will ask for US$1, but can usually be bargained down to 2000 riel (50 cents).

Getting around the temple complex requires motorized transportation. You can hire a motodup for around US$10 per day, but unless you're on your own you're better off hiring a car. Car rentals are available through tour agents and hotels for around US$25 per day. (You'll be grateful for the air-conditioning!) Whether you hire a car or motorbike it is customary to tip your driver. Figure US$2 for a motorbike and US$5 for a car.

Bicycles can be rented from many guesthouses for about US$3 a day. Motorcycles (Honda 250cc Degrees) can be rented from Royal Group Motorcycles (#022 Sivutha Street; tel: 855-12-823147) in downtown Siem Reap on front of the Preah Khan Photo Shop. Older models run US$7 a day, while newer machines run US$10 a day. Beware, the police frown on foreigners riding motorcycles, and with good reason - the accident rate is very high! Unless you are a LICENSED motorcycle rider we recommend NOT renting a motorcycle here. If you do - licensed or not - expect to be hassled by the police.

NOTE: If you rent a bicycle or motorcycle, you will not be permitted entrance to the temples without a local guide unless you are a journalist or possess documentation of other official business.

Guides

Speaking of guides, your driver IS NOT a guide. Most don't bother to tell you this, but they cannot accompany you into the temples. Only officially sanctioned and licensed guides can. Sure it's a bit of a scam, but it's also to protect you. Licensed guides are well trained professionals. Most hold university degrees. Licensed guides have a badge and wear a tan uniform (they look a bit like Boy Scouts). They typically run US$20 per day (plus tip) and are worth every penny.

Temple Admission

Admission to the temples is well regulated and admission prices are steep: US$20 for a one day pass, US$40 for three days, and US$60 for a week. In addition to cash you'll need one passport photo. Tickets can be purchased on the road to Angkor Wat. Hang on to it as you'll be asked to show it at nearly every temple!

Food for Thought