Getting around Siem Reap

More popular forms of transport around town are motodups (motorcycle taxi) and moto-romauks (two-person motorcycle taxi similar to tuktuk). They are available all throughout town and drivers usually hang out near hotels and guesthouses ready to pick up passengers. Most of the drivers speak some English, but it will be best if you know how to properly say local name places. Around the city center, fares for motodups go from 2000 to 4000 riel (US$0.50-1), and these are already the usual rates for foreigners. For trips to the Angkor ruins, rates are on a daily basis where romauks charge US$10-15 while motodups ask for US$6-9.

If you would like to be on your own or just with your newfound buddies, bicycles can be rented for US$2-4 per day from many hostels around town. Just do not forget to bring water and slather a dollop of sunscreen along with your cap to protect yourself from the intense tropical sunshine.

In order to escape the heat and possible showers during the monsoon season, you can rent a car with your own driver. Car taxis can be rented US$20-25 per day to explore the city center and the park. Additional charges apply when you request to drive out to more distant sights. Royal Cambodian Limousine Service and Angkor Temple Guides are two of the well-known car rental services in Siem Reap.

For larger groups, coaches and mini buses will prove to be more practical and economical, as this will save your family or friends money and time that could otherwise be spent waiting for each other when taking another form of transport. The good thing about hiring coaches is a tour guide will be available to take you to various spots across town.

Although they are not exactly means to take you from one point of Siem Reap to another, elephant, helicopter and balloon rides can be availed for a novel way to enjoy your stay. Elephant rides await curious tourists at the south gate of Angkor Thom and near the Bayon ruins for a half-hour ride costing US$10-15. Note that this is a one-way ride only. If you have some more money to spend, why not ride a helicopter and soar above the Angkor ruins and Cambodian jungles? Your several minutes of flight of fancy will cost around US$90 per passenger. Helistar and Helicopters Cambodia are two of the companies operating this venture. Another exciting way to fly above Siem Reap is by riding a balloon. However, the yellow helium balloon is tethered to the ground, but can still award you a commanding view of the world below.