Getting Around Siem Reap, Cambodia

Globetrotter

03 Feb 2023 - 7 min read

Siem Reap is one of the must-visit major tourist destinations of Cambodia. With it being the stop right before the marvelous historical site of Angkor Wat, the vibrant and bustling atmosphere and fun markets to browse around in, the city is the ever popular choice for adventurers. Rich in culture, full of colors and sounds unlike anywhere else, the whole city is unique in architecture that shows off its history of both ancient Khmer kingdom and French colonialism.

For locals, the city of Siem Reap can be tricky to say the least in terms of transportation. With the lack of public transit, locals mostly utilize personal vehicles such as cars and motorcycles (called Moto here). If you have plans to travel to Siem Reap, you should know that you will be utilizing all types of hired cars and bikes throughout your trip. It will definitely be a fun, lively, and chaotic experience, though! As long as you have some cash with you and a bit of time to ask prices and bargain with drivers, you can travel anywhere in Siem Reap. Be sure to collect wonderful memories here at all the sites you need to see with your own eyes. Below, check out these methods of transportation for your trip to the world renowned city of Siem Reap.

Transportation in Siem Reap

Main transportation choices among locals, as mentioned above, are cars and motorcycles. You may marvel at how many of these bikes surround you in all directions when you’re on the streets. You can rent your own personal moto to ride around town, since the prohibitions have been lifted for tourists. If that sounds a bit risky for you, other types of hired car can be found just as easily, such as remork which is a Cambodia-style tuk tuk, motorbike taxi for short-distance rides, and taxis. There are two types of taxis which are regular taxis operated by taxi companies and taxis from ride booking apps. Both are generally safer than riding on other types of transport since there is bag snatching in Cambodia. Here are some details on options that might be suitable for your trip to this city.

Remork

What is a Tuk Tuk and what do locals call it: Tuk tuks in Siem Reap look very unique, and they’re called Remok/Remork. You will see these bright (usually red) modified three-wheel motorcycles all over the city. They’re an easy way to go from attraction to attraction, and generally do not cost much. Most of the time, the tuk tuks will be waiting in front of hotels, temples, and other popular attractions, so finding them should be easy. Tuk tuks are now also available through ride-hailing apps. These can be booked in advance and paid through credit card just like other types of taxi cars.

Fares: Fares vary depending on the distance, and are usually more expensive than taxis. However, most trips within the city will still cost a few dollars only. Keep in mind that you need to agree on the price before you hop in the car, and it’s important to ask whether this price is for your whole group or per passenger. As with tuk tuks in other cities, they might try and haggle you for more. You can avoid this by asking for the contact number of the tuk tuk driver you’re already used, so you don’t have to find a new driver every time. You can also ask for a round-trip transfer if you don’t want more hassle when getting a driver. If you use taxi apps, you will see the price beforehand making your trip smoother as well.

Tips and tricks: Due to its open-air nature, you should be aware that there is bag snatching on the streets, and that you should keep your bags and valuables close to your chest. Get a tuk tuk app if you want to book a ride in advance. Stand your ground when talking prices and make it clear from the get-go how much you will pay. Keep small banknotes and coins to pay for these rides easily.

Motorbike Rental

What do locals call motorbikes?: In Cambodia, the motorbikes are called Moto, and you can rent them for varying prices depending on whether you rent daily, weekly or monthly, and also depending on the model and type. For locals, motorbikes are the most common way to go around the city, and if you have experience driving them and are confident enough in your ability, you can easily rent them for your trip. One thing is that you will need a Cambodian driver’s license to drive a moto over 125cc. This unfortunately can be obtained only in Phnom Penh at the General Department of Public Work and Transport (GDPWT). You might also find electric motorbikes around too which do not require a license, but they are definitely difficult to come by compared to normal motos.

Rental costs: Rental costs start from as low as 5 USD per day, and can go up to 70 USD for a month. Again, this depends on the model of the motorbike and whether they’re automatic bikes. Most commonly available are cheap and simple Japanese models you will see used by locals.

Advantages: Due to the difficult nature of the roads which are chaotic, riding motorcycles can help you to travel nimbly, visit attractions independently, and even go out of the city on your own. Another downside is that the shop might ask you to give them your passport for the duration of your rent, and you might be called by police around the city and randomly ask for fines if you do not have a Cambodian driver’s license. Moreover, it can not be stressed enough that the Siem Reap streets can be dangerous for any drivers, local or otherwise, so you should avoid it if you are not experienced with motorbikes!

Tips when riding a motorbike as a tourist: We can not stress this enough: always wear helmets. The streets of the city can be dangerous and safety is key! Moreover, theft of motorbikes is common and you should use the provided safety chain whenever you park your motorbike for a visit at tourist spots. Be careful of your belongings since they might be stolen while you’re carrying them. If you do not have a Cambodian driver’s license, you will be fined by the police if you rent a moto over 125cc, and you should just pay the fine directly to the officer if you’re pulled over. You can ride electric bikes without a license, though.

Motorbike taxi

Why hire motorbike taxis?: The motorbikes in Siem Reap are cutely called Moto, and you can hire them in the city for short-distance rides from point A to point B. If you cannot ride a motorcycle or do not have a Cambodian driver’s license, your main choice is to call out to these moto taxis all over the streets. They’re not exactly difficult to find, so don’t worry!

What you should do as a tourist: The No.1 tip for riding on motos in Siem Reap is to wear helmets every time you ride on any type of moto. Do not ride with them if they do not provide you one. The nature of Cambodian streets can be very hectic with all types of cars and motorcycles with not many traffic rules followed. Take good care of your belongings since there are bag snatchers. When you ask for prices from drivers, stand your ground and make it clear from the get-go how much you will pay. Keep some small banknotes and coins to pay for these rides easily, since they are very cheap.

Fares: One ride will probably cost you less than a dollar, but will rise if there’s rain or if it’s late at night due to more demands. You may also ask the driver to drive you around for the entire day, and this should cost around 10 USD. Important note: agree on the price of the ride before you get on the bike, since this is the only way to negotiate prices.

Bicycle rental

Rental cost: You can rent bicycles to traverse Siem Reap for a fee of a few dollars per day, or for free if you stay at hotels that provide them.

Advantages: Renting a bicycle to ride to attractions is the most budget-friendly way to travel in Siem Reap if you have no worries about speed and distance. Good news is some hotels might even offer bicycle rentals for free. You can find the shops near major attractions, but it is recommended to rent one a day prior to your actual visit. Don’t forget to wear a helmet for safety and always lock your bicycle using the lock chain that usually comes with the rental, since bicycle theft is common.

Car rental

Rental costs: Renting a car may cost you from 40 USD-150 USD a day depending on model, how many days of rental, and how many adults can join in the car. You can check the prices online for each of the providers and choose the model that fits your needs.

How to rent a car: It is good to look for car rentals online before you go to Cambodia so that you see the price and book with convenience. You can book both cars without drivers and cars with drivers or with experienced guides, and the prices will go up accordingly. Some examples of car rental companies (other than local ones you will find on the streets) are Kayak, Europcar, Momondo, Expedia, and more. Don’t forget that you need an international driver’s license to rent a car.

Tips and tricks: As mentioned before, booking cars in advance can be a good way to ensure you will have a certain mode of transportation and also to know the price in advance. If you have an international driver’s license and you’re not too bothered by traffic jams, then driving a car or hiring a driver can be a good way to travel. Apply online for an international driver’s license for Cambodia prior to your arrival.

Despite some difficulties and complications such as having to get a Cambodian driver’s license, tourists can still navigate the city of Siem Reap by themselves through other means without much trouble. Since hired cars such as moto taxis, remork, and taxis will be your friend, familiarize yourself with how to book one through apps, how to use navigation apps, and how to negotiate prices. The fares are likely to be very cheap anyway. The important thing is for you to agree on the price beforehand if they’re non-metered types of rides. You may ask your accommodation whether they have bicycles, so that you can travel short distances more easily, or you can rent one for your travels. Ultimately, getting a car rental can be the best option if you have an international driver’s license, since getting a rental moto requires a Cambodian driver’s license.

Rent a Car in Siem Reap