Choosing the right transportation when visiting Siem Reap

When visiting Angkor Wat in 2025, choosing the right transportation can enhance your overall experience, and the good news is there’s something for every budget and travel style. For comfort and flexibility, hiring a private Tuk-Tuk is one of the most popular choices, costing around $15 to $25 USD per day, with a small extra fee for sunrise tours. It’s a scenic and authentic way to explore the temples while staying cool with the breeze and occasional cold water provided by the driver. For those seeking more comfort—especially families or couples—private cars with drivers are available for $35 to $60 USD per day, offering air-conditioning and a smoother ride across longer distances. If you prefer a more guided experience, group tours typically cost $25 to $40 USD per person, while private guided tours with a vehicle can range from $60 to $120 USD, depending on the level of service and number of travelers. Adventurous and budget-conscious travelers might enjoy bicycle rentals, which cost only $2 to $5 USD per day, or e-bikes for around $10 to $15 USD, providing a more sustainable and flexible way to roam the park—though the heat and long distances should be considered. Motorbike rentals are another option at about $8 to $15 USD, but keep in mind that riding them inside the Angkor complex is restricted for tourists. For eco-conscious visitors, electric tuk-tuks or small EV cars are becoming more common, priced around $25 to $40 USD per day, and offer a quieter, greener way to travel. No matter which mode you choose, it’s best to start early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds—and always carry water, sunscreen, and a sense of wonder.

Related Blog

The Sea Festival 2024, marking its 11th edition, will take place in Kampot province from December 13 to 15. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Heritage and Coastal Sustainability,” reflects the festival’s focus on honoring the region’s rich maritime traditions while highlighting the importance of preserving coastal environments. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant array of activities that celebrate both cultural heritage and sustainable practices.

Organized by a coalition including the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and the Provincial Administration of Kampot, the festival is supported by various institutions and private sector partners. This collaboration underscores a unified commitment to showcasing Cambodia’s maritime heritage and promoting coastal sustainability.

A significant highlight of the event will be the official Opening Ceremony on December 14, presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet and First Lady Pich Chanmony. Their participation emphasizes the festival’s role in fostering national pride and cultural heritage while reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship.

The festival promises an exciting lineup of activities, including live concerts featuring local and international artists, vibrant performances, and spectacular fireworks displays. Visitors can also participate in sports competitions, explore exhibitions showcasing tourism and local products, and indulge in a variety of food and beverage offerings. These events aim to provide a comprehensive experience of Cambodia’s coastal culture and attractions.

Since its inception in 2011, the Sea Festival has been held in rotation across Cambodia’s four coastal provinces: Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Koh Kong, and Kampot. The festival aims to highlight the tourism potential of these regions while fostering collaboration among the private sector, public entities, and various stakeholders, ultimately encouraging efforts to protect and preserve marine resources and beach environments.

With a coastline spanning approximately 450 kilometers across these provinces, Cambodia boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse marine ecosystems. The country’s dedication to its coastal areas was further recognized when it joined the Most Beautiful Bays in the World (World-Bays Club) in mid-2011.

The Sea Festival 2024 aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia’s coastal regions while promoting sustainable tourism practices. By blending cultural festivities with environmental awareness, the festival seeks to enhance public understanding and involvement in preserving these vital natural resources.

This year’s event in Kampot promises to be a memorable celebration, combining entertainment, culture, and sustainability to highlight the beauty and significance of Cambodia’s coastal regions

The Water Festival this year falls on November 7-9. But with Cambodia set to host the ASEAN summit and related meetings in the same week this month, the festival are not being celebrated in Phnom Penh, though some provinces have been holding celebrations since October.

Known locally as Bon Om Touk, the festival takes place in late October or early November to mark the end of the monsoon season as well as the change in flow of the Tonle Sap River.

The second day of the festival aligns with the date of the full moon on the Khmer lunar calendar month of Katdoek (or Kartika in Sanskrit), which is said to be when the long-cycle rice crop is ready for harvest.

The festival usually features dragon longboat races on its first day. Royal boat races have been held in Cambodia since at least the time of King Jayavarman VII to celebrate the victory of the Khmer navy over Cham invaders from the Champa kingdom in a large boat battle on the Tonle Sap Lake.

During the Longvek period of the 16th and 17th centuries, King Ang Chan I appointed Ponhea Yat as the “earth-guardian” in Kampuchea Krom’s Bassac district and he organised the navy into three groups to defend the region from invasion by the Da Viet kingdom under ruler Mac Dang Dung.

A First-Timer’s Guide to Exploring Siem Reap Like a Local

Siem Reap is famous for Angkor Wat, but the real magic lies in its vibrant local culture, hidden gems, and authentic Khmer hospitality. As your home away from home, Sokchea Angkor Hotel is perfectly located to help you experience the city like a true insider. Here’s how to dive deep into Siem Reap’s charm – with all the transportation options you need!

1. Choose Your Adventure: Getting Around Like a Local
Siem Reap offers many ways to explore – pick what suits you best!
– Tuk-tuks – The classic Cambodian experience! Affordable and perfect for short trips around town Price around $20. Our front desk can arrange trusted drivers for you.
– Motorbikes – For the more adventurous, rent a scooter to zip around at your own pace (just mind the traffic!) price around $14-$20.
– Bicycles – rent price around $3-$12.
2. Eat Like a Local (With Our Insider Tips!
Khmer cuisine is a highlight of any trip. Here’s where to go:
– Psar Chas (Old Market) – Try *nom banh chok* (Khmer noodles) or *bai sach chrouk* (pork & rice)
– Tuk-tuk Food Tour – Let us arrange a local-guided evening food tour by tuk-tuk! Price around $20.
– Sokchea Angkor Hotel’s Restaurant – Enjoy authentic Khmer flavors without leaving our property

3. Temple Visits Made Easy
– Private Tuk-tuk Tour – Our recommended drivers know all the best routes and hidden temples
– Sunrise Options – Skip the crowds at Angkor Wat and ask us about quieter alternatives
– Motorbike Adventure – For those comfortable riding, we can suggest scenic temple loop routes

4. Local Experiences You’ll Love
– Evening Food Crawl – Let us arrange a tuk-tuk to take you to the best street food spots
– Countryside Tour – Explore rural villages by motorbike (with driver) or tuk-tuk
– Cooking Class Transport – We’ll arrange your ride to the best local cooking schools

5. Why Stay with Us?
At Sokchea Angkor Hotel, we make local exploration effortless:
✓ Trusted transportation partners – Safe drivers at fair prices
✓ Flexible options – From bikes to private tours
✓ Insider advice – We know the real Siem Reap and love to share it