Joanna James
Angkor is the primary reason that attracts most holidaymakers to Cambodia in the first place. It is an area of the country that every visitor will explore during their getaway to Cambodia. While reaching the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Angkor Archaeological Park is relatively well-known, getting around this former capital remains a mystery for most vacationers. From using public transport networks to hiring private vehicles, here are the best ways to get around during a tour of Angkor.
Regardless of the duration of your visit, those who secure a strategically located hotel or resort in Angkor are likely to experience less stress when navigating the area using various transport methods. A conveniently located hotel not only offers visitors easy access to the Angkor Archaeological Park and other attractions in Siem Reap but also some of the region's best activity hubs. So whether you choose the FCC Angkor Siem Reap or any of the other Angkor Wat hotels, it is important to check the location of the property and its proximity to the main highlights and local transport hubs.
While it may not be the most cost-effective way to travel around Angkor, using local taxis to get around is the best option for those who are visiting with family or in large groups. Considered a luxurious way to get around by local standards, the joy of exploring the ancient city from an air-conditioned vehicle is difficult to describe but it can set one back at least USD 30 a day. Those who intend to do all of their sightseeing activities on taxis should ideally enlist a cab for a day or more without booking individual trips as most cabbies will quote a price for covering Banteay Srey, Beng Mealea and other highlights in the main circuit. The only downside of using taxis is that it is not possible to explore the areas in between iconic temples.
Motorbike taxis are another great way to see Siem Reap's top points of interest and it is far more affordable than travelling via taxi. Tourists should be aware that they are not permitted to drive Motodops, as they are locally called, and must instead seek the assistance of a local driver. The daily rental fee is a little over USD 10 and motorbikes can reach parts of Angkor that are inaccessible to taxis and even tuk-tuks.
Three-wheelers in Cambodia are commonly called Remorques and these noisy vehicles offer visitors the chance to explore Angkor with ease. Different from the tuk-tuks that one is used to seeing in India and Sri Lanka, Remorques are covered trailers that are being pulled by a motorbike. The advantage of riding in one of these unique vehicles is that it keeps the heat at bay while letting visitors see the sights. Most Remorque drivers are also well-versed in the historical background of the Angkor temples and speak fluent English so hiring a Remorque for a day is akin to hiring a vehicle with a guide.
Travellers who love to take matters into their own hands can bike around the archaeological park and other attractions in Siem Reap with ease as rental prices are quite inexpensive. Travelling on an ordinary bicycle has its limitation – the ideal time for a tour of the park is limited to the hours before noon. The temperatures can be difficult to handle in the afternoon.
While it is not considered a way to travel around, hopping on a tethered helium balloon can be a magical experience for all tourists exploring Siem Reap. The views of the ruins from the clouds are simply magnificent as one can get a bird's-eye perspective of the world famous heritage site.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
