Anastasia Smith
As the heritage capital of Cambodia, Siem Reap remains one of the country's busiest and most visited travel hotspots. From biking around to using other means of local transport, here are the best ways to explore Siem Reap using public and private transfer options.
Whether one is based at Anantara Angkor Resort, some of the best hotels in Siem Reap or a budget guesthouse, there's no better way to get around the city than on a tuk-tuk. These vehicles are also called Remorks in Cambodia, and tourists can either hail one outside popular attractions, on the roadside or book a tuk-tuk using the many downloadable apps accessible in Siem Reap. Some of the top ride-hailing applications that travellers must download during a trip to this heritage hub include Tada, PassApp and Grab, which not only offer access to cab services but also metered three-wheelers. In addition to using rickshaws or three-wheelers for short transfers between key landmarks, tourists can alternatively reserve a tuk-tuk for a day or half a day to complete sightseeing activities around Angkor Archaeological Park.
Those who wish to see the sights and enjoy the natural beauty of Siem Reap at their own pace can also rent a bicycle for the day or the duration of their stay. Daily rental costs in Siem Reap are extremely affordable and some of the most reliable rental shops in the city can be found close to the Old Market and Wat Bo Road. Travellers must ensure the rental bicycle comes with a helmet and a safety lock, however, as this is standard practice in Cambodian tourist towns. Mountain bike rental fees can be as high as USD 10 a day although most resorts in Siem Reap also have a number of free bikes for the exclusive use of their guests. The White Bicycles programme is another bike rental operation in Siem Reap that provides tourists with rentals while raising money for local children and water cleaning initiatives in town.
Just like in Thailand, motorbike taxis are easily available on the streets of Siem Reap and usually parked near top tourist highlights, restaurants and luxury hotels. While the rides are affordable, the only downside to relying on motorbike taxis is the low English proficiency of its drivers, which might make the journey rather stressful for non-natives. This is why it's best to have the address of the destination written down in the native language so that the drivers can easily understand the drop-off point.
Tipped to be the most costly way to get around the city, taxis in Siem Reap are unmetered so tourists will need to be discerning about when to use cab services. As the cost of the ride is determined by the drivers, passengers may end up getting swindled into paying more for a short transfer. This is why it's necessary to negotiate the rate for each kilometre and the overall price of the journey before boarding a taxi.
Tourists who intend to spend at least 2 weeks in Siem Reap can look into renting a motorbike if they happen to be in possession of an international motorbike license.
