In the region, travel is organised primarily by tuk-tuk — the iconic and most practical transport for Angkor. Plan USD 15-20 for a full day at Angkor (Small Circuit), USD 20-25 for the Grand Circuit, USD 30-40 for Banteay Srei (with wait), USD 50-70 with Beng Mealea (full day). Tuk-tuk drivers book at the guesthouse/hotel the day before (often included in some packages, or simply booked via reception). Negotiate before departure and clearly specify your itinerary.
Private air-conditioned taxis (4-seat car) cost USD 30-40 for the Small Circuit, USD 45-60 for the Grand, USD 60-80 for Banteay Srei + Beng Mealea. Recommended in hot season (March-May) and rainy season. Minibuses with French-speaking guide (6-12 person groups, USD 50-80/person half to full day) are the ideal option for travellers wanting historical commentary without handling logistics.
Bicycle rental (USD 3-5/day) is a romantic but gruelling option in hot season — Small Circuit feasible (17 km) but discouraged between 11am and 3pm. Scooter rental (USD 5-10/day) is now allowed at Angkor (banned until 2018) — good option for autonomous travellers in cool season, helmet mandatory.
From Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (REP) — newly relocated in 2023 to 40 km east of the city — plan USD 25 by official taxi (45 min via new expressway), Grab USD 15-20. Many hotels offer free airport transfers (check at booking).
From and to Phnom Penh (314 km, 6h by road): tourist bus with Giant Ibis or Mekong Express (USD 12-15), or domestic flight Cambodia Angkor Air (45 min, USD 60-90 return). From Bangkok: land bus with Giant Ibis or Mekong Express via the Poipet border post (8-9h, USD 25-30), or direct flight (1h, USD 80-120 return, Bangkok Airways recommended).
Read also
- Angkor Wat — The world's largest religious monument, UNESCO 1992, jewel of the Khmer Empire.
- Siem Reap — The base-city of Angkor: Pub Street, Old Market, Khmer gastronomy and tuk-tuks.
- Cambodia — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Phnom Penh and the South — The capital, Royal Palace, S-21 and the Killing Fields — to combine with Angkor.