Getting Around – Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
To get to the park, hire a driver or pedal on your own from nearby Siem Reap.
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| Tuk-tuk Time Out |
Tuk-tuks: You can pay a tuk-tuk driver to take you for $10-12 U.S. per day, although it might cost $15 U.S. if your day includes a drive out to Bantey Srei and other remote temples.
Motorcycle taxis: Drivers will take you to the Angkor Thom – the capital of the Angkor Wat kingdom – for $6 U.S. per day, but it will cost more to go to Bantey Srei ($12 U.S. for the day).
Bicycles: Most guesthouses rent bicycles if you want to ride to the temples on your own. The mornings are very dark, so take care if you’re setting out before sunrise. (Consideration of smaller transport is NOT a primary concern to the average driver in Cambodia.) Rates are about $5 U.S. for a day.
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| Elephant Ride |
Elephants: Once at Angkor Wat, you can take an elephant ride from the base to the steps of Phnom Bakheng. Check with the elephant handlers for prices and come early to avoid lines, especially at sunset.
Your first stop will be at the entrance gate to purchase a pass, which guards are strict about checking. Passes come in one-, three- and seven-day varieties; a mid-length pass is a great deal because it’s $20 for each day separately, but only $40 for a three-day ticket. A seven-day pass is $60. (NOTE: All passes are good only for consecutive days; from the moment you start using it, it will expire on the third or seventh day – no exceptions!) If you don’t bring a passport-sized photo, they will take one for you (at no cost) in the office by the main gate. The attendants at the gate punch your pass each day and must see it every time you enter the park. Visiting hours are 5 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Always carry your pass with you where you can easily reach it – there is a fine of $80 U.S. for misusing it or not having it with you.
