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The charming Cambodian town of Siem Reap, the gateway to the famed Angkor complex, would be an interesting locality to explore, offering many absorbing experiences for visitors. When it comes to travelling around this captivating town, there would be several good options. Described below are your primary choices for getting about Siem Reap.

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By Cambodian tuk-tuk (remork)

Taking a remork, the Cambodian version of a tuk-tuk would be an easy and popular way of travelling around Siem Reap. These vehicles would basically consist of a motorcycle with an attached trailer. Travelling by such means would be particularly suitable for groups as these vehicles would be able to accommodate as many as four persons. You would have the opportunity to hire remorks for brief trips within the city or for a whole day to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park; keep in mind that the rate for a journey would depend on the distance and duration.

By motorcycle taxi (moto)

The abundant motorcycle taxis – also referred to as motos – could be found stationed near restaurants, hotels and well-known attractions in Siem Reap. You would often find that motorcycle taxi drivers would not wear a uniform and may not speak English well; accordingly, it would be prudent to have your destination’s address written down in Cambodian to present to the driver. When travelling by motorcycle taxi, it would be advisable to negotiate and arrive at a fare before commencing your trip and ensure you wear a helmet.

By bicycle

Visitors to Siem Reap would find that getting around by bicycle would be an uncomplicated, eco-friendly, and economical way of travelling within the town. You would have the opportunity to hire a standard bicycle for a small sum, whilst a mountain bike would cost somewhat more. You would typically receive a safety lock and a helmet along with your bike. You would find several bicycle rental establishments at Wat Bo Road and the Old Market. Visitors would also have the option of hiring a bike from The White Bicycles which happens to be a non-profit charitable organization.

By hired motorbike or car

Since renting a motorcycle was formerly illegal in Siem Reap for foreign tourists, you would only find a few establishments that rent these two-wheelers. Whilst you could rent a motorcycle for a reasonable rate make sure that you obtain a helmet and possess an international license to present to the local police if needed.

However, you could also opt to rent an E-bike which would be a more environment-friendly mode of travel as these vehicles would operate on electricity rather than petrol; there would be a few charging stations within Siem Reap too. If you have a bigger budget, you may also consider renting a car for your travels around the town or further afield which is ideal for longer stays.

By taxi

You would find that Siem Reap’s taxi services would be rather informal, as there would be no formal taxi organizations and the vehicles would not be metered. Accordingly, there would be no established rate structures and you would be obliged to negotiate a price for your journey with the driver. You would also have the option of hiring a taxi for your travels around Angkor Wat as well as Tonle Sap Lake, although you should take care to arrive at a reasonable price for your journeys. One of the hotels in Siem Reap Cambodia to consider that you could easily reach by taxi from the airport would be FCC Angkor by Avani which offers the option for arranging private transfers too.

By electric car

Another interesting mode of travel in Siem Reap would be getting about on an electric car. These vehicles would be great for exploring this town and the nearby attractions in a very eco-friendly manner. Additionally, unlike tuk-tuks and conventional taxis, these buggy-like electric vehicles would have the capability to handle dirt roads. During your stay in Siem Reap, you would be able to hire an electric car along with the services of an English-speaking local driver.

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation with low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, and the Gulf of Thailand coastline. Known as the Kingdom of Wonder with many natural attractions and the famed Angkor Wat temple complex Cambodia is also known for its abundant wildlife comprising elephants, deer, wild oxen, panthers, bears, tigers, cormorants, species of birds and snakes, and many more. As visitors with an interest to protect and conserve wildlife be aware of ethical practices and places to visit.

shankar s. from Dubai, united arab emirates, More Great Cormorants on a tree (14351367823), CC BY 2.0

Be conscious of ethical associations with wildlife

Most visitors to Cambodia look forward to an elephant ride during their visit and consider that as one of the most exciting and adventurous Siem Reap Attractions. In fact, to most visitors, experiencing wildlife amounts to just that elephant ride. However, the downside of these is the animals are being overworked to the point of exhaustion denying these magnificent animals the freedom to be themselves. Therefore be selective in the way you enjoy viewing and experiencing wildlife.

Wildlife in Cambodia

Cambodia is home to 16 globally endangered species and 2 critically endangered species resulting in many organizations working collectively to protect and preserve the remaining wildlife diversity.

There are numerous nature reserves, animal refuges, and wildlife sanctuaries that offer freedom and space to mammals, birds, and reptiles. Working on funding from non-profit organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), they work on preserving endangered species such as the wild Asian elephant, Wild water buffalo, Eld’s deer, tiger, leopard, fishing cat etc. These are the ideal places you must visit to enjoy the behaviours and actions of wildlife which will give you insights about them and leave you with a more profound wildlife experience.

Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)

As visitors to Cambodia who believe in experiencing wildlife without harming or endangering them, the 90-minute tours of the sanctuary handled by English-speaking guides are of enormous value. These well-informed guides elaborate on the conservation efforts and many stories about different species of animals making them interesting and enlightening tales. These tours are frequently used by visitors to FCC Angkor by Avani.

The minimum donation of 3 US Dollars collected by the centre is more than worth the information you receive. These donations go towards the centre's operations.

A few noteworthy wildlife experiences in Cambodia

Elephant Valley Project Mondulkiri – Considered to be the elephant sanctuary with the highest ethical standards in Cambodia, Elephant valley does not offer to ride, feed, wash, or bathe with elephants. In place of these usual practices, visitors on day trips to the valley have the joy of walking with the majestic giants, observing their playful antics in the jungle or at the river, and occasionally following herds of elephants stealthily guided by a mahout. These natural ways of experiencing elephants are encouraged at the valley and are enjoyed by visitors.

Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve – Located in the 31,282-hectare Tonle Sap (Great Lake) Biosphere, this is the largest waterbird colony in South East Asia and is a part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The outstanding site is mostly covered by freshwater swamps and is home to rare waterbirds, especially in the dry season. The Sam Veasna Centre, a non-profit NGO promoting eco-tourism provides tours of the reserve with assistance from local community members and is an accessible wildlife experience with ethical standards.

The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre – An hour’s drive from Phnom Penh this wildlife sanctuary offers a day of exploration in the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre, With over 1200 animals including elephants, sun bears, moon bears, leopards, lions, tigers, and more to see in natural surroundings. However, of all the animals Chhouk the gentle giant, a rescued elephant with a prosthetic leg steals every visitor’s heart.