Siem Reap Angkor Wat Tuk Tuk Tour: An In-Depth Review

If you are going to visit Siem Reap, seeing the temples of Angkor is likely high on your to-do list. Instead of tour buses or taxis, a super cool way to explore these incredible historical places is by tuk-tuk. I want to share my personal experiences and some tips about the Siem Reap Angkor Wat Private Tuk Tuk Tour, so that you know what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip. This super informative review will help you determine if a tuk-tuk tour is a solid fit for you, plus it’s just generally useful.

Why Choose a Tuk-Tuk for Your Angkor Adventure?

Tuk-tuks, also sometimes spelled as “tuk tuks,” aren’t just for zipping around Southeast Asian cities, but they offer a more interesting, intimate way to experience the grandeur of Angkor. I have found it much more fun to hop in one, with the fresh air on your face as you putter from temple to temple. It’s like a far more freeing feeling than being stuck inside a car or tour bus with all those stuffy tourists. You are also directly supporting the local drivers. I like that bit.

There’s an advantage to them in that tuk-tuks are open-air, which means you’ll get completely uninterrupted views of the scenery as you’re driving along. So often, you’re moving from place to place, which is a great option for photography and seeing absolutely gorgeous landscapes. Another good thing is they are very maneuverable; they are useful in crowded areas, plus those super small roads around the temples.

On top of all that, the tuk-tuk drivers happen to be great resources when it comes to the temples. My driver, I think his name was Arun, he knew so much about Angkor’s history and culture, things you absolutely won’t get from reading a guidebook. He actually told me some cool stories. Arun could answer a whole pile of my questions, and he also gave great advice, things like when the crowds usually thinned out at various spots. He knew, so I knew.

Booking Your Private Tuk-Tuk Tour

When I booked my private tuk-tuk tour of Angkor Wat, I wanted to feel as if I did a good job booking, and there were things I considered carefully. I researched various operators, of course, looking at their ratings and what folks said about them in their reviews. So many seemed okay, but some did stick out because of how well they treated their customers.

Some of the sites, ones such as Viator and GetYourGuide, gave you the ability to read those reviews and compare what’s available. I like knowing about the prices and what’s included; for instance, did it cover sunrise tours, or even out-of-the-way temples that you have to drive a little bit to see?

Speaking of drivers, check that they’re officially licensed and, just maybe, ask whether they speak your language. Most of those drivers do speak some English. Make sure you know what you will get on your trip: water and maybe cold towels – hey, the Cambodian heat can hit hard. Check to see what is included, things such as entrance fees to the Angkor Archaeological Park, those are generally separate, and also any sunrise or sunset viewings, too.

A Typical Day Exploring Angkor by Tuk-Tuk

Here’s something: a typical day might start super early, and that means around 4:30 AM, so you can see that famous Angkor Wat sunrise. And trust me, it really is something special. You just hop into your tuk-tuk in the darkness, driving through the quiet morning streets.

When you finally get to Angkor Wat, you just join a bunch of other people finding the perfect spot to watch the sun as it peeks over those amazing towers. Watching the colors change and reflect on the temple? That is just crazy beautiful.

Your driver, like mine did, might take you to Angkor Thom afterwards, where you can see the Bayon temple with all its cool smiling faces, plus the Terrace of the Elephants, and so on. Lunch usually is at some nearby local restaurant. It’s just great because it tastes amazing, it’s authentic Khmer food. So cool.

In the afternoon, after it cools down just a little bit, I went to see Ta Prohm, which you sometimes hear people call the “Tomb Raider temple.” Why? Well, it’s known for the super gigantic tree roots growing all over it, kind of giving it an awesome, a little creepy look. I bet that yours might also take you to out-of-the-way temples like Banteay Srei. Your tuk-tuk gives you freedom to explore lots of these spots at your own relaxed pace.

What to Expect from Your Tuk-Tuk Driver

The tuk-tuk driver can either make or break your experience. A solid driver is going to be professional, prompt, and nice. Mine was very nice. You can expect them to get to you exactly when you agreed. I liked that my driver always had a smile and was willing to give info.

Your driver should know their way around Angkor Park, plus the absolute best routes to take you to places that avoid a ton of traffic. You could always try to ask them about the history or local life, because the really good drivers have a boatload of interesting stories and super fun facts they are just waiting to share.

Drivers should also keep you very safe, meaning that they will drive carefully and offer water when you’re getting cooked by the heat, not to mention cold towels after exploring a super hot temple. Tipping is appreciated if you think the driver went way out of his way and was nice and helpful, so give them a few extra bucks if they really do a good job.

Must-See Temples on Your Tuk-Tuk Tour

When I went to Angkor Wat, I definitely made some mental notes that I think might help you see a lot of those temples. And, yep, Angkor Wat is the big one. It’s important to spend a bunch of time here just admiring the architecture. To this day it is still super significant.

Angkor Thom is definitely worth seeing, too. You will see those giant stone faces looking down on you from every angle. After that, go to Ta Prohm. The trees? I think they are beautiful! And very unique. So there’s my trio: the absolute “must see” spots.

What to Bring for Your Angkor Tuk-Tuk Adventure

Before you actually head off, here are just a few must-haves. The sun can be quite powerful, that is, even very early in the day, and I found myself getting a bit scorched, so it’s super smart to layer on the sunscreen and put on sunglasses, and, maybe even bring yourself a hat. Hydration. That’s what they preach, but it’s oh so important when you are wandering around temples. Take sips regularly, that’s my recommendation.

Being able to enter the temples is often required when you are wearing proper clothing: I saw someone turned away! Shoulders and knees always need covering; so, when you’re getting dressed in the morning, keep this in mind.

Finally, you want your camera; obviously. You really will want to remember absolutely all of those places. And just perhaps think about bringing some small bills. You may be wanting to purchase something cool from the local sellers.

Is a Private Tuk-Tuk Tour Right for You?

So, you are really gonna ask if a private tuk-tuk tour is going to be for you? If that sounds good to you, it may well be one of the absolute greatest ways to tour Angkor. A super convenient way, a really customizable way, and very immersive too.

Folks, solo travelers, friends, or smaller groups will very much appreciate being able to design the day without fighting for the views with those tour groups.

But if being in a tour group sounds super great, or, if you do not think the idea of bouncing around on the back of a tuk-tuk is going to be a really awesome one for hours, then this may be one you need to think about a bit longer. You want an “Oh yeah!” experience.

Other Options for Seeing Angkor

The private tuk-tuk really is pretty dang cool, but just think about those other methods to explore this archaeological wonder.

Tour buses tend to be common and really cost-effective if, so, you do not have much coin. So be it.

Another popular choice would be a private car and driver: a comfortable and air conditioned ride is a really fine way for you to beat the heat.

Then those options, while costing less than any old regular rental, might take away that intimate feel of that small group trip on a tuk-tuk, so consider everything to see what you prefer.

Cost Considerations for a Tuk-Tuk Tour

Tuk-tuk tours tend to vary greatly in cost, plus you have lots of things that impact that, I mean from tour operators, what you see on those tours, how many people, what season.

I think on average you could probably find yourself paying about $20 to $40 a day for one, and do compare the heck out of them, look into what it will and won’t cost; does it include water and those icy cold towels? Sunrise? Does it run way off to Banteay Srei? Keep those tickets for the Archaeological Park in your own budget too. Don’t forget: haggle to a fair price that works for all. If everyone is doing their best to make this awesome for you, don’t chisel too hard!

Making the Most of Your Visit

I have just a few key tips if you want your tuk-tuk adventure in Angkor to be pretty dang awesome.

If you are ready to actually have a fun trip, book everything as early as you can, which could be awesome for things like the drivers who might actually have pretty awesome local insight, even really unique angles on stuff like photography at Angkor.

Make sure you haggle fair prices! Keep sun protection super handy. Water handy too!

When you get out exploring, learn a little bit; just treat the local monks or the vendors with respect because it is only respectful!

Be aware about staying hydrated and those covered shoulders and knees, be respectful in the area, but have a really really amazing tuk-tuk tour round the wonderful temples. Just do it.