Siem Reap

I'll be arriving at Siem Reap at 8 a.m. I would like to check in and go on a temple tour. The agent has quoted me the following:

"Yes you can visit for 1 day at South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Terrase of the Elephants and Angkor Wat temple complex with watching sunset on Bakheng Mountain.
Price = USD 95 for 2persons"

I've never been to SR before but this sounds way too high a price. Is there a cheaper way to go on a day visit to the main temples, for example, could I hire a tuk tuk or some other way?

Thanks

I got a car and driver/guide for the day for around $40. You could definitely get a tuk tuk cheaper - under $20 - but think about whether you just want the transport or if you want a guide too to explain things.

Seems a little over the top to me, doing a run youselves. You will pay 20us each for your ticket and then its a matter of transportation and guide. The places you listed are VERY close together and if this is all you wish to see a pushbike will be fine, 2/3 u.s. day. A guide will of course add to your total should you decide to go for one.

Thanks guys. I emailed them that their price of $95 is high and this is the response I got:

"My tour price is not expensive ,I can explain you :
1.Car /day = USD 30
2.Guide / day = USD 25
3.Entrance fee /day = USD 20/person
4.Tuk-Tuk / day = USD 20"

My question is, do I need a car AND a tuk tuk?

Sorry, I think he quoted me the car option as the entrance fee is per person and his total amounts to $95. Still, is his breakdown reasonable? How important is the guide?

You don't need a guide, we had a moto driver who also was a guide of sorts, telling us all about the temple we were about to see etc...

OP, For the places mentioned:

1. Car/day 25$ maximum
2. English Speaking Guide/day 25$ maximum
3. Entrance 20$ per person]
4. Tuk tuk/day 12$ maximum

I recommend you to contact Gerard, a nice man !
http://www.angkor-multiservices.com<BR>

Whether or not you want a guide is a personal choice. Yes Mr. Sok the tuk-tuk man can explain some things between temples but you might end up with Mr. Ty who can't speak much English beyond "Ok, you go Angkor Wat, we go now, ok, ok" And even if the English is good, they still can't walk around with you and explain things. Some people find guides invaluable others find them an annoyance. I know #5 is trying to help, but they don't know you and can't say what's right for you. And neither can anyone else here.

Street prices:
Car $20-25/day
Guide $20-25/day
Tickets: one day $20/person

So street price for two would be $80-90.

Tuk-tuk: $10-12/day

Thanks for all the info guys. It really helps. What's the taxi price from the airport to the town center? Is the airport far from the town center?

Taxi from the airport is $5 assuming you can get him to actually take you where you want to go. If you book a place in advance you can almost certainly get a lift from the airport and often it will be free.

they are trying to rip you off. show up and hire a tuk tuk. there's plenty.

One last question, I'm quite sure of it guys.

Everyone seems to be quoting prices in US$. Is that the currency used or do I change it to Cambodian currency while in Cambodia?

Most things are paid in dollar in major towns. You will need very little Cambodian currency whilst in Cambodia.

Even the ATMs dispense US dollars! You get small change in riels (25c = 1000 reils etc). A tuk-tuk from the airport is $3. I found that meeting a tuk-tuk driver on arrival was a good way to choose. I paid $10 for the short circuit and used my LP guidebook.

Sad, but true. The dollar is so much of a common use that when you buy something in dollars (and sometimes even in riels), you're often given the rest in dollars as well. I have never traveled to a country where I have been given the rest in dollars. And I am not talking about big purchases: I was given dollars back from local restaurants!