Question 1

What is the "Tuk-Tuk Driver Closed Temple Scam" scam in Siem Reap?

Accepted Answer

Tuk-tuk drivers at Angkor Wat and other temples claim the main entrance is closed or that tourists need a special guide to access a particular area. They redirect tourists to shops, restaurants, or "floating villages" where they earn commission. Angkor temples close only on rare official occasions. Verify temple opening hours directly with your hotel or the official Angkor Enterprise website. Walk to the main entrance yourself to confirm access. Dismiss all claims from tuk-tuk drivers about closures without independent verification.

Question 2

What is the "Tuk-Tuk Driver Overcharging and Commission Loop" scam in Siem Reap?

Accepted Answer

Tuk-tuk drivers in Siem Reap often quote low daily rates ($10–15 for Angkor) then take tourists to souvenir shops and restaurants where they earn commission, adding significant time and pressure to the day. Agree on the daily rate and explicit route before departure. Politely but firmly decline all shop stops. Book tuk-tuks through your guesthouse or a reputable app like PassApp.

Question 3

What is the "Airport Overpriced Taxi from Siem Reap International" scam in Siem Reap?

Accepted Answer

Drivers stationed outside the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport quote flat rates to hotels that are three to five times what a pre-booked tuk-tuk or ride-app transfer costs. Some claim that apps like Grab do not operate from the airport or that your hotel is far outside the normal zone, neither of which is typically true. The airport's physical distance from the city center (about 40 km) makes passengers more vulnerable to accepting inflated quotes. Book a hotel transfer or Grab ride in advance before landing. Check Grab availability immediately upon exiting the terminal — it operates from the airport pickup zone. If taking a metered taxi, confirm the fare ceiling set by the airport authority at the information desk before proceeding to the queue.

Question 4

What is the "Motodop Price Dispute" scam in Siem Reap?

Accepted Answer

Motorcycle taxi (motodop) drivers agree on a fare before the journey but demand significantly more upon arrival, claiming the price was per person, for luggage, or that the route was longer than expected. Disputes can be intimidating in unfamiliar areas. Agree explicitly on the total price, including any luggage, before the journey starts. Use Grab or PassApp for motorcycle taxis where the price is fixed digitally before the ride begins. Keep small denomination Riel and USD for exact payment.

Taxi & Transport Scams in Siem Reap

Tuk-Tuk Driver Closed Temple Scam

Tuk-Tuk Driver Overcharging and Commission Loop

Airport Overpriced Taxi from Siem Reap International

Motodop Price Dispute

Experienced a scam here?