Renting a Scooter in Siem Reap: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever looked longingly at a local zipping by on a scooter while you sit in the back of a tuk-tuk, this guide might be for you. Renting a scooter in Siem Reap can be a good way to explore the city and visit the beautiful temples of Angkor Wat with a bit more freedom. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows and might end up being more road rash and hospital bills.

Like anything, it definitely comes with risks that you need to be aware of! Renting a scooter in Siem Reap (or Southeast Asia in general) is NOT for everyone. But is it legal? Is it safe? And how much does it actually cost? That’s what we’re here to answer. After that, you can make your own decisions, we aren’t your parents.

Can Tourists Rent Scooters in Siem Reap?

Yes… but with a few caveats. Cambodian law requires anyone driving a motorbike to have a Cambodian motorbike licence or international driving permit (IDP). There is an exception to this – motorbikes with an engine capacity under 125cc do not require a licence to ride. So the common scooters like Honda Zoomers, Honda Scoopys etc fall into the category where they do not need a licence to ride.

In practice, though, scooter rental shops in Siem Reap will usually rent to tourists without checking any form of licence at all regardless of what you rent. It’s a bit of a grey area, and while police generally turn a blind eye unless you’re also committing another driving offence (riding without a helmet etc), you should know that riding without a valid license will void your travel insurance – something to seriously consider.

It’s also worth checking your travel insurance in detail, as some won’t cover you at all for driving a rented motorbike. Despite not needing a licence in Cambodia for motorbikes under 125cc, if you do not have the appropriate licence in your home country, many insurance companies will use that to void your claim should you have any troubles.

Just because a shop will rent to anyone, it doesn’t mean they should. Cambodian roads and driving styles are not for the feint of heart and unless you’re an experienced rider with great defensive riding skills, we do not recommend you take the risk. Transport in Siem Reap is incredibly simple and cheap, with tuktuks on every corner and ride hailing apps like Grab making it easy to get around. Siem Reap is a small city and you’re unlikely to ever spend more than $1-2 on a tuktuk ride (unless you’re heading out of town or to Angkor Wat). Renting a scooter in Siem Reap is something you should only consider if you’re a competent rider.

In recent years it hasn’t been enforced, so it would be unlikely to cause you any issues, but renting a scooter in Siem Reap is technically not legal on a tourist visa. In theory, you should only be able to rent one on a long term visa such as the E type visa or it’s extensions. This local restriction was brought in to combat a couple of main issues – inexperienced tourists causing accidents or getting injured on the roads and local tuktuk drivers struggling for business, especially with tourists opting to ride by themselves to Angkor Wat instead of going with a tuktuk guide.

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Personally, instead of renting a scooter in Siem Reap, we recommend using tuktuks, especially for visiting Angkor Wat or other attractions in town. You only need to spend a few minutes online to see how common road accidents are here, especially with inexperienced riders, and how badly they can end. Using a tuktuk is safer, easier, and a lot less likely to result in you spending your holiday in a hospital.

That being said, thousands of tourists every year do rent scooters here and prefer this method of getting around. If you’re a confident and safe rider, have good travel insurance, and are aware of the risks – read on!

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Scooter in Siem Reap?

Renting a scooter in Siem Reap is very affordable. Whilst prices can obviously vary a lot depending on the vehicle, location and what’s included, you can expect to pay roughly:

$7 – $12 USD per day for a basic automatic 110–125cc scooter (like a Honda Scoopy or Zoomer X)
$30 – $40 USD per week if you’re renting longer term, with many places offering discounts for monthly rentals

Most places will ask for either a passport or cash deposit, so ask ahead of time what’s required. It is not recommended to leave your actual passport with anyone, ever. If the shop you rent from is not willing to accept a passport photocopy, we recommend opting for the cash deposit instead. However, make sure you’re renting from a reputable place and you follow the tips below to ensure everything goes smoothly.

You could alternatively rent one of the smaller electric scooters which have become very common in Siem Reap over the past few years. These little e-bikes are often cheaper, do not legally require a licence to ride, and can be pretty fun.

Where to Rent a Scooter in Siem Reap

There’s no shortage of scooter rental shops around town – especially in tourist hotspots near Pub Street, Wat Bo Road, and the Old Market area. It’s important to select somewhere trustworthy with good reviews. If you are staying at a hostel or guesthouse in Siem Reap, there’s a good chance they will either have their own scooters to rent, or will be able to arrange one for you. If that’s not an option, here are some places we recommend for renting a scooter in Siem Reap;

DYNA Scooter – DYNA Scooter is probably the most highly recommended scooter rental in Siem Reap among expats and tourists. They don’t have a website but you can CLICK HERE to visit their facebook page. Alternatively, head straight to their store on 7 Makara St, very close to the Hard Rock Cafe. They also have a branch on Koh Rong if you’re heading down that way!

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Siem Reap Scooter Rental – Well established scooter rental business in town with decent vehicles. They have lots of options for different vehicles and they also have mountain bikes if you’re looking to rent a bicycle in Siem Reap. Check out their website by CLICKING HERE or visit their branch on Sok San Road.

Your guesthouse or hotel – Many places offer rentals directly, or can hook you up with a trusted vendor. This can often be a good way to get a deal, and also know you’re dealing with a company you’ve already trusted to provide you with accommodation!

Tip: Always take photos of the scooter before riding off. Scratches, dents, and missing mirrors are not uncommon in some places, and it’s better to have proof that you didn’t cause them. If you are renting from a reputable business, it’s unlikely you’ll ever have any issues with this, but it’s always best to avoid miscommunications.

Is It Safe to Ride a Scooter in Siem Reap?

In general? Yes – if you’re careful. Siem Reap is smaller and calmer than Phnom Penh, and the traffic here isn’t too chaotic compared to other Southeast Asian cities. Still, despite traffic moving slowly, it can be very unpredictable – which when you’re riding a scooter can be very dangerous! here are a few important safety tips:

Wear a helmet (it’s the law, and your insurance company will thank you). Not only will you avoid getting a fine from the police, who have many checkpoints set up around town, you’ll also avoid getting your brain turned to dust. Even slow speed accidents can have disastrous consequences if you’re not wearing a good quality helmet.

Avoid riding at night, especially in areas you’re unfamiliar with. Many areas and smaller side streets are unlit at night, and you won’t be able to see hazards on the road until it’s too late. Although it should be common sense, we also feel like we have to mention that you should never drive after drinking alcohol.

Drive defensively – people often merge without looking, and traffic rules are more like suggestions. Graveyards are full of people who thought they had right of way. Be constantly aware of your surroundings and be prepared for other riders and drivers to make unpredictable moves. Drive slowly and take extra time when navigating junctions. Roundabouts do not work how they work in the west, and you should be extra careful when you approach one.

If it’s your first time riding a motorbike in general, you probably shouldn’t be renting a scooter in Siem Reap, but we know that probably won’t stop you. At the very least, take some time to get used to the vehicle in quiet areas of town before attempting roads with more vehicles.

You could even consider taking some lessons with a riding school or an experienced rider.

Where Are Some Good Spots To Ride To?

Here’s the fun part: you can go just about anywhere! Renting a scooter in Siem Reap can open up a whole new side of the city and its surroundings.

Some of the best places to explore on two wheels include:

Angkor Wat and the temple complex – You can ride a scooter here (but you’ll need a temple pass to vist any of the temples), and it’s a great way to explore the area at your own pace. The Angkor Archaelogical Complex is beautiful, and has some high quality roads to drive on.

West Baray Lake – A local hangout spot where you can get some food, go for a swim, or just take in the peacefulness of the countryside.

Phnom Krom – A small hilltop temple with stunning views over the rice fields and Tonlé Sap Lake.

Risks and Things to Watch Out For

If you’re an experienced and confident rider, renting a scooter in Siem Reap is mostly straightforward, but here are the most important things to be aware of:

✦ Travel Insurance

As mentioned earlier, riding without a proper license can invalidate your insurance, even if you weren’t at fault. Check your policy carefully and ensure you’re covered. Hospital bills can be expensive and will ruin your holiday – even the best riders can get into accidents.

✦ Police Checkpoints

Throughout town you’ll often come across traffic police checkpoints. If you’re stopped, you might be asked for your license or passport. To avoid getting stopped – make sure you’re always following the local traffic laws, you’re appropriately licenced, and you’re WEARING A HELMET. If you do get stopped, the police are generally friendly and helpful, and if you’ve done nothing wrong they’ll send you on your way. If you have done something worthy of a fine, you’ll be sent to a separate table where they will process your payment (Cash or KHQR) and issue you a ticket.

✦ Fuel

If you’re renting a scooter in Siem Reap you’ll often be given just enough gas to reach the nearest gas station. Gas stations are plentiful in Cambodia and are simple to use, simply roll up to a pump and the attendants will usually fill up for you. Just tell them how much money to put in, or simply say “Full”. You can also buy petrol from roadside stands in reused whiskey bottles (usually 4,000–5,000 riel per litre) if you’re desperate, but we recommend using gas stations.

✦ Damage Scams

This is rare in Siem Reap, but not unheard of. That’s why it’s smart to take photos or a video before you ride off – and to return the bike during daylight hours where it can be properly inspected. If you’re using a reputable business for renting a scooter in Siem Reap you won’t encounter this, but having photos of the bike from when you picked it up will clear up any potential disagreements.

So, Overall – Is Renting a Scooter in Siem Reap Worth It?

Maybe. Renting a scooter in Siem Reap gives you freedom, flexibility, and a whole new way to experience the town – from temple hopping at your own pace to pulling over for unexpected roadside snacks when you see something tasty looking. However, renting a scooter in Siem Reap does come with risks that you need to be aware of. In the majority of cases, it’s a lot simpler and easier just to use tuktuks.

Just ride safely, be aware of the rules (even if they’re not enforced strictly), and go explore.

For more great information or recommendations from our Siem Reap travel guide and for tips on Cambodia in general, don’t forget to follow our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok accounts for regular fun and updates!
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Any information in the article above about renting a scooter in Siem Reap was correct at the time of posting to the best of our knowledge. If you notice any issues or would like to chat to us about the article please get in touch with us via our “ABOUT” page. If you’re the owner of a business we’ve written about and would like to discuss any out of date or incorrect information, please get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help! Any opinions expressed in our articles are our own and may not be representative of everyone’s experience.

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