For anyone that is thinking of visiting the incredible Angkor Wat in Cambodia, I have good news for you. Your Angkor Wat tour is just about to get even easier!
I previously published an article when I was in Cambodia myself that spoke about how tuk tuk was the best and most reliable way to get around the park. That hasn’t changed at all, and in fact has now got even more to offer than before. Channa, the incredible tuk tuk driver that was our host for almost a week has now added even more services to make his customer’s stay more comfortable.
Channa grew up right across the road from Angkor Wat. And I mean literally right across the road! His village was right within the Park itself, and he and his friends used to play in and around the temples. It only made sense that he one day made those very same temples his livelihood, and spends his days now making dreams come true for tourists.
The wonderful thing about having Channa as your tuk tuk driver is that you don’t need to worry about anything else. His Angkor Wat tours are tailor made for each customer. He will suggest the best places to visit, tell you all about every single temple in the park including the history, statistics and funny stories, and do it all with a smile. Then, he’ll let you explore for as long as like and be waiting for you when you’re finished with a cold bottle of water, a wet towel to ward off that torrid Cambodian heat, and yes – a smile.
One of the things that struck me about Channa was how much he knew about the temples. For a park with over 72 major temples, he knew nearly everything there was to know about them. Since then, he has studied up even more, and can tell you more about even the smaller sites than most of the “official” guides could tell you.
Which is one thing that sets Channa apart.
When you buy your ticket for Angkor Wat, you will have to go to the official Park office (which is nowhere near the temples) and get them before you head into the Angkor Archeological Park itself. At the office you will be tempted to hire a guide. DON’T do this! Channa knows just as much as they do, and will provide you all the transport as well for a fraction of the price.
Now, his Angkor Wat tour is even better. Why? Because he understands his customers and does all the little things right.
When most of the tuk tuk drivers are running their Angkor Wat tour, they will stop outside the temple and let you go by yourself. Not Channa. He won’t let you go without regaling you with stories and tales of the history of the temple, arming you with bottles of ICY cold water that are included in the price, and giving you all the tips necessary to make the most of your experience.
Now, if you are there to see one of the iconic and unforgettable Angkor Wat sunrises, he will accompany you into the temple grounds themselves. There he will show you the best places to stand or sit, where to get the best photos and angles to make your experience memorable. This is invaluable not just because he is a local and does it nearly every day, but because you only have a few seconds at sunrise to make a decision, and if you choose the wrong spot that moment is gone forever. Channa doesn’t let that happen!
His services around the park are second to none. His water is always icy cold, and that is a very important thing in Cambodia. He knows all the restaurant owners and will take you to the best places to eat. He’ll even stock his cart with soft drinks and beer if that’s what you want!
Beyond his Angkor Wat tour, if you want to visit the local waterfalls, or anywhere that is out of tuk tuk range, Channa has the local network to find you a car and driver to make it even easier. Pick up and drop off from the airport? Easy! Because he has a friend who is an airport taxi driver who gives a better price than you will find if you wait till you arrive at the airport yourself. (Usually $25USD)
So when you’re arranging your trip to Cambodia and are booking your Angkor Wat tour, give Channa a call. Just drop me a message and I’ll happily supply you his number for WhatsApp.
You can also find more details in THIS article or check out his Trip Advisor HERE.
Have fun!
