Look, everyone's going to tell you tuk-tuks are "part of the experience" but nobody mentions you'll get fleeced if you don't negotiate upfront. Current fair rates: Siem Reap Airport to Old Market area is $7-8 (not the $15 they'll initially quote), full-day temple circuit including waiting time is $18-22, and short city hops should never exceed $3. The magic words are "including waiting time" — Without this, your driver will literally abandon you at Angkor Wat while you're mid-photo.

Bring sunglasses, a scarf, and honestly consider a face mask because the dust on temple roads will turn you into a walking archaeological artifact. The red dirt gets everywhere and I mean everywhere. Find a younger driver with decent English for multi-day temple visits — They know which side of Angkor Wat gets the best light at 7:23am and won't take you to the same "secret" viewpoint every other tourist gets dragged to.

When they inevitably suggest their "cousin's restaurant" or "friend's silk shop," just smile and decline. Most drivers are genuinely helpful people trying to make a living, but some get kickbacks from tourist traps that charge $12 for a $3 plate of fried rice. Stick to your plan and you'll both have a better time.

Pro tip: Download the Grab app as backup — It works in Siem Reap and gives you non-negotiable pricing when you're too tired to haggle after a 12-hour temple marathon.