How to Travel in Cambodia

Getting around in Cambodia can be daunting at first: with few traffic lights, roads are filled with motorbikes, tuk-tuks, cyclos, cars, horse-drawn carts, and bicycles weaving in and out of each other. But with these tips you can stay calmer, safer, and better informed about what to expect if you are visiting the country.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

How to Travel in Cambodia

1. If you are on foot, always look both ways before you cross the street and move slowly (somewhat counterintuitively) when you begin walking. Motor-bikes and other vehicles will usually slow and let you cross, or weave around you if you walk carefully.

2. If you are traveling further than walking distance, decide whether you need a motodop (motor-bike), a tuk-tuk (a moto-driven cart that can seat at least four people), a cyclo (a cart driven by a bicycle), or a car. In general, tuk-tuks and cyclos are slower than motorbikes but are safer. Moto accidents in Cambodia are frequent. It is worth arriving a little later but in one piece.

3. Before you leave, negotiate a fair price with your driver. Currency in Cambodia is in US dollars, with change converted into the local currency, riels. The exchange rate is about 4,000 riel to the dollar. A motodop or cyclo ride should cost about 1,000 riel, or $.25, for a short journey. A tuk-tuk should cost a couple of dollars for a short trip, or about $8 for the day. A car should cost about $20 for the day.

4. Make sure your driver is clear on where you are going. It is smart to bring a map with you that you can point to if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• The streets in Cambodia can be very dusty, especially in the dry season. Scarves, like the traditional Cambodia "krama" sold everywhere in the markets, can be excellent protection for your face and eyes when you are on the road.
• Keep your belongings close to you at all times. Purse-snatching from motodop and tuk-tuk riders is an all-too common occurrence.

[Julesambro]

on 11/18/2008 very helpful. thank you