How To Ride Tuk-Tuks In Cambodia

There’s no shortage of tuk-tuks no matter where you are in Cambodia, with the call, “Tuk-tuk, sir,” or “Tuk-tuk, madam” chiming constantly in the air. However, negotiating a ride can be tricky for first-timers to Cambodia. Here, we give the lowdown on all you need to know about catching the Kingdom of Wonder’s most popular mode of “public” transport.

Haggling a price

Those more accustomed to Cambodia can get away with paying at the end, with most tuk-tuk drivers responding with, “Up to you,” when you ask the price. This is because they are more familiar with fares and less likely to stand being ripped off.

However, for the uninitiated, this isn’t recommended, and settling on a price before starting your journey avoids any hairy moments at the end. But this can be the most daunting – and tricky – task when it comes to foreigners hailing a tuk-tuk. The reason is tourists are seen as walking dollar signs and often the price will be more than doubled.

As a rough idea, you shouldn’t pay more than $3 to cross Phnom Penh city centre and about $7 from the airport to the city centre. Airport tuk-tuks charge a flat rate of $9.

Getting from A to B

So, you’ve settled on a price, now for getting there.

Maybe you’re fortunate enough to come from a country where those tasked with driving passengers around are familiar with hot spots, roads and can, at least, read a map. If you are, then forget everything you know, because this definitely isn’t the case with many tuk-tuk drivers, especially those from the provinces.

With this in mind, it pays off to come armed with pre-planned directions in case you need to guide your driver. And if you have a sim card with internet access, then get onto Google maps and make sure you’re headed in the right direction.

Most drivers will be familiar with the city’s wats and markets, so a good tip is to find one close to where you want to go – there is never a wat or market far away – and tell the driver to go there, giving the final steps of the way.

Enjoy the ride

Hurtling along roads in the back of a tuk-tuk can be a thrilling experience, as well as bumpy when you get off track.

@ JM Travel Photography/ Shutterstock.com

It’s also a great way to view your surroundings. But be aware of keeping your valuables close; bag snatches from tuk-tuks are increasingly common in tourist areas.

Another increasing complaint is congestion in the capital, with tuk-tuks more often stuck in fumes being chugged from the motorbikes and vehicles that clog the roads.

Many Cambodians wear face masks as a way to filter out some of the pollution. These can be bought from many of the vendors that dot the roads – along with disposable rain jackets in case you get caught in a snap shower.

Tuk-tuk app trend

In the last year, a number of tuk-tuk apps have hit Cambodia’s roads, offering an easy option to travelling.

In similar style to taxi app Uber, passengers download the app, find their location, set the destination and wait for a driver to respond. Prices are set – low – so it takes away the hassle of negotiating fees and faffing about with directions.

PassApp Taxis and Go Xpress are popular options.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.