guide to best tuk tuk ride
Cambodia,  The Blog,  Traveler Story

TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST TUK TUK RIDE IN CAMBODIA

January 18, 2019 / 38 Comments

The word “Hello” -in different languages is probably the word that I heard most commonly in any country I have visited. But in Cambodia, the most common word was ‘tuk tuk Sir, tuk tuk Madam.’ Tuk tuk is widely available worldwide, and Cambodia is not an exception. Tuk tuk in Cambodia is almost the only way to move around the Capital; Phnom Penh and the major touristic city; Siem Reap. If you are planning to visit Cambodia and explore the Angkor Wat and Khmer culture, be prepared to deal with tuk tuk drivers. They are always offering you ‘The best tuk tuk in Cambodia’ as they say. Here is the top guide to the best tuk tuk ride in Cambodia.

tuk tuk from the Dictionary

How tuk tuk started

The first rickshaw appeared in Japan in 1869 by an American missionary to Japan; Jonathan Scobie (or Jonathan Goble). The Thai was the first to add a motor to the old rickshaw, during the World War II era. ‘Tuk tuk’ is a Thai word; it refers to the sound which is generated by the tuk tuk engine. Even though the modern tuk tuk engines are not making that sound anymore, the word persists and transmitted globally.

The tuk tuk now invades almost all countries, including Europe and the USA. Also, it is still available in China and Japan as a part of your touristic adventure. It is widely available and transporting people in many countries, especially Southeast Asia and Central and South America. Recently, electric tuk tuk started to replace the old tuk tuk, especially in Europe being free of pollution.

Nat Aniporn, Miss Universe Thailand 2015, her "tuk tuk dress" won the national costume contest for Miss Universe. Image from Nat Aniporn Miss Universe Thailand 2015 official Facebook page
Nat Aniporn, Miss Universe Thailand 2015, her “tuk tuk dress” won the national costume contest for Miss Universe. Image from Nat Aniporn Miss Universe Thailand 2015 official Facebook page

Tuk tuk in Phnom Penh

Tuk tuk in Cambodia is mostly a motorbike, connected to a 2 bicycle carriage, typically accommodate for 4 persons. I remember when I landed in Phnom Penh, l took a taxi to my hotel. On the road, l was shocked because of the enormous numbers of chaotic tuk tuk and bicycles, and they are not following any rules. For a pedestrian, you can pass only if the street is clear, but always expect a fast tuk tuk or a motto bike at any moment.

I spent only 24 hours in Phnom Penh, and that was pretty enough to explore the Cambodian Capital. Tuk tuk is really serving the capital well. The fixed price is 1 USD. Yes, only one dollar is enough for a ride that takes 10-15 minutes. You can pay 1$ or 4000 Cambodian Riel. Tuk tuk driver will negotiate and barging that the Imperial Palace or the silver pagoda is far from your hotel. But it is always 1$ not two and never three.

Booking.com

Extra-services

You should be aware of the city and select your hotel in the right place. Sometimes the driver insists on taking more than one dollar, in that case, just move away, that is enough to return him back to the one-dollar base. As he is sure, you will find another tuk tuk in the blink of an eye. Actually, I was not irritated in dealing with tuk tuk drivers, after all, it is only 1$.

Most of tuk tuk drivers will recommend a restaurant or a dancing show to attend, it is up to you if u accept or not. Also, some of them will offer you massage or bars, and some of them even guide you to meet Khmer girls. Our tuk tuk driver asked me if I have visited Siem Reap, and then he arranged a tuk tuk driver in Siem Reap.

Two kids on the road in Siem Reap selling Gasoline to tuk tuk drivers
Two kids on the road in Siem Reap selling Gasoline to tuk tuk drivers

Tuk tuk in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is very famous for its magnificent Angkor Wat and temples, besides tuk tuk drivers. Many tuk tuk drivers are specially condensed near Pub Street. Pub street is the main street for tourists, being full of bars and nightlife. Most of the time tuk tuk drivers are annoying; one of the drivers was following me and was waiting for me until I finished my dinner and Ice-cream.

Visiting the temples in Siem reap maybe the only reason to visit Cambodia. The traditional way to visit Angkor Wat is through the bumpy ride of the tuk tuk. The charge is typically 15$ for the whole day visiting the most famous temples. The other popular attraction in Siem Reap is the Tonle Sap lake, where you can explore the simple Khmer life and the floating village. The cost of tuk tuk to take you and return is only 10$. The price is variable for the other attractions. Most of the bars and restaurants are offering complimentary tuk tuk drive to your hotel free of charge. Cambodian people always appreciate tips.

Booking.com

I think Cambodia probably the only country in the world where tuk tuk can take you to the airport, The price is typically 5$. I am sure you will be amazed by how many persons and baggage the tuk tuk can carry. For instance, I saw 4 persons with their luggage in one tuk tuk.

Finally, The tuk tuk experience is remarkable in your trip, especially when visiting Asia. Definitely, it is a hard ride, but as we know “Hardly come never go.”

Hello, My name is Yahya. I am 39 years old and soon will be 40. I was born and lived in the historic city of Cairo, Egypt. I Work as a doctor; cardiologist. Traveling is my passion. I am proud to be the owner and creator of Traveler78 website. If you like the material on my website, please subscribe to my website and share it with your friends. Also, you can follow me on your favorite social network. For further information, please contact me either in the comments or via E-mail.

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