The first full day we spent in Cambodia I rode in a new type of transportation for me; Tuk Tuk. Say it just like it sounds; Tuk Tuk. Let me try to explain what a Tuk Tuk is. It’s basically a motorcycle with a trailer on the back. The Cambodian people are so intuitive to think of adding a tow hitch to the back of a moto and then creating a cart, with seating, where you can drive people around.
Now, I’m not going to say its the most comfortable form of transportation. Its almost like a small couch on wheels, there is a little give but you’re still aware that you’re not in a luxury car. While riding in a Tuk Tuk you have a great view of what’s going on around you. You get a full view of the whole city, streets, people, shops and what’s coming up. You can even choose to sit in a way where you get to see what’s behind you! Another positive is, this type of transportation is inexpensive.
The downside to riding in a Tuk Tuk is the fact that you get a little dusty. You’re in an open air cart so you’re not protected from the elements. Now, there is a roof so you avoid getting sunburnt while riding. When sitting in traffic you also have all the smog rising up around you from the other vehicles in your presence.
Even though I didn’t ride a motorcycle there are tons of them in Cambodia. They are really all over the place. I was shocked to see how many motorcycles there are in the country. I’m told it didn’t used to be that way, that people use to ride bikes throughout the country. I saw a few people riding bikes but not many. Also, there are cars but we only took those to and from the airport.
Check out this video to get a better look at transportation about Cambodia.