Tuk-Tuks in Cambodia

Two of our favorite people that we met in Cambodia were our tuk-tuk drivers in Phnom Penh and Siem Riap. Riding tuk-tuks in Cambodia was surprisingly enjoyable, and I’d recommend it for all visitors.

First, the vehicles: tuk-tuks in Cambodia are rather like carriages pulled by motorcycles. The seats are very well cushioned (even poofy) and there is a good view out each side. I never enjoyed riding them in Thailand, partly because of the recklessness of most drivers, and partly because they are completely open to the traffic exhaust and pollution. In Cambodia, there isn’t so much air pollution, so the breeze always felt wonderful as we rode along.

When we arrived at the airport in Phnom Penh, Nin was waiting there to meet us. Our guest house had arranged for him to pick us up. I was immediately impressed by his careful, slow driving through the morning traffic. I was even more impressed when, as I handed him the $7 I had been told was the price for a car pickup from the airport, he returned $1 to me, explaining that the price for tuk-tuks was only $6.

The next morning, as we deliberated over breakfast about the best way to get to and from the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum, Nin appeared out on the street. We quickly hired him for the day, and continued to enjoy his safe driving and friendly manner. In Thailand I often felt I had to play defense with drivers – tuk-tuks and taxis alike – in order to not get ripped off. Not so with Nin.
Two days after leaving Phnom Penh, we arrived in Siem Riap – the site of the Angkor Wat temples. Our original plan was to save money by riding bicycles around the temples each day. After a few days in Cambodia’s extreme heat, however, we knew that this would not be an option for us! It was an easy decision to try to hire tuk-tuks again. They are all over in Siem Riap, so finding one is not difficult.

Naht had just dropped off another couple at our guest house late in the afternoon of our arrival in Siem Riap, and we were headed out in hopes of catching the sunset at Angkor Wat. He offered to take us out for $4, which seemed reasonable to us, so we agreed. At the end of the evening – yet again impressed by excellent, safe driving and friendly, helpful manners, we hired him for the following day ($12). Pleased again, we added a second full day, and on our final morning in Cambodia, it was Naht who took us to the airport.

Over the course of almost three days, we got to learn a little about Naht. Like most others in the Cambodian tourist industry, he spoke English excellently. He told us that he had learned it not in public school but by taking special courses at a private school that he paid for himself. He also gave classes to other tuk-tuk drivers and tourism industry employees. He wasn’t from the Siem Riap area, but had moved there because of the opportunities to make good money from tourism. He was married, with one daughter, and was hoping for a son. We were quite fond of Naht and have his email address for anyone who’d like to hire him in the future!
On the whole, I would say that riding tuk-tuks in Cambodia is a great way to relax in the heat, see the sights, and get to know some nice people.