Getting Around in Cambodia

 If you want to travel from one city to the next, there are public buses that would take you to your destinations. However,  public transit buses are not available in the city of Phnom Penh.

In order to fill the needs of getting Cambodians from one place to the other in this city, there are many modes of private transportation from which one can choose.

One of which is a very popular three wheeled wagon like open air vehicles that are seen everywhere on the streets of Phnom Penh. Potential passengers can hail one anywhere on any street and the charge is very reasonable. It can sit four people easily with a minimum charge of 4000 Cambodia dollars = US $1.00.

I have taken it a number of times  with friends and paid only US$2.00 for a fairly good distance. It even comes with a rain fly in case of rain to protect the passengers.

Guys on  motorcycles to work stopped  for a coffee

Motor cycles are everywhere. In North America, practically every family owns a sedan. In Cambodia, the motor cycle replaces the sedan.  And why not?

Rush hour just outside of Phnom Penh

 The mileage is excellent! I have been told that one gallon of gas will last the family motorcycle a week's travel. Not bad at all!

If we all convert to driving motorcycles, just think about the oil and money we will save in a year. It will be good for our environment  and Greenpeace will thank us too!

Other modes of transportation abound such as bikes,  carts, trucks and  taxis.

If you've got to go to work, you 've got to get there.

This scene reminds me of a street scene I saw in Macau years ago.

Due to the dusty conditions of most roads in Cambodia, it will be wise to wear either a scarf or a mask when traveling on open vehicles.

During rush hour, some factories transport their workers using  company trucks such as this one.

In Cambodia, only the driver of the motorcycle is required to wear a helmet by law. Passengers are exempted from it.

For some motorists, especially those from the rural area, they seem to be unaware of the helmet law and often are riding their motorbikes without proper protection.

Unfortunately, there are many fatal accidents occurring on a daily basis.  About 1500- 2000 people die from motor accidents annually.

The Cambodia Government has recently launch a traffic safety campaign to increase its citizens' awareness of motor safety.

A creative method of transportation!

  
Hopefully, with increased level of awareness of vehicle safety, Cambodians will be able to reduce their accident fatalities and have safer journeys on the roads!



R.T.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia