Local Transportation
The last five years have seen some rapid development in Cambodia, with improved road networks and better transportation facilities. However, this has also led to an increase in traffic and jams are common in major cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, particularly in the morning and evening. The quickest way of getting around bigger cities is on motos (motorcycle taxis), which weave effortlessly through congestion. Leisurely cyclos, motorized tuk-tuks, and metered taxis are also readily available. Locals riding on a cyclo, Siem Reap
GETTING AROUND PHNOM PENH
A small city, Phnom Penh is easy to get around despite the absence of a local bus system.
Perhaps the most charming means of navigating the city streets is on a remorque moto, better known as the tuk-tuk. Another gentle, albeit time-consuming way of getting through the traffic is the cyclo, tried by most visitors to the city. A cyclo can easily accommodate two to three passengers and is pedalled by the driver who sits at the back.
While a ride on a cyclo may not cost much, tuk-tuk drivers often hike their prices for foreigners, particularly if they see them exiting an expensive hotel. It is recommended that visitors negotiate prices before taking the ride.
Those keen to explore the city at their own pace can also hire a bicycle for the purpose. Bicycles are usually available at most guesthouses for a few dollars per day.
Cyclists, however, are advised to be careful, when riding, of the heat and pollution in larger cities. Motorcycles are another way to explore the city, but riders must wear helmets.
Riders should also possess a local license, or else they run the risk of being stopped by the police and fined a few dollars.
BUSES AND MINIBUSES
Although there is no centralized bus service in Cambodia yet, the country is well served by buses heading to all provinces. These buses, run mostly by private operators, are usually air-conditioned and cover most major towns. Minibuses also operate in the provinces and are an inexpensive, if overcrowded, way to get around. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance to ensure a seat.
METERED TAXIS
With improved transportation facilities, metered taxis are readily available in Phnom Penh. Global Taxis is the only official metered taxi service, running air-conditioned, modern cars at reasonable prices.
Although a certain minimum amount is charged to all visitors, the service is usually quite inexpensive. Upscale hotels, guesthouses, and most travel agents can also arrange for taxis, especially if hiring one for the entire day, or for traveling long distances. There are also plenty of non-official taxi drivers eager to ferry visitors and these are available at most street corners. It is
essential to settle on a price before getting into these cars in order to avoid disagreement or arguments later on.
RULES OF THE ROAD
With rapidly increasing traffic and little concern for safety, driving in large cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is quite a dangerous proposition. Rules, if any, are seldom followed and pedestrians have to take care of their own safety. While driving in Cambodia is on the right-hand side of the road, there are few traffic lights at junctions and most vehicles do not follow traffic rules.
Drivers must be careful not to turn left on a “No left turn” sign and to use headlights at night.
Pedestrians should remain vigilant when crossing roads; the ideal way to do this is to walk at a regular pace with purpose, ensuring that drivers can see you and swerve around you accordingly.
Renting a self-drive car, especially in Phnom Penh, is not advisable because in case of an accident, foreigners will find the local police difficult to deal with, not to mention the red tape and the language barrier. Besides, traffic police officials in the capital, although lax with locals, are quite strict with foreigners. If traveling on a motorcycle, riders must wear a helmet.
Although this rule is hardly followed by locals, foreigners are fined for the same offence.
Range from one- to several-day trips. Besides being convenient, they are often less time consuming and usually work out to be less expensive. As a rule, the more people there are in a group, the cheaper the individual price will be. At the same time, prices for the same trip can vary a lot, so visitors should ask in several offices before settling for any one agent, in order to get the best deal. There are several good tour companies in Phnom Penh, mostly around the Sisowath Quay area, as well as in Siem Reap. Companies such as Exotic Angkor Travel in Siem Reap and Diethelm Travel in Phnom Penh are great for package tours and cover all major sights in and around these towns. They are also helpful for organizing flight bookings, accommodation facilities, and transportation. Hanuman Tourism, among the best known in the business, and Hola Travel, based in Phnom Penh, also organize comprehensive tour packages for visitors. Sun Tours arranges unique one- and two-day boat cruises to the verdant islands off Sihanoukville.
METERED TAXIS
Global TaxisPhnom Penh International
Airport, Phnom Penh.
Tel (023)-222-788.
ORGANIZED TOURS
Diethelm Travel
65, St 240, Phnom Penh.
City Map D3.
Tel (023)-219-151.
Exotic Angkor Travel
Psar Damkralahn Rd, N of
Route 6, Siem Reap.
Tel (063)-965-326.
Hola Travel
415 Sisowath Quay,
Phnom Penh. City Map F3.
Tel (023)-221-091.
Sun Tours
Sihanoukville.
Tel (016)-396-201.
