Tuk tuk, Phnom Penh

In Phnom Penh, moto-romauks ('tuk-tuks') and cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) offer somewhat safer (though not as safe as a car) alternative to mototaxis.

The Cambodian ‘tuk-tuks’ offer a quieter, more pleasant ride. Tuk-tuks for hire gather in popular tourist areas such as the riverfront and at tourist hotels. $1-$2 for short trips and $10-$15 for the whole day. Prices vary depending on the number of passengers and where you pick up the tuk-tuk. Make sure to keep your bag toward the middle of the tuk-tuk to protect against bag snatching.

Before I start this tip, I would like to say that I don't want any mails or comments from self-righteous people telling me I should appreciate the local customs etc. - I do. The standard modes of transport in Phnom Penh are the tuk-tuk, ubiquitous throughout Southeast Asia, and the motodop. The latter is effectively anyone with a scooter that will transport you round the place for a relatively small amount. There are tuk-tuks and motodops literally everywhere and they are so easy to find. This is where my opening line comes in.

From the minute you leave your hotel in the morning until you return at night you will be constantly assailed by drivers shouting at you, slowing up beside you, sounding their horn at you, waving at you to attract custom. Yes, I know it is a small thing and it really should not irritate me as much as it does. I always try to be polite, but the three or four hundredth (literally) repitition of "No, thank you" really gets on my nerves. For those of you that are going to play the "adopt the local customs" card, I would suggest that I never see a driver shouting at a local person. If a local wants a driver they approach the driver, it is only the traveller that is hassled this way.

Actually, I usually walk everywhere anyway but if you do need to get around, especially to a less frequented area at night, both options are safe, relatively inexpensive and, as discussed, frequent to the point of unavoidability.

A word of warning though, agree the price before you start. I have heard some horror stories of drunk travellers being ripped off for a fortune. As a general rule, at time of writing in early 2010 no journey round the centre should be more than a couple of $US although the price rises slightly at night.

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These motorbikes and carriages have hit Phnom Penh in the past few years and are here to stay.

They come in every shapes and sizes from China, India, Thailand and there are home-grown ones from Siem Reap, Cambodia.

We got one for USD10 for about 6 hours. He brought us from Phnom Penh to the killing fields, S-21, Independence monument, Russian market and Royal Palace.

We saw this Tuk Tuk (TT) Driver on our way to the Sorya Mall by foot. To our surprise, he speaks good English and his price is quite reasonable. We actually did some survey on other Tuk Tuks around our hotel area and they tried to charge us with ridiculous prices. He is kind to inform us not to place our bags unattended inside the TT. As it is quite common here in Phnom Penh that snacth thieves often grab items inside the TT. Name any street name, and he will bring you there without any problem!!

Name of TT Driver: Mr Terry
No. 016-647 864 ; 012-828 945

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When we arrived in Phnom Penh by boat already a lot of taxi and tuk tuk driver were waiting for us. Mr. Lim was very friendly and gave us the time we needed to get kind of sorted before we were ready to move on.

With him we arranged our sightseeing tour for the next day. He picked us up at our hotel in time and drove us to the sights we wanted to see. Price was very fair. On the way to the killing fields before we leaft the city he stopped to buy these breathing protections for us. Very kind and caring of him, as it is very dusty and dirty. In the evening my shirt had changed color from white to kind of beige ...

Apart from his hotel recommendation he was a great choice

Finding transportation around the city of Phnom Penh can definitely be a hassle. Some tuk tuk drivers take one look at you and try to charge ridiculous amounts. My friend and I will have been in Phnom Penh for about a month and a half and we were so lucky to have found our tuk tuk driver Vuthy. He is a 19 year old boy who is trying to make a good living for himself with support from his father, an older experienced tuk tuk driver. Vuthy is learning to speak english, he is very easy to understand in person but it can be difficult to talk on the phone, just to caution you. That is where the beauty of text messaging can be helpful. Vuthy takes care of you if you take care of him. He is very reasonably priced and doesn't demand a certain amount like other drivers do. He frequently looks in his rear view mirror to make sure that you don't have your camera or purse out in reach of others who might want to snatch it. He also can go with you to the market or anywhere else where you might get ripped off to help you and tell you that is way over priced, etc. He is usually a phone call away and if he takes you to the riverside to eat, for example, he will be awaiting you when you are finished. Once you get here and experience all the tuk tuk/motorbike drivers hasseling you, you will understand. If you do decide to go with Vuthy, tell him that Maria and Mitexi (Me-tah-hay) from America recommended him. His tuk tuk has yellow and blue seats and is very nice.

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You are right out there with the wind blowing in your hair, somewhat fresh air and you in the thick of things. Our driver picked us up at the bus station- first time meeting him but for $25 a day, he showed us around, took us to get a drink and to and from the Killing Fields. Most enjoyable man.

I hired a Tuk-Tuk to take me to the places around Phnom Penh that I didn't see with the taxi. He was outside my Hotel, and there for me whenever I wanted. I was looked after well and charged reasonably. My driver could speak english, and would stop or slow down for me to take photos. I was very happy with the service. I wish I had done this for the tour instead of the taxi.