Tuk-Tuks and Motorbikes in Cambodia

One of the more interesting and noticeable things in Phnom Penh are the motorbikes and traffic in general. Motorbikes are the most common mode of travel on the streets. They're everywhere, weaving in and out of other vehicles and people, sometimes driving in the opposite direction of traffic or perpendicular to traffic. Pretty much anything goes, though there are a couple key rules – biggest vehicle wins, and the responsibility for avoiding accidents lies with the vehicle that is behind another vehicle. So if you are driving any vehicle, you don't worry at all about what is going on behind you – only what's going on in front of you. Makes driving simpler, doesn't it? Also, as a pedestrian crossing traffic, if you've committed in your actions to moving forward you better keep moving, because the motorbikes and tuk-tuks and cars are going to go behind you – they are assuming you're not stopping. And don't ever back up while walking across the street.

One of the main modes of hired transportation in Phnom Penh is the Tuk-Tuk. They are basically like taxis (there are traditional taxis also), but these are open-air and a motor bike or bicycle pulls it. They're really plentiful all over the city and pretty inexpensive for getting around.