Cambodian Tuk Tuk: How to Take a Tuk Tuk in Cambodia?

Tuk tuks are an ever-present sight all over Cambodia. The charming, local transportation method is a quick and easy way to get around busy cities. If you’ve never seen them before, you might be a little hesitant, but they’re the best choice for short-distance travel. To ease any worries, prepare yourself with everything you need to know about taking a tuk-tuk on a Cambodia tour.

What Is a Tuk-Tuk in Cambodia? Is It a Taxi? Why Do People Like It?

Tuk tuks are three-wheeled motorized rickshaws popular in Southeast Asian countries. In Cambodia, the official name for them is the French word remorque, but everyone calls them tuk tuks. They have comfortable seats and a small roof to keep the sun off passengers.

In addition to their local charm, tuk tuk’s enduring popularity comes from their convenience and low cost. They are so common it’s always easy to find one when you need a ride. The small size makes navigating through busy streets easy, and they can pull right up to any location easier than a taxi.

Convenient tuk tuks in Cambodia

Are Tuk Tuks in Cambodia Safe to Take? How Safe Are Tuk Tuks?

Tuk-tuks are considered a safe way to travel in Cambodia. The drivers are experienced with navigating the busy city roads and know how to drive in local traffic. Compared to the cheaper motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks have the added stability of a third wheel and seating support for passengers to keep them safely in the vehicle.

The biggest risk is from bag snatchers. Being open-air vehicles without windows, anyone can reach in. Keep an eye on your belongings during the ride. If there is space, you can place your bag in the middle or tuck it under your feet to make it less accessible.

The roads in rural areas can be bumpy, so make sure to stay seated. Choose a vehicle that looks safe and has seat belts. 

A guy is enjoying his taking on the tuk tuk in Angkor Wat

How Far Can a Tuk-tuk Go? Can I Take a Tuk-tuk on a Day Tour in Cambodia?

Tuk-tuks are generally best for short trips. Their top speed is usually under 40 kph, and they are often the best choice for in-city travel within 5 km. Fixed routes, such as between downtown and an airport, are also commonly done by tuk-tuks. From Siem Reap International Airport to the city center is around 15 km. By tuk-tuk, it costs around 5 USD.

Tuk-tuks have a long range, up to 150 km, and tuk-tuk day tours are when you might choose longer-distance travel in one. Half- or full-day tuk-tuk tours of places like Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and Battambang start from around 20 USD. Tuk-tuk tours give you an open-air experience of travel and allow you to easily explore off the beaten track to any areas of interest.

6 Days Best of Cambodia Tour Package

Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

Is a Tuk tuk Tour Expensive? Do I Need to Tip the Driver?

Tuk-tuk day tours are not expensive. A full-day tour of historic sites in Phenom Penh with an English guide costs 50 USD for two people. You can see Wat Phnom, the Genocide Museum, and the Killing Fields while learning about local history and culture.

An Angkor Wat tour for two people is 60 USD. It starts out early to catch the beautiful sunrise at the temple complex. For the rest of the day, you’re free to explore the site, and the local guide will help you make sure you don’t miss anything.

Tipping the driver for a tour isn’t necessary but is always appreciated. A tip of 10% is a common amount. For normal tuk-tuk rides, tipping isn’t necessary. Many travelers round up to the nearest dollar to keep things simple and give a small tip.

10 Days Cambodian Panoramic Overland Tour

Siem Reap - Battambang - Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville - Koh Rong Island

How Can I Reserve or Find a Tuk Tuk? Is There an App?

If you go out on the street, you can find tuk-tuks everywhere. When you have a driver you like, you can arrange future pick-up times with them in advance.

The most accessible app for travelers to use when booking a tuk-tuk is Grab. You can create an account with your current number and link a credit card to the app for cashless payments. Grab is also used in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Choose the App "Grab" for a delightful tuk tuk tour

How Many People Fit in a Tuk-Tuk in Cambodia?

Typical tuk-tuks comfortably seat up to four people. Two benches are arranged facing each other, and all passengers have seatbelts. However, if you’re coming from the airport or traveling with a lot of luggage, then seating more than three people might be a challenge.

More Tips for Taking a Tuk Tuk in Cambodia

1. Negotiate the price in advance before getting in the vehicle. Prices never go below 1 USD, and expect to pay a little more for rides at night.
2. Tell your driver the nearest landmark, not the street name. The streets in Cambodian cities can be confusing for anyone, but the main landmarks are always familiar.
3. Tuk tuks that are busy, having just dropped off other passengers, are usually cheaper than the ones you see waiting around in front of hotels or shopping areas.
4. Tuk tuks are safe for children, but supervise them at all times during the ride.
5. Learning some basic phrases of Cambodian language will help you negotiate better prices. 

Conclusion

Everyone traveling to Cambodia should take a tuk-tuk ride at least once. With their convenience and price, you’ll probably end up using them all the time. There’s no easier way to get through the busy, winding streets in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Our tours include tuk-tuk travel to famous attractions in Cambodia. Please just feel free to contact us to start planning your trip to Cambodia right away.