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“Cambodian traffic is crazy”, that’s often the first thought coming to mind of many tourists when they experience traffic in Cambodia. Surrounded by thousands of vehicles weaving through the streets, many of our customers can’t help but wonder how people manage to survive on the road here.
In fact, the traffic can be overwhelming for newcomers, and that’s why we’re here! Let’s check out what travelers should know about Cambodian traffic and how to ensure transportation safety in Cambodia with Asia King Travel!
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Cambodian traffic is quite chaotic to expats
There are many ways to travel in Cambodia for tourists. Depending on your travel demand, you could pick out the most suitable. The most popular vehicle, tuk-tuks, is easy to find everywhere. They’re cheap and perfect for a ride through town. Scooters or Bicycles are good, too. But they suit more in the countryside, where the traffic is not too crowded, and you can soak in the slow life while stumbling across sleepy rice fields and hidden coffee shops.
For traveling between cities, buses and minivans are at the top list. Minivans are faster but bumpier, while buses are smoother. With a small budget, you can easily find a bus to travel in Cambodia, with interiors ranging from basic to pretty comfy. For farther distances, consider aircraft or trains. Flights definitely save you time and lots of effort, which can be spent on the journey later. If you prefer a more chilled-out and scenic way to travel in Cambodia, take a train and enjoy!
Lastly, boats are popular in coastal areas like Koh Rong or Sihanoukville. Experiencing a boat trip, canoes, or a cruise is a great way to enjoy your Cambodia trip.
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Tuk-tuk is the most popular vehicle in Cambodia
Cambodia’s road infrastructure and traffic conditions vary significantly from urban to remote areas. Major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap often experience heavy traffic congestion and chaotic flows of vehicles, especially during rush hours. Road conditions in urban areas are generally better than those in rural areas. However, small streets may have problems like potholes, poor signage, and inadequate lighting. Moreover, additional delays can be caused by constant road updates.
On the other hand, rural areas have lighter traffic due to low population. However, the infrastructure there is often poorer. Roads possibly haven’t been paved yet, and lack lighting at night. During rainy seasons, some roads can become impassable, making driving unsafe and difficult.
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Some roads can be in poor condition
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Cambodians drive on the right side of the road. Despite the current traffic laws, there are some “unspoken rules” that tourists should know to ensure their transportation safety in Cambodia.
The driving style here may seem aggressive to unfamiliar tourists. Cambodian drivers tend to be less patient and more willing to break the rules. For example, you might see them constantly honking or cutting into traffic while being stuck in a traffic jam. Public transportation, like buses and tuk-tuks, may ignore the lanes and often stop abruptly to pick up passengers.
The traffic even gets more chaotic at intersections and on poorly maintained roads. You may feel overwhelmed by vehicle flows coming from different directions. Furthermore, a lack of road signs or traffic lights in some areas can further complicate driving.
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Vehicles may cut through traffic to avoid traffic congestion (Source: VOD)
Absolutely! But there are some notes and required legal documents.
First, driving in Cambodia can be challenging for tourists who are accustomed to a more regulated driving environment. The roads here are bustling with a large number of vehicles, and often with little regard for the rules that you may be familiar with in your home countries.
Secondly, you’ll need an international license to drive in Cambodia. However, it’s only available for a short course. If you’re planning for a long-term stay, it’s essential to obtain a Cambodian driving license.
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Foreigners need an international driving permit or a Cambodian driving license
Required documents include:
You can apply either online or in person. After completing the application form, you will need to pay a fee of about 8 USD for a one-year license. A quick reminder: you must take a written test on Cambodian traffic rules and a road test to demonstrate your driving skills. You will receive your Cambodian driving license after passing both tests.
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You need to pass the written and driving tests to receive your license
To make sure your Cambodia trip is smooth and stress-free, let’s go through some transportation safety tips in Cambodia that we’ve summarized below:
Always check the weather forecast before traveling. Harsh weather conditions can affect your experience and cause dangerous situations. For example, heavy rain in mountainous areas can cause erosion and lead to flash floods, which not only interrupt traffic but also threaten your life. So, travel in good weather to ensure your safety in Cambodia!
Check real-time traffic at a place on Google Maps or similar applications to know the best way and time to get there. You will not want to go out in peak hours and be stuck on the road with thousands of vehicles surrounding and honking, will you?
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Heavy rain may cause traffic interruptions
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As we said before, the transportation in Cambodia may be chaotic and aggressive to tourists. If you’re not familiar with local traffic, we suggest hiring a vehicle instead of driving yourself. You can easily hail a taxi or tuk-tuk on the street, but always agree on a price before embarking to avoid later arguments. Some drivers charge an abnormally high price to foreign tourists, so be smart and don’t hesitate to bargain if you feel like you’re overcharged.
If you don’t want to waste time bargaining during your Cambodia trip, use a reliable transportation with a fixed price. Choose reputable bus firms like Giant Ibis or Mekong Express. Or use ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp. These apps offer both cars and tuk-tuks, and are widely available. Booking on the app allows you to access verified drivers, track your route, and, of course, no extravagant transport prices!
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Ride-hailing apps allow you to hire a car or tuk-tuk at an affordable price
The simplest and most effective way to ensure your transportation safety in Cambodia is to wear a helmet. You should always wear one when riding a motorcycle, even if you’re just traveling a short distance.
Don’t be distracted while driving. It’s dangerous for both you and other people. Only drive in a conscious condition in which you can control the vehicle and be able to handle any sudden situations. Don’t drive after drinking or when you’re sleepy!
Another tip to guarantee your safety in Cambodia is to avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas where the roads are poorly lit. The visibility is limited at night, and it’s hard to spot unlit vehicles and obstacles on the road. If you want to take a ride to explore the town, choose a well-lit route and stay alert while driving.
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Always stay focused while driving
The local police might stop you, but it’s okay. You may encounter roadblocks or accidentally commit a minor violation. Just stop, stay calm, and follow their instructions. In case neither of you is fluent in the other’s language, use a translation app to smooth the conversation.
They may require some of your documents, like passports, visa, driver’s license, etc. So have all your necessary documents on hand. If you’re stopped for a violation, you may either receive a warning or get a fine. Remain calm, polite, and try to solve matters legally. A good attitude and cooperation will help avoid unwanted troubles and ensure your safety in Cambodia.
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Follow the police’s instructions if you’re stopped
In case of an accident or breakdown, we suggest following these steps:
Finally, the utmost Cambodia travel advice here is to always stay alert and obey the local regulations to make your Cambodia trip safe and comfortable.
Have you noted down all the tips yet? We hope these transportation safety tips in Cambodia are helpful and help clear up any doubts you may have had about Cambodian traffic. Now you can feel more confident and secure when traveling here. If you’re ready to go, contact Asia King Travel to book a well-organized, safe, and comfortable tour and experience the best of Cambodia without the hassle!
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