A Complete Guide To Taking Tuk-Tuk In Cambodia

Compared to other modes of transport, Tuk-tuk is the most economical and convenient when traveling in Cambodia. I mostly use tuk-tuk to get around cities such as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

How to ride tuk-tuk in Cambodia?

In this article, I’d like to share my experience and tips for riding tuk-tuks in Cambodia, including how not to get overcharged, must-have travel apps, and more. 

How much is a tuk-tuk in Cambodia?

Tuk-tuk in Phnom Penh

• A tuk-tuk from the airport to central Phnom Penh is about $6 
• If you’d like to hire a tuk-tuk for a day in Phnom Penh, a normal rate is $15
• For a short ride in Phnom Penh city center, it costs about $1 ~ $2

Tuk-tuk in Siem Reap

• Tuk-tuk ride from Siem Reap International Airport to town costs $5
• 1 – 3 km route costs about $1 ~ $2
• Tour of Angkor temple costs about 15 USD

Tuk-tuk apps in Cambodia

It’s pretty common that tuk-tuk drivers ask for a higher price, so you should download Grab or PassApp to book tuk-tuks and get the right price. 

PassApp will need to be activated by a Cambodian phone number, which you can get when buying a sim at the airport or border.

Tips: I downloaded both apps and compared the price to get the best deals.

Tuk-tuk travel tips

Taking a tuk-tuk is a fun and exciting experience on your trip to Cambodia. However, to be a smooth trip, you should follow the following tips.

Signal when you want to catch a Tuk Tuk 

How to catch tuk-tuk in a traditional way?

Usually, Tuk Tuk drivers are very quick in finding customers. They will honk or say “Hello” when they detect tourists.

However, if you need a Tuk Tuk ride, you should signal to catch the car by spreading one arm, keeping the palm facing down, then shaking your fingers or wrists.

Remember to bargain before boarding the Tuk Tuk.

Tuk Tuks do not have a taximeter, so before you get on, you should negotiate a price with the driver if you do not want to overpay.

Most tuk-tuk drivers are quite good at communicating English, so feel free to bargain. If you think it’s expensive or unreasonable, you can find another car.

Say the name of the place, not the road name for the driver

Tuk Tuk drivers do not know the street names and addresses but know how to get to famous destinations.

So when you want to go to the nearby temple or market quickly, give them the name of the place you want to go, not their address.

Stay away from the Tuk Tuk cars standing in front of the sights

Tuk-tuk in front of a hotel or attractions is often quite expensive, so try to use Booking Apps or catch one on the road.

Keep luggage and personal items carefully.

Tuk-tuks often have open spaces, so you should keep your luggage and personal belongings tight.

You also absolutely should not use a camera or smartphone to take pictures or play games while sitting in a tuk-tuk because it is easy to lose.

Beware of scams

Every country has scams, so does Cambodia. Scammers will lure you into driving for very low prices but then take you to the gem shop or tailor shop, where they will put you under a lot of pressure to buy something to get a commission from the store owner.

Therefore, if the price goes too high, it is not possible, but too low, you should reconsider.