Cambodia local transportation

1. Travel around Cambodia by boat.

Cambodia is known for network of inland waterways. Historically used for domestic trade, these waterways (including Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake) also play a major role in passenger transport. They not only allow you to reach various islands but also different towns along the rivers. In fact, some villages still largely depend on the waterways for transportation.

2. Travel around Cambodia by Land

• Bus: Nowaday, the road system surpassed the country’s inland waterways as the principal means of transportation. Considerable improvements to the national highway network have made getting around the country much easier. Taking the bus is currently the most convenient way to travel between cities in Cambodia. They connect all major cities and towns with reasonable prices. There are also local buses run to the surrounding areas of Phnom Penh. Minibus services are mostly used by the local population. While they are cheap, the journey can be very crowded and uncomfortable.

Railway

• Railway ranks third in significance. The railroad system is owned and operated by the Cambodian government. One line connects Phnom Penh with the Thailand border and facilitates the transport to the western provinces of Battambang, Pursat, and Poipet. Another one links Phnom Penh with Kampot and Sihanoukville.

Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand is the only sea port in Cambodia. It can provide unrestricted anchorage for ocean going ships. A four-lane highway links Sihanoukville with Phnom Penh.

3. Travel around Cambodia by Air

Cambodia has three major airports: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. These facilities constitute the hubs of domestic, regional, and international service. Additional smaller airports allow you to reach remote areas of the country.

Tuk Tuk

It is virtually hard to rent a self-drive car in Cambodia, and even if you do, driving yourself entails numerous headaches. Both cycling and renting a motorbike are popular ways to explore Cambodia. Cycling in Cambodia can be a rewarding experience, positively invites you to explore on two wheels. When travelling around Cambodian towns and cities, you will most likely use either a tuk-tuk or a moto or motorbike taxi. In Phnom Penh, you can also find a cyclo. When travelling by any of these forms of transport, it is always important to check the fare beforehand.

Travelling can be difficult over public holidays, especially the Khmer New Year. On New Year’s Eve, everyone returns to their hometown and all available transports head out of town. Phnom Penh in particular becomes very quiet, hard to find a moto or tuk-tuk, and the few that remain make a killing by doubling their fares. 

Mai Linh

Image sources: Internet