Cambodia

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Revision as of 16:10, 9 March 2023 by Paluch (talk | contribs) (Public transport)

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Flag of Cambodia Cambodia
Information
Language: Khmer
Capital: Phnom Penh
Population: 13,971,000
Currency: Riel (KHR)
Hitchability: <rating country='kh' />
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Cambodia is a country in South East Asia. on the main highways, it is pretty easy to hitch. On some remote roads things may be harder though.

if you put your thoumb up, the cambodian will think you looking for taxi. you should hit the air with your hand and than they will understand you hitch hike You can hitch on every single road in Cambodia, there are just more and less busy roads. People are very friendly, but most don't really know what hitchhiking is. Many will assume you are trying to flag down a taxi - so they won't stop. Taxis will stop of course, that's why it's important to make it very clear that you have no money. some cars will stop for you and will think you can be a great side money so make it clear you have no money. Actually, it's even possible to hitch a ride with a taxi, when they already have a passenger who paid for the trip.

Trucks and lorries are most likely to give you a free lift. You will probably spend more time on the back of vehicles then inside. This can be a pleasant way to enjoy sun, wind and the beautiful landscape. Make sure you bring water, sunscreen and a hat though, as you might get a 4-hour-lift without a single minute of shade.

Most people speak basic English and will understand at least something like "no money". In Khmer you can say k'nyom ot mean loy - "I no have money" is the literal translation.

Thumb here has no meaning, so waving to the drivers would be the only way to hitch a ride. again- hit the air- they understand that.

Almost all main roads lead to Phnom Penh. From there it's easy to make it on less that a day to Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang or the Vietnamese border.

Public transport

Cambodia has only one proper city so there's only one city with public buses and it's obviously Phnom Penh. Before covid there were 17 bus lines bringing people to the farthest outskirts. For two years during the pandemic they were all suspended and as of March 2023 only 5 lines are back and running. The vehicles are modern with AC onboard and they run between 5.30am and 8.30pm with an interval of 10-20 minutes depending on the line. One ride costs 1500 riel, cash only, no change given (late 2022).

Unfortunately you can't find Phnom Penh public transport on Google Maps, nor on Moovit app, however all the lines are visible on Openstreetmap and on a related app called Osmand. Lines 1, 2 and 3 have all the stops added and directions will work on these lines in Osmand app in the same way as in Google, showing connections and walking time between stops. Other lines don't work this way. There's also an app provided by the PP City Bus Authority that shows all the 17 lines and most stops as well as live position of the buses from their GPS.

Besides buses there's plenty of three wheeler tuk tuks not only in Phnom Penh but all around the country. There are two apps used by locals to order a tuk tuk: Passapp and Grab. With these apps you will know the price to your destination before ordering, so you don't need to worry about being ripped off. These apps don't work in every town. Prices start at 4000 riel (USD 1) for the shortest ride up to 1km and a distance of 10km should cost around 10,000 riel, or 2.5 dollars (late 2022).

Cities

Phnom Penh
Sihanoukville
Battambang
Siem Reap

Personal Experiences

Pls add info


Links

Information, tips and personal experiences of hitch-hiking in Cambodia. A 2103 km journey on 40 vehicles and 1 boat! (only in spanish), by Marcando el Polo

Nomadwiki & Trashwiki

Check Nomadwiki for info on accommodation, showers etc. or Trashwiki for dumpsters...and share your wisdom :)