To Tuk-tuk, With Love

by Norhafitzah Ashruff


Subway, Yellow Cab, the Tram, Bullet Train, Komuter and... Tuk-tuk.

The tuk-tuk is Cambodia’s very own public transportation, seen all over the streets of Siem Reap. The tuk-tuk caters not only to the locals to move around but it is also a great way for tourists to see the city.

The unique structure of the carrier and its easy access makes it a must-try to all that visits Siem Reap. For us at least, the tuk-tuk was something that intrigued us from the moment we arrived. Here, the tuk-tuk service starts as early as 7.00 am and ends at midnight. But for tuk-tuk drivers that work with the bus station, their work ends half past midnight. According to one of our student guides, Borey Yin, the reason many people choose to become a tuk-tuk driver is because of the income. Tuk-tuk drivers earn about 5 to 20 USD a day, sufficient to support their family.



A tuk-tuk driver also does not need a higher education. As long as one can ride a motorcycle and is of legal age to do so, they can choose to be a tuk-tuk driver. Another reason they choose to be a tuk-tuk driver is because Siem Reap receives many tourists all year round. Tuk-tuk drivers also offer a full day tour from door to door to any destination around Siem Reap.

The youngest tuk-tuk driver that can be found is about 18 years old and they usually retire from being a tuk-tuk driver at about 50 or 60 years old. Borey also mentioned that, if they are not tuk-tuk drivers they are probably farmers, sellers at the market or a motor-taxi driver. However, most men prefer being a tuk-tuk driver than being a seller. Majority of the sellers in the market are made up of women.

The tuk-tuk livelihood is also sometimes passsed down from generation to generation since it provides good earnings to the people. When Borey was asked about tuk-tuk licensing in Siem Reap, she says,

“Here, many tuk-tuk drivers do not have license even though the government tell them to have one.”

She continues, “It is expensive to own a license so they choose to not have one and always run away from the authorities when they see them to avoid being caught and summoned.”

Back home in Kuala Lumpur, there are many different taxi associations, different railway names but in Siem Reap, the tuk-tuks are privately owned. Anyone can own a tuk-tuk and as long as they have a motorcycle they can install the carrier and start a tuk-tuk business. One shocking note that Borey highlighted was, when tuk-tuk drivers are approached by foreigners for their service, the fares are marked up and thus, foreigners are charged differently.

While taking a ride on the tuk-tuk, many thoughts raced through our heads. Different opinions and feedback were expressed and the poem below encapsulates our fellow travelers’ tuk-tuk experience.

Tuk-tuk ladies...
Tuk-tuk guys...
That one same hail to you,
The people strolling down the street.

It fascinates us,
It thrills us,
It’s kind of comfy,
At the same time it’s bumpy too.

Your traditional carrier mesmerizes,
Your maneuvering skills around town earns our nod,
Mr tuk-tuk you may rip us of,
But your efficiency gives us no choice.

The stylo way you cruise the street,
The colorful pictures and words on your carrier,
Looks so cool,
Looks so cute.

To some of us its not fast enough,
To some of us it is friggin awesome,
With the windy fresh air in our face,
Hey tuk-tuk! It’s a way to go!

Even it may look so old,
Even it may be imbalanced,
Maybe even crazy at times,
But,
What is adventure without all those?

For us who thought it's fast,
And always there to help us see much,
Still we cant help it,
But to think you're expensive

But Mr. tuk-tuk,
You and your tuk-tuk
Rock our world.