Everything about Tuk Tuk apps in Cambodia!

The tuk tuk, a traditional means of transportation in Cambodia and Thailand, is very popular among travelers arriving in Phnom Penh. Known as the "moto-remorque" by the Khmers and the French during the Protectorate period from 1863 to 1953, this mode of transport consists of a motorcycle at the front pulling a trailer with two benches facing each other, accommodating at least four passengers. Since 2017, similar to Uber in France, ride-hailing apps have made their way into Cambodia, gradually replacing traditional tuk tuks with Indian rickshaws.

A photo from 1930 shows that the tuk tuk, which was once equipped with a bicycle instead of a motorcycle, was already being used by tourists to visit Cambodia, particularly Angkor Wat, nearly 90 years ago. In just two years, these authentic transports were replaced in Cambodia's major cities by Indian rickshaws, which are small enclosed tuk tuks. Still rare in 2017, these rickshaws have steadily increased in number. Today, you will encounter many of them, while the traditional tuk tuk is becoming increasingly rare. In line with modern times, these rickshaws have adapted to the digital age with ride-hailing apps, and two of them dominate the Cambodian market.

Passapp and Grab: The Cambodian "Ubers"

The arrival of various mobile transport apps around the world inevitably impacted traffic in Cambodia. The main issue that tourists or expatriates faced with traditional tuk tuks was the fluctuating prices, or at the very least, the variation depending on the driver you encountered. Paying $12 for a ride from the airport to your hotel in Phnom Penh upon arrival was not inherently problematic — if it were a one-time occurrence. However, by the end of the trip, the series of exorbitant prices charged to tourists could become a real nuisance. Today, this is no longer the case.

Passapp, like Grab, allows you to know your fare in advance and eliminates the need for endless negotiations, which, as mentioned earlier, could be problematic after repeated experiences. Payment is made in cash at the end of the ride. With much more affordable prices through these apps, leaving a tip feels more natural. Fares, depending on the distance, generally range from 75 cents to 2€ at most! In contrast, opting for the traditional route would require you to pay between 3€ and 7€, or even 10€ if four people are traveling in the same vehicle. The ability to travel at such low prices is highly appreciated by travelers accustomed to French taxis or ride-hailing services.

Guide to making a good booking

After downloading the app, let’s use Passapp as an example, and enabling geolocation, you can order your tuk tuk. The app automatically pins your current location on the map and shows nearby drivers.