Streets of Phnom Penh

One of the very first things a visitor to Phnom Penh notices is the chaotic streets.  Streets here may have any number of the following modes of transport:

Vehicles - ranging from large trucks to SUVs to sedans

Motorcycles (AKA motos) - carrying from 1-5 passengers and possibly cargo (seriously!)

Tuk-Tuks - motos hitched to an open-air passenger cabin that fits 4 people comfortably

Bicycles - usually riden by a Cambodian not wearing a helmet and talking on a cell phone

Hand-pulled carts - luckily there aren't TOO many of these in the central city district

Pedestrians - either trying to cross the street or walking in the street because the sidewalk is unpassable

In addition to all this, Cambodians employ some unique driving techniques.  When they come to an intersection and want to make a left-hand turn, but there's too much traffic to get across, no problem!  They will simply turn left into the lanes of oncoming traffic and hug the sidewalk.  As windows of opportunities open up, they will slide over until they are finally driving in the correct lane.  Thankfully, I haven't seen cars do this but all the other above vehicles do. 

Also, Cambodian drivers are only obligated to look forward.  It's not necessary for them to look to the side or behind them.  In America, we are taught that we need to look around us before we pull out, turn, or back-up to ensure we are not impeding anyone else's path.  I feel that the opposite is practiced here.  Looking only forward, drivers simple proceed on their chosen path and it's up to the drivers around them to notice and give way.  Demonstrating this principle perfectly is the below vehicle, which has an opaque sunscreen on the front passenger's window.  We've even seen these sunscreens on the driver's window!

So, how does all this end up working out in practice?  Some have described it as a "school of fish" mentality.  In general, everyone moves at low speeds and simply moves around and past any impediments that arise, whether it is a slower-moving bicycle, a turning tuk-tuk, a parked car, or a pedestrian.  We've also been advised not to make sudden moves while driving.  Slow and steady is the way to go, easing our way into a turn or intersection.  In actuality, though, there are an awful lot of accidents, and we've witnessed some very close calls at four-way intersections, which mostly don't have stop signs or traffic lights.  Very tricky when everyone is only looking forward!

Please enjoy a few more photos below of Cambodian vehicles!

  

This is a tuk-tuk.  We call this the Garden tuk-tuk because the driver has outfitted it with tons of plants. He's even growing lettuce along the back!  Most tuk-tuks do not have this type of decoration...or much decoration at all.

I told you motos carry cargo!  This guy appears to be transporting a desk.