Transportation

Motorcycle taxi​ in Cambodia

Taking a moto taxi–often called a motodop–is the cheapest, fastest way to get from point A to point B in Cambodia. But riding on the back of a motorcycle or scooter is also one of the easiest ways to get hurt in Cambodia. Here are some tips for getting around Cambodia by moto taxi. Many of them are covered in more depth in our Getting around by tuk tuk section, but others are specific to moto taxis. Get a map, learn the pagodas, and learn to give directions in Khmer. Always remember that most moto taxi drivers are not actually taxi drivers. They’re just guys with motos who see a foreigner walking down the street and offer him a lift in exchange for cash. This means that if you take moto taxis you’ll often meet off-duty police officers, teachers, and various other professionals. However, you’ll rarely meet someone who has a working knowledge of the geography of the city you happen to be in, despite their assurances that they know exactly where you’re going. Remember that the Western frame of reference–using street names and cross streets–is foreign to most Cambodians, who use the locations of markets and pagodas (or wats) to help...