Transport in Cambodia

Transport in Cambodia. Source: aesta1

Far from the roar of the jet engines and the howl of the ultrafast train and the snarl of the super highways and the flail of the helicopters, there are countries  where travel is slow, difficult, sweaty and hammering but small groups sharing space in ox carts and the remorgs and tuktuks and whacked out old taxis share a companionship and a complete absence of urgency which is the antithesis of modern haste.

Transport in Cambodia. Source: aesta1

It's not just a difference in travel or difference in speed and comfort. It's a whole different relationship with the world around you with the rice paddies, the palm oil trees, the muddy rivers and the very simple villages. It's not just a different world, it's really a different planet and even though space travel is not involved the distances are almost beyond imagination.

Religion is integrated into life in everything that happens. The family isn't just important. It's everything. The place of elders, the role of women, the links to the animals that live inside the communities is so far from Chicago or London or even Istanbul.

It's hard to describe these different planets that exist in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America if you haven't sat in a tuktuk on a rotted country path on the weekly trek to the market. When you look at the photographs, you'll see just a hint of transport in some of these remote planets and that hint perhaps will open a door for you in the different worlds we live in.

Remorgs in Cambodia. Source: aesta1

The transport on top is called Remorg, a favourite of factory workers to go to work. When you go out of Phnom Penh, chances are you'll see several of these right in front of garment factories or on the road ferrying workers to factories.

The Family Moto. Source: aesta1

You will often see the moto on the roads of Cambodia. Several have come to appreciate the use of helmets but only the drivers are required by law to wear one. Most of the time, they only wear their helmets when they know there are police in the streets they are going. But in many cases, you'll see parents wearing one and the kids none.

Like those in sunny climates, their preoccupation is the hat to keep them from getting dark so even when it is hot, it is not unusual to see them wear long sleeve tops and pants.

Ox Cart. Source: aesta1

In the rural areas, the moto is still far from the reach of many farmers who prefer to use their work animals to transport their produce.

Moto and Tuktuk. Source: aesta1

In many cities, you will find the moto is the king of transport. For the foreigners, the tuktuk is their preferred ride. You can see some are wearing helmets and others not but most drivers do as the police try to implement this.

Transporting Goods. Source: aesta1

Pigs, garbage, chicken, log pipes, huge crystal frames, roofing and wood materials are often transported by moto. They seem to be able to carry so much.