I hopped into the back of the tuk-tuk, and Sanghai told me to hold on to my small bags. He didn’t want them flying out the side of the cart! Taking a tuk-tuk is unlike any other form of transportation because you’re technically outside. It feels as if you’re right in the city.
I’m originally from Toronto, Ontario in Canada, and have been living in New York City. I doubt that tuk-tuk would ever make it to these cities! Tuk-tuks work very well, though, for both Cambodian culture and environment. Cambodia is almost always hot, which makes riding in a shady, open-air tuk-tuk really pleasant. It also means that you don’t have to waste energy with an air-conditioner. Tuk-tuks are an affordable form of transportation, too. Although there are some wealthy people in Cambodia who drive expensive cars, the majority of Cambodians opt for affordable motorbikes and tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuks wouldn’t survive Toronto or New York’s cold winters, but they can definitely be found in other countries that have a similar culture and environment to Cambodia.
