Transport - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 1058

Túk-túk The favoured form of transportation for tourists in Thailand, Cambodia and, increasingly, Laos. In
Thailand and Laos túk-túk (or đúk đúk ) are high-octane three-wheeled chariots, while in Cambodia they take
the form of comfy little trailers pulled by motorbikes. For the Cambodian version we use the term remorque
(or remork ) instead of túk-túk in this topic.
MotorcycleTaxi Ubiquitous in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, but rarer in Laos. However, in Laos mo-
torised săhmlór (three wheelers, or motorbikes with a sidecar) are becoming popular.
Sŏrngtᾰaou The main form of public transport in provincial Laos and Thailand, these are flat-bed or pick-
up trucks kitted out with bench seating. They generally ply fixed routes but are also usually available for
private hire.
Taxis Metered taxis are common in Thai and Vietnamese cities and can be flagged down on the street easily
enough. They are remarkably cheap (about US$2 for a short ride), but be on the lookout for rigged meters in
Vietnam. Taxis in Laos and Cambodia are generally not metered and must be ordered by phone or through
your guesthouse.
Pedicab The old-fashioned bicycle rickshaw still survives in Cambodia and Vietnam, where it's known as a
cyclo . In Laos they are săhmlór, often motorised.
Public Bus Bangkok, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have efficient bus networks, but there is no such thing
in Phnom Penh or Vientiane.
Metro Bangkok boasts a state-of-the-art light-rail and underground system that make zipping around town
feel like time travel.
Animals Beasts of burden still make up a percentage of the local transport in very remote areas, and it is
possible to ride an ox cart through remote parts of Cambodia and Laos in the wet season.
FARE'S FAIR?
This is the million-dong question: 'Am I being quoted the right fare or are they completely ripping me
off?' Well, there's no easy answer, but here are some guidelines to help you navigate the maze.
Air Fares usually fixed, although web fares differ depending on when you book and what dates you
want to travel.
Train Fixed, although naturally there are different prices for different classes.
Bus Usually fixed if you buy the ticket from the point of departure, but there is a chance you'll be
overcharged if you board the bus along the way. Buying through a travel agent or guesthouse usually
incurs a small commission.
Boat Fixed for ferries or hydrofoils, but not for small local boats or some tourist boats.
Minibus and sŏrngtǎaou Generally fixed, though overcharging tourists is not unheard of.
Cyclo (pedicab), motorbike taxi and túk-túk Most definitely not fixed. Any local transport prices
given here are indicative; the actual price of a ride depends on the wiliness of the driver and your bar-
gaining skills. It's best to agree on a price with your driver before setting off.