Cyclo Rides on Phnom Penh Walk Street Offer Visitors a Taste of Cambodia’s Traditional Transport
At night along Chaktomuk Walk Street, colorful decorative lights brighten the streets as crowds gather to enjoy the lively weekend atmosphere in Cambodia’s capital.
Families, couples, and groups of young people stroll through the pedestrian zone, exploring hundreds of small vendor stalls. Among the crowds, several green cyclos slowly move along the street, offering visitors a chance to experience one of Cambodia’s oldest and most iconic forms of transportation.
Cyclo drivers working in the Walk Street area say they are not allowed to set fixed prices for rides during weekend events. Instead, passengers are free to give whatever amount they feel is appropriate.
According to drivers, this system encourages more visitors to try the traditional ride while supporting the livelihoods of the people who still operate the historic vehicles.
One experienced cyclo driver, who has been working in the trade for about two decades, explained that payments vary widely depending on the generosity of passengers. Some visitors offer as little as 5,000 riel, while others may give up to 50,000 riel after enjoying a short ride around the pedestrian area.
Drivers also rotate shifts and are usually allowed to operate on Walk Street only once per month. During each shift, they typically manage to carry just one or two passengers.
In the early days after Walk Street first opened, cyclo drivers reportedly earned more than 100,000 riel per night thanks to the large number of visitors. However, many drivers say the situation has changed as more people now prefer walking through the area instead of taking a ride.
The cyclo trade in Cambodia is represented by the Cyclo Conservation and Career Association, which promotes the preservation of the traditional transport service. The association also helps coordinate cyclo drivers and maintain rules for operating within the pedestrian zone.
To ensure pedestrian safety, the number of cyclos allowed on Walk Street each evening is limited to about 14 vehicles. Drivers are required to move slowly and avoid starting their rides simultaneously so that they do not disrupt foot traffic.
For some visitors, riding a cyclo is more than just transportation—it is an experience that connects them with Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Parents often bring their children to try the ride so they can see the city from a different perspective while learning about Phnom Penh’s history.
Despite the cultural value of cyclos, the industry faces increasing challenges. Modern ride-hailing services such as PassApp and other motorized transport options have significantly changed the transportation market in recent years.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were around 300 cyclo drivers operating in Phnom Penh. Today, that number has dropped slightly to about 280 drivers, with many returning temporarily to their hometowns to work in agriculture when tourism slows.
Of the drivers who remain active, roughly 75 to 80 percent depend heavily on tourism rather than local daily transport.
Most cyclo drivers are between 50 and 70 years old, and many have spent decades working in the profession. For many of them, continuing to pedal a cyclo remains one of the few available ways to earn a living.
While Walk Street continues to attract crowds looking for entertainment and relaxation, the slow movement of cyclos through the glowing streets serves as a reminder of Phnom Penh’s past—an enduring symbol of tradition navigating a rapidly modernizing city.
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