Nostalgia and Romance: A Tour Guide Takes Guests around in a Rickshaw

Bo Sophea drives a visitor around in his rickshaw. Photo: Heak Chhork

PHNOM PENH — A tour guide in Siem Reap Province has been searching for old parts of classic rickshaws in the hope of rebuilding those vehicles both to help create a few jobs and to show young people a side of tourism at Angkor that has faded away.



As the country developed, motorcycles have replaced bicycles for transport, and hardly any rickshaws are left today. “I rarely see any cycle rickshaw in Siem Reap,” Bo Sophea said. “I want the young generation to see it and know the value of classic objects.” Which is why he has been collecting rickshaw parts for about five years from different parts of the country.



At first, he used the rickshaw he had assembled to take his family on a quiet tour of the Angkor Archaeologist Park during his free time.



Then one day, one of his Cambodian friends who lives abroad asked him to take him around in his rickshaw. That friend enjoyed it so much that Sophea decided to use his rickshaw for visitor transportation. He now has been doing this for around two months, his rickshaw attracting a great deal of attention, he said.



This mode of transportation provides lots of benefits, Sophea said. First, it’s good for the environment [no fumes], this gives tourists the time to enjoy the scenery and this, without the noise of a motor or smoke, Sophea said.



“I want everyone to enjoy the experience, like 100 years ago,” he added.



Currently, Sophea has two cycle rickshaws operating. He hopes that tourists who come to Siem Reap will help create jobs for more rickshaw drivers in the community.

Bo Sophea restored this rickshaw that now only requires routine maintenance. Photo: Heak Chhork   


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