The first thing people notice about Cambodia when they visit is the roads. Yes, they are horrible. They are some of the worst I've ever seen in the world. Large potholes, cows meandering down them, and children and dogs jumping out on the streets. It's a veritable death trap. Maybe for you, maybe for the dog, definitely for the rats.
Of course the rats, the dogs, the children, and the cows in the road are weird. But it's the potholes that are disastrous. Just as you dodge a cow, you realize a cow-sized-hole is in the road. Woops... You disappeared into for a few seconds. Sure you keep going, as long as you didn't bounce off the back of the moto into mud (like I once did!).
The number one unique characteristic about Cambodian roads is the CHAOS! Supposedly you are meant to ride on the right side, but "side" of the road is a fluid concept in Cambodia. Most days you can't possibly find one inch of road where everyone is actually driving on the right side of the road. The way it works is that you move where you can... any free inch of road is a possible spot to drive, even if isn't really on the "correct" side of the road. Most newcomers are scared to death of the oncoming traffic coming from all sides.
It's not that difficult to drive. Just never look behind you. If you glance over your shoulder, you might miss the kid running out into the road. So the rule is, Never Look Back. This means people are constantly swerving every which-a-way. Once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad. I will say this- driving in Cambodia makes you the most alert driver in the world!!! You have to watch all directions and be ready for anything (even falling coconuts!).
The first thing people notice about Cambodia when they visit is the roads. Yes, they are horrible. They are some of the worst I've ever seen in the world. Large potholes, cows meandering down them, and children and dogs jumping out on the streets. It's a veritable death trap. Maybe for you, maybe for the dog, definitely for the rats.
Of course the rats, the dogs, the children, and the cows in the road are weird. But it's the potholes that are disastrous. Just as you dodge a cow, you realize a cow-sized-hole is in the road. Woops... You disappeared into for a few seconds. Sure you keep going, as long as you didn't bounce off the back of the moto into mud (like I once did!).
The number one unique characteristic about Cambodian roads is the CHAOS! Supposedly you are meant to ride on the right side, but "side" of the road is a fluid concept in Cambodia. Most days you can't possibly find one inch of road where everyone is actually driving on the right side of the road. The way it works is that you move where you can... any free inch of road is a possible spot to drive, even if isn't really on the "correct" side of the road. Most newcomers are scared to death of the oncoming traffic coming from all sides. 
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