| Cambodia Travel Tips
Country & population
The Cambodia , a big and powerful Empire in the past, is now a
small Kingdom in Indochina with a surface of 181,035 km2
and a population of 11,426,223 people. It is bordered by the Lao
P.D.R. and Thailand to the North, Vietnam to the East and South,
Thailand and the Gulf of Siam to the West.
Cambodia, located in the heart of Southeast Asia, is arguably
the jewel of the region. Undiscovered for centuries, its wealth
of natural beauty and rich heritage continue to amaze and
astound, with Angkor, the world renowned cultural heritage site
dating back to the earliest days of cultured civilization,
attracting visitors from all over the world.
Towering over the surrounding tropical forests, Angkor Wat
exists as one of this planet's last great unexplored tourist
destinations. Situated amongst one of the world's greatest
irrigation systems close to the Tonle Sap Lake. Angkor is simply
incomparable. Not only did the skilled and hardworking Khmers
build Angkor Wat and the architecture different but equally
stunning Bayon, Banteay Srei, and Ta Prohm temples, but also
more than 100 other impressive monuments and temples in and
around the ancient capital.
Cambodia assaults the senses leaving memories of a once mighty
country that stay in the mind undiminished by the passage of
time. The sights and sounds of a unique land with a tragic past
captivate more and more people every year and offer a genuine
experience for all whom are fortunate enough to discover
Cambodia.
Without doubt, with its inherited wealth, Cambodia, has enormous
potential for tourism, either as a single destination or part of
an lndochinese tour, especially for those wishing to escape the
tourist traps of the world or discover one of the great cultures
of the world that should rank alongside that of Egypt and the
other world renowned destinations. Though still in its infancy,
the tourism sector is attracting investors from both domestic
and international who are venturing into this market, evident by
the international standard facilities becoming available.
Passport & visa
Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. For US$ 20, all
travelers can obtain a tourist visa valid for 30 days upon
arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. A passport valid
for at least six months beyond the end of your visit and one
passport photo is needed. Visitors arriving overland from Ho Chi
Minh city, Vietnam at the Bovet border crossing, or from
Thailand at Trat (Hat Lay border crossing) or Aranyaprathet (
Poipet border crossing) must obtain a visa which clearly
indicates their entry point prior to reaching the Cambodian
border.
Customs & formalities
Airport tax is US$ 1,0 per passenger on domestic flights and US$
10 per passenger on international flights. Regulations are
relaxed and simple formalities should be observed when entering
the territory. Every traveler has to complete immigration and
customs declaration forms during the arrival flight and must
submit them on arrival. Any mount of foreign currency can be
brought into Cambodia, but the mount of Cambodia currency must
not exceed 100.000 riels per person. Tourists and non- resident
carrying over US$ 10.000 in cash or its equivalent must declare
it to ensure they will be allowed to take out with them the
amount declared. The immigration formalities are quicker when
travelers already possess their visa. Upon leaving the country,
luggage will be X-rayed in Phnom Penh airport and inspected in
Siem Reap.
Currency
The local currency is the Riel, however, in Phnom Penh and most
major tourist destinations, almost all goods and services are
calculated and paid for in the US currency. The rate of exchange
(at time of printing) is approximately 3,900.- Riels to one U.S
Dollar. Credit cards are excepted only at a few place such as
major hotels, restaurants owned by foreigners and souvenir shop.
Travelers cheques and currencies other than US Dollars are
accepted only by major banks it is best to carry U.S Dollars in
small domination.
Climate
Cambodia can be visited throughout the year. The climate is
tropical and distinguishes three major seasons. The most
pleasant season is the dry season from November to March during
which temperatures are cooler (average 20-28oC ). The
host season last from March to June (average temperatures 28-35oC)
and the rainy season from May to early October. Note also that
Siam Reap is in general cooler than Phnom Penh.
Health requirement
Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to
Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to
check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding
protection against malaria typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B.
Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is
no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia.
International flights
The direct flights to Phnom Penh are available from Bangkok,
Guangxhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Kulalumpur, Singapore, and
Vientiane. Dragonair, Laos Aviation, Bangkok Airways, Malaysia
Airlines, Royal air Cambodge, Silk Air, Thai Airways
International, Vietnam Airlines and President Airlines are
currently serving Phnom Penh. At this time visitors can get into
Siem Reap by direct flights from Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok.
Royal Air Cambodge or President Airlines accept domestic flight
booking up to one year in advance but they do not confirm flight
number or flight times at the time of getting reservation. Full
details of flight will only be confirmed when tickets are
purchased. At this time most of flights to and from Siem Reap
are operated by ATR 72s and Boeing 737s. Only Royal Air Cambodge
is granting passengers an allowance of 20 kg per person on
domestic flights. Finally acting as intermediary Dragon Travel
is unable to guarantee exact flight times and flight number that
clients demand.
Language
Khmer is the official language, inherited from the Mon- Khmer
family, enriched by the Indian Pali and the Sanskrit languages.
There are various dialects spoken in areas outside Phnom Penh.
English is the second language, followed by French even though
they are not widely spoken except in the capital.
Public holidays
Nov 9 : Independence Day
Jan 1 : International New Year
Jan 7 : Victory over Khmer Rouges
Mar 8 : International Women Day
May 1 : International Labor Day
Jun 18 : Queen’s birthday
Oct 30 - Nov 1 : King’s birthday
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Cambodia, but is nonetheless widely
practiced in hotels and restaurants in addition to the service
charges shown on bills. (Porters, 1,000 Riels per bag.)
Airport tax
US$ 20 per international passenger for flights from Phnom Penh,
US$ 8 per international passenger for flights from Siem Riep and
US$ 10 per domestic passenger for flights from Phnom Penh and
US$ 4 per passenger for domestic passenger from all other
airports.
Business hours
GMT + 7 hours.
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