Cambodia Travel Guide

Full Name

Kingdom of Cambodia

Former Name

Kingdom of Cambodia, Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, People's Republic of Kampuchea, State of Cambodia

Capital City

Phnom Penh

Government Type

multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy established in September 1993

Area Size

total: 181,040 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +7 hours

Climate

Cambodia's temperatures range from 10° to 38°C and experiences tropical monsoons. Southwest monsoons blow inland bringing moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and Indian Ocean from May to October. The northeast monsoon ushers in the dry season, which lasts from November to March. The country experiences the heaviest precipitation from September to October with the driest period occurring from January to February. It has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, can see temperatures raise up to 40°C around April and is generally accompanied with high humidity. The dry season lasts from November to April when temperatures can drop to 22°C. The best months to visit Cambodia are November to January when temperatures and humidity are lower.

Geography

Cambodia has an area of about 181,040 square kilometres , sharing an 800 kilometre border with Thailand in the north and west, a 541 kilometre border with Laos in the northeast, and a 1,228 kilometre border with Vietnam in the east and southeast. It has 443 kilometres of coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.

Languages

Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

Culture

Throughout Cambodia's history, religious principles guided and inspired its arts. A unique Khmer style emerged from the combination of indigenous animistic beliefs and the originally Indian religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. These two religions, along with the Sanskrit language and other elements of Indian civilization, arrived in mainland Southeast Asia during the first few centuries ad. Seafaring merchants following the coast from India to China brought them to the port cities along the Gulf of Thailand, which were then controlled by the state of Funan in Cambodia. At varying times, Cambodian culture also absorbed Javanese, Chinese, and Thai influences.

History

Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire ushering in a long period of decline. The king placed the country under French protection in 1863. Cambodia became part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953. In April 1975, after a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy under a coalition government. Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another coalition government and renewed political stability. The remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge surrended in early 1999. Some of the remaining leaders are awaiting trial by a UN-sponsored tribunal for crimes against humanity. Elections in July 2003 were relatively peaceful, but it took one year of negotiations between contending political parties before a coalition government was formed.

Travel Information

Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways International fly between Cambodia and Thailand. Malaysia Airlines flies from Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam Airlines from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and Lao Airlines from Vientiane. Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is 10km from Phnom Penh. Taxis and motorbike taxis to the city are available (journey time - 10 minutes). For pre-arranged tours a pick-up service is available. Airport facilities are Left luggage, bureaux de change, shops, duty-free, post office and light refreshments. Siem Reap International Airport (REP) is 8km from Siem Reap. Taxis and motorbike taxis to Siem Reap are available (journey time - 7 to 10 minutes). For pre-arranged tours a pick-up service is available. Airport facilities are Left luggage, bureau de change, shops and light refreshments. Departure Tax US$25 levied on international departures at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; US$13 for children under 12. Children less than two years of age are exempt. Main ports: Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Phnom Penh can be reached via the Mekong Delta through Vietnam. This route is served by regular passenger ferry services from Chau Doc in Vietnam and can be booked through travel agencies or at the dock. Sihanoukville is reached from Thailand through the border crossing at Hat Lek and the boat from Koh Kong. Tickets can be purchased at the dock in Sihanoukville. The Thai and Vietnamese borders are open for overland access. The main highway links the capital with the Vietnam border. Border checkpoints include Poipet, Cham Yeam, O'Smach, Anlong Veng and Psar Prom (Thailand), Bavet, Kaam Samnor and Phnom Den (Vietnam). The border with Laos at Stung Treng is currently closed so travellers should check the situation as it changes regularly. Cross-border bus services are from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam operated by Phnom Penh Sorya Transport Company.

Accommodation

Hotels in Cambodia are classified into five categories: super deluxe (five-star), deluxe (four-star), first class (three-star), second class (two-star), third class (one-star). Hotels above deluxe class usually have a fitness center, sauna, a business center, restaurants and cafes. Hotels add a 10% VAT and 10% service charge. The prices of hotels vary depending on season and location.

Visa Requirements

Visas are required by nationals of EU, Australia, Canada and USA. Passport valid for at least four months after date of return from Cambodia required by all nationals of countries referred to above. Visitors arriving by air can obtain a visa for stays of up to 30 days on arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, Phnom Penh or Siem Reap International Airport, Angkor. Visas are also available from Immigration at the border posts of Bavet, Poi Pet and Koh Kong. Visitors are advised to check current situation before travelling. E-Visas are only valid for entry via Phnom Penh International Airport, Phnom Penh or Siem Reap International Airport, Angkor. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Applications by post will only be accepted through a recognised visa courier. For further details, contact the nearest consulate or consular section of embassy. All visas are valid for a one month period, and visas issued by the embassy must be used within three months of date of issue. Extensions of up to one extra month for Tourist visas or six or 12 months for Business visas (which can be multiple) may be granted by the Ministry of the Interior at the Immigration Office in Phnom Penh. Apply to Consulate or consular section of embassy. Visitors can also apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) online through the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation. At present, visitors travelling on an e-Visa must enter Cambodia at either Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap International Airport. Tourists on package tours will normally have their visas arranged by the tour operator.

Getting Around

Internal flights operate between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for Angkor (journey time - 45 minutes). The main domestic carriers are Siem Reap Airways International and PMT Air. Battambang, Sihanoukville, Banlung, Sen Monorom and Stung Treng all have airports, but at the time of writing there are only flights to Banlung from Phnom Penh. Domestic airports: The upgraded Siem Reap Airport, the main gateway for visitors going to see the ancient temples at Angkor, is a 7- to 10-minute taxi ride from the city. Departure Tax US$60 for foreign nationals. Government-run ferries depart from the Psar Cha Ministry of Transport Ferry Landing between 102 and 104 Streets and go to Siem Reap, a route popular with travellers. Tickets can be bought in person at the dock or through a travel agent. Travel can be difficult in the dry season when the water level is very low and often boat services are suspended. There are only two lines in Cambodia from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and Battambang. Visitors are not encouraged to use the trains and as they take much longer than the buses, and only hard class is available, it is not recommended. Currently there is only a weekly train from Phnom Penh to Battambang on Saturdays (journey time - 12 hours) and none to Sihanoukville. Tickets can only be bought in person on the day of travel. Traffic drives on the right. Roads vary from excellent to very poor and there are numbered routes from Phnom Penh with Route 1 leading to the Vietnamese border. Care should be taken while driving as accidents are relatively frequent. Other vehicles cannot always be relied on to use headlights at night. Given the predominant use of motorcycles for urban public transportation, travellers should ensure that any insurance policies provide coverage for riding as a driver or passenger. Cattle often stray onto the roads. In Siem Reap, the local police have banned rental outlets from hiring motorcycles to tourists because of the high number of accidents. Long-distance buses operated by Phnom Penh Sorya Transport Company travel to destinations such as Kampot, Sihanoukville, Battambang and Siem Reap. Taxis can be hired in main cities, although they are not metered so the price has to be fixed in advance. Tips are appreciated. It is really only possible to hire a car with a driver. Car hire can be arranged by private negotiation with a taxi waiting outside the hotels or through tour operators. There are no public buses in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Taxis wait outside hotels and restaurants but, as they are unmetered, the fare should be fixed before leaving. Cyclos (tricycles) or motodops (motorcycle taxis) are an efficient and inexpensive way to get around and some of the drivers, especially those found outside main hotels, speak a little French or English. Siem Reap also has motorised tuk tuks.

Health & Safety

Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia. Drink lots of water. Never drink tap water purified, bottled water is available everywhere. Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes. It is the only way to be sure of protection against mosquito borne diseases. Since Cambodia has a hot and humid tropical climate, casual and light-weight clothing is best. Clothing made from natural fibers is the best option. A jacket might be needed on cool winter evenings or in hotels and restaurants using excessive air-conditioning. A hat and high-factor sun block is advisable as protection against the hot sun when sightseeing. Most visits to Cambodia are trouble-free, however public order is fragile. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year's Day. 7 Jan - Victory Day. 2 Feb - Meak Bochea Day. 8 Mar - Women's Day. 13-15 - Apr Cambodian New Year. 1 May - Labour Day. 2 May - Visaka Buja Day (Birth of Buddha). 7 May - Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony. 13-15 - May King Sihamoni's Birthday. 1 Jun - International Children's Day. 18 Jun - Former Queen's Birthday. 24 Sep - Constitution and Coronation Day. 10-12 Oct - Pchum Ben Day. 23 Oct - Paris Peace Agreement. 31 Oct - Former King Sihanouk's Birthday. 23-25 Nov - Water Festival. 9 Nov - Independence Day. 10 Dec - Human Rights Day.

Currency

Cambodia Riel (KHR)

Electricity

220v AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1700/1730 and Sat 0800-1200.

Emergency Numbers

119