.jpg "Phnom Penh City")
Cambodia is a well-known country in South-east Asia, steeped in history and rich culture. But 2 decades of war destroyed nearly the entire society, including the social economic infrastructure and human resources that are the key factors in developing a country.
Land boundaries: It located in South-east Asia within the Indochina peninsula and is bordered between Vietnam on the east and south-east, Thailand on the west and south-west and Laos on the north-east. This region corresponds to the present area of mainland South-east Asia. The kingdom of Cambodia has made the agreements on political and development cooperation with these neighboring countries.
Dimension: Kingdom of Cambodia comprises 181 035 square kilometers and has population of about 15 million. Its shape is an almost-square polygon, with the Kompong Thom province as is a centre. It extends 440 kilometers wide from the north to south and 560 kilometers long from the west to east. Among the lomenta countries of the association of the southeast Asia-Nations (ASEAN), Cambodia ranks eighth in land size & seventh in population. Its geographical location makes Cambodia as easily accessible ecotourism destination for the trader in neighboring countries and the other parts of the world. The country is situated geographically between the 10th and 15th parallels of northern latitude and the 102nd and 108th parallels along eastern longitude. Cambodia has a tropical climate-warm and humid. It’s affected by Asian monsoon with abundant rain to enable growth of vegetation and all variety of crops with these characteristics makes Cambodia a favorable for developing tourism. Tourism development is highly desirable due to warm climate for year around. In addition, Cambodia doesn’t have any serious natural disaster like volcano, typhoon, and earthquake because Cambodia situates under the direction of storm. Cambodia can offer much business opportunity.
Topography of land: Cambodia’s surface is deep and plain at the center. It’s surrounded by mountains and plateaus, which are the wind-breakers. The south-western part lies the coastal area.
Air Asia
SR: Siem Reap International Airport Tel: 063-6666-333
PP: #179 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023-983-777
Cambodia Angkor Air Tel: 063-964-488
SR: Sivutha Blvd
www.cambodiaangkorair
Korean Air Tel: 023-224-047
#254, Monivong, IOC Blvd, F3-R03
www.koreanair.com
Bangkok Airways
PP: # 61 A, Street 214 Tel: 023- 426-624
SR: Sivutha Blvd Tel: 063- 965-422
www.bangkokair.com
Silk Air
PP: # 219-B, Hamawari Hotel Tel: 023- 426-808
www.silkair.net
Vietnam Airlines
PP: # 41, Street 214 Tel: 023- 363-396
SR: Angkor Shopping Arcade, Rte #6 Tel: 063- 964-488
Laos Airlines
PP: 111, Sihanouk Tel: 023-222-956
SR: # 114, Rte # 6 Tel: 063- 963-283
Royal Khmer Airlines
PP: # 36B, 245 Mao Tse Toung Blvd. Tel: 023- 994 502
pnhtofe@royalkhmerairlines.com
Siem Reap Airways
PP: # 65, Street 214 Tel: 023- 720 022
SR: # 571, Rte # 6 Tel: 063- 380 191
Angkor Airways
PP: # 1B/79, Mao Tse Toung Tel: 023- 222-693
www.angkorairways.com
China Airlines
PP: # 1B 179, Mao Tse Toung Tel: 023- 222 693
www.china-airlines.com
Malaysia Airlines (MAS)
PP: # 35-37, St.214, Monivong Tel: 023- 218-923
SR: At the airport Tel: 063- 964-135
Jet Star Asia Airways
PP: # 333B, Monivong Tel: 023- 220-909
SR: old market area Tel: 063- 964-388
The Cambodian currency is called Riel. However, US dollars are used as commonly as Riel. Depending on exchange rates, USD1 generally equals 4000 Riels. For up-to-date exchange rates visit: www.xe.com. A few pointers on using US dollars in Cambodia:
• Bring smaller denominations when possible! Small shops (i.e. local transportation or restaurants) might not have sufficient change to large notes.
• Check that your bills are in good condition, as bills with any rips or tears are not accepted.
• You will usually get change in Riel, so it might not be necessary to get any Riel in advance.
Credit cards & Traveler’s Checks (in USD) can be used at some places in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, especially in high-end institutions. But you should always carry some cash.
Q: What is the proper currency to use?
A: US dollars are as commonly used as the Cambodian Riel and even Thai Baht is acceptable in many places. Most restaurants and shops set their prices in dollars. Small transactions are usually done in Riel. Always carry some small Riel for motorcycle taxis, snacks, beggars and other small purchases. Riel can come in notes of the following denominations: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000.
Credit cards & traveler checks are not common but are catching on. US dollar, traveler checks are much more easily than other kind. Money changers cluster around the markets. When accepting money, inspect the bills. Hundred Riel is acceptable tender, but a large US note renders it worthless. There are banks in all of the larger provincial capitals, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Battambang. But money effect telegraphic transfers and some banks can cash traveler checks and accept Visa cards. There are lots and lots of ATM in Cambodia. The Riel fluctuates in the range of 3900-3950 to a dollar, though for convenience some shops use 4000 as the exchange rate. Make sure you always have small bills (ones and fives) as you can never be sure of getting change on larger denominations.
Q: Doesn't using the local currency result in cheaper prices?
A: Not in Cambodia. For all intents and purposes, the US dollar is the currency of Cambodia. If anything, using riel for larger purchases may cost you more, not less, than if you used US dollars.
Q: So change is given in riels, do the merchants cheat you?
A: Not really. The most common way to scrape a few extra riels is that some merchants will put the riel at 3900 to a dollar change, but put it at 4000 to a dollar when you are paying in. Until September 2002, 100 riels was the smallest denomination would get for fifty cents change then, was 1900 riels. To you, these few extra riels they make are only a couple of cents, but spread that out over thousands and thousands of transactions during the course of a year and it adds up to a tidy sum of cash. For purposes of giving change, many foreign-owned businesses value the riel at 4000 to a dollar regardless of the direction, but it's more common for Khmer-owned businesses to use a 4000 in/3900 out system, which, if you really get analytical about it, is cheating.
Q: Where can I change money?
A: The best place to go is to any of the hundreds of private money changers. Do not bother with banks as most (all?) are not in the money changing business. You always see a concentration of money changers around the markets, but they are everywhere. They can be recognized by the glass case full of money (also a testament to the general honesty of most Khmers), most of it riels, and two numbers on the glass, both numbers being 39xx. These numbers are the present exchange rates for US dollars and Riels. Exchanging dollar and riel is a straightforward process and rip-offs are extremely rare. With any other currency some bargaining may be necessary. Japanese Yen, Euros, and Baht seem to pose no difficulties, though rates may vary slightly from changer to changer. However, the more obscure the currency is, the less likely the money changer will know the actual rate nor be willing to offer a fair rate as it may be more difficult for them to reconvert the notes. It's also been my experience that in most cases the money changers will offer a better rate than the hotels regardless of what currency you're changing.
Q: Are there a lot of counterfeit bills floating around?
A: Some, but if I ever had once I didn't know it, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. If for any reason you find yourself with a possible counterfeit, just keep trying, eventually somebody will take it. The best place to get rid of it would probably be in paying your airport departure tax as they don't seem to check the money they handed.
Q: Does the condition of the bills make a difference?
A: For Cambodian riels, you will see some bills so worn and torn you might have trouble figuring out what denomination it is. But with the US dollars one little rip in a bill and nobody will accept it (don't bring rip money to Cambodia). On my very first visit to Cambodia I got stuck with a torn ten-dollar bill that nobody would take until finally as I arrive at Pochentong International Airport they took it when I paid the departure tax. Do not accept torn money and if you're receiving money from a bank, check every bill and don't be shy to turn one back if you don't like the appearance of it. I've often handed back bills at several different banks and they've exchanged them without question. Old dirty bills that aren't torn can still be spent, but new ones are better, so if you can, turn back the dirty ones, too.
We recommend you to check with your doctor prior to arrival about pre-travel vaccinations required for Cambodia (such as those necessary for protection from malaria, typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A & B). Malaria is not commonly present in Siem Reap, but if you plan to spend extended time in the rural remote areas, you should take appropriate medical advice. In addition, it is probably a good idea for you to bring all essential medications with you. There are pharmacies in Siem Reap selling ordinary medicines, such as headache tablets, skin creams and diarrhea medications. U-Care is one of the more popular pharmacy chains in Siem Reap, with imported medicines, and English-speaking pharmacists. You may find the following items useful when packing:
Travel Insurance
Taking out a medical travel insurance policy BEFORE coming to Cambodia is recommended. For reference only, some providers are;
Staying healthy when you get here
Because of Cambodia’s hot climate, it is extremely easy to become dehydrated. Bottled water is inexpensive and available everywhere. Drink as much as you need. Restaurants in the city will typically serve safe drinking water, and using sealed bottles is recommended. It is advisable NOT to drink directly from the tap water.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Travelers have very little to worry about in a country where health standards are ranked amongst the highest in Asia. The medical vaccinations are required to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia; you are unless coming from a "yellow" infected area.
Cambodia has a great variety of national dishes, some similar to the cuisine of neighboring Thailand and Laos, other closer to the Chinese and Vietnamese cooking, but all come with that unique Cambodian twist, be it the odd herb here or the odd spice. The overall impression is that Khmer cooking is similar to Thai cooking, but with fewer spices.
Q: How is the local food?
A: Personally, I don't particularly care for Khmer food. It's a cross between Thai and Vietnamese but with a fraction of the flavor. I find Khmer food quite bland, really. It's been suggested that Khmer food is less exciting than its neighbors' because of years of war and occasional famine, whereupon they just let their cuisine fall away. It's a plausible explanation as apparently Cambodia did have quite a cuisine but in the past thirty years or so, like so many things, it seems to have been lost. That said, there are those who do like the food and of course if you're coming on a holiday, please ignore what I say, try the food and make your own decision about whether you like it or not.
Q: What's the availability of western food?
A: In Phnom Penh just about any cuisine you can think of is represented somewhere by a restaurant and represented fairly well. Siem Reap also has a generous supply of western and other Asian cuisine restaurants. If Khmer food doesn't do it for you, you will find plenty of satisfactory alternatives in either of these locations. Elsewhere the choices become slimmer. Sihanoukville has a couple of eateries with western food in Battambang there are a couple of places as well. Anywhere else and you're going local.
Q: Is the food safe to eat?
A: Everybody eventually comes down with some kind of food poisoning here but everybody has to eat it. I wouldn't stress too much on the food. Look at it, smell it whatever, just eat. I've gotten sick at nice restaurants and I've eaten from street stalls where the food was pre-cooked hours before and I had no problems whatever. The best rule to follow is if you see a place with a lot of locals; than the restaurant is okay. Also realize that individual body chemistry plays some role in how you will react to unfamiliar food. Five years, I've been here and there is still some kind of bacteria I can't seem to get my body to adjust to.
Drinking tap water must be avoided, especially in the provinces, as it is rarely purified and may lead to stomach complications. Locally produced mineral water is about 1000 riels per bottle at shops and stalls, through some locals and expatriates alike doubt the purity of the cheapest stuff. Those with a weak constitution might want to opt for one of the better local brands, such as Pure-Drop, Mineral, or imported water like Evian.
Cambodian has a lively local drinking culture, and the heat and humidity will ensure that you hunt out anything on offer to quench your thirst. Coffee, tea, beer, wine, soft drinks, fresh fruit juice or some of the more exotic “fire waters” are all widely available tea is the national drink, but these days it is just as likely to be beer in the glass.
Wine & Spirits
Local wine in Cambodia generally means rice-wine; it is popular as with the minority people of the north-east. Some is super strong and it has been fermented for months, other wine is fresher and tastes more likely a demented cocktail. Other local wines include the light sugar-palm wine and ginger wine. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap foreign wines include the light sugar-palm wine and ginger wine. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, foreign wines and spirits are sold in super market at bargained prices, given how far they have to travel.
Tea & coffee
Chinese tea is a bit of national institution, and in most Khmer and Chinese restaurants a pot will automatically appear for no extra charge as soon as you sit down. Coffee is sold in most restaurants. It is either black or café Aulait, several with dollops of condensed milk which makes it very sweet.
Fruit-shake
It is popular throughout Cambodia. It is a little like fruit smoothies and is a great way to wash down a meal. Stalls are set up around local night market. It is sometimes, before dark and the drinks cost between 3000 or 3500 riels.
Q: Are land mines a problem for tourists?
A: No. Half a million tourists alone walked around Cambodia in 2001 and nobody stepped on a land mine. To this day, there have been no reported incidents of any foreigner visitor stepping on a land mine in Cambodia. Not one. The major tourist areas are absolutely mine-free. While the guidebooks still suggest being careful, even around Angkor Wat, the question you need to ask yourself is - do you plan to go bushwhacking through the trees, treading upon land no human as walked upon in years? I think the answer is 'no'. Even if you step into the bushes to answer nature's call, you're certainly going to walk along a well-worn path. So relax. According to the head of the HALO Trust in Cambodia, you'd have to drive at least one hour from Siem Reap to find a mine.
Visitors to the temples of Angkor must buy an entrance ticket. An information desk has been set up at the ticket sales booths with staff on hand seven days a week to provide full service.
Ticket sales booths: The entrance ticket to Angkor Park is called "Angkor Pass". Visitors can buy it only at the official ticket sales booths, located on the road from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat. The checkpoint on the road from the airport to Angkor Wat and the checkpoint at Banteay Srei also have one-day Angkor Passes, but not three-day and one-week Angkor Passes. No other organization (guest houses, etc.) are authorized to sell Angkor Passes.
The ticket sales booths are open from 5 am in the morning to 5:30 pm at night. At the ticket sales booths, visitors may also get information about:
Entrance to the Angkor Park: Every day, visitors must stop and show their Angkor Pass at one of the checkpoints first. Currently, there are the following checkpoints to the Angkor Park:
In addition, visitors must show their Angkor Pass every time they pass one of the checkpoints and at the entrance to most temples and other monuments in the Angkor Park.
Opening hours: The Angkor Park including its temples and other monuments are open for sunrise and close after sunset. All visitors must leave the Angkor Park after sunset.
Other rules: Visitors must observe the rules for photography and filming, as well as the rules of conduct in the temples, which are still sacred places to Cambodians today.
Procedure for free entrance: Visitors of official delegations, media representatives working on behalf of APSARA Authority and researchers authorized by APSARA Authority may qualify for a free, 2-day entrance. To obtain a free, 2-day entrance, the exact procedure has to be observed. Six-months and annual entrance passes are exclusively reserved for the researchers working in the Angkor Park. Entry is free for all Cambodian nationals. They do not have to follow the above mentioned procedure for free entrance.
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Angkor Pass:The Angkor Pass is the entrance ticket to all the Angkor temples and monuments in the Siem Reap area. There are several options regarding how many days the pass is valid. All passes are issued with a picture. They’re not transferable to another person. Visitors can buy the Angkor Pass at the main ticket sales booths on the road from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat, at the checkpoint on the road from the airport to Angkor Vat and at the checkpoint at Banteay Srei. No other organizations (guest houses etc.) are authorized to sell Angkor Passes. Fees and number of days |
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Photographs have to be taken on location and tickets are not valid after the expiry date. |
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The fee must be paid in US dollars, Cambodian Riel, Thai Baht or Euro. Credit cards are not accepted for payment, but there is a bank counter at the ticket sales booths, where visitors can get a cash advance on their credit card.
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Notes about fee: For the comfort of foreign visitors, these prices include use of the sanitary facilities in the park without charge. These prices do NOT include special permits for picture taking or film shooting. Entry is free for children under 12 years old. Children 12 and above must pay full price. Entry is free for all Cambodian nationals. There are no discounts for groups. The Angkor Pass is not refundable for any reasons.
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Rules for photography and filming: Visitors, who wish to take pictures or shoot film in the Angkor Park for commercial purposes, must respect the following procedures established by the Department of Tourism of the APSARA Authority:
For more information please contact the Department of Tourism.
What you should know:
It is advisable for you to contact the Cambodian Diplomatic Mission nearest you for up-to-date information concerning the importation of pets from your country. Various airline companies may also be able to help you with this.
It is a good idea for you to take medical insurance before you travel to Cambodia as Cambodia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations.
To avoid "cultural offences", here are some tips:
Items such as video equipment, cameras, radio cassette players, watches, pens, lighters, perfumes and cosmetics are duty free in Cambodia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable upon departure.
There are 5 term breaks in the year for schools throughout Cambodia. The term breaks vary slightly from state to state. However, they fall roughly during the later part of the months of January (1 week), March (2 weeks), May (3 weeks), August (1week), and October (4 weeks).
You will require an international driving permit or a valid license issued by your government to drive in Cambodia. Car rental can be arranged through hotel or through various car rental companies which can be located through the Yellow Pages Directory.
Not to worry if you are coming alone. Cambodians are very friendly and Cambodia is especially called a land of smile. Travelling alone is generally safe and relatively comfortable for both men and women. Plan your trip around your interests and prepare yourself to be flexible enough to take the inevitable glitches in stride. Visitors who encounter unforeseen problems and difficulties can seek the Cambodian Tourist Police Unit or any other Police Station for any assistance.
As Cambodia's climate is hot and humid almost all year round, it is ideal to have light clothing to be worn throughout the year. But during the small winter from December till March, you are advised to wear thick clothing. It is also advisable for ladies and gentlemen, when entering any Buddhist pagoda, in tradition, ladies are inappropriately found to wear shorts, trousers or any sexy attire. Men and women are cultured for a dignitary image¾is not to wear shorts and cap when you are in the complex of a Buddhist pagoda. The flip-flops, boots or shoes must specially be taken off before entering into any Buddhist temple. At ancient temples, you are free to wear any as you wish but not bras and under-pan.
There are two types of entry-visa shall be paid:
Beside the Phnom Penh Airport International and Siem Reap Airport, there are additionally few of border gateways where travelers can apply for an entry-visa upon their arrival.
In particular, the entry-visa is free for Cambodian nationals who live abroad and Malaysians. Also, the entry visa is free of charge for the Service and Diplomatic Passport holders from Myanmar, Brunei, Philippines and Vietnam.
Most travelers shall be issued entry-visa upon their arrival. For further information, please directly contact the Immigration Police Unit at the Phnom Penh Airport International or the Siem Reap Airport. Some countries where the Royal Embassies and Consulates of Cambodia installed, travelers shall then apply for an entry-visa prior to their departure. Multi-entry visa can be extended at the Department of Foreigner of the Ministry of Interior. E-visa is available now and tourists can apply through online http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/index.php?version=eng
Herewith the list of Royal Embassies and Consulates of Cambodia locate where most travelers are able to apply for an entry-visa:
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Australia, New Zealand |
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Belgium, Austria, Nethelands, EU, Luxembourg |
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Brunei Darussalam, (Bandar Seri Begawan) |
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People's Republic of China (Beijing) |
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People's Republic of China (Guangzhou) |
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People's Republic of China (Hong Kong) |
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People's Republic of China (Shanghai) |
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People's Republic of China (Chongqing) |
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People's Republic of China (Kunming) |
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People's Republic of China (Nanning) |
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Republic of Cuba (Havana) |
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Republic of France (Residence) |
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Republic of France (Paris- UNESCO) |
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Federal Republic of Germany, Slovenia, Malta, Cyprus. |
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Republic of India |
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Republic of Indonesia (Jakarta) |
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Japan (Tokyo) |
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Japan (Osaka) |
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Japan (Nagoya) |
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Japan (Sapporo) |
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Korea(D.P.R) (Pyong Yang) |
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Republic of Korea (Seoul) |
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P.D.R. of Lao (Vientiane) |
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Federation of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) |
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United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Ireland 64 Brondesbury Park, Willesden Green, |
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Union of Myanmar (Yangon) |
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Republic of The Philippines (Manila) |
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Federation of Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia |
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Republic of Singapore |
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Switzerland, Residence in Geneva |
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Kingdom of Thailand (Bangkok) |
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Kingdom of Thailand (Sa Kaew) |
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Turkey |
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U.S.A (Washington) |
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U.S.A (UN, New York) |
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U.S.A (Lowell) |
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U.S.A (Washington) |
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Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Hanoi) |
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Socialist Republic of Vietnam |
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International Departure Tax:
Domestic Departure Tax:
Q: Are land mines a problem for tourists?
A: No. Half a million tourists alone walked around Cambodia in 2001 and nobody stepped on a land mine. To this day, there have been no reported incidents of any foreigner visitor stepping on a land mine in Cambodia. Not one. The major tourist areas are absolutely mine-free. While the guidebooks still suggest being careful, even around Angkor Wat, the question you need to ask yourself is - do you plan to go bushwhacking through the trees, treading upon land no human as walked upon in years? I think the answer is 'no'. Even if you step into the bushes to answer nature's call, you're certainly going to walk along a well-worn path. So relax. According to the head of the HALO Trust in Cambodia, you'd have to drive at least one hour from Siem Reap to find a mine.
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