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It might be one of Southeast Asia’s smallest countries, but Cambodia can compete with the big boys when it comes to must-see sights. Once the preserve of trailblazing backpackers, this formerly war-torn nation is now firmly established on the Asia travel circuit. That luxury yachts ply their trade on Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, is a mark of just how far Cambodia has come.

The magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex never disappoints any traveler in Cambodia. The enduring beauty of the ancient architecture, the remarkable statues and startling depictions on temple friezes of life as it was lived during the Khmer Empire, which flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries, are truly one of the highlights of any trip to South East Asia.

However as Cambodia emerges from the tragedy of its recent history, there’s more to experience in this once little visited country outside the undeniable charms of Siem Reap. The largest lake in all South East Asia – Tonle Sap – is home to picturesque villages on stilts and beautiful mangrove forests. At Kratie on the banks of the Mekong River, with a bit of luck, you can spot the rare Mekong River Dolphins.

As well as being home to many harrowing museums and centres testifying to the horrors of the Khmer Rouge, Phnom Penh is also rapidly transforming into a fashionable modern metropolis. Restaurants, hotels, bars and boutiques are springing up across the city show casing a dynamic, modern Khmer urban culture.

Not far away along the south coast the quiet beach towns of Kep and Kampot contrast with the larger city-by-the-beach buzz of Sihanoukville. Near the unspoiled Cardamom Mountains to the West lies Koh Kong boasting luxurious, floating eco resorts, small, uninhabited islands and some of the best beaches in the region.

After decades of turmoil Cambodia is finally coming into its own and there’s never been a better time to visit.

Travel guide

Cambodia offers an incredible range of scenic locales; from its azure seas and white sandy beaches to the mist shrouded mountains. And all throughout, the land an dit people is imbued with a rich cultural heritage to be found anywhere from our stony temples to the great lake of Tonle Sap, to our hill tribes of the mountain region. There are many interesting activities can be arranged during your holiday in Cambodia. Select some of following activities to make your trip in Cambodia more memorable.

Be awestruck by Angkor Wat – Angkor, the former capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, is one of the greatest and most spectacular religious sites in the world. Construction of this elaborate temple complex – built in honour of the Hindu god Vishnu – began in AD 879 but the site was lost to history for centuries before being rediscovered by Frenchman Henri Mahout in 1860.

Be bowled over by the Bayon – Angkor Wat takes centre stage at Angkor, but the Bayon is perhaps the most magical of all the structures here. From its monumental towers, a series of colossal stone faces, depicting the Buddhist deity Avalokitesvara, gaze out serenely across the temples and jungles. The atmosphere is mesmerising, particularly at dawn, when the faces loom dramatically out of the mist.

Cruise the Mekong – The boat trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is one of Asia’s legendary traveller journeys, and by far the most atmospheric way of reaching the Angkor temples. On the journey along the Mekong River and out onto Tonle Sap lake, you’ll absorb some of the spirit of Cambodia’s life-giving waterways. The trip upstream to Battambang is even more scenic.

Cycle to Angkor’s outlying temples – The Angkor complex sprawls for miles through the jungle, but roaming to outlying temples is part of the magic. Hire a bike and spend magical days exploring the temples, shrines and palaces, from the famous spires of Angkor Wat and the magnificent Bayon, to overgrown Ta Phrom and the remote temples of Bantaey Srei.

Dive into Cambodia’s Water Festival – As in neighbouring Thailand, the changing seasons in Cambodia are marked with major festivals, and the biggest of all is Bom Om Touk, held in October or November, when the flow of the Tonle Sap River changes direction. Alongside three days of merry-making, rainbow-coloured boats race each other along the Tonle Sap.

Encounter the wild in Cambodia’s national parks – Large areas of Cambodia have been set aside as national parks, and several are easily accessible from Phnom Penh. Kirirom National Park, southwest of the city, has walking and mountain bike trails and cascading waterfalls, while Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary provides a safe home for tigers, elephants, gibbons and other animals rescued from poachers and traffickers.

Feast on fresh seafood – Cambodia’s coastline offers the full sun, sea and sand experience, but for many visitors, the big appeal is Cambodia’s ocean-fresh seafood. The stretch of coast around Kampot and Kep is famous for just-caught crab, and all along the coast menus are graced by fresh fish, prawns, squid and lobster.

Fire some artillery – Firing a weapon of war is probably not your standard tourist activity, but then Cambodia’s not your standard tourist destination. For a price, visitors can take control of high-grade weaponry on countryside shooting ranges all over the country, from machine guns and hand grenades to rocket launchers.

Go dolphin spotting – The claim to fame of the Mekong town of Kratie is its population of Irrawaddy river dolphins, one of the rarest of all aquatic mammals. Various tour operators organise early-morning boat trips to observe these peaceful creatures in their natural habitat, but time is running out for these graceful animals – only 80 are thought to survive in the Mekong River.

Imbibe history at Bokor Hill Station – An abandoned French hill station in the south of the country, Bokor was built originally as a weekend sanctuary for settlers stuck in stifling Phnom Penh. Like a Wild West ghost town, it’s best known for its derelict hotel, which stands as an eerie reminder of the extravagant final years of French Indochina.

Kick back in Kampot – A sprawl of shophouses on the riverbank, the southern town of Kampot provides a gateway to Cham villages, national parks, cave temples at Phnom Chhnork and Phnom Sorsia and the lush green countryside of the Gulf coast. Travellers love Kampot for it’s laid-back atmosphere and relaxing pace of life.

Marvel at Khmer art in the National Museum – Staggering amounts of Khmer art were looted during the Khmer Rouge years and sold on the international art market, but some of the finest examples of Khmer artistry now take pride of place in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. Amongst the impressive collection are statues and sculptures and ceramics. The building was constructed by the French in 1917.

Move to Khmer rhythms – Classical Khmer dance is one of Asia’s great dance traditions and displays have become a popular tourist attraction. Many international hotels around Siem Reap stage tourist shows, but you can see spontaneous dances across the country during monastery feast days. Also listen out for the haunting psychedelic rock of Ros Sereysothea, who vanished during the conflict.

Pay your respects at Tuol Sleng – Set in the former Phnom Penh high school that would later become the notorious S-21 detention centre, Tuol Sleng today acts as a haunting memorial to the genocide of the Khmer Rouge era. Torture instruments remain in some rooms and the walls are lined with photos of the tens of thousands of victims who passed through before vanishing in the Killing Fields.

Relax on the sands of Sihanoukville – Cambodia’s main port city was already a backpacker beach hangout when the Khmer Rouge was active. It still retains its relaxed beach atmosphere, a laid-back counterpoint to the more visited beaches of neighbouring Thailand. It takes its name from King Norodom Sihanouk, one of the main agitators for independence from France.

Shop for silver – Prized across Southeast Asia since the 11th century, silver is one of the most sought-after Cambodian souvenirs, and it is made into a remarkable range of objects, from anklets and jewellery to elegant bowls and betel nut storage tins. Most items are decorated with intricate designs, applied using the repousse technique, with tiny hammers and punches.

Swing by Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace – Phnom Penh’s showpiece attraction was built in the 1860s, and it cuts a handsome figure on the skyline, crowned by a series of stupas and towering spires. The royal family were driven from the palace during the Khmer Rouge era, but the monarchy was restored in 1993. The adjoining Silver Pagoda houses a number of ancient and revered Buddha statues.

Take a heart-rending journey through history – To get a clearer understanding of Cambodia’s darkest hour, visit the Killing Fields outside Phnom Penh. It makes for a sobering experience that will stay with you long after you leave the country. Most people also visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, set in the former school used as a brutal prison by the Khmer Rouge.

As a developing country Cambodia doesn’t offer much choice for transportation. Flight and vehicle are used most for travelers. Road networks have improved but still need to be upgraded in some areas. It is reasonable to count an average speed of 50 km / hour.

GETTING THERE

There are two international airports in Cambodia: Phnom Penh International Airport located 20 minutes from the town centre and Siem Reap Airport, 7 km from the heart of the town. There are no direct flights to Cambodia from Europe, North America, Australasia or South Africa, so if you plan to fly into the country you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in Southeast or East Asia.

There are direct flights to Phnom Penh from an increasing number of cities in the region including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok, Vientiane, Ho Chi Minh City, and several cities in China (including frequent connections with Hong Kong). Alternatively, it’s also possible to fly direct to Siem Reap from Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh CityHanoi, Kuala Lumpur and a number of other Asian destinations.

There are numerous land borders into Cambodia open to foreigners from neighbouring ThailandVietnam and Laos. Visas at all are issued on arrival.

From Thailand

There are currently six border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand open to foreigners. All are open daily (7am–8pm) with visas being issued on arrival at all points; although e-visas are currently only accepted at Poipet and Koh Kong. Far and away the most popular of the six crossings is the mildly infamous crossing at Poipet, on the main highway between Bangkok and Siem Reap. The Trat/Koh Kong crossing further south is good for Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. There are two further crossings in the east at Ban Pakard/Pailin (Psar Pruhm), an hour by road to Battambang, and at Ban Leam/Daun Lem (although this crossing is basically a casino development in the middle of nowhere, and of zero practical use unless you’re on a visa run from Bangkok). Finally, there are two remote and little-used (by foreigners at least) crossing points in northern Cambodia at Surin/O’Smach, and Chong Sa Ngam/Anlong Veng – both 150km north of Siem Reap (2hr by taxi). These are not busy crossing points though, so your transport options on the Cambodian side will be limited.

From Vietnam

There are currently seven border crossings open to foreigners travelling overland from Vietnam (daily 7am–5pm); Cambodian visas are issued on arrival at all points, although heading into Vietnam you’ll need to have acquired a visa in advance. The busiest crossing is at Moc Bai/Bavet, 200km southeast of Phnom Penh on the main road to Ho Chi Minh City. Also popular is the crossing at Chau Doc/K’am Samnar on the Bassac River. There are two further border crossings in the south at Tinh Bien/Phnom Den near Takeo, and at Hat Tien/Prek Chak east of Kep, plus three little-used crossings in eastern Cambodia (see Border crossings in the east) at Xa Mat/Trapeang Phlong east of Kompong Cham; Loc Ninh/Trapeang Sre, southeast of Snuol, and Le Tanh/O Yadow, east of Banlung.

From Laos

There’s just one border crossing with Laos, at Nong Nok Khiene/Trapeang Kriel (see To Laos) in the far north of Cambodia, 57km beyond Stung Treng. The border is open daily (7am–5pm) and both Cambodian and Lao visas are available on arrival.

 

GETTING AROUND

Air: Cambodia Angkor Air and Bassaka Air operate internal flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for Angkor (journey time – 45 minutes). Siem Reap Airport, the main gateway for visitors going to see the ancient temples at Angkor, is a 10-minute taxi ride from the city.

Road: Roads vary from excellent to very poor and there are numbered routes from Phnom Penh with Route 1 leading to the Vietnamese border. Take care while driving, as accidents are relatively frequent. You can’t always rely on other vehicles to use headlights at night.

Side of road: Right

Car hire: It is really only possible to hire a car with a driver. You can arrange car hire by private negotiation with a taxi waiting outside the hotels or through tour operators.

Taxi: You can hire taxis in main cities, although they are not metered so the price has to be fixed in advance. Tips are appreciated.

Bike: Given the predominant use of motorcycles for urban public transportation, you should ensure that any insurance policies provide coverage for riding as a driver or passenger. Cattle often stray onto the roads. In Siem Reap, it’s easy to find companies hiring motorbikes, despite a local ban to protect tourists.

Getting around towns and cities:

There is a limited public bus service in Phnom Penh, but none in 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.

In terms of the greatest risks (particularly in Phnom PenhSiem Reap and Sihanoukville), the greatest danger faced by visitors is from road-traffic accidents, armed robbery after dark, bag snatching and, in remote areas, landmines.

Visas for Cambodia are required by everyone other than nationals of Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. Visas are issued on arrival for $20 at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports, at Sihanoukville port, at all overland crossings from Thailand and Vietnam, and at Voen Kham from Laos.

For most visitors to the Kingdom of Cambodia, visa are obtainable upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. At land crossing from Thailand, visas are available at Poipet Banteay Meanchey and Cham Yeam (Koh Kong province). Visitors who enter from Vietnam through Bavet (VN: Moc Bai) or Ka-Om Samnor (VN: Chau Doc) will need to have already obtained their visas prior to their arrival through a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate overseas. Tourists also can obtain visa through the online E-Visa.

Some nationalities are required to get visa in advance at Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Cambodia in their country: Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab Saudi, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Nigeria.

Tourists and business travelers may purchase a Cambodian visa valid for one month at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and borders. Both require a passport valid for at least six (6) months from the expiry date, 01 recent passport-sized photo. A departure tax is charged on all domestic and international flights.

Airport Tax (Passenger Service Charges):

For International Travel

Foreigner:

Adult US$25

Under 12 years old US$13

Under 2 years old FREE

Cambodian:

Adult US$18

Under 12 years old US$10

Under 2 years old FREE

For Domestic Travel

Foreigner:

Adult US$6

Cambodian:

Adult US$5

Visa Fees:

Single entry visa fee for tourist (T) (30 days): US$ 30

Single entry visa fee for business (E) (30 days): US$ 35

Visa Exemption:

The nationals of the Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia do not need a tourist visa and may stay in Cambodia for 21 and 30 days respectively.

Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with only two distinct seasons: wet season and dry season. It is fairly warm in Cambodia for all twelve months a year with an average temperature of around 27°C due to its location just 10~13 degrees north of the equator.

The country is warm all year round, though there are several distinct seasons affecting the best time to visit Cambodia. There is little rain between November and May, the so-called dry season, which itself divides into two distinct phases. The cool season (Nov–Feb) is the peak time for tourism – mild enough to explore the temples in comfort but warm enough to sunbathe by the coast. Humidity and temperatures rise slightly during the hot season (March–May), with Phnom Penh and Battambang seeing peak daytime temperatures of 33–35°C. This is an excellent time to visit the coast, although Angkor is usually bakingly hot. Visiting Cambodia during the rainy season (roughly June–Oct) can present certain practical challenges, but it is also a fascinating time to see the country as it transforms into a waterlogged expanse of tropical green under the daily monsoon deluges (fortunately, the rains falls mainly in the afternoon; mornings are generally dry). Getting around (particularly in September and October) isn’t always easy: dirt roads turn to mud and flooding is commonplace. Not surprisingly it’s also the quietest time for tourism (even Angkor is relatively quiet) and the countryside is at its lushest.

Other things you may want to know is when the major festivals take place so that you could catch up with the fun. In April the Khmer New Year lasts three days and is celebrated throughout the country. In October or early November the Water Festival celebrates the beginning of the dry season together with exciting boat races and Buddhist ceremonies. The Independence Day takes places on 9th, November, marking the independence from France and Khmer National Day. Grand parades in the capital Phnom Penh will stun you.

Visitors always want to dig and find the most worthwhile souvenirs before they go back home from their Cambodia tours. They usually have a tendency to leave with bulkier luggage than on arrival: the country’s markets are heavy with potential souvenirs, ranging from silks, textiles and statues to carvings, silverwork and Buddhist artworks.

CURRENCY

Though Riel (KHr) is the official currency, the US dollar is the common currency in Cambodia. Many businesses, especially hotels, airlines, restaurants, souvenirs shops, set their prices in USD and all expenses can be paid in USD even minor ones. In the West of the country, use of Thai Baht is also commonplace.

At the time of writing exchange rate is US$ 1 = 4040 Riel, and 1 Euro = 4329 Riel. You can change Euros into USD, though the exchange rate is not always very competitive. There is no need to change your USD into local currency. Small bank notes of 10 or 20 US dollars are enough. Against payment in USD, the change will be given back to you in local currency as there is no USD cents in Cambodia.

Traveller’s cheques can be cashed only at major banks and usually incur a 2 to 5% transaction fee.

Credit Card: Visa, Master cards, JCB, CCB and American Express are accepted in top-end hotels, restaurants and shops in the main cities of Cambodia, such as Phnom PenhSiem Reap and Sihanoukville, but can also be subject to 2 to 3% transaction fees.

ATMs (cash dispensers) are now available everywhere in the main towns (Visa, Mastercard). You can withdraw cash in USD only – transaction fees may apply. ATMs from ANZ bank are often available in souvenir shops and in most of the Caltex service stations.

Banks are usually open from 08h00 to 15h30 from Monday to Friday. Only a few banks are open half day on Saturday.

The best advice is to bring US Dollars in cash. Note that exchange rates for small and big notes vary, however we would recommend you to bring some small notes to settle initial expenses and then carry small riel for minor expenses. 500 and 1000 riel are the most useful denominations.

Be careful, banks and foreign exchange offices do not usually take old, scribbled or even stained bank notes.

 

SHOPPING

Unique to Cambodia is the omnipresent krama (a unisex checked scarf usually made of cotton), while silk can be bought either by the length, or in the form of scarves and other garments. Jewellery, ceramics, clothing, CDs and DVDs are widespread in city markets.

What to Buy in Cambodia

Khmer Silk – The soft and beautifully designed Khmer silk is sold like hot cakes across the country. There are two kinds of Khmer silks: the old silk made years ago and the new silk produced in nowadays. They share the same quality but not the price.

T-shirts – Of course this item is the favorite souvenirs in any tourist destination. Bringing home a t-shirt featuring the famous Angkor Wat or other Khmer symbols is kind of cool. Price ranges from $2~5 depending on the quality and where you get.

Paintings – Cambodia has never lack outstanding artists. You don’t have to go to galleries to get great paintings because the one you find in the streets is also a stunning work. It’s also good to support the local artists who don’t have the privilege of specific galleries.

Handicraft, Statues and Gemstones – The Cambodians are endowed with genuine skill of making handicraft and the ancient traditions were handed down from generation to generation. Delicate carvings, Buddha statues bas-reliefs (just as those you find at the enclosure of Banteay Srei) are available in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. No one would deny the temptation of colored Cambodian gemstones. In Siem Reap you can see jewelers selling sapphires and rubies. It’s advised do some homework about gems before you decide to pay.

Prices displayed are usually fixed, but in other cases, bargaining is recommended.

Cambodian food draws on the same rich culinary traditions as neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, with a noticeable leaning towards fish – as you might expect from a nation at the delta of the mighty Mekong River.

Cambodian pepper and cardamoms join more familiar Southeast Asian ingredients such as curry pastes (kroeung in Khmer), lemongrass, chilli, kaffir lime leaves, Asian basil and galangal as flavourings for stir fries, stews and soups. Prahok – a pungent seasoning made from fermented fish – is another much-loved seasoning.

The foundation of any Khmer meal is rice, either sticky rice, or the fragrant jasmine rice grown in paddy fields across the nation. Vietnamese influence manifests itself in the form of noodle soups such as kuy teav, while the French legacy is obvious from the popularity of coffee and the nom pang (baguette sandwiches with pork) served as snacks across the country.

Specialities:

Prahok: Fermented fish paste, used as a seasoning for stir fries, but never for soups.

Fried tarantula: A speciality of Skuon in North Cambodia, and a popular dining dare for travellers.

Amok: As the most well-known Cambodia food, Amok is a staple curry dish made from fish (or can be replaced with chicken), which is cooked in banana leaves with coconut milk and Khmer curry paste. In both local cookshop and upscale restaurants you can find this dish easily.

Babor: Rice porridge with chicken broth often served with an omelette or dried small fry.

Kuy teav: Rice noodle soup with pork stock, thought to originate from China. It comes topped with all sorts of vegetables, garnishes and meat cuts and is a popular breakfast.

Bai chha: Khmer fried rice with sausage, pork, garlic and herbs.

Kralan: Sticky rice flavoured with sugar, beans and grated coconut, steamed inside a bamboo pole.

Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef in a lime, salt and pepper sauce, often served with fried potatoes and an egg.

Mee katang: Cantonese-style wide rice noodles cooked with meat and vegetables in oyster sauce.

Nom banh chok: It’s the loved Khmer noodles that most westerners miss it so much when they return home. The rice noodles are topped with green fish gravy and green bean, banana flowers and other vegetables. The locals usually have it as breakfast, which costs less than a dollar in Phnom Penh everyday in street stands.

Pleah sach ko: Beef ceviche with peanuts and garlic, in a lime and palm sugar dressing.

Balut: Fertilised duck eggs, served as a snack; you’ll see them sold all over the country, but with a whole chick inside. It’s an acquired taste.

Fresh coconut juice: A refreshing and popular beverage.

Green tea: China’s influence again.

Rice wine: Often served infused with spices as sombai.

Beer: Angkor and Anchor are the lagers to look out for.

Golden muscle wine: Made from herbs and deer antlers (yes, really).

 

Tips for Dining in Cambodia

1. Western-style restaurants or cafes can be found in major tourist cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Some of them also offer Asian cuisine to widen your meal choices.

2. Tipping usually is not expected but is appreciated a lot. The amount of tipping depends on the quality of service you get. $5~10 is among the right amount we suggest.

3. Sometimes drink could cost more than food. Check the price before you order a dozen of beer.

4. Street food is inviting (except the scary part), but you’d better look out whether it’s clean or not. Choose the stand with less flies hovering about. If you intend to try the local food, turn to our tour guide for advice.

5. Staff in most restaurants is capable of speaking English, and our guide will be at your assistance.

6. Aspara show with dinner is a must-do in Siem Reap.

7. Family eating on the wood floor of the house is traditional for Cambodian people. Be prepared to join them once the invitation is sent.

Cambodia locates in the southwestern part of the Indochina peninsula, about 20 percent of which is used for agriculture. It lies completely within the tropics with its southern most points slightly more than 10° above the Equator. International borders are shared with Thailand and the Laos on the West and the North, and Vietnam on the East and the Southeast. The country is bounded on the Southeast by the Gulf of Thailand.

Inland area: 181,035 Km2

Length: 450 Km

Width: 580 km at the widest point.

Located on the South Eastern peninsula of what was known as Indochina, Cambodia shares its borders with Thailand to the West, Thailand and Laos to the North and Vietnam to the East. The Gulf of Thailand lies to the Southwest. The country has a coastline of 435 km and the two dominant topographies varying from coastal plains to mountain ranges. The dominant features of the Cambodian landscape are the large, almost generally located, Tonle Sap (Great Lake) and the Bassac River Systems and the Mekong River, which crosses the country from North to South. Surrounding the Central Plains which covered three quarters of the country’s area are the more densely forested and sparsely populated highlands, comprising: the Elephant Mountains and Cardamom Mountain of the southwest and western regions; the Dangrek Mountains of the North adjoining of the Korat Plateau of Thailand; and Rattanakiri Plateau and Chhlong highlands on the east merging with the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Cambodia has 15,7 million inhabitants with an average density of 80 inhabitants/km2. The most populated province and also the largest is Khompong Cham, where 14.1% of Cambodians live. 90% of the population is ethnic Khmer (Cambodian). The rest of the population is made up of Chinese, Vietnamese, Muslim Chams and hill tribe minorities in the Eastern part of the country.

The dominant religion is Theravada Buddhism.

History of Cambodia

Little is known of the early history of Cambodia, although there is evidence of habitation in parts of the country dating as far back as 4000 BC. It is also known that Chinese and Indian traders exchanged goods with people living on the coasts of present-day Cambodia and Vietnam as early as the AD 1st century.

According to Chinese chroniclers, a Hindu kingdom known as Funan flourished between AD 300–550, but the power of this trading empire declined for reasons unknown and their territories were claimed by the Chenla dynasty, which was divided into two parts – Land Chenla and Water Chenla – in the 8th century. During this period Cambodian power spread westwards into parts of Thailand.

Cambodia’s golden era came with the arrival of the Khmer dynasty, which ruled from the 9th to the 15th centuries and made the kingdom of Kambuja (from where modern-day Cambodia gets its name) one of the most powerful in Asia. The Khmer established their most famous capital at Angkor, founded as a Hindu spiritual centre but later converted to Buddhist worship.

A long period of decline followed, before the country fell under French colonial control in the 1800s. Independence was finally achieved in 1953, coinciding with the French being driven from Vietnam, after which Norodom Sihanouk was appointed king. His first reign lasted until the 1970s, when a coup d’etat by the prime minister led to Cambodia being caught up in the Vietnam War. American air raids on Cambodia played a direct role in the rise of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, who seized control after a brutal insurgency in 1975.

During the four years of Khmer Rouge rule, tens of thousands of people were executed in a systematic campaign of genocide, targeting academics, the wealthy, the educated, city dwellers and even people who wore glasses. In 1979 the Vietnamese army captured Phnom Penh and occupied Cambodia, which was renamed the People’s Republic of Kampuchea.

Following UN intervention, Sihanouk returned to the throne in 1993, before abdicating in 2004 in favour of his son, Norodom Sihamoni. In the subsequent elections, the left-wing Cambodian People’s Party came to wield most of the power, led by prime minister Hun Sen. The most important ongoing issue facing Cambodia is the clearance of land mines and unexploded ordnance left behind from American bombing and the civil war, which continue to kill hundreds of people every year.

 

Cambodia Culture

Religion: 95% of the population are classified Buddhist (Theravada), the remainder are Muslim and Christian. Buddhism was reinstated as the national religion in 1989 after a ban on religious activity in 1975.

Social conventions:

Sensitivity to politically-related subjects in conversation is advisable. Avoid pointing your foot at a person or touching someone on the head, as it’s considered insulting. Women should keep their shoulders covered and should not wear shorts when visiting pagodas.

Photography: Permitted, with certain restrictions such as the photography of military installations, airports and railway stations. It is considered polite to ask permission before photographing Cambodian people, especially monks.

 

Language in Cambodia

Khmer is the official language and spoken by 95% of the population. Chinese and Vietnamese are also spoken. French was widely spoken until the arrival of the Pol Pot regime and is still taught in schools. English is commonly spoken in Cambodia. It’s estimated that over 50% of the population are conversational in English, but travellers in rural areas may find in hard to communicate in smaller villages. Learning a few basic Khmer words will get you far, and earn you respects from the locals.

Cambodians are always celebrating a festival of some sort, heading out to the pagoda with family and friends or taking off for the provinces; unsurprisingly, festivals are the busiest times for shopping and travelling.

The most significant festival of the year is Bonn Chaul Chhnam (Khmer New Year; April 13 or 14), when families get together, homes are spring-cleaned and people flock to the temples with elaborate offerings. Bonn Pchum Ben (late Sept), or “Ancestors’ Day”, is another key date on the festive calendar. Families make offerings to their ancestors in the fifteen days leading up to it, and celebrations take place in temples on the day itself.

Marking the start of the planting season in May, the ceremony of Bonn Chroat Preah Nongkoal (Royal Ploughing Ceremony), held at Lean Preah Sre park in Phnom Penh, combines animism, Buddhism and plenty of pomp. It begins with chanting monks asking the earth spirits for permission to plough. Then ceremonial furrows are drawn, rice is scattered and offerings are made to the divinities. The most important part of the ceremony, however, is what the Royal Bulls choose when offered rice, grain, grass, water and wine. Rice or grain augur well; water signifies rain; grass is a sign that crops will be devastated by insects; and wine, that there will be drought.

Though it has been cancelled for the last few years, the Bonn Om Toeuk (early Nov) water festival has traditionally been celebrated when the current of the Tonle Sap River, which swells so much during the rainy season that it actually pushes water upstream, reverses and flows back into the Mekong. The centre of festivities is Phnom Penh’s riverbank, where everyone gathers to watch boat racing, an illuminated boat parade and fireworks.

Buddhist offering days (exact dates vary according to the lunar calendar) are also colourful occasions: stalls do a roaring trade in bunches of flowers that are taken to temples and used to decorate shrines at home. Lotus buds – the traditional offering flower to the Buddha – are artistically folded to expose their pale-pink inner petals, while jasmine buds are threaded onto sticks and strings as fragrant tokens.

 

Calendar of public holidays

January 1 International New Year’s Day

January 7 Victory Day, celebrating the liberation of Phnom Penh from the Khmer Rouge in 1979

February (variable) Meak Mochea, celebrating Buddhist teachings and precepts

March 8 International Women’s Day

April 13/14 (variable) Bonn Chaul Chhnam (Khmer New Year)

April/May (variable) Visaka Bochea, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and passing into nirvana of the Buddha

May 1 Labour Day

May (variable) Bonn Chroat Preah Nongkoal, the “Royal Ploughing Ceremony”

May 13–15 (variable) King Sihamoni’s Birthday

June 1 International Children’s Day

June 18 Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s Birthday

September 24 Constitution Day

Late September/early October (variable) Bonn Pchum Ben, “Ancestors’ Day”

October 15 King Father’s Commemoration Day, celebrating the memory of Norodom Sihanouk

October 23 Anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords

October 29–November 1 (variable) King’s Coronation Day

November 9 Independence Day

Early November Bonn Om Toeuk, “Water Festival”

December 10 UN Human Rights Day

Cambodia is now at peace and is safe again for tourists to visit. In Phnom Penh watch out for pickpockets, also by begging children. Do not venture out in the city after 10 pm. Keep all your valuables at the hotel safe. Upcountry stay on the roads and paths. There are still many landmines buried in the countryside.

Health

Inoculation for yellow fever is a legal requirement for entry into Cambodia by people coming from an infected area. There is otherwise no vaccination required, but visitors are advised to receive inoculations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus and to make sure whether anti malaria treatment is necessary depending on the region they travel to. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have good hospitals staffed with foreign medical personnel, however for life threatening injuries it is advisable to be evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore and we strongly recommend that you arrange medical travel insurance.

Security

Cambodia is a fairly safe country though there are places late at night to avoid, but then that is the case anywhere in the world. There are pickpockets and bag snatching, often from motorcycles so be careful. If you do not need some of your valuables with you then keep them in a safety deposit box. You need to be aware that duplicate keys may exist so you should question reception in your accommodation if you have any doubts. It is worth photocopying everything as well.

There is a level of corruption within the police and often you may need to bribe someone for help. Police do not have any great presence after sundown in tourist areas anyway. If you are sensible you will avoid trouble and therefore have no need of them.

There are scams relating to border crossings and the cost of visas that are worth bearing in mind. In all cases you should need to keep calm. If you are able to provide US dollars rather than local currency then it is more difficult for scammers to overcharge you. The dollar price will be advertised on signs so you should not be caught out

On good Cambodia tours you are not likely to come across this problem. Nor will you require any assistance from anyone around the border area because you will have a guide accompanying you who will help with all formalities.

Without a doubt, the Angkor Wat is the hottest tourist attraction in Cambodia, many travelers head straight to Siem Reap for a short stay then leave after appreciating this wonder. However, if you give a few more days to Cambodia, this land will surely offer you a more inspiring and unforgettable travel experience in return. From the historical and cultural essence in Phnom Penh, laid-back atmosphere floating around local market at Battambang, to the white-sand beaches and relaxed off-shore islands in Sihanoukville, the country just won’t let you down.

Please click on the city name for more details

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap (Angkor)

Battambang

Tonle Sap Lake

Kompong Chhnang

Kampong Cham

Sihanoukville

Pursat

Kep

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