Cambodia was once a cornerstone of the great Khmer Empire, which ruled large areas of what is presently known as Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Some of the impressive monuments of that era include the celebrated temples of Angkor. Today the country has an interesting and prosperous culture as well as some fascinating landscapes.Find your travel arrangement to Cambodia, Kingdom of here
Region and City Guides
City:
Facts
Local name
Kampuchea
Capital
Phnom Penh (1,000,000)
Size
181.035 sq km
Principal Languages
Khmer
Principal Religion
Buddhism
Inhabitants
10,500,000
Government
Constitutional Monarchy
Geography
Cambodia borders on Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Three regions are mountainous: the southwestern region, the northern border and the northeastern corner. The remaining regions of the country consist (among other aspects) of fertile lowlands - and a large part is covered by tropical forest. The country is marked by the rainy season in several areas - from November to March in the northeastern region, and from May to October in the southwest.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Cambodia is in December and January, when it rarely rains and the humidity is tolerable. From February to April the heat can become unbearable, and the rainy season lasts from April to October.
Literature
Lonely Planet Cambodia
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
Cambodia uses the metric system
Photography
Photographing other people without permission should be avoided as some may well resent it. At tourist-sights the rules of the particular place should be noted.
Drinking water
Tap water should be boiled before use.
Electricity
In Cambodia, the following current is used:
220V, 50 Hz. Outside of Phnom Penh you can usually only get electricity between 18.30 and 21.30.
220V, 50 Hz. Outside of Phnom Penh you can usually only get electricity between 18.30 and 21.30.
Behaviour
Take care if discussing politics with locals. You should furthermore avoid pointing at anybody with your foot, or touching anybody on their head. Women are advised to dress in clothes that cover the entire body.
Business Hours
Banks are open 7.30 to 11.30 and14.00 to 17.00 (Monday-Friday).
Shops are open 7.00 to 22.00 (Monday-Friday), Some shops close before this, and some shops are open Saturday.
Offices are open 7.00 to 11.30 and 14.00 to 17.30 (Monday-Friday).
Shops are open 7.00 to 22.00 (Monday-Friday), Some shops close before this, and some shops are open Saturday.
Offices are open 7.00 to 11.30 and 14.00 to 17.30 (Monday-Friday).
Food and drink
A meal in Cambodia usually includes a soup before you receive the main course. One of the local specialities is freshwater fish wrapped in spinach and dipped in fish sauce. The French influence on Cambodian cuisine is obvious.
Disabled travellers
Only a few places in Cambodia are organised to accommodate disabled people, and getting around in a wheelchair can be very difficult.
Holidays
New Year's Day, 1 January.
Women's Day, 8 March.
Traditional Khmer New Year, 13-15 April.
The International Worker's Day, 1 May.
The International Children's Day, 1 June.
Constitution Day, 24 September
The Day of Cambodia's Peace Agreement from Paris, 23 October.
The King's Birthday, 30 October - 1 November.
Independence Day, 9 November.
Human Rights Day, 10 December.
Women's Day, 8 March.
Traditional Khmer New Year, 13-15 April.
The International Worker's Day, 1 May.
The International Children's Day, 1 June.
Constitution Day, 24 September
The Day of Cambodia's Peace Agreement from Paris, 23 October.
The King's Birthday, 30 October - 1 November.
Independence Day, 9 November.
Human Rights Day, 10 December.
Accommodation / Hotel
During the last few years a number of new hotels have been built, and it is also possible to find hostels and guesthouses in most areas.
Book your Hotel in Cambodia, Kingdom of here
Book your Hotel in Cambodia, Kingdom of here
Camping
Camping isn't allowed in Cambodia.
The most luxurious hotels can be found in Phnom Penh and Siam Reap, while the rest of the country has cheaper and less luxurious hotels. By now, quite a few new hotels have been built in Cambodia and finding overnight accommodation isn't a problem.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
Guesthouses can be found in most cities and areas, and even if they aren't always in the best condition, they're usually cheap.
Hostels
There are quite a lot of hostels in Cambodia, but not in all regions, so you should check with the tourist agencies in the larger cities.
Local transport
There are quite a few domestic Flights with departures between the major cities in Cambodia. The country's buses are only available in the capital and the suburbs.
Planes
Royal Air Cambodge flies between the major cities on a daily basis, and this is the most complete means of transport if you want to get around the country.
Bus
There are buses in Phnom Penh and its suburbs, and buses between Phnom Penh and Siam Reap. Otherwise there are no long-distance buses.
Trains
The railroad has been wrecked by the war and is still under reconstruction. At the moment, tourists are advised not to try this means of transport. Check with the local tourist agencies for more information.
Taxi
There are taxis in the major cities, both ordinary taxis and bicycle rickshaws. It's a good idea to settle the price before the ride.
car rental
A few car rental companies rent out cars without a driver, but the most common and also safest is to rent a car with a driver. It's a bit more expensive, but it isn't always safe to drive alone, and the Cambodians don't drive very sensibly either.
Boat or Ferry
Most rivers have tour boats. Furthermore, there's a ferry between Phnom Penh and Siam Reap, but you have to be aware that soldiers often show up checking the passengers.
Special conditions
There is an official warning concerning landmines in Cambodia - it is the country with the highest concentration of landmines in the world. You should not travel about on your own, especially at night. It is inadvisable to visit certain regions of the country. British Foreign Office guidelines should be read before traveling to Cambodia.
