Cambodia

Overview
Cambodia, a country of 13 million inhabitants is an incredibly diverse country, rich in ancient culture. From the incredible ancient temples of Angkor Wat to the unspoiled white sandy beaches along it's coast, there is something here for everyone.
Climate
Cambodia experiences the heaviest rainfall 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 drop to 22 °C and is generally accompanied with high humidity. The dry season lasts from November to April when temperatures can raise up to 40 °C around April. The best months to visit Cambodia are November to January when temperatures and humidity are lower.
Visas
Applications for Cambodian visa can be done online, which takes up to 3 business days to process. E-visas are available if you are arriving at a major airport or border crossing. Alternatively visas can be obtained on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports.
Currency & Money
The Cambodian Riel is the official currency, but US dollars are universally accepted in Cambodia. Given that there are still few ATMs, bring a large quantity of US$1, $5, $10 and $20 bills, and bear in mind that notes in $50 and $100 denominations are hard to use or exchange. ATMs can be found in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Kampot; both debit card withdrawls (Maestro, Cirrus, Plus) and cash advances on credit cards are possible.
Tipping
Tipping varies from country to country and many find it a difficult topic. However this is not the case, tipping is not compulsory and there are no fixed amounts. You can determine how much you would like to tip by how the individual made your tour more enjoyable. As a local rule of thumb it is recommended approximately:
Cuisine
While not as spicy or as varied as food from Thailand or Vietnam, Khmer food is tasty and cheap and is invariably accompanied by rice (or occasionally noodles). Thai and Vietnamese characteristics can be found in Khmer food, although Cambodians love a stronger sour taste in their dishes, especially through the addition of prahok, the famous Khmer fish paste (although for most foreigners this is most definitely an acquired taste!). In addition to Khmer food, there are large number of Chinese restaurants, especially in Phnom Penh and large provincial centers.
Language
Cambodians primarily speak Khmer. Young Khmer prefer to learn English over other European languages and you will find people who speak anywhere from basic to fluent English in major towns and cities. In market situations, most Khmers will know enough English to complete a basic transaction, though many vendors carry calculators into which they punch numbers and show you the screen to demonstrate the price.
Transport
Siem Reap Airways (A subsidiary of Bangkok Airways) operates flights in Cambodia and to and from neighbouring countries. There are 4-6 flights daily from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh which cost around USD $60 one-way.
The three main routes to Phnom Penh (from Siem Reap, Sisophon, and Sihanoukville) are all sealed and in good condition. With buses operating regularly along these routes.
Ferries operate seasonally along many of the major rivers. Major routes include Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
Highlights of Cambodia Angkor Wat
Angkor Archaeological Park, is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Angkor contains the amazing remains of some capitals of the Kher Empire between 9th and 15th century. These include the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations and the famous Temple of Angkor Wat.
Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear is an ancient temple perched on a hilltop with a magnificent view of its surroundings. Predating Angkor Wat by 100 years, the history of the temple or fortress is unclear, but is dedicated to the god shiva in the reign of Suryavarman I (1002-50).
Sihanoukville
Featuring Cambodia's best known beaches. In the 60's, the booming port and its golden beaches soon drew Cambodia's jetsetting elite. These days more and more Khmers and expats have settled down to run hotels, bars and restaurants, and the buzz of what the New York Times dubbed "Asia's next trendsetting beach" is starting to spread far and wide.
Phnom Penh
Located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh is the largest city of Cambodia. A pleasant, relaxed, easy to get around and is a great introduction to Cambodia. Beautiful wide boulevards, fine colonial architecture and a parklike riverfront with cafés and restaurants a plenty help make Phnom Penh a worthwhile destination.
Kratie
Kratie is one of the four provinces in northeastern Cambodia. It is relatively remote and not heavily touristed. Irrawaddy dolphin watching is a very popular activity at Kratie. As there are probably less than 100 or so dolphins left, you may only see them from a distance, though there are sometimes large groups of them frolicking. Watching the sun go down over the Mekong, with a cold beer or a tuk-a-lok (fruit shake) on the riverfront, is one of the joys of a visit to Kratie.
Cambodia, a country of 13 million inhabitants is an incredibly diverse country, rich in ancient culture. From the incredible ancient temples of Angkor Wat to the unspoiled white sandy beaches along it's coast, there is something here for everyone.
Climate
Cambodia experiences the heaviest rainfall 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 drop to 22 °C and is generally accompanied with high humidity. The dry season lasts from November to April when temperatures can raise up to 40 °C around April. The best months to visit Cambodia are November to January when temperatures and humidity are lower.
Visas
Applications for Cambodian visa can be done online, which takes up to 3 business days to process. E-visas are available if you are arriving at a major airport or border crossing. Alternatively visas can be obtained on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports.
Currency & Money
The Cambodian Riel is the official currency, but US dollars are universally accepted in Cambodia. Given that there are still few ATMs, bring a large quantity of US$1, $5, $10 and $20 bills, and bear in mind that notes in $50 and $100 denominations are hard to use or exchange. ATMs can be found in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Kampot; both debit card withdrawls (Maestro, Cirrus, Plus) and cash advances on credit cards are possible.
Tipping
Tipping varies from country to country and many find it a difficult topic. However this is not the case, tipping is not compulsory and there are no fixed amounts. You can determine how much you would like to tip by how the individual made your tour more enjoyable. As a local rule of thumb it is recommended approximately:
- US$10 for your local guide plus about US$5 for your local driver on a full day tour
- US$5 for a fullday with driver
- US$5 per transfer service driver with the transfer representative at your discretion
Cuisine
While not as spicy or as varied as food from Thailand or Vietnam, Khmer food is tasty and cheap and is invariably accompanied by rice (or occasionally noodles). Thai and Vietnamese characteristics can be found in Khmer food, although Cambodians love a stronger sour taste in their dishes, especially through the addition of prahok, the famous Khmer fish paste (although for most foreigners this is most definitely an acquired taste!). In addition to Khmer food, there are large number of Chinese restaurants, especially in Phnom Penh and large provincial centers.
Language
Cambodians primarily speak Khmer. Young Khmer prefer to learn English over other European languages and you will find people who speak anywhere from basic to fluent English in major towns and cities. In market situations, most Khmers will know enough English to complete a basic transaction, though many vendors carry calculators into which they punch numbers and show you the screen to demonstrate the price.
Transport
Siem Reap Airways (A subsidiary of Bangkok Airways) operates flights in Cambodia and to and from neighbouring countries. There are 4-6 flights daily from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh which cost around USD $60 one-way.
The three main routes to Phnom Penh (from Siem Reap, Sisophon, and Sihanoukville) are all sealed and in good condition. With buses operating regularly along these routes.
Ferries operate seasonally along many of the major rivers. Major routes include Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
Highlights of Cambodia Angkor Wat
Angkor Archaeological Park, is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Angkor contains the amazing remains of some capitals of the Kher Empire between 9th and 15th century. These include the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations and the famous Temple of Angkor Wat.
Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear is an ancient temple perched on a hilltop with a magnificent view of its surroundings. Predating Angkor Wat by 100 years, the history of the temple or fortress is unclear, but is dedicated to the god shiva in the reign of Suryavarman I (1002-50).
Sihanoukville
Featuring Cambodia's best known beaches. In the 60's, the booming port and its golden beaches soon drew Cambodia's jetsetting elite. These days more and more Khmers and expats have settled down to run hotels, bars and restaurants, and the buzz of what the New York Times dubbed "Asia's next trendsetting beach" is starting to spread far and wide.
Phnom Penh
Located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh is the largest city of Cambodia. A pleasant, relaxed, easy to get around and is a great introduction to Cambodia. Beautiful wide boulevards, fine colonial architecture and a parklike riverfront with cafés and restaurants a plenty help make Phnom Penh a worthwhile destination.
Kratie
Kratie is one of the four provinces in northeastern Cambodia. It is relatively remote and not heavily touristed. Irrawaddy dolphin watching is a very popular activity at Kratie. As there are probably less than 100 or so dolphins left, you may only see them from a distance, though there are sometimes large groups of them frolicking. Watching the sun go down over the Mekong, with a cold beer or a tuk-a-lok (fruit shake) on the riverfront, is one of the joys of a visit to Kratie.