CAMBODIA IN BRIEF
Destination Profiles
Cambodia
is a captivating kingdom, with an unrivalled wealth of
history and architecture. Nowhere is this better symbolized
than at the majestic temples of Angkor, a timeless testament
to the ingenuity of the Khmer people. Beyond Angkor lies the
vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, gateway to the remote
north-east, a land of hill tribes, wildlife and bold
landscapes, and the south coast with hidden beaches and
empty islands.
About Cambodia
 Since
the election of a democratic government in 1993, Cambodia
has welcomed tourists with open arms. In the last few years,
the country has opened up with the coming of peace and it is
now possible to visit many more attractions than in the
past. Many of these destinations are unknown to the outside
world, helping the visitor feel as much an explorer as a
tourist.
Cambodia is justly famous for its magnificent temples, but
will soon be renowned for its abundant natural attractions
and empty beaches. The tourist infrastructure in Cambodia
has developed tremendously in recent years, including the
opening of quality hotels and restaurants and the upgrading
of roads and transport links, both within the country and to
neighboring countries. Cambodia is more accessible today
than at any time in the past three decades and a journey
here is a journey to a land of timeless grace and charm.
Government
A
Constitutional Monarchy was instituted under the
leadership of HM King Norodom Sihanouk, following
democratic elections in 1993. A coalition government led
by Prime Minister Hun Sen (CPP) and Prince Ranariddh (FUNCINPEC)
rules the country as a result of those elections.
Population
and People
Cambodia's
population is 13 million and growing fast. Khmers make
up 90 percent of the population, while a variety of
other ethnic groups make up the rest. They include a
diversity of peoples, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cham, and a
number of tribal groups such as the Kreung, Tampuon,
Kuoy and Jarai among them.
Language
Cambodia's
national language is Khmer, which is also referred to as
Cambodian. English is the first language among young
students, while French is spoken by older people.
Religion
Cambodia's
official religion is Theravada Buddhism. It was
introduced in Cambodia in the 12th century. It is
enhanced by traditional animist beliefs and Brahmanism
practices long imported from India to form a very
Cambodian religious system. There are also 500,000
Muslims, mostly of Cham origins.
Geography
& Climate
Occupying an
area of approximately 181,000 sq km, Cambodia is
bordered to the north and west by Laos and Thailand, to
the east by Vietnam, and to the south by the Gulf of
Thailand. Cambodia's climate is characterized by three
distinct seasons. The rainy season extends from May to
October. It is followed by a short, cool dry season from
November to January, which develops into a hot dry
season from February to May. Average daytime
temperatures generally range from 25C to 30C, but can
drop to 20C during the coolest months and hit 40C during
the peak of the dry season.
Local
Time
Local
time is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus seven hours
Health
Precautions
No
vaccinations are required for entry into Cambodia.
However, it is recommended that all visitors be inoculated
against typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B. It is
not wise to drink tap water. Prescription drugs are
easily obtainable in urban areas. Precautions against
malaria, such as doxycycline or larium, are not
necessary for Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, but are
recommended when visiting remoter provinces. Travelers
should consult their doctor or travel center before
leaving for Cambodia.
Food
Rice
and fish are the staple diet for most Cambodians. Local specialties
include curries, a variety of soups, and traditional beef,
pork and poultry dishes. Fresh seafood is also available.
Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine are also common to
Cambodia, as is a variety of western cuisine which can be
found in abundance in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Electricity
All urban areas have minimum electricity (220 volts).
Many places are equipped with private power generators.
Most sockets found in hotels are French style two-pin.
Shopping
Cambodia
offers a wide range of handicrafts, such as beautiful
silverware, pottery and jewelry. Religious themes and
scenes of daily life feature strongly in oil paintings
and intricate carvings made from sandstone, marble and
some of Cambodia's tropical hardwoods. Perhaps most
attractive to visitors are the wide range of traditional
silk and cotton cloths which can be made into fine
clothing by local tailors at a low cost. In true Asian
tradition, open marketplaces are an integral part of
Cambodian life. These markets sell everything from
mainstream and exotic foods, clothes and electrical
appliances, to hundreds of krama, the multi-purpose
scarf worn by many Cambodians. Even for non-shoppers,
the markets offer a fascinating glimpse of Cambodian
daily life and culture.
International
Flights
There
are now two international gateways to the Kingdom of
Cambodia. Pochentong International Airport serves the
capital of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International
Airport acts as a newly popular portal to the temples of
Angkor. Both airports are being comprehensively
upgraded.
Airlines currently servicing Cambodia include local
carriers Mekong Airlines, Royal Phnom Penh Airways and
Siem Reap Airways, as well as international carriers
Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Silk Air, Malaysia
Airlines, Dragon Air, Lao Aviation, Shanghai Airlines,
Eva Air and Vietnam Airlines.
Direct flights to Cambodia are available from Bangkok,
Saigon, Vientiane, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur,
Guangzhou, Taipei, Shanghai and Danang.
Domestic
Services
Domestic
flights are available between Phnom Penh and a number of
provincial destinations. Most popular is the Siem Reap
route, but it is also possible to fly to Battambang,
Stung Treng and Ratanakiri. Koh Kong and Mondulkiri are
unreliable services.
Airport
Taxes
US$15 for international flights from Phnom Penh and Siem
Reap.
US$5 for domestic flights from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
US$4 for other domestic flights.
Passports
& Visas
One-month tourist visas are issued upon arrival at
international airports, costing US $20. A valid passport
and one passport photograph is required.
Currency
The Riel is Cambodia's official currency (US $1 = 3900
riel ), but US dollars are widely accepted. Most hotels
accept international credit cards such as Visa and
Master Card and Travelers checks can be easily cashed.
It is advisable for guests to use a combination of cash
and Travelers Cheques for convenience.
|
Festivals & Public Holidays |
|
International
New Year |
January
1 |
|
International
Women's Day |
March
8 |
|
Khmer
New Year |
April
13-16 |
|
International
Workers’ Day |
May
1 |
|
Visak
Bochea (Buddha's Birthday) |
May
21 |
|
Royal
Ploughing Ceremony |
Early
May |
|
International
Children's Day |
June
1 |
|
Constitution
Promulgation Day |
September
24 |
|
Pchum
Ben (Festival of the Dead) |
Late
September/Early October |
|
Paris
Peace Agreement |
October
23 |
|
King's
Birthday |
October
30-01 Nov |
|
Independence
Day |
November
9 |
|
Water
Festival |
November |
|
Human
Rights Day |
December
10 |
|
