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Country &
Population
The Cambodia , a big and powerful Empire in the past, is
now a small Kingdom in Indochina with a surface of 181,035
km2 and a population of 11,426,223 people. It
is bordered by the Lao P.D.R. and Thailand to the North,
Vietnam to the East and South, Thailand and the Gulf of
Siam to the West.
Cambodia, located in the heart of Southeast Asia, is
arguably the jewel of the region. Undiscovered for
centuries, its wealth of natural beauty and rich heritage
continue to amaze and astound, with Angkor, the world
renowned cultural heritage site dating back to the
earliest days of cultured civilization, attracting
visitors from all over the world.
Towering over the surrounding tropical forests, Angkor Wat
exists as one of this planet's last great unexplored
tourist destinations. Situated amongst one of the world's
greatest irrigation systems close to the Tonle Sap Lake.
Angkor is simply incomparable. Not only did the skilled
and hardworking Khmers build Angkor Wat and the
architecture different but equally stunning Bayon, Banteay
Srei, and Ta Prohm temples, but also more than 100 other
impressive monuments and temples in and around the ancient
capital.
Cambodia assaults the senses leaving memories of a once
mighty country that stay in the mind undiminished by the
passage of time. The sights and sounds of a unique land
with a tragic past captivate more and more people every
year and offer a genuine experience for all whom are
fortunate enough to discover Cambodia.
Without doubt, with its inherited wealth, Cambodia, has
enormous potential for tourism, either as a single
destination or part of an lndochinese tour, especially for
those wishing to escape the tourist traps of the world or
discover one of the great cultures of the world that
should rank alongside that of Egypt and the other world
renowned destinations. Though still in its infancy, the
tourism sector is attracting investors from both domestic
and international who are venturing into this market,
evident by the international standard facilities becoming
available.
Passport & Visa
Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. For US$ 20,
all travelers can obtain a tourist visa valid for 30 days
upon arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. A
passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of
your visit and one passport photo is needed. Visitors
arriving overland from Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam at the
Bovet border crossing, or from Thailand at Trat (Hat Lay
border crossing) or Aranyaprathet ( Poipet border
crossing) must obtain a visa which clearly indicates their
entry point prior to reaching the Cambodian border.
Customes & formalities
Airport tax is US$ 1,0 per passenger on domestic flights
and US$ 10 per passenger on international
flights.Regulations are relaxed and simple formalities
should be observed when entering the territory. Every
traveler has to complete immigration and customs
declaration forms during the arrival flight and must
submit them on arrival. Any mount of foreign currency can
be brought into Cambodia, but the mount of Cambodia
currency must not exceed 100.000 riels per person.
Tourists and non- resident carrying over USD 10.000 in
cash or its equivalent must declare it to ensure they will
be allowed to take out with them the amount declared. The
immigration formalities are quicker when travelers already
possess their visa. Upon leaving the country, luggage will
be X-rayed in Phnom Penh airport and inspected in Siem
Reap.
Currency
The local currency is the Riel, however, in Phnom Penh and
most major tourist destinations, almost all goods and
services are calculated and paid for in the US currency.
The rate of exchange (at time of printing) is
approximately 3,900.- Riels to one U.S Dollar. Credit
cards are excepted only at a few place such as major
hotels, restaurants owned by foreigners and souvenir shop.
Travelers cheques and currencies other than US Dollars are
accepted only by major banks it is best to carry U.S
Dollars in small domination.
Climate
Cambodia can be visited throughout the year. The
climate is tropical and distinguishes three major seasons.
The most pleasant season is the dry season from November
to March during which temperatures are cooler (average
20-28oC). The host season last from March to
June (average temperatures 28-35oC) and the
rainy season from May to early October. Note also that
Siam Reap is in general cooler than Phnom Penh.
Heath
Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry
to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are
advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization
clinic regarding protection against malaria typhoid,
tetanus, hepatitis A & B. Any essential medications should
be brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be
available in Cambodia.
International flights
The direct flights to Phnom Penh are available from
Bangkok, Guangxhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Kulalumpur,
Singapore, and Vientiane. Dragonair, Laos Aviation,
Bangkok Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Royal air Cambodge,
Silk Air, Thai Airways International, Vietnam Airlines and
President Airlines are currently serving Phnom Penh. At
this time visitors can get into Siem Reap by direct
flights from Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok.
Royal Air Cambodge or President Airlines accept domestic
flight booking up to one year in advance but they do not
confirm flight number or flight times at the time of
getting reservation. Full details of flight will only be
confirmed when tickets are purchased. At this time most of
flights to and from Siem Reap are operated by ATR 72s and
Boeing 737s. Only Royal Air Cambodge is granting
passengers an allowance of 20 kg per person on domestic
flights. Finally acting as intermediary Dragon Travel is
unable to guarantee exact flight times and flight number
that clients demand.
Language
Khmer is the official language, inherited from the Mon-
Khmer family, enriched by the Indian Pali and the Sanskrit
languages. There are various dialects spoken in areas
outside Phnom Penh. English is the second language,
followed by French even though they are not widely spoken
except in the capital.
Public holiday
Nov 9 : Independence Day
Jan 1 : International New Year
Jan 7 : Victory over Khmer Rouges
Mar 8 : International Women Day
May 1 : International Labor Day
Jun 18 : Queen’s birthday
Oct 30- Nov 1 : King’s birthday
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Cambodia, but is nonetheless
widely practiced in hotels and restaurants in addition to
the service charges shown on bills. (Porters, 1,000 Riels
per bag.)
Airport tax
US$ 20 per international passenger for flights from Phnom
Penh, US$ 8 per international passenger for flights from
Siem Riep and US$ 10 per domestic passenger for flights
from Phnom Penh and US$ 4 per passenger for domestic
passenger from all other airports.
Business hour
GMT + 7 hours.
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