First Information When Traveling Cambodia with
Vietnam Pathfinder

++ Landscape
About half the size of Vietnam, Cambodia’s landscape is a blend of rice paddies, sugar palm plantations and remote jungles. While most visitors come to see the marvels of Angkor Wat, Cambodia offers plenty of natural beauty for those willing to explore

Bordering the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest, Cambodia offers some lovely beaches, while the north and northeast are mountainous. Life in Cambodia has always revolved around two bodies of water: the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. Tonle Sap, the name of which means ‘Great Lake’, is linked to the Mekong at Phnom Penh by the 100km-long Tonle Sap River. During the summer rainy season, the Mekong rises to the point that water flows into the Tonle SapRiver, causing it to change direction
and flow back towards Tonle Sap Lake.

++ Climate
Two monsoons dictate Cambodia’s climate. From November to April, a north-eastern monsoon brings cool air but little rain, while a south-western monsoon, which occurs from May to October, causes heavy winds and rains. During the summer rainy season rains tend to take place in the late afternoons.

+ + People
Cambodia is the most ethnically homogeneous nation in Southeast Asia. More than 95 percent of its 11 million citizens are ethnic Khmers. Chinese Cambodians form the largest minority group, followed by Cham Muslims. Remote mountain areas are home to a number of smaller ethnic groups.
The dominant religion is Hinayana Buddhism.

+ + History
The Kingdom of Funan covered much of present-day Cambodia from the first to sixth centuries, to be replaced by the even more powerful Kingdom of Angkor in the eight century. The legacy of this era is what draws most visitors to Cambodia; from the ninth to 13th centuries Angkor’s rulers presided over the construction of one of the most astonishing architectural achievements in the world. While more than 100 temples remain, these magnificent structures are but a mere shadow of the fabulous religious
capital that once stood here. Hundreds of wooden palaces, houses and public buildings are long gone.

In 1864 the French added Cambodia to their colonies in Indochina. Independence was declared in 1953. In 1969 the war in neighboring Vietnam spilled over into Cambodia, as American and South Vietnamese troops invaded to attack northern Vietnamese forces that were operating in Cambodia.

On April 17th, 1975, a Cambodian resistance group, the Khmer Rouge, took control of the capital, and proceeded to implement one of the most destructive campaigns of social re-engineering ever recorded. As the Khmer Rouge wished to create a peasant-led, agrarian cooperative, Cambodia’s cities were forcibly emptied and people were resettled in rural labor camps. Anyone with foreign ties or education was liable to be executed. By the time Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1978 and overthrew the Khmer Rouge, between one in four and one in six Cambodians were dead.

In the middle of 1993 the United Nations oversaw elections in Cambodia.
The Khmer Rouge’s leader, Pol Pot, died of natural causes in April 1998.

++ Highlights of Cambodia

At The Capital of Phnom Penh :

Located at the junction of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh has been Cambodia’s capital for most of the last six centuries. It retains a rather dusty, small town feel, with crumbling French colonial buildings, sprawling Wats (as the pagodas are known here), and the imposing Royal Palace.

Brutal legacies of the genocide that occurred under the Khmer Rouge include Tuol Sleng, the one-time school that was used as a torture centre and has now been preserved as a museum, and the Killing Fields, an area nearby were some 17,000 men, women and children were murdered and dumped in mass graves. Not for the faint-of-heart, these sites are sobering
reminders of the Khmer Rouge’s brutality—and the rest of the world’s failure to intervene.

At The City of Siem Reap

To sum up the magnificence of Angkor’s temples in a few lines is impossible. Built between seven and 11 centuries ago the temples—about 100 of which are still standing—were devoted to Buddha and Hindu deities. Within the fortified city of Angkor Thom lies The Bayon, the third tier of which is lined by more than 200 huge, carved faces of that stare down from 54 towers. Other highlights include the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm, which was not been restored and looks just as it did when French explorers stumbled upon it in the 1860s, and Angkor Wat, a vast temple complex dedicated to Vishnu in the early 12th century. Many of the temples are covered with fantastic carvings depicting religious stories and scenes from daily life.

++ Clothing
If your trip to Cambodia includes stops at beaches and mountainous areas, you will need clothes for all temperatures. A swimsuit, sunglasses, a hat, t-shirts, shorts that are not too revealing, long trousers, some light-weight, long-sleeved tops and a light jacket that is wind and rain-resistant will get you through most trips. If you plan to visit mountainous areas in the winter, you’ll need a warm coat. Destinations are higher altitudes can get chilly; choose clothes you can layer. If trekking is on your agenda, you will need sturdy footwear—plus lots of socks. Slip-on shoes or sandals are useful for visits to pagodas or people’s houses, as you’ll save time taking your shoes on and off.

Phnom Penh offers some upscale bars and restaurants, so be sure to pack some clothes and shoes for a nice evening out. Leave your flashy jewellery at home. TOILETRIES & MEDICATION. While imported beauty products are readily available in major cities, you’d be wise to pack staples like sunscreen, contact lens solution, tampons and mosquito repellent, as well as prescription medication. Many medicines are available in Indochina without prescriptions, but they may be out-of date or of poor quality.

++ Important Documents
You should bring a money-belt to safely carry your travel documents and cash, and ensure that your luggage has a lock. Bring photo-copies of your passport and visa, plus some extra passport-sized photos if you’re applying for on-arrival visas. When flying into or within Vietnam, you will probably be given baggage claim tags (they will be stuck to the back of your ticket). Keep these, as you will need to show them when leaving the airport.

++ Books to Read
Reading materials may be hard to find, especially in less-touristy areas, so bring some good books. While cheap, counterfeit CDs are tempting, remember that you may face trouble when you bring these illegal copies home.

++ Film to See
Film is sold in bigger tourist centers, although it may be out-of-date or sun-damaged. Stock up in Bangkok or bring it from home. For peace of mind, skip the cut-price, back-alley photo shops and get your precious pictures developed some place you trust.

++ Good Manners
In Cambodia, revealing clothing is unacceptable off the beach. Shorts are generally fine—as long as they aren’t too short. People tend to dress as well as they can afford to - Khmer people are often astonished by some travelers’ choice of dirty and tattered clothing.

When visiting pagodas and temples, shorts and tank-tops are unacceptable. Your knees and shoulders must be covered. Footwear and socks must be removed in pagodas. Shoes are usually removed upon entering private homes too.

In terms of behavior, public displays of affection between men and women are considered shocking. On the other hand, it’s perfectly normal for a pair of men or a pair of women to link arms or hold hands. Upon meeting someone new, people may simply nod to each other or may shake hands. Using both hands to shake someone’s hand is a warm gesture of respect.

Beckoning someone by crooking your finger is very rude. The correct way to call someone over is to extend your hand with the palm down and flap your fingers towards your wrist. To ask for the bill in a restaurant or shop, extend one hand in front of you with the palm raised and pretend to write on your palm with the other hand.

The majority of men in Cambodia smoke. While flights are non-smoking, very few restaurants or bars offer non-smoking seating.

++ Safety tips
In general, Cambodia is very safe for travelers. Violent attacks are rare, although theft is a problem. When possible, secure your valuables in the hotel safe. Remember to record your traveler’s cheque numbers and credit card info—just in case.

Do not leave your wallet or mobile phone in the back pocket of your pants or anywhere else that’s easily reached (like an outer zip-up compartment on a backpack). Be especially vigilant in markets and other crowded places like ports and train stations.

Pick-pocketing and purse-snatching can be a problem in Phnom Penh. Some thieves approach on motorcycles, grab your belongings and race off before you’ve realized what’s happened. If you ride in a cyclo (pedicab) do not hold your bag in your lap. Sit on it! Wearing valuable jewellery (especially necklaces that can be easily grabbed) is not advisable.

Use common sense and don’t walk alone after dark. There have been many reports of muggings in Phnom Penh late at night, although it seems to have become safer lately. If confronted by a mugger, do not resist. Siem Reap is much safer. You’re always better off skipping cyclos or motorbike taxis at night; ask your hotel or restaurant to call a reputable taxi firm.

Traffic is chaotic, so if you choose to ride a motorcycle or bike, wear a helmet, and when crossing the street on foot, move at a slow and steady pace. Fight the urge to weave and run! Walk slowly, looking up and meeting the eyes of drivers, and the traffic will flow around you.

Wearing a seatbelt in Cambodia is still not common practice – be aware that the vehicles in which you travel won’t be fitted with seatbelts in accordance with current conventions. In parts of Southeast Asia, Myanmar especially, you may have to travel in basic vehicles lacking in luxuries such as air conditioning, but just think of it as part and parcel of exploring these untouched exotic destinations!

++ Angkor Wat pass
Passes to the temples cost $20 for one day, $40 for two-three days and $60 from four days up. You can no longer provide your own photo. One will be taken instead at the entrance to the Wat, but please note that sometimes this causes long queues to enter the complex.

++ Visa requirements
Cambodia: Most nationalities are eligible to receive a one-month visa on arrival at Phnom Penh airport or Siem Reap airport, and the land borders listed below. The cost is $20 for a tourist visa and $25 for a business visa, with a $2-4 often charged to cover administration fees. Bring payment in US dollars and one passport photo. Please be aware that sometimes there can be long queues at the airport when obtaining a visa on arrival. Cambodia electronic-visa can also be obtained by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - Kingdom of Cambodia via the email cambodiaevisa@mfaic.gov.kh - Tel: (855) 23 224 973 - Fax:(855) 23 224 972. They will send you an application form to fill in and just contact them for further instructions

Even when organizing your own visas from home or other countries; it is a local requirement to provide Vietnam pathfinder Travel with your full passport and visa information prior to entering Vietnam. This is also applicable for the airlines to issue the air-ticket and for the hotels to prepare the check-in procedure.

++ Airport arrivals
Please look for the welcome sign with your name and your guide will lead you to the car.

++ Airport security
Please be aware that our courtesy check in service is now limited due to the current world security climate. Some airports will stipulate that you must check in your own bags. We thank you for your understanding on this matter.

++ Luggage allowance

SIEMREAP AIRWAYs (no business class available)
Checked baggage - 20kg per person
Cabin baggage - 5kg per person
Excess baggage charge: US$1 per kg for domestic flights and US$2 per kg
for international flights.

BANGKOK AIRWAYS
Checked baggage - 20kg per person
Cabin baggage – 5kg per person
Excess baggage charge: US$ 2-5 per kg

SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Economy: 20kg checked, 7kg cabin baggage
Business: 30kg checked, 7kg cabin baggage
Excess baggage charge: US$7- 10 per kg

THAI AIRLINES
Economy – 20kg checked
Royal Executive Class – 30kg checked
Royal First Class – 40kg checked
All classes are permitted 7kg cabin baggage
Excess baggage charge: US$5 per kg

VIETNAM AIRLINES
Economy: 20kg checked, 1 x 7kg cabin baggage
Business: 30kg checked, 2 pieces weighing not more than 7kg cabin baggage
Excess baggage charge: US$3 -5 per kg

Departure tax
International - US$25/person
Domestic - US$6/person

++ Immunizations
The following immunizations are recommended for travelers in Southeast Asia. Consult your doctor or local health department to discuss which ones you need:

Diphtheria and tetanus: Combined vaccinations for these two diseases are usually given in childhood and should be boosted every ten years. Hepatitis A: Vaccination provides immunity for up to ten years and involves an initial injection followed by another six months to one Year later.

Typhoid: Vaccination takes the form of an injection or capsules. Meningococcal Meningitis: This vaccine is only recommended for travelers making extended visits to rural, northern Vietnam. Protection lasts for three years.

Rabies: People making longer trips to remote areas should consider rabies vaccination, which involves three injections over a period of three to four weeks.

Japanese B Encephalitis: People on trips of a month or more to areas suffering from recent outbreaks should consider getting this vaccine, which involves three shots over one month.

= = Please note that while malaria is still rare, dengue fever is another disease carried by mosquitoes which is on the increase and commonly contracted by travelers. Although cases usually do not require hospitalization, catching dengue would still ruin your trip. There is no immunization available for the virus – just make sure you always sleep beneath a mosquito net in open-style rooms, and always apply mosquito repellent, especially near water, as dengue mosquitoes bite during the day.***

++ Travel insurance
Trip insurance is highly recommended and please contact www.travelexinsurance. com for further information. Nobody should travel abroad without travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation, hospital costs
and repatriation. You may also wish to purchase a policy to cover lost and stolen belongings.
We also advise that you check carefully policies for trip insurance before purchasing in the event of a cancellation or change to the itinerary, either for personal reasons or due to local events (e.g. adverse weather conditions, flight delay) the extra costs are covered.

++ Money matters
Cambodia’s currency, the Riel, exchanges at a rate of about 3,990 to the US Dollar. US Dollars are welcome everywhere. Credit cards and traveler’s cheques are widely accepted in Phnom Penh and Siem Riep.

Credit card advances for MasterCard, JCB and Visa are available at the
Cambodian Commercial Bank on the corner of Pochentong and Monivong
streets in Phnom Penh.
There are a number of ATMs in the Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. Here are
a few examples and just ask your guide for further help:

PHNOM PENH
Lucky Supermarket - No. 160 Preah Sihanouk Blvd., Phnom Penh
ANZ Royal Branch, Independence Monument.- 100 Preah Sihanouk Blvd.

SIEM REAP
ANZ Royal Agency - Street 125 (near old market)
ANZ Royal Siem Reap Airport

++ Electricity
Electricity in Phnom Penh and most of Cambodia is 220V, 50Hz. Electric
power sockets generally fit two round pins. Three-pin plug adaptors are
sold in markets in Phnom Penh.
In all countries, protect sensitive electronic equipment like laptops from
power fluctuations by using a surge-protector.

++ Country codes
+855

++ Mobile phones
Cambodia uses a GSM mobile phone network, and at present pre-paid SIMs are only available to Cambodian nationals or foreigners with a work permit.

++ Time zones
Cambodia operates on Greenwich meantime +7 hours, so at 12:00 midday in Cambodia, it will be 05:00am in London; 00:00 am (midnight) in New York; 23:00 (the previous day) in Chicago; 21:00 (the previous day) in Los Angeles. Please note this doesn’t take account of daylight saving hours.

++ Internet
There are many cheap internet cafes in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and a couple in smaller towns. Many hotels have internet access, although you might be required to be a fee. Wifi is available but still not very common.

++ Tipping
Below are some suggested tipping guidelines

* For party 01 – 06 passengers
- Driver about US$ 10 per day per party
- Guide about US$15-20 per day per party
- Porter about US$ 5 per time per party
- Restaurant about US$ 5 – US$ 10 per party
- Boat cruise about US$ 20 per party

* For group 07 – 14 passengers
- Driver about US$ 10 – 15 per day per group
- Guide about US$20 – 30 per day per group
- Porter about US$ 10 per time per group
- Restaurant about US$ 10 – 15 per group
- Boat cruise about US$ 30 per group

* For group of 15 passengers up
- Driver about US$ 20 – 25 per day per group
- Guide about US$30 – 40 per day per group
- Porter about US$ 15 per time per group
- Restaurant about US$ 15 – 20 per group
- Boat cruise about US$ 40 per group

Higher-end restaurants will often add a service charge of five to ten percent to the bill. While tips are not expected in more casual restaurants and bars they are appreciated - wait staff earn very low wages.

++ Shopping & shipping
Cambodia is still developing, and so its people can be very persistent when trying to make money, especially around tourists whom they perceive as very wealthy. People will try to overcharge you, but rather than becoming
irritated, join the game and bargain! Khmer people are not ruthless hagglers and smiles and jokes are the best way to agree a good price. It is also recommendable to check prices of the same items in the neighborhood before reaching a deal.

If you being followed by street vendors and do not wish to make a purchase, often the best course of action is say “no” firmly and politely, and continue on your way. Do not hesitate or linger, as this will encourage the seller to try and engage you further.

If you choose to ship items home, we highly recommend that you buy shipping insurance and check the policy details. As shops are not responsible for damages incurred en route, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

  Vietnam pathfinder Travel  cannot accept responsibility for any misrepresented or faulty goods. We do not take responsibility for following up on merchandise that you choose to ship home.

Province Travel Guides in Cambodia

[Siem Reap City ][Phnom Penh City][Kampong Thom Province][Kampong Chhnang Province][Kampong Cham Province][ Battambang province][ Banteay Meanchey Province][Kep City ][Kratie province][Mondulkiri Province][Kandal Province][Koh Kong Province][Prey Veng Province][Oddor Meanchey Province][Pailin City Province][Sihanoukville Province][Takeo province][Preah Vihear Province][Kampot province][Ratanakiri Province][Pursat Province]