Cambodia

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is undoubtedly the jewel of the region, with its majestic Khmer temples some of the most alluring sights in all of Asia. Unveiled to the world after many centuries, its rich natural beauty and cultural heritage continues to amaze, astound and attract visitors from all over the world. The sights and sounds of this inimitable land with a tragic past captivates more and more tourists every year and offers an unforgettable holiday experience for all those who have come to discover Cambodia.

Built over a thousand years ago, Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples are a symphony of engineering and sculpture, with Khmer history writ large across the famed bas-reliefs, telling the world of life, faith, and art during the reign of the God-kings. Cambodia is once again at the top of travelers‘ itineraries, the ideal destination for those seeking to explore the splendor of Asia‘s past, present, and future.

Today, the country is thriving in much-deserved peace, with the nation‘s arts at the forefront of her cultural revival.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Cambodia is divided into 20 provinces and 4 municipalities, including the capital Phnom Penh. A province usually has the same name as its major town. The city of Phnom Penh consists of four urban districts and three outlying districts and has a population of over one million people. During the dry season, many thousands of people move into the city from the countryside to seek work.

Cambodia is the most ethnically homogenous country in South-East Asia. Ethnic Khmer comprise 94 per cent of the population. The two main minority groups are ethnic Chinese (about 4 per cent) and the ethnic Vietnamese (about 1.1 per cent). The Chinese are primarily engaged in commerce, while the Vietnamese are mainly farmers, fishermen and semiskilled workers. Two Islamic communities in Cambodia, the Cham and Chvea, represent 3.4 to 5 per cent of the population. A number of indigenous hill tribes live in the remote north-east of Cambodia. Ninety per cent of Cambodians live in the central lowlands region.

The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. English is the preferred second language, particularly among younger people. French is often spoken by the older generation of Cambodians.

Cambodia’s population is predominantly Buddhist. Theravada Buddhism is a pervasive influence in Cambodian life and was reinstituted in 1989 as the state religion.

Representatives of the Buddhist priesthood are on certain government bodies. Most villages have a wat (temple) and monks are a common sight around the country. Cambodia has a small

Islamic community and a very small Christian community. Astrology is also widely practiced.

VISA REQUIREMENTS & DEPARTURE TAXES

Tourist visas for most nationalities can be obtained on arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports for $20US cash. You will also need one passport photo. Departure tax is currently $25US

MONEY

The official unit of currency in Cambodia is the riel but United States dollars are accepted everywhere.

CLIMATE

Cambodia’s climate, like that of the rest of Southeast Asia is dominated by monsoons, which are known as tropical wet and dry because of the distinctly marked seasonal differences.

Cambodia has a temperature range from 21 to 35 °C (69.8 to 95 °F) and experiences tropical monsoons. Southwest monsoons blow inland bringing moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and Indian Ocean from May to October. The northeast monsoon ushers in the dry season, which lasts from November to March. The country experiences the heaviest precipitation from September to October with the driest period occurring from January to February.

Cambodia has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, can see temperatures drop to 22 °C (71.6 °F) and is generally accompanied with high humidity.

The dry season lasts from November to April when temperatures can rise up to 40 °C (104 °F) around April.

HEALTH

Travelers to Cambodia should take precautions as they would elsewhere. We recommend you consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical centre for up to date health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip, at least one month prior to departure. Medical facilities are limited throughout the country.