Cambodia

Cambodia Flag

Why visit Cambodia?

Adventurous traveler seeking ancient temples, archaeological exhibits, art deco, beaches, bicycling, birdwatching, casinos, culture, golf, historic buildings, jungles, monuments, mountains and temples.

(Iconic Tree: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), Unnamed Road, Ta Prohm, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo Credit: James Wheeler/Unsplash

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Candles, ceramics, lacquerware, painted rice wine bottles, scarf, silver plate, soap, spices and wood carvings.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Kdam Chha Mrech Kampot (stir-fried crab). Khor (stew). Kuy Teav (rice soup). Num Banh Chok (rice noodle). Samlar Kakou (soup). Samlar Kari (chicken curry).
  
• Local Drink to Try: Bia Angkor (beer). Rice Wine. Sombai (liqueur). Sra Thnaot Chu (sugar palm wine). Te Khiev (green tea).
  

(Rice Harvest), Cambodia. Photo Credit: Sasin Tipchai/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 802AD, Jayavarman II declared himself king until his death (835AD).
  
• In 1511, Porteguese were known to consider them as flourishing wealth and foreign trade (Longvek).
  
• From 1863-1953, was a protectorate of France.
  
• In 1953, became independent from France.
  
• In 1956, participated in equestrian during the Summer Olympic Games (Melbourne, Australia). 
  
• From 1969-1973, bombed by the United States.
  
• In 1978, invaded by Vietnamese troops.
  
• In 1983,  last recorded sighting of their national animal, wild ox (kouprey).
  
• Since 1985, Hun Sen, Prime Minister, is the longest serving non-royal leader (in Southeast Asia) and plans to continue until age 74.
• Until 1995, judges and lawyers were considered "class enemies" and killed. 
• In 1998, was their last official census recorded.
  
• In 2004, $504 million was pledged from donors.
  
• Eyes are painted on riverboats to scare crocodiles.
  
• One of the highest per capita rates of amputation in the world due to land mines.
  
• In the highlands, people of the Hill Tribe were often sought after by Annamites (Vietnamese) and Siamese (Thai) as slaves.
• Deforestation is rampid due to illegal loggings and land grabbing,
  
• Consistently ranks as one of the most corrupt governments.
  
• Forced land evictions and confiscation is practiced by officials.
  
• Major exporter of fish, garments, rice, rubber and timber.
• Many tourist souvenirs are imported from: China, Thailand and Vietnam.
  
• Agriculturally grows: cassava, dry beans, groundnuts, maize, sesame seeds, soybeans and sweet potatoes.
• Cyclos are unique to the country, cyclists sit behind the passenger seat.
  
• Amongst the Greater Mekong Subregion the female population exceeds the male population (1:6).
• Official language is Khmer. Chinese, French, and Vietnamese are also spoken. English is widely taught in higher education.
  
• Has approximately 4,392 monastery temples.
  
• Traditional krama garment offers versatile uses whether for: bandanna, decorative, face cover, hammock (for children) or scarf.
  
• Coffee beans are often roasted in butter, pork fat (or rum) and sugar which likely differs from your taste buds.
• Microbreweries are slowly expanding in the region.
  
• Women traditionally  are to "walk lightly" with cultural expectations to be caregivers, faithful, financial controllers, modest, soft-spoken, spousal advisors and well-mannered.

Bayon Temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo Credit: stokpic/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Chinese New Year Festival, Hei Neak Ta, (February) Meak Bochea, Siem Reap Puppet Parade, (April) Qingming Festival, (September) Mid Autumn Festival, Silkworm Festival.
  (November) Cambodian Water & Moon Festival and Kite Flying Festival.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Genocide Day, International Women's Day, Khmer New Year, Visak Bochea, Labour Day, Royal Ploughing Ceremony, King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday, Queen Mother's Birthday, Constitution Day, Pchum Ben, Commemoration Day of King's Father, Coronation Day of King Sihamoni and Independence Day.

Floating Village of Kompong Phluk, Cambodia. Photo Credit: Sharon Ang/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Rivers commonly flood during the Rainy Season (June - October).
• Many land mines remain undiscovered, estimated between 4 - 6 million.
  
• Angkor (capital) charges a daily Visitor Fee.
  
• Restaurant sanitization is below our standard.
• Entry requires two passport-sized (4cmx6cm) photographs.
  
• Known to suffer with high rate of hunger, low human development, pervasive corruption, political freedoms and widespread poverty.
• Avoid public affection.
• Driving requires a Cambodian Drivers License, the International Driver License is not valid.
• High crime rate targeting tourists.
  
• Border disputes exist with Thailand concerning maritime boundaries and offshore islands, particular interest to natural gas and oil deposits.
  
• Traffic accidents and deaths are high compared to other countries.
  
• While practiced, prostitution is illegal!
• Criticisms or insults about the Monarchy is illegal between 1-5 years in prison.
  
• Credit cards are not widely accepted, the U.S. dollar however ripped or torn bills are not.
  
• Your camera could be confiscated for photographing airfields, bridges, government buildings or military.
  
• Medical facilities do not meet international standards. Over-the-counter medications is limited.
  
• Dengue, Malaria and Tuberculosis are present.

Phnom Penh (Capitol), Cambodia. Photo Credit: allPhoto Bangkok/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA is required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD (Export of local currency is prohibited.)

Monsoon Season is June - October.

• Best Time to Visit: November - February
• Coolest Months: March - April
• Hottest Months: March - May
• Peak Season: November - February

Royal Palace (Residence), Chey Chumneas, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo Credit: Simon Steinberger/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Angkor, Temple of Preah Vihear and Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura.

Angkor Wat (Temple), Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo Credit: Pexels/Pixabay 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                 

                                         All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.