| TRAVEL FACTS CAMBODIA
THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA
Rea: 181,035 sq km
Population: 11,426,223
Capital: Phnom Penh.
Ethnic Groups: Khmers (96%). Minorities include Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer Islam, Tumpoun, Kreung, Kra Chok, Kavet, Brao and Jorai.
Religion: Buddism became the official national religion in 1975. Others include Hinduism, Islam and Vietnamese Caodaism.
Official language: Khmer.
Currency: Riel.
GEOGRAPHY
Cambodia is bordered by Thailand to the north and west, Laos to the north and Vietnam to the east, with the Gulf of Thailand forming to the southern border.
The two dominant topographical features of the country are the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap Lake (Great Lake). The Mekong which originates in Tibet flows for 486 km through Cambodia before continuing on into the South China Sea via Vietnam. In Phnom Penh, it splits into the Upper River (the Tien Giang in Vietnamese) and the Lower River (Hau Giang). The rich sediment deposited during the Mekong's annual wet-season flooding has made the land very fertile for agriculture. The majority of Cambodia's streams and rivers flow into the Mekong -Tonle Sap basin.
The Tonle Sap lake is linked to the Mekong River at Phnom Penh by a 100 km long channel known as the Tonle Sap River. From mid-May to early October (the rainy season) the level of the Mekong River rises, backing up the Tonle Sap river and causing it to flow north west into the Tonle Sap lake. During this period the Tonle Sap lake swells from 3000 sq km to over 7500 sq km; its maximum depth increases from about 2.2m to more than 10 m. As the water of the Mekong River falls during the dry season, the Tonle Sap river reverses its flow, draining the waters of the lake back into the Mekong River. This extraodinary process makes the Tonle Sap lake one of the world's richest sources of freshwater fish. It is estimated that the lake provides a livelihood for about 40% of the Cambodian population and its fish provide almost 60%of the country's fish intake.
The vast majority of Cambodians live in the central part around Tonle Sap lake and the Upper Mekong Delta. Extending onward from this aluvial plain are thinly forested transitional plains with elevations of no more than about 100 m above sea level.
Cambodia's highland is in the south west between the Gulf of Thailand and Tonle Sap lake. Pursat Province is where you will find the country's highest mountain, Phnom Aoral ( 1,813m).
In the northeastern corner of the country the transitional plains give way to the Eastern highlands, a remote region of densely forested mountains and high plateaus extending eastward into Vietnam's Central Highlands and northward into Laos.
Back top CLIMATE
The two monsoons in the country greatly affect the rural calendar of Cambodians. From November to February the cool, dry northeastern monsoon carries relatively little rain whereas the southwestern monsoon carries up to 80% of the country's rainfall between the months of May and October.
Maximum daily temperatures range from the high 20s in January to more than 40 0 C in April. Daily minimum temperatures are usually no more than 10 0 C .
CLOTHING
Traditionally, sarongs (made of cotton, a cotton-synthetic blend or silk) are worn by both men and women and is most evident in the countryside. Most urban Khmer men dress in trousers and many women dress in western-style clothing.
On formal occasions such as religious festivals and family celebrations, women often wear hols, a type of shirt, during the day. At night they change into single-coloured silk dresses called phamuongs, which are decorated along the hems. If the celebration is a wedding, the colours of such garments are determined by the day of the week on which the wedding takes place.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Cambodian cuisine is closely related to that of its neighbors Thailand and Laos and, to a lesser extent, Vietnam. There are,however some local dishes too. The overral consensus is that Khmer cooking is similar to Thai cooking but with fewer spices.
A traditional Cambodian meal almost always includes a soup, or samla which is eaten at the same time as other courses. Samla machou banle is a popular fish soup with a sour flavour rather like the hot and sour dishes of neighboring Thailand. Other soups include samla chapek ( ginger-flavoured pork soup), samla machou bangkang ( prawn soup) and samla ktis ( a fish soup with coconut and pineapple).
Cambodian 'salad' dishes are also popular and delicious although quite different from the western concept of a cold salad. Phlea sach ko is a beef and vegetable salad, flavoured with coriander, mint leaves and lemon grass. These herbs find their ways into many Cambodian's dishes.
Like all other Buddhist countries, vegetarian food is readily available and ordering in a restaurant shouldn't pose any problems as there is a separate vegetarian page in most menus.
It is not advisable to drink tap water in any South East Asian countries. Bottled water is recommended (approx. R1000) but do check the expiry date before opening it.
Ice is widely used in Cambodia and it is produced with treated water, but the transportation of it in huge blocks often involves dragging it along the ground therefore, cold water in freezers should be ordered to avoid any stomach upsets.
Besides the international beers there are the local brands such as Angkor Beer, which is produced by an Australian joint venture company based in Sihanoukville. Angkor Stout is the only local bitter beer in Cambodia. You can find these together with Tiger, Heneiken and San Miguel in all restaurants in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and other tourist sites.
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HEALTH
Your health is more at risk in Cambodia than most other parts of South- East Asia due to poor sanitation and a lack of effective medical treatment facilities. If you fall seriously ill in Cambodia you should return to Phnom Penh, as it is the only place in the country with decent emergency treatment. Pharmacies in the large towns are remarkably well stocked and you don't need a prescription to get your hands on anything from antibiotics to anti-malaria. Prices are very reasonable, but do check the expiry date as some medicines may have been on the shelves for a long time. Don't let this make you unnecessarily paranoid. Travel health depends on your pre-departure preparations and general level of health. While the potential dangers can seem quite frightening, in reality few travelers experience anything more than upset stomachs.
We strongly recommend you have adequate medical insurance before arriving in Cambodia. In the event of a medical emergency we recommend you contact the following:
House 161, Street 51, Sang-Kat Boeung Peng,
Khon Doun Penh
Phnom Penh
Admin Tel (855) (23) 216 911
Admin Fax (855) (23) 215 811
Clinic Tel (855) (23) 216 911
Clinic Fax (855) (23) 215 811
Email contact: sos@bigpond.com.kh
The International SOS Phnom Penh Clinic specializes in delivering 24-hour medical in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. In cooperation with International SOS' global network, International SOS Cambodia coordinates services on a global basis for travelers when they require assistance. International SOS Cambodia has access to charter aircraft within Cambodia for domestic and international services.
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WHAT TO PACK
As trekking is not very popular in Cambodia you should try to pack as little as possible. A frameless or internal-frame pack is recommended to deal with crowded travel conditions and is also more comfortable when walking. We suggest the following pre departure checklist for Cambodia.
 Photocopy of passport, documents including vaccination certificate, photocopy of marriage licence and student identification card, visa photos.
 Money belt or vest, padlock, day-pack.
 Long pants, short pants, long sleeved shirts, T shirts, nylong jacket, socks, thongs or sandals, swimwear.
 Umbrella or rain poncho, rain cover for backpack.
 Sunglasses, contact-lens solution.
 Deodorant, shampoo, soap, razor, razor blades, shaving cream, sewing kit, spoon, sunhat, tampons, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, nail clippers, tweezers.
 Compass, Swiss army knife, leak-proof water bottle, alarm clock, camera and accessories, extra camera batteries, short wave radio, Walkman, address book, pens, notepad, torch (flashlight) with baterries and bulbs.
 Mosquitoes repellent, sunscreen, vitamin, laxatives, condoms, contraceptives, medical kit.
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CURRENCY
The official Cambodian currenry is known as the Riel . The Cambodian riel has been relatively stable and the current exchange rate is approximately 3,930 riel to US$ 1. American dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia and even preferred in larger stores and supermakets. However,the riel is more practical and economical to use for smaller, day -to day items such as buying fruits and vegetables and paying moto drivers,etc.
Banks now change all major currencies with relatively little hassle. Tourists with traveler cheques are advised to cash them at the bank as few shops and other outlets have facilities to change them and those that do may charge a high commission.Several banks do permit cash advances on major credit cards.The Naga Cacino in Phnom Penh is open twenty four hours as is the bank on the first level, where one can go if in need of urgent cash. Higher rates will however be charged. The Diamond Hotel on Monivong Boulevard and the Walkabout Hotel on Pasteur (24hours) also give cash advances on visa accounts.
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ELECTRICITY
Electricty is 220V,50Hz . Power cuts in the capital are rare these days and all major hotels and restaurants have their own generators.Electricity sockets are generally two-pinned, as electrical wiring in Cambodia is not earthed .Three pin adaptors can be bought at electrical shops or in the markets.
VISAS
Obtaining a Cambodian visa nowadays is quick and easy. Visitors arriving by air can buy a one -month visa on arrival at both Pochentong and Siem Reap Airport. However, for travelers arriving overland from Thailand via Poi Pet, Banteay Meanchey Province, or Kok Kong Province, it is advisable to obtain a visa in advance. Travelers arriving overland from Laos and Vietnam must obtain a visa in advance as they cannot be obtained at the border.
A tourist visa costs just US$20 and can be extended for one month at a time for up to three months. A business visa costs US$25 and can be extended indefinitely. Two passport photographs should be submitted with the visa application form. According to the Ministry for Foreigners, a sticker type visa endorsement will soon replace the current rubber stamp. This is scheduled for implementation within the next few months.
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VISITING TEMPLES AND PAGODAS
The Khmer are a tolerant people and may choose not to point out improper behavior to their foreign guests, but you should dress and act with the utmost respect when visiting Wats or other religious sites (including the temples of Angkor). This is all the more important given the vital role Buddhism has played in the lives of many Cambodians, especially in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge holocaust. Proper etiquette in pagodas is mostly a matter of common sense.
Unlike Thailand, a woman may accept something from a monk, but she should be careful not to touch him as she does so. A few other tips include:
 Don't wear shorts or tank tops
 Remove your hat when entering the ground of the Wats.
 Remove your shoes before going into the vihara (sanctuary).
 If you sit down in front of the dais (the platform on which the Buddhas are placed), sit with your feet to the side rather than in the lotus position.
Never point your finger - or, nirvana forbid the sole of your feet -towards a person or a figure of the Buddha.
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DOS AND DON'TS
There are some other rules that are worth remembering while you are in the country:
Getting angry and showing it by shouting or becoming abusive is extremely impolite and a poor reflection on you. In addition, it is unlikely to achieve much. If things aren't being done as they should, remember that there is a critical shortage of trained people in the country because the vast majority of educated Cambodians either fled the country or were killed between 1975 and 1979.
As in Thailand, it is improper to pat children on the head.
If you would like someone to come over to you, motion with your whole hand help palm down -signalling with your index finger and your palm pointed skyward may be interpreted as being sexually suggestive.
When using a toothpick, it is considered polite to hold it in one hand and to cover your open mouth with the other. When handing things to other people, use both of your hands or your right hand only, never your left hand (reserved for toilet ablutions!).
TIME
Cambodia, like, Vietnam, Thai and Laos, is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time or Universal Time Coordinated (GMT/UTC). Therefore when it is midday in Cambodia it is 10pm the previous evening in San Francisco, 1am in New York, 5am in London and 3am in Sydney.
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BUSINESS HOURS
Government offices, which are open from Monday to Saturday, theoretically begin the working day at 7 or 7:30 am, breaking for a siesta from 11 or 11:30am to 2 or 2:30pm and ending the day at 5:30pm. However, it is a safe bet that few people will be round early in the morning or after 4pm.
Banking hours tend to vary according to the bank, but you can reckon on core hours of 8:30am to 3:30pm.
There are an incredible number of public holidays and festivals that close down offices.
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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
During public holidays and festivals, banks, ministries and embassies close down, so plan ahead if visiting Cambodia during these times. These institutions also seem to take holidays on Christmas Day, New year's Day, the Day for Remembering the Victory over the Genocidal Regime on 7 January and Chinese New Year, so all in all they spend a fair number of days on holiday each year. The festival of Cambodia takes place according to the lunar calendar so the dates vary from year to year.
Chaul Chnam
Held in mid -April, this is three-day celebration of the Khmer New Year: Khmers make offerings at Wats, clean out their homes and exchange gifts of new clothes. It is a lively time to visit as, like the Thais, Khmers go wild with water and talcum powder leaving a lot of bemused tourists looking like plaster cast figures! It is not the best time to visit the temples of Angkor as half the population of the country turns up there and you will find yourself with no peace to explore the temple.
Chat Preah Nengkal
Held in early May, this is the Royal Ploughing ceremony, a ritual agricultural festival led by the royal family. It takes place near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
International Workers' Day
1 May
P'chum Ben
Held in late September, it is a kind of all soul's day, when respects are paid to the dead through offerings made at the waters' edge.
His Majesty the King's Birthday
30 October to 01 November
Bon Om Tuk
Held in late October or early November, this celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap river (with the onset of the dry season, water backed up in the Tonle Sap lake begins to empty into the Mekong, in the wet season the waters reverse). This is one of the most important festivals in the Khmer calendar and a wonderful time to be in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, as boat races are held on the Tonle Sap river and the moat around Angkor wat.
Independence Day
09 November
Chinese Lunar New Year
The Chinese and Vietnamese inhabitants of Cambodia celebrate their New Year in late January or early to mid -February - for the Vietnamese, this is Tet. Because Chinese and Vietnamese run many businesses in Phnom Penh, commerce grinds to a halt around this time.
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POST AND TELECOMMUNICATION
Post is now routed by air through Bangkok, which makes Cambodia a much more reliable place from which to send mails and parcels. Telephone connections with the outside world have also improved immensely, though they are not cheap.
Most hotels in Phnom Penh will allows you to make local calls free of charge. Numbers starting with 011, 012, 015, 017 or 018 are mobile phone numbers.
There is no directory inquiries service in Cambodia. Some hotels have telephone directories for the capital if you need to track down a number.
International phone calls are easy to make if you have a phone card. Phone cards come in denominations of US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 and US$100. Charges are not cheap in Cambodia unless you call at weekends when you may get up to 20-30 % discount.
Collect calls are a hassle but a home country direct service has been set up for some countries. Home country direct calls allow you to either reverse the charges or have the call charged to a Telstra or AT& T telecard.
Faxes are more costly than anywhere else. The cost is about US$4-US$6 per page.
Internet access is available in all major tourist places at a cost of US$2 per hour, although it is not as fast as you would expect.
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AIRPORT TAXES
Pochentong International Airport
Domestic departure: US$6.
International departure: US$25.
Siem Reap Airport
Domestic departure: US$6.
International departure: US$25
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