Cambodian Travel Guide Tips

Before I write about places to visit in Cambodia, I’d like to introduce about the Kingdom of Wonder first. Cambodia or Kampuchea has an official name as Kingdom of Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia with the neighboring counties of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Populations in Cambodia around 14 million in 2009 of 181,035 sq km, 90 to 95% are Khmer, with the remainder being Chinese, Vietnamese, Cham, and other small ethnic groups. The population is largely Buddhist, with around 5% is Muslim but also has Christian Community in Phnom Penh and provinces. The currency of Cambodia is Riel but the US Dollars is working currency in Cambodia. Other hand, weather is also important for tourists. Cambodia has a warm/hot tropical climate that is relatively calm and consistent throughout the year. The average temperature is 27 degree. There are two seasons, the humid and rainy monsoon season which start from June to October and the dry season start from November to May. The coolest period tends to be from December to January.

- Some general information and advice you must know for travel in Cambodia

· Airport Tax: There is an airport tax of $20 upon departure. This tax is usually not included in the price of your air ticket, so ensure that you have $20 spare in cash per person by the end of your trip is payable at the airport.

· Banking: Banks are generally open from 8am to 4pm weekdays and from 8am to 12pm on Saturday but ATMs 7/24. There are ATMs in Phnom Penh, Sihanouk Ville, Siem Reap, and many other provinces. Credit cards are now widely accepted in supermarkets, hotels, shops, and restaurants. It is always best to carry cash in small denominations.

· Social Greetings: Khmer people greet each other with a slight bow and a prayer like gesture called ‘SAMPEAH’, with younger and lower ranked person normally initiating the gesture. For foreigners or business handshakes are acceptable. Khmer people will love and like you more when you say ‘CHOM REAP SURE’ (how do you do) or ‘SOUR SDEY’ (hello) when you asking them about the directions or places.

· Photography: It is polite to ask permission before taking any photo of people. Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installations is forbidden and discretion should be used when photographing people, especially monks.

· Visa: Cambodia Visas can be obtained certain Royal Cambodian Embassy or consulate overseas and they are available on arrival at international airports, all borders crossing with Vietnam and Thailand and the main border crossing with Laos. Citizens of most countries can apply for an e-Visa online. The cost for this is $25; it takes by three working days and arrives via email.

I hope this simple tip is useful for you and other travelers who plan to visit CAMBODIA, The Kingdom of Wonder. Well prepared for this tip you will not disappoint in visiting Cambodia.

I will post more articles about the best places and fun activities in visiting Cambodia. So stay connected with me.

Have wonderful holidays in Cambodia, the country of smile!