GEOGRAPHY Cambodia
covers a land area of 181,035 km2in
the southwestern of the Indochina peninsula. The country’s maximum
extent is about 580km (east – west) and 450 (north- south). It is
bounded on the west by Thailand, on the north by Thailand and Loas, on the
east by Vietnam and on the east by south by the Gulf of Thailand.
Administratively, the country composed of 21 provinces, three of which
have relatively short maritime boundaries, 3 municipalities, 183
districts, 1,621 communes, 13, 406 villages. The country has a coastline
of 435km and extensive mangrove stands, some of which are relatively
undisturbed. Cambodia’s two dominant topographical features are the
Makong River, which is almost 5km wide in places, and the Tonle Sap Lake.
PEOPLE The population of Cambodia
today is about 12 million. About 90 percent of the people are Khmer
ethnic. The remaining 10 percent include Chinese-Khmers, Khmer Islam or
Chams, ethnic hill-tribe people, known as the Khmer Loeu, and
Vietnamese. About 10 percent of the population lives in Phnom Penh, the
capital, making Cambodia largely a country of rural dwellers, farmers and
artisans.
LANGUAGE
Khmer is the official language. English and French are
popular second languages.
RELIGION
Theravada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia.
The majority of people are Buddhist and 5% are Muslim or Christian.
The climate can generally be described as tropical. As the
country is affected by monsoon, it is hot and humid with an overage
temperature around 27.C (80.F). There are two distinct seasons: the Rainy
Season and the Dry Season. However, the Dry Season is divided into two
sub-seasons, cool and hot. These seasons are
The Rainy season: From June till October 27-35.C (80-95.f)
The Dry season (cool): From November till February 17-27.C (80-95.F)
The Dry season (Hot): From March till May 29-38.C (84-100.F)
CURRENCY
The local currency is Riel, although the US dollar is
widely accepted throughout the country and in all major markets. In recent
years the rate of exchange has been floating around USD1= 4,000 Riels.
Some popular Riel denominations include: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000
notes.
VISA
& FEE
For most visitors to the kingdom, visa are obtainable upon
arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports in Phnom
Penh and Siem Reap. At land crossing from Thailand, visas are available at
Poipet Banteay Meanchey and Cham Yeam (Koh Kong province). Visitors who
enter from Vietnam through Bavet (VN: Moc Bai) or Ka-Om Samnor (VN: Chao
Doc) will need to have already obtained their visas prior to their arrival
through a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate overseas.
The border crossing from Laos is also possible through Voeung Kham border
checkpoint, but travelers are advised to obtain their Visas prior to
arrival at the border. Please note that other border crossing not
mentioned above are not classified as international checkpoints therefore
we suggest that you secure confirmation before commencing your trip.
Various Visa extension options are also available.
Visa Fee: US$20 of tourist Visas & US$25 for business
Visas. The fee is payable only in cash.
AIRPORT
TAX
For International departures: US$25 from Phnom Penh; US$25
from Siem Reap. For domestic flights: US$6 from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
and US$6 from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
CUSTOMS
Every passengers has to complete an immigration form and a separate
customs declaration form for submission upon arrival. Any amount of
foreign currency can be brought into Cambodia but the amount of local
currency (Cambodia Riel) must not exceed 100,000 riel per person.
TIPPING Although not obligatory, tipping is widely practiced in hotels and
restaurants. In addition to the service charges shown on bills, most
people would leave some extra in the tray.
FOOD
& BEVERAGES
It may surprise some, but Khmer dishes are, typically, not
too spicy for western palate (as can sometimes be the case in Southeast
Asia). In Cambodia the basic meal is almost always built around rice and
usually includes fish, chicken, pork, beef and fresh vegetables.
Freshwater fish is frequently served due to the country's abundant supply
of this natural resource
While selecting from Khmer menus, we suggest you do order
some fish for your meals, especially the popular Amok or Elephant fish
dishes. Chinese, European, Thai and Vietnamese foods are also available in
numerous restaurants in Cambodia's major cities.
Many of the same beverages which are generally offered in
the outside world are readily available including the usual suspects:
canned soft-drinks, beer, and wine (most of them imported). Coca Cola,
Angkor Beer and several others are also bottled here.
HOSPITALS
There are still many state-owned hospitals, where qualified
doctors work. There are also a number of private clinics available in the
major cities and most of these maintain international standards.
PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION
Van and Car rental is recommended for touring in the city
and the outskirts. A few city buses are available on limited roads but
these are irregular and may only be suitable for local people. Cyclos
(pollution-free, human-powered Tricycle-taxis) and motor-taxis are
plentiful, inexpensive, and readily available. We recommend Cyclos for an
"in-touch with the people" experience. These are ubiquitous
within the cities.
Automobile taxis are also available but not nearly as
plentiful (or pollution-free).
HEALTH
REQUIREMENTS
Vaccination is not required for entry into Cambodia, but
Mittapheap Tours suggests you check with doctor as some countries
recommend their citizens be inoculated before embarking on an oversea
adventure.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
There are two gateways for international telephone access
from Cambodia by dialing 001 or 007 followed by the country code and the
phone number.
There are also four cellular phone service provides
offering convenient communication via the GSM system, therefore many
citizens now carry mobile phones. Phone IDD and facsimile are also
available.
INTERNET
It is easy and cheap to access the Internet and email in
Cambodia. There are a plenty of Internet cafes and many are open until
late at night. Currently the charge is between 50cents to $1U.S dollars
per hour, and falling.
BUSINESS
HOUR (local time is GMT plus 7 hours) Most business offices are open from 08:00 till 12:00 and
from 13:00 till 17:00, Monday through Friday. Banks generally operate from
08:00 till 15:00hrs. Most private companies work on Saturday, while
government offices are closed.
SOUVENIRS
FROM CAMBODIA
The Krama (a traditional cotton scarf) is one of the most
popular, typical Cambodian souvenirs. These multi-purpose garments,
similar to a sarong, are used for bathing, cleaning, protection from the
sun and many other purposes in the Khmer life. It is also one of the
national symbols that distinguish Khmer people from their neighbors. Both
cotton and silk Krama are available throughout local markets and souvenir
shops. Ask the seller to demonstrate the proper wearing of the Krama so
you may carry and wear it yourself while sightseeing for a more elegant
and traditional look.