Since the election
of a democratic government in 1993, Cambodia
has welcomed tourists with open arms. In the
last few years, the country has opened up with
the coming of peace and it is now possible to
visit many more attractions than in the past.
Many of these destinations are unknown to the
outside world, helping the visitor feel as much
an explorer as a tourist.
Cambodia is justly famous for its magnificent
temples, but will soon be renowned for its abundant
natural attractions and empty beaches. The tourist
infrastructure in Cambodia has developed tremendously
in recent years, including the opening of quality
hotels and restaurants and the upgrading of
roads and transport links, both within the country
and to neighbouring countries. Cambodia is more
accessible today than at any time in the past
three decades and a journey here is a journey
to a land of timeless grace and charm.
Government
A
Constitutional Monarchy was instituted under the
leadership of HM King Norodom Sihanouk, following
democratic elections in 1993. A coalition government
led by Prime Minister Hun Sen (CPP) and Prince
Ranariddh (FUNCINPEC) rules the country as a result
of those elections.
Population
and People
Cambodia's
population is more than 14 million and growing fast. Khmers
make up 90 percent of the population, while a
variety of other ethnic groups make up the rest.
They include a diversity of peoples, Chinese,
Vietnamese, Cham, and a number of tribal groups
such as the Kreung, Tampuon, Kuoy and Jarai among
them.
Language
Cambodia's national language is Khmer, which is
also referred to as Cambodian. English is the
first language among young students, while French
is spoken by older people.
Religion
Cambodia's
official religion is Theravada Buddhism. It was
introduced in Cambodia in the 12th century. It
is enhanced by traditional animist beliefs and
Brahmanist practices long imported from India
to form a very Cambodian religious system. There
are also 500,000 Muslims, mostly of Cham origins.
Geography
& Climate
Occupying
an area of approximately 181,000 sq km, Cambodia
is bordered to the north and west by Laos and
Thailand, to the east by Vietnam, and to the south
by the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia's climate is
characterised by three distinct seasons. The rainy
season extends from May to October. It is followed
by a short, cool dry season from November to January,
which develops into a hot dry season from February
to May. Average daytime temperatures generally
range from 25C to 30C, but can drop to 20C during
the coolest months and hit 40C during the peak
of the dry season.
Local
Time
Local time
is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus seven hours
Health
Precautions
No vaccinations are required for entry into Cambodia.
However, it is recommended that all visitors be
innoculated against typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis
A and B. It is not wise to drink tap water. Prescription
drugs are easily obtainable in urban areas. Precautions
against malaria, such as doxycycline or larium,
are not necessary for Phnom Penh or Siem Reap,
but are recommended when visiting remoter provinces.
Travellers should consult their doctor or travel
centre before leaving for Cambodia.
Food
Rice and
fish are the staple diet for most Cambodians. Local
specialities include curries, a variety of soups,
and traditional beef, pork and poultry dishes. Fresh
seafood is also available. Chinese and Vietnamese
cuisine are also common to Cambodia, as is a variety
of western cuisine which can be found in abundance
in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Electricity
All urban areas have minimum electricity (220
volts). Many places are equipped with private
power generators. Most sockets found in hotels
are French style two-pin.
Shopping
Cambodia offers a wide range of handicrafts, such
as beautiful silverware, pottery and jewellry.
Religious themes and scenes of daily life feature
strongly in oil paintings and intricate carvings
made from sandstone, marble and some of Cambodia's
tropical hardwoods. Perhaps most attractive to
visitors are the wide range of traditional silk
and cotton cloths which can be made into fine
clothing by local tailors at a low cost. In true
Asian tradition, open marketplaces are an integral
part of Cambodian life. These markets sell everything
from mainstream and exotic foods, clothes and
electrical appliances, to hundreds of krama, the
multi-purpose scarf worn by many Cambodians. Even
for non-shoppers, the markets offer a fascinating
glimpse of Cambodian daily life and culture.
International
Flights
There
are now two international gateways to the Kingdom
of Cambodia. Phnom Penh International Airport
serves the capital of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
International Airport acts as a newly popular
portal to the temples of Angkor. Both airports
are being comprehensively upgraded.
Airlines currently servicing Cambodia include
local carriers PMT Air and Siem Reap Airways, as well as international
carriers Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Silk Air,
Malaysia Airlines, Dragon Air, Lao Aviation, Shanghai
Airlines, Eva Air and Vietnam Airlines. There are also
several budget airlines, including Air Asia and Jetstar Asia.
Direct flights to Cambodia are available from
Bangkok, Saigon, Hanoi, Vientiane, Hong Kong, Singapore,
Kuala Lumpur, Guangzhou, Taipei, Shanghai and
Seoul.
Domestic
Services
Domestic flights are available between Phnom Penh
and a number of provincial destinations. Most
popular is the Siem Reap route, but it is also
possible to fly to Battambang, Stung Treng and
Ratanakiri. Koh Kong and Mondulkiri are unreliable
services.
Airport
Taxes
US$25 for international flights from Phnom Penh
and Siem Reap.
US$6 for domestic flights from Phnom Penh and Siem
Reap.
Passports &
Visas
One-month tourist visas, costing US$20 and requiring one passport-sized photograph, are available on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports and all land border crossings except the Phnom Den/Tinh Bien border crossing with Vietnam.
It is also possible to arrange a visa through Cambodian embassies overseas or an online e-visa (US$25) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/ Arranging a visa ahead of time can help prevent potential overcharging at some land crossings. However, this e-visa cannot be processed at certain land border crossings.
Anyone planning an extended stay should get a one-month business visa for US$25, as these are easier to renew.
Currency
The Riel is Cambodia's official currency (US $1
= 4000 riel), but US dollars are widely accepted.
Most hotels accept international credit cards
such as Visa and Mastercard and travellers checks
can be easily cashed. It is advisable for guests
to use a combination of cash and travellers cheques
for convenience.
Hanuman is a member of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents and the Cambodian Community-based Ecotourism Network. Hanuman was cited in ‘The Guide to Responsible Tourism in Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam'.
