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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.

 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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'.
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