| Climate
As a tropical country
Cambodia is bathed in almost all year sunshine and has a high average
temperature of 80'. There are two distinct seasons, the dry and the monsoon.
The monsoon lasts from May to October with southwesterly winds ushering in the
clouds that bring seventy five to eighty percent of the annual rainfall often
in spectacular intense bursts for an hour at a time with fantastic lightening
displays. The dry season runs from November to April averaging temperatures from
80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The coolest and most comfortable for those from cooler
climes is from October to January. - Back to top
Currency
The official currency in Cambodia is
the Riel which come in denominations of 100, 200, 500,1000, 2000, 5000,10,000,
50,000, and 100,000 notes. However, in the major towns and cities US dollars
can be freely spent though travelers are recommended to use smaller
denomination notes, as change may be difficult. Most places will refuse old,
tatty, or damaged US bills. Due to the economic problems in the region the
currency has slipped from 2500 to the US dollar to around 3700 to 3900 to the
US dollar at the time of publication meaning Cambodia is an even better value
for money tourist destination than before. Popular local and international
currencies can be exchanged openly and freely and there is no black market.
Major credit and charge cards are only accepted in a few places so travelers'
checks or cash are recommended. -
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Electricity
220 volts, 50 cycle
alteration currents - Back
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Entertainment
There is a large choice of entertainment
venues around Phnom Penh from lively nightclubs to quieter social venues to
karaoke bars and fully licensed casinos. For those interested in cultural
offerings there is traditional Cambodian music and dance, especially the
graceful and popular Apsara dancing which dates back to the Angkorian period,
the Russian trained royal ballet, performances of classical Western music and
the French Cultural Centre offers something different every night from dance
to theatre to cinema and music. Bars and nightclubs are widely available
especially overlooking the river. One such place is the Foreign
Correspondents' Club, an interesting meeting spot for expatriate residents and
foreign visitors. In addition, many international hotels provide live
entertainment for their guests such as jazz pianists and vocalists singing
contemporary ballads. Cambodia's guests are never short of anything
interesting to do regardless of taste and personal preference. - Back
to top
Food &
Water
It is advisable to drink only bottled of
boiled water. Never drink tap water. Rice and fish are the main staple of the
typical Cambodian diet though many dishes are prepared with beef, pork or
chicken. Seafood is abundant in coastal areas with shrimps and crab amongst
the favorites. Local specialties include Amok (fish cooked in coconut milk)
and a variety of soups and curries similar in taste to though not in spiciness
to Thailand. Phnom Penh is truly cosmopolitan with Chinese, Japanese, Korean,
Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Nepalese, Indian, Turkish, Mexican, French,
Western and other restaurants dotted around the capital. - Back
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Health
All visitors to Cambodia should have up to
date inoculations as recommended by their doctors. Visitors should take
preventive measures against mosquitoes as in any tropical country, especially
medical evacuation cover is recommended, as international healthcare is
minimal, especially in rural areas. There are some state-owned and private
hospitals, where qualified Cambodian and Foreign doctors work.
 Except
for transit passengers not leaving the airport, vaccination is required
against: yellow fever, if arriving within 6 days from infected areas.
Recommended: Malaria prophylaxis. Malaria risk, mainly in the malignant (P.faiciparum)
form, exists throughout the year in the whole country except in the Phnom Penh
area and close around Tonle Sap. Malaria does however occur in the tourist
area of Angkor Wat.
P.
faiciparurn highly resistant to chloroquine and resistant to
suffadoxine-pyrimethamine reported. Resistance to mefloquine reported in
western provinces (see Terms & Definitions). Recommended prophylaxis: MEF,
in western provinces, DOX. For a current list we strongly suggest you check
with your local county health department and your personal doctor. - Back
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Hours of
Business
Government offices:
7:30 am to 11:30 am and 2 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Business
offices:
8:00 am to noon and 2 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Shops: 8
am to 8 pm, 7 days a week.
Banks: 8 00 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday.
Markets: 6 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week .. - Back
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Language
Khmer is the national and
official language, but French and English play also an important role in
communication and education. The Cambodian language, Khmer, is part of the
Mom-Khmer family and has its origins in Pali and Sanskrit. It is spoken all
over the country except in some tribal areas where local indigenous languages
are used. In larger towns and cities English is spoken by an increasing number
of educated people.
French is spoken by some of the older members of society and Chinese by many
of the business people. All facilities catering to tourists employ
English-speaking staff who often speak several other local and international
languages including German, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and even Russian.
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Population
Cambodia's total population is about 10.7
million inhabitants. As an agricultural country, 85% of this population is
rural. The largest ethnic group is the Khmers (90%). In the other minority
groups the largest are Cham (Khmer Islam) and Vietnamese. There are also a
significant number of Chinese descendants who dominate the business community
and indigenous minority groups of Hmong, Pong, and Tai amongst others who are
collectively known as Khmer Leu. - Back to top
Religion
Though abolished during the Pol Pot regime
the official religion is Theravada Buddhism. 90% of the inhabitants are
Buddhist, but liberty of faith is not prohibited - about 5% of the population
believes in Islam and Christianity. Theravada Buddhism is also practiced in
Laos, Thailand, Burma, and Sri Lanka. It was introduced to Cambodia in the
12th Century by King Jayavarrnan VII, where it replaced Hinduism. Much of this
is in evidence at Angkor Wat where Buddhist statues sit atop Hindu plinths.
- Back to top
Shopping
Cambodia is widely
recognized as being associated with beautiful carvings though many of the
artisans were executed during the Pol Pot regime. Cambodia is home to some of
the most exquisite religious sculptures in the world, many of which command
extraordinary prices on the world market. Woven silk products are highly
popular, as are basketry, gold and silverware, and all kinds of jewelery made
from precious stones including the famous Pailin rubies.
Also
to be found are traditional musical instruments, paintings, and ornate stone
rubbings taken from the temples. Customers should use caution every time you
buy gold and gems. - Back
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Transportation
There are direct flights
to the capital of Phnom Penh from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur,
Singapore, Hong Kong, Vientiane, and Guangzou. All of these cities serve as
gateways to Cambodia meaning Cambodia is easily reached from further afield.
Cambodia
can also be reached by road from Thailand and Vietnam. Another exotic way, to
reach Cambodia is by river boat or sea cruise. Direct flights exist from
Bangkok to Siem Reap, the home of Angkor Wat, and schedules have been expanded
to twice a day. Vietnam Airlines has recently opened a direct line between Ho
Chi Minh City and Siem Reap several times a week. For touring in the city,
there are rental cars, cyclo-pousses and motorbike taxis.
- Back to top
Tipping
Tipping for good service
is not expected but is always appreciated in a country where the average
annual income is only around 200 USD. It is customary, though not compulsory,
to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters
should also be tipped. - Back
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