Welcome to Cambodia, The Kingdom of Wonders

FAST FACT

• Name: Kingdom of Cambodia
• Motto: Nation – Religion – King
• Capital City: Phnom Penh
• Government Constitutional Monarchy
• Language: Khmer (official), English, French
• Population of over 14 millions consist of Khmer (90-95%)
• Religion Buddhism (95%)
• Land Area 181, 035 square kilometers
• Currency Riel, US Dollars are as commonly used as Riel.
• Calling Code 855
• GMT +7 hours.

MAIN TOURIST DESTINATIONS

• SIEM REAP
• PHNOM PENH
• SIHANOUK VILLE

VISA

Cambodia visa can be obtained via:

1. E-visa
2. Visa on arrival
3. Oversea embassies

AIRPORT TAX

• International Airport tax: 25 USD, Children under 12ys: 13USD, Under 2ys: exempted
• Domestic Airport tax: 6USD, Under 2ys: exempted

CLIMATE

• Average temperature : 27oC
• Wet season: May-OCT
• Dry season: Nov-April
• Cool : Dec-Jan

PASSPORT

All visitors entering Cambodia must possess valid passport. Your passport has to be validated for at least six months after this issued date.

AIRLINE TICKETS

You are responsible to reconfirm your airline tickets; some airlines in Asia will not honor your ticket if you haven’t rung to reconfirm each individual sector. Ensure you keep your ticket in a safe place whilst traveling.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE

The local currency is Riel, however, in Phnom Penh and most major tourist destinations, almost all goods and services are calculated and paid for in the US currency. The rate of exchange (at time of printing) is approximately 4,200 Riels to one U.S Dollar. Credit cards, traveler’s checks and currencies other than U.S Dollars are accepted most of places such as major hotels, at some foreigner-owned restaurants and some souvenir shops, etc.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. You will be asked to declare any serious pre-existing medical conditions or allergies at the time of registration. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee that they will be available in Cambodia.We suggest you bring with the Aspirin or paracetamol, Antihistamine , Cold & flu tablets, Diarrhea medication, Nausea medication, Rehydration sachets, Insect repellant, Antiseptic & bandages, Sunscreen & lip balm, Antibiotics (discuss with your doctor) etc.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The Cambodia is regarded as safe country by world standard. Visitors can go around the cities at day and night. However, you have better care for yourself all the time. Throughout your stay, always keep a photocopy of passport, airline ticket and credit card.

FOOD

Rice and fish, together with array of herbs, sauces and spices are the Khmer typical cuisine. Curries and soup with beef, pork, poultry and seafood can be bought from vendors along the street. There is no problem in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. All of the world’s main cuisine is found here such as European, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese, and Halal meal.

CAMBODIA PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

2012

International New Year’s Day
The celebration of New Year’s Eve has become more and more popular in Cambodia, and although not an official holiday, many offices are closed.

• Saturday, 1 January 2012

Victory over Genocide Day
This national holiday commemorates Vietnamese-backed troops taking the capital from the Khmer Rouge in 1979. It marks the end of the Khmer Rouge regime after their defeat to the Vietnamese.

• Friday, 7 January 2012

Chinese New Year
First new moon in the Chinese lunar calendar. An important celebration to Cambodians with chinese origin, however not a public holiday.

• Monday, 23 January 2012

Meak Bochea Day /Magha Puja Day
An important Buddhist holy day, celebrated in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos on the full moon day of the third lunar month in Buddhist Calendar. The month is known in the Thai language as Makha (Pali: Magha). Bucha, also a Thai word (Pali: Puja), meaning to venerate or to honor. As such, Makha Bucha Day is for the veneration of Buddha and his teachings.

• Tuesday, 15 February 2012

Women’s Day
This United Nations-inspired holiday, International day for women has become a big deal. Don’t hope to get anything done.

• Tuesday, 8 March 2012

Cambodian Khmer New Year / Chaul Chnam Thmey
Possibly Cambodia’s most important holiday. The cities empty as Cambodians rush to spend the holiday with family. The holiday lasts for three days beginning on New Year’s Day. This time of the year is at the end of the harvesting season. The farmers enjoy the fruits of their harvest and relax before the rainy season begins. Gifts and tips are especially auspicious during April and should be accompanied with the phrase ‘Sok Sabay, Ch’nam Tmey’ (Happy New Year!)

• Friday, 13 April 2012
• Saturday, 14 April 2012
• Sunday, 15 April 2012

Labour Day
A relatively minor holiday. Embassies advise avoiding large labor-related gatherings and rallies falling on this day as union disputes can occasionally turn violent.

• Sunday, 1 May 2012

Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony
Known in Cambodia as Pithi Chrat Preah Neangkol, this public holiday corresponds to the start of the planting season. Royal astrologers will predict the coming season’s weather.

• Monday, 2 May 2012

HM King Sihamoni’s Birthday
Commemorates the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni on 14 May 1953. The current king was crowned in 2004 after the abdication of his father, Norodom Sihanouk.

• Friday, 13 May 2012

Enjoy Cambodia Holidays 2012 !