MOST ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CAMBODIA
WHAT IS NEW?
Besides the unmissable classic sites already visited, these are some NEW places to REDISCOVER !
The secluded Bantey Chmar temple is located 70 km north of Sisophon, a town close to the border to Thailand and is dating back to the 12th century. The rarely visited temple has been built by Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his sons killed in a battle repelling a Cham invasion in 1177. These Angkor-era temple ruins beyond Sisophon town are the only ones in Cambodia, outside of the Bayon at Angkor Thom and the Preah Khan in Preah Vihar with the large four-face towers.
Sambor Prei Kuk, a pre-angkorian temple site dating back to the 7th century, was known as Ishanapura, the capital of the Chenla kingdom. Probably the most interesting temples predating Angkor, the complex is composed of four groups of temples. These are among the most ancient surviving examples of Khmer architecture. The site is located only 30 minutes by car north of Kompong Thom.
Preah Vihear, the temple complex built on a crest of the Dangkrek Mountains at an altitude of 730 m at the Thai-Cambodian border and now accessible from the Cambodian side as well as from the Thai side is to be seen. The excursion from Siem Reap will be done in 2 days via Along Veng as it takes more than 6 hours to reach Preah Vihear. This amazing site is only accessible by 4 wheel drive and the view from the top of the mountain is simply beautiful and peaceful.
The complex of Koh Ker in the Preah Vihear province in northern Cambodia is propably the most remote temple site in the kingdom. Built in the 10 th century by Jayavarman IV, Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer empire for less then 15 years, before Harshavarman I moved it back to Angkor. It is now possible to reach Koh Ker by car from Siem Reap within three hours. A recently renewed red soil road connects the two former capitals. The temple site is nestled in lush tropical forest and waits to be discovered.
The south coast of Cambodia offers pristine and unspoiled beaches and many small islands scattered in the Gulf of Siam. The most famous coastal towns of Kep and Kompong Som (Sihanoukville) are the perfect places for travelers who wish to finish their visit to Cambodia by a relaxing stay. White sand, blue water, tropical climate, and fresh seafood will welcome those who can either choose to relax on the beach, take a boat trip to the nearby islands or experience snorkeling and scuba-diving. The new Sokha Beach Resort opened its doors and a golf resort project on Occheuteal beach is under development.
Our program to Battambang starting by boat from/or to Siem Reap takes about 5-6 hours from August to March (during the low water period from April to July the boat journey is not possible due to the low level). It is an excellent way to discover the countryside and to observe the daily life along the river, the floating villages and the wildbirds of the Tonle Sap Lake.
Not new but still original : The inundated forest of the Tonle Sap - a fascinating excursion from Siem Reap only accessible by boat - the forest is flooded from the month of June to March and is the natural habitat of numerous wildbirds.
NEW ! In Siem Reap, some new properties, such as Le Meridien, Hotel de la Paix (5 –star), Angkor Village Resort and the Sokha Angkor Hotel (4-star) have opened their doors this year. Besides that there are more than 10 new hotels under construction which should be completed within 1 year.
In Battambang, accommodation offer will be enriched by a new Boutique Hotel. La Villa is an old restored mansion and comes with 6 rooms only. It is owned by a former colleague Line Bouvet and her husband Dimitri. French and Cambodian cuisine will be served in the garden restaurant.
NEW ! Border’s up-date
There was a time you could enter Cambodia only by plane landing in Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom! Nowadays the port of entries open to foreigner are numerous…
Hereunder the different possible options:
By plane: The easiest and fastest way to discover Cambodia!
Pochentong international airport in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airport.
Cambodia is served by an increasing number of regular flights from neighbouring countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, China, Korea). One month visa is available on arrival at the airports. Tourist visa currently costs USD 20 in cash with 2 passport photos. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your visit. Visa application form will be provided on inbound flights or on arrival.
By boat: For a real globe-trotter curious about the local culture and bucolic landscape entering or leaving Cambodia while cruising the Mekong will be an unforgettable adventure! 2 border crossings.
Kha Orm Nor (Chaudoc Vietnam). Cambodian visas available at the border but Vietnamese visas are NOT available. Tourist visa currently costs USD 20 in cash with 2 passport photos. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your visit.
Voeng Kam (Laos). Visas are NOT available at the border. Be sure to get your visa before departure. In case you forgot, you still have the possibility to go to through Dong Krolor checkpoint, some 10 km away.
By road: Those enchanted by rice fields and water buffalos, stilted houses and picturesque countryside views will find arrival or departing from Cambodia by road a scenic and cultural experience. Not to mention the casinos at the border with Thailand, which are worth a visit too!
For Thailand: Popeit, Pailin, Ko Khong and O’Smach checkpoints are now open for foreigners. Cambodian immigration is charging 1000 bahts for a tourist visa (in cash only). Unlike the rest of the country, they usually refuse dollars. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your visit and 2 passport photos are also needed.
For Vietnam: Mocbai, Cambodian visas available for USD 20 in cash but Vietnam visas are NOT available. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your visit and 2 passport photos are also needed. Chaudoc, Cambodian or Vietnam visas NOT available.
For Laos: Dong Krorlor (10 km away from Voeung Kam). Cambodian visas available for USD 25 in cash. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your visit and 2 passport photos are also needed.
The road conditions all over Cambodia have improved a lot in the past year.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL?
From November to March, the temperature is cool with an average of 25 degree Celcius and the humidity is low.
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL? ARE THERE PLACES TO BE AVOIDED?
Since the last national election, a new era of peace and political stability is taking roots in the country, giving the chance to travelers to discover the more secluded places of the Kingdom.
However, there are still some remotes sites where travelers should not go without an experienced local guide.
DO'S AND DON'T'S?
-Never drink tap water. Purified bottled water is available everywhere.
-Use an insect repellent against mosquitos and be careful to protect yourself against dehydration, heat exhaustion and sunburn.
-Eating in hotels and local restaurants booked by Asian Trails is safe. Food served in the streets, at the markets and other small local restaurants is best avoided especially for raw food, peeled or cut fruits and ice cubes.
-Wearing shorts and T-shirts is accepted even in the complex of Angkor. Note however that, for the visit of the Silver Pagoda in the Royal Palace (Phnom Penh), visitors are demanded to dress more formally (long clothes). Shoes are always removed at the entrance to pagodas.
WHAT MONEY SHOULD I TAKE?
The Riel is the local currency but the US Dollar is widely accepted and used in most transactions (4.000 Riel to one USD, July 04). Credit cards, Traveller's cheques, foreign currencies are accepted in hotels and major banks. It is recommended to carry U.S. Dollars in small denomination notes when shopping in the markets. Credit Card Teller machines are now available in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS AND CUSTOM FORMALITIES?
It is easy to obtain a tourist visa (validity 30 days – fee USD 20.-) upon arrival at the airports of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap or at border checkpoints entering Cambodia.
Each traveler has to complete immigration and customs declaration forms and must submit it upon arrival. Tourists and non-residents, carrying over USD 10.000 in cash or its equivalent, must declare it.
Immigration formalities are quicker when travelers already hold their visa. Our land operator representative will meet travelers at the airport or at above-mentioned border checkpoints, after immigration control has been processed.
WHAT LANGUAGE WILL THEY UNDERSTAND?
Khmer is the official language but English is widely spoken in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, followed by French.
HOW ABOUT MY HEALTH?
No vaccinations are required for the entry to Cambodia. Visitors are advised to check in their own country regarding protection against malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A and B.
There is no problem to find a foreign doctor or dentist in Phnom Penh. Siem Reap has a private clinic with international standards.
Foreign medicaments can be easily found in major towns but we strongly advice to take along any prescription medicine with sufficient supplies.
WHAT FOOD WILL THEY SERVE ME?
Khmer cuisine is closely related to its neighboring countries, although it is not as spicy. The Amok (fish prepared with coconut milk and spices) is probably the most famous Cambodian dish. There is a wide variety of dishes such as curries; stir-fried vegetables, noodles and soups. All meals are served with steamed rice. Western food and other Asian dishes are available only in the major cities.
HOW IS THE SHOPPING AND WHAT DO I TIP?
SHOPPING: Markets are the best place for shopping and all prices can be bargained. Cambodia produces an excellent quality of silk, as well as cotton sarongs. The Krama is the traditional checked cotton (or silk) scarf used by local people. It is also easy to find stones, wood copies of ancient Khmer art, metal work, etc. When buying jewelry, visitors should be careful, as gems are often fake...
The export of antiques is subject to approval by the Ministry of Culture.
TIPPING: Major hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge & tax on bills. If not included in the bill, a 5% tip would be appropriate if service was satisfactory. For porters, 1,000 Riel per bag is sufficient.
IMPORTANT BEWARES: Phnom Penh is a nice place to go out in the evening but remember that foreigners are known for carrying more dollars than local people. If you decide to go out on your own at night, it is recommended to ask for a taxi at disposal at your hotel and discuss the price before leaving. As everywhere else mind dark alleys at night time and leave your passport, flight tickets and valuable in the safety box of your hotel!
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COUNTRY IN GENERAL?
See: http://www.canbypublications.com
http://www.embassy.org/cambodia
http://www.phnompenh.gov.kh
http://phnompenhpost.com
http://cambodianews.com
http://cambodiadaily.com
The above information is provided by Asian Trails Ltd.