About Cambodia

Since the war in Cambodia ended, the country has become a popular tourist destination for global tourists. About Cambodia travel, tourists come to visit places such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia - Tonle Sap. Cambodia has been able to make a good impression of being a friendly country with spectacular natural landscapes, ancient historical sites, and a reasonable travel budget, making it an increasingly attractive international destination.

An Overview of Cambodia: country value and Travel

Cambodia is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. It's one of the oldest nations in Southeast Asia, filled with stunning temples, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes. It's a great place to explore and experience the unique culture and traditions that make the country more unique.

Some facts you need to know about Cambodia Travel

1. As an exciting South East Asian nation, The Kingdom Of Cambodia is bordered by Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north, Thailand to the west, and an ocean coastline to the southwest. 
2. Overall, Cambodia is spanning a total area of 181,035 square kilometers (69,898 square miles), with 2.5% of that being water.
3. The country is home to an estimated population of 16,718,965 people. The capital city of Phnom Penh is a bustling metropolis of over 2 million people. 
4. The largest part of Cambodia's population is Khmer, though there are also small Vietnamese and Chinese minorities. 
5. Khmer is the official language, and Buddhism (Theravada) is the predominant religion. 
6. The currency is the Riel, with 1 Riel equaling 0.00025 US Dollars. 
7. The time zone is GMT +7
8. The electricity is Type A (North American/Japanese 2-Pin) and Type C (European 2-Pin). 
9. The international dialing code is +885.
10. Sending letters from Cambodia is now a breeze, as they can be rapidly delivered via air through Bangkok, which is much quicker than its former methods. 
11. You can effortlessly contact abroad with various telephone connections, although they might be pricey. 
12. Tourists could find internet access in the most visited spots as hotels and restaurants.

Is it safe to travel to Cambodia?

When it comes to travel safety, Cambodia is an excellent destination. In recent years, security in the country has significantly improved, making it a great place to visit for those looking for an authentic cultural experience. The Cambodian people are friendly and welcoming. They own a stunning array of sights and attractions. Plus, Cambodia is easy to get around, thanks to its well-maintained infrastructure..

In the case of taking the necessary precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable time in Cambodia. From the fascinating ruins of Angkor Wat to the lush jungles of Mondulkiri, there are several places to visit. 

So if you're planning a Cambodia trip, do not let safety fears get in the way, and make sure you are well-prepared. With the appropriate information and a bit of common sense, you can make the most of a safe and memorable trip to Cambodia.

It doesn't matter when you plan about Cambodia travel, as each season has its own unique perks. Generally, the climate in Cambodia is always warm and humid. The temperatures mostly hover around 30 degrees Celsius during the day and drop to the 20s in the evening. 

Cambodia travel has two divisions of the season: dry and wet. From November to May, you can expect drier weather conditions, while from June to October, it is more rainfall.

Checklists about Cambodia travel

Before setting off to explore the world, make sure you have all the essentials 

1. Travel insurance, passport (at least 6 months validity from the date of entry)
2. Photocopy of passport
3. Visa or a passport photo and $20 for visa on arrival
4. Foreign currency (US$) and/or ATM card, confirmed tickets.
5. Light and comfortable clothing
6. Umbrella and a raincoat
7. Appropriate shoes for trekking, cycling, or walking
8. Insect repellent
9. Any medications you need, a first aid kit, an adaptor for 220V, and 50Hz plugs
10. A small daypack for day trips and overnight stays
11. A water bottle and a helmet for cycling trips. 

Well-preparing Cambodia travel requirements

Cambodia entry requirements

About Cambodia travel, make sure to have a passport that still has a validity period of six months or more. We advise that you make a copy of your passport and keep it safe or scan it and save the file in an easily accessible email account.

If you wish to take a holiday in Cambodia, you are required to secure a visa for your visit. Entry passes could be acquired from tourist visas online or applied on arrival. Additionally, you will not be required to present a COVID-19 test, full vaccination card, or a health declaration when entering the country via land, sea, or air. However, remote temperature checkers will still be in operation at the entry and exit points.

You can get your Cambodian visa from one of the country's embassies! It is important to remember that you may need documents. Each embassy has its own particular set of requirements, so make sure to check in advance. Generally, you'll need your passport, passport photos, proof of health insurance, and a letter of invitation from a Cambodian business or school. 

The Cambodia Visa and Work Permit Group on Facebook has a template letter ready to use! And while you're there, you can find the exact documents each embassy wants. 

Cambodia visa update

Most of the Covid-19 travel restrictions are removed for those who are vaccinated! 

Citizens of pre-approved countries can be granted T-visas (tourist visas), E-class "ordinary" visas, A-class diplomatic visas, B-class, C-class visas, and K-class visas upon arrival, as well as EB, EG, ER, or ES extensions of stay (EOS).

Touring Cambodia is now more convenient and exciting with the introduction of online tourist visas (T-visas)! The cost is a mere $36, and the processing time is a lightning-fast 3 days. This 30-day VISA is valid for 90 days, giving you some time to plan your trip. You can easily apply for the VISA in advance on the official website, evisa.gov.kh, and you won't have to worry about any extra charges on unofficial sites.

Cambodia travel safety Check

Regarding money: The official currency of Cambodia is Riel, but US dollars are extremely popular and sometimes even preferred. Regarding items valued at less than a dollar, Riel is used in conjunction with USD. You'll find ATMs across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Sihanoukville, all of which distribute US dollars. It's not as easy to find ATMs outside, so a useful tip is to carry cash in small denominations that are in good condition, without any tears or rips. 

There are plenty of gem shops throughout Cambodia, but we recommend steering clear of them. Unfortunately, our guides can not take our guests to these shops. Any purchases you make are at your own risk.

Regarding Cambodia Travel Safety: Cambodia is an exciting and hospitable destination, though you should be cautious when exploring the large cities, particularly Phnom Penh, and keeping an eye on your luggage and wallet. In the capital city of Cambodia, there are numerous reports of bag stealing, even by those on bikes and motorcycles. 

• It is wise to be discreet with your items, especially cash and cameras.
• Always be extra vigilant in dimly lit or more remote areas. 
• If you rent a motorcycle, you should use your own lock to secure it. Some less reputable rental companies have been believed to use their own key to steal the bike and leave the traveler to pay for the exorbitantly high-value estimation.
• In most cases, police aid requires a bit of "facilitation" money in a contest between the victim and the criminal with "connections", making the recovery of the motorcycle difficult.

 Cambodia's culture and traditions

Cambodia owns fascinating history for centuries, heavily impacted by India. Religion profoundly influences Cambodian culture, with the Khmer belief system emerging from the synthesis of local animistic practices and the Indian faiths of Buddhism and Hinduism. The Indian culture, including associated language and arts, was introduced to mainland Southeast Asia around the first century.

Cambodian culture values

Cambodians are renowned for their friendliness and receptiveness. To show politeness, it is better to follow local conventions and standards. Before you embark on your Cambodian journey, it might be beneficial to acquaint yourself with these notices.

When visiting Cambodia, there are some important DOs to keep in mind! 

1. Be polite in asking for permission before taking any photographs of the locals or monks. 
2. Additionally, if you're entering a place of worship (like a pagoda or temple) it's customary to take off your shoes and wear appropriate clothing, covering the upper arms and legs, and to take off your hats. 
3. Show respect by taking off your shoes when entering someone's home. As a sign of respect, you can greet another individual by bowing your head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest, known as "Sampeah". 
4. If you are invited to dine in a Cambodian family's home, do not forget to bring a small gift like fruit, dessert, or flowers. 
5. For a Cambodian wedding, it's customary to bring cash as a wedding gift. 
6. When using a toothpick at the table, you should use one hand to cover your mouth. 
7. And finally, if you are exchanging business cards, make sure to present them with both hands and accept them with both hands as well!

Take note of the following things during your Cambodia travel:

1. Utilize some other body part than the feet to indicate someone.
2. Avoid coming into contact with a Cambodian person's head.
3. As a guest at a dinner, wait until the host has started eating before beginning.
4. Females should never get too close to male monks or hand them something directly.
5. Showing affection in public needs to be kept to an appropriate level.

Cambodia's Traditional Food and drinks

Cambodian food is a fundamental part of their national identity, showcasing the culture and mentality of the Cambodian people in the form of meat dishes and sweet food. 

1. Some of the most famous traditional Cambodian dishes and drinks are: Samlor Kako, a mix of multiple ingredients and spices, including the special Prahok or fermented fish cheese; 
2. Khmer Sour Soup, a refreshing and cleansing soup
3. Khao Poun (a coconut-based sauce accompanied by rice noodles)
4. Amok (fish with coconut milk steamed in a banana leaf)
5. Sach Mon Chha Khnhei (stir-fried chicken with ginger)
6. Somlar Machou Sachko (sour beef stew)
7. Choeeng Chomni Chrouc Chean (fried pork slices). 

These are must-tries when exploring Cambodian culture values

Cambodia Traditional Holiday to follow up

Cambodia's culture and traditions emphasize several spiritual public holidays, observed with great enthusiasm. 

- The most popular is the Khmer New Year, where the festivities last for an entire week from April 14th to the 16th. 

- Pchum Ben, or Ancestor's Day, is the second biggest celebration, typically held in September or October, and it's when Buddhists honor their ancestors.