Cambodia Travel Guide

Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy

Head of State King: His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni

Prime Minister: Sam Dech Akkak Sena Moha Padei Techo Hun Sen

Population: 14 Million

Ethnic Khmer: 90%

Religion: Theravada Buddhism

Official Language: Khmer

Second Official Language: French

About Cambodia

Geography

The kingdom of Cambodia lies in the tropical zone that is situated in Southeast Asia and located in the Southwestern part of the Indochina peninsula. The country’s land size is 181 035 square kilometers, which is relatively small compared to its neighbors. The country is bordered by Thailand and Laos on the North, by Vietnam on the East and Southeast and by the Gulf of Thailand and Thailand on the West. Much of the surface of the country is a low land area, which is bounded by mountain ranks and plateaus physically shaped like a pan. Cambodia is also centralized by Tonle Sap Lake ‘Great Lake,’ which is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia and is traversed by the Mekong River, 500 kilometer from North to South.

Climate:

The Cambodian climate is dominated by two monsoons, which create two seasons.  These seasons are dry season, which is from October to April and the rainy season from May to September.  During the rainy season is rains most afternoon and rarely in the morning.

The temperature in Cambodia averages about 27 - 28ºC, but in the rainy season it changes to 20 to 27ºC.  The hottest month is April at which time temperatures tend to reach as high as 35ºC. In January, the coldest month in Cambodia, temperatures can be expected at around 20ºC. The best time to visit Cambodia and Angkor temple is between October and March, however a visit in April also offers the visitor a chance to enjoy Khmer New Year.  The best time for photographers is sometime during July and August, however, Cambodia can really be visited most of the year round and still be enjoyable.  For the best discounts, the rainy season will offer the best discounted packages.

Population & People

The majority of the population in Cambodia is Khmer having inhabited the area since 1500 BC. The population in Cambodia is about 14.3 million with 96 percent of that number being Khmer, four percent being Vietnamese, Charm Muslims, Chinese or other. 

The life expectancy of a male in Cambodia is 62 years old with the female life expectancy being 66 years old.  This is mostly due to the conditions in which living in poverty in rural as well as the result of war has brought on in this country.  Cambodia’s population was devastated by war and genocide from 1970 until 1989, the time of the Khmer Rouge with the country’s mortality declining to zero with as many as 2 million people being killed unjustly during that time.  After the time of the Khmer Rouge people did move back into the towns and these areas have been growing since 1980.

Language

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia and was originated from India. Khmer is spoken by over nine million people with Sanskrit & Pali being the root of the language.  Khmer has been written and used since the seventh century.   

All languages spoken in Cambodia is Khmer. Chinese, French and especially English are also spoken and understood 

Culture 

 The most notable thing about the Khmer culture is clapping hands and bowing to respect one another. Clapping hands is at the forefront a symbol of praying to Buddha, however if the hand is just touching the chin then it means a respect for a person of the same level. The common phrase to use is “Chum Reap Sour.” If a hand is touched to the nose it is a sign of respecting ones parents and older people.

Clothes is also important for women, Khmer wear long sleeve shirts or skirts at home and wear the traditional silk suit when involved in a joint ceremony. Traditionally, Khmer women like to stay home or go out with their parents. These women never allow a man to touch their body at any time either, until they are married.   

Dos & Don’ts:

When you visit the local houses or pagodas in Cambodia take both your shoes and hats off as a sign of respect.

Visitors should not speak loudly in sacred places including ancient or modern temples.

You must wear long trousers to enter temples.

Do not point to another person with one finger.

Remember to smile when you are meeting locals.

Do not sit at the top of the staircase when climbing to people’s homes.

Do not touch someone’s head, including children.

Religion

There are many religions in Cambodia including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism and Hinduism. The majority of the population followers of Buddhism either ‘Theravada’ or Hinayana, and this is the state religion. Buddhism has been established in Cambodia since the second century. During the reign of king Jayavarman VII (1181-1218), Mahayana Buddhism was the dominant religion in the Khmer Empire. Hinduism was a famous religion, which was also respected during Angkor Time and also powerful in the 12^th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II (1113-1150).

Visas

Visitors may obtain Visas directly at the International Airport. There are two airports, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. A Visa will cost 20 USD and requires one ID-size photo. Visas may also be obtained at the border of Thailand and Cambodia at Poitpet, Koh Kong and Vietnam visitors may obtain Visas at Ho Chi Minh City before reaching the Cambodia/Vietnam border (Moc Bai).

Some nationalities are not allowed to obtain Visas at the airports.  These are citizens from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Bangladesh.  These visitors should apply for a Visa in advance by visiting www.mfaic.gov.kh.

AIRPORT TAXES:

International flight taxes from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are $25 per person. Local flight taxes from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are $6 per person.