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CAMBODIA
Geography
Kingdom of Cambodia is situated in South-East Asia, bordered
to the north by Thailand & Laos, the east & the south by
Vietnam and the west by The Gulf of Thailand. The country is
based on an agriculture in which they collect the harvest
throughout the year.
Cambodia is rich in history, Ancient temples, empty beaches,
mighty rivers, remote forests and beautiful landscape in the
northeast. Cambodia has emerged from decades of war and
isolation and is well and truly back on the southeast Asian
travel map. The successor-state of the mighty Khmer Empire,
which ruled much of what is now Vietnam, Laos and Thailand,
Cambodia boasts a rich culture, a weathered French-era
capital and impressive natural scenery. The peace is young
but the country is slowly attracting the tourism currently
sweeping Vietnam.
Cambodia is justly famous for its magnificent temples, but
is now soon be renowned for its abundant natural attractions
and empty beaches. The tourist infrastructure in Cambodia
has developed tremendously in recent years, including the
opening of quality hotels and restaurants and the upgrading
of roads and transport links, both within the country and to
neighboring countries. Increasing more direct flights to
Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia is more accessible today
than at any time in the past.Country & PopulationThe Cambodia , a big and powerful Empire in the past, is now a small Kingdom in
Indochina with a surface of 181,035 km2 and a population of 11,426,223 people.
It is bordered by the Lao P.D.R. and Thailand to the North, Vietnam to the East
and South, Thailand and the Gulf of Siam to the West.
Cambodia, located in the heart of Southeast Asia, is arguably the jewel of the
region. Undiscovered for centuries, its wealth of natural beauty and rich
heritage continue to amaze and astound, with Angkor, the world renowned cultural
heritage site dating back to the earliest days of cultured civilization,
attracting visitors from all over the world.
Towering over the surrounding tropical forests, Angkor Wat exists as one of this
planet's last great unexplored tourist destinations. Situated amongst one of the
world's greatest irrigation systems close to the Tonle Sap Lake. Angkor is
simply incomparable. Not only did the skilled and hardworking Khmers build
Angkor Wat and the architecture different but equally stunning Bayon, Banteay
Srei, and Ta Prohm temples, but also more than 100 other impressive monuments
and temples in and around the ancient capital.
Cambodia assaults the senses leaving memories of a once mighty country that stay
in the mind undiminished by the passage of time. The sights and sounds of a
unique land with a tragic past captivate more and more people every year and
offer a genuine experience for all whom are fortunate enough to discover
Cambodia.
Without doubt, with its inherited wealth, Cambodia, has enormous potential for
tourism, either as a single destination or part of an lndochinese tour,
especially for those wishing to escape the tourist traps of the world or
discover one of the great cultures of the world that should rank alongside that
of Egypt and the other world renowned destinations. Though still in its infancy,
the tourism sector is attracting investors from both domestic and international
who are venturing into this market, evident by the international standard
facilities becoming available.Passport & VisaCambodia has very liberal visa regulations. For US$ 20, all travelers can obtain
a tourist visa valid for 30 days upon arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
airports. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of your visit
and one passport photo is needed. Visitors arriving overland from Ho Chi Minh
city, Vietnam at the Bovet border crossing, or from Thailand at Trat (Hat Lay
border crossing) or Aranyaprathet ( Poipet border crossing) must obtain a visa
which clearly indicates their entry point prior to reaching the Cambodian
border.Customs & Formalities Airport tax is US$ 1,0 per passenger on domestic flights and US$ 10 per
passenger on international flights. Regulations are relaxed and simple
formalities should be observed when entering the territory. Every traveler has
to complete immigration and customs declaration forms during the arrival flight
and must submit them on arrival. Any mount of foreign currency can be brought
into Cambodia, but the mount of Cambodia currency must not exceed 100.000 riels
per person. Tourists and non- resident carrying over US$ 10.000 in cash or its
equivalent must declare it to ensure they will be allowed to take out with them
the amount declared. The immigration formalities are quicker when travelers
already possess their visa. Upon leaving the country, luggage will be X-rayed in
Phnom Penh airport and inspected in Siem Reap.Currency The local currency is the 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 3,900.-
Riels to one U.S Dollar. Credit cards are excepted only at a few place such as
major hotels, restaurants owned by foreigners and souvenir shop. Travelers
cheques and currencies other than US Dollars are accepted only by major banks it
is best to carry U.S Dollars in small domination.
Climate
Cambodia lies in a tropical zone between 10 and 14 degree of
latitude north the equator. The temperature is fairly
uniform throughout the year and averages 25 degree
centigrade (77 degree fahrenheit). The relative humidity is
higher at night and usually in excess of 90 percent, during
the day the average humidity is 80 percent.
Health Requirement Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to Cambodia, they are
highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel
immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria typhoid, tetanus,
hepatitis A & B. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there
is no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia.
LanguageKhmer is the official language, inherited from the Mon- Khmer family, enriched
by the Indian Pali and the Sanskrit languages. There are various dialects spoken
in areas outside Phnom Penh. English is the second language, followed by French
even though they are not widely spoken except in the capital.Public holidays
| Nov 9 : |
Independence Day |
| Jan 1 : |
International New Year |
| Jan 7 : |
Victory over Khmer Rouges |
| Mar 8 : |
International Women Day |
| May 1 : |
International Labor Day |
| Jun 18 : |
Queen’s birthday |
| Oct 30 - Nov 1 : |
King’s birthday |
Airport tax
US$ 20 per international passenger for flights from Phnom Penh, US$ 8 per
international passenger for flights from Siem Riep and US$ 10 per domestic
passenger for flights from Phnom Penh and US$ 4 per passenger for domestic
passenger from all other airports.Business hours
GMT + 7 hours.CapitalPhnom Penh. Population: 1.17 million (2005).
International flightsThe direct flights to Phnom Penh are available from Bangkok, Guangxhou, Ho Chi
Minh, Hong Kong, Kulalumpur, Singapore, and Vientiane. Dragonair, Laos Aviation,
Bangkok Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Royal air Cambodge, Silk Air, Thai Airways
International, Vietnam Airlines and President Airlines are currently serving
Phnom Penh. At this time visitors can get into Siem Reap by direct flights from
Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok.
Royal Air Cambodge or President Airlines accept domestic flight booking up to
one year in advance but they do not confirm flight number or flight times at the
time of getting reservation. Full details of flight will only be confirmed when
tickets are purchased. At this time most of flights to and from Siem Reap are
operated by ATR 72s and Boeing 737s. Only Royal Air Cambodge is granting
passengers an allowance of 20 kg per person on domestic flights. Finally acting
as intermediary Dragon Travel is unable to guarantee exact flight times and
flight number that clients demand.
Airport TaxInternational departure airport tax is US$ 25 at Siem Reap
Airport
Domestic airport tax is US$ 6.Office Hour
Office Hour starts from 8:00 am to 16:00pm. (except Saturday
and Sunday)Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are in use. Power cuts are
frequent^top^
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