Language: Khmer
Currency: Riel (r) or US dollar
Population: 16 million
Capital: Phnom Penh
Religions: Theravada Buddhism (97%), Islam, Christianity, Animism

For visitors from countries with visa exemption to the Kingdom, visa on arrival is available at Cambodia’s International Airports and some land crossing checkpoints in Thailand. Upon arrival, you should carry a valid passport (must-have), flight tickets, portrait photos and hotel vouchers (if any) to fill in the legal documents.

Tourists also can apply for T class visa (visa in advance) at the closest Cambodian embassy in your home country or through the online e-visa.

 Most visas including T class and visa on arrival are valid for 30 days and extendable once for an additional month. Business (E class) visa can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months up to your purposes.

Regular checkpoints include airports (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh) & embassy. The land border crossing checkpoints are: Cambodia – Vietnam, Cambodia – Thailand, Cambodia – Laos.

For further details, please visit Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation or contact our journey planners.

•   When we step out on Cambodian roads, remember the dominant traffic rule in the country which is “the bigger gets the right of way”.
•   When driving, anarchy rules, so take extra care when on the roads! In Phnom Penh, traveling by moto-romauks (‘tuk-tuks’) and cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) can be safer than motorcycle taxis, but not as safe as taxis.
•   If you wish to take a motorbike taxi, select your driver carefully. If the driver appears drunk or reckless, do not hesitate to get off (pay him a bit) and get another one.

Compared to the neighbor countries like Vietnam and Laos, Cambodia has blessed with a much simpler weather system thanks to the comparably uniform altitude and latitude throughout the whole country.

NORTHEASTERN (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang)
 
•   Rain season (Apr – Oct): The temperature is around 30°C, followed by high humidity and strong wind. The rainfalls are usually in short downpour and infrequent form.
•   Dry season (Nov – Mar): The Northeastern monsoon brings dry wind, long sunny days to the areas. The temperature fluctuates (20 – 35°C) between cool months (Nov – Jan) and scorching month (Apr).
 
SOUTHERN & COASTAL (Sihanoukville, Kep)
 
•   Rain season (Apr – Aug): The temperature ranges from 25 – 30°C during this period, followed by high humidity and thunderstorms. In later months, rainfalls tend to be constant and heavy, especially for rural areas.
•   Dry season (Sep – Mar): During this time, the areas are blessed with brilliant sunshine, dry wind and stable sea level. The temperature is around 30°C, sometimes intensely peaks at 40°C.

Those that travel Cambodia will gain more respect from locals if they are well dressed. Both men and women dress conservatively. It’s best to avoid skimpy clothes and shorts unless you are at a beach resort. When visiting temples, it’s best to have both shoulders and legs covered. Remove your shoes before entering a Cambodian temple or Cambodian home. Cambodians themselves are conservative and do their best to keep clean and well presented.
`
It’s advisable to avoid any displays of public affection between men and women. Even visitors holding hands can be embarrassing for Cambodians.

DOs:

•   Sit while talking to a monk if he seats.
•   Ask for permission before taking photos of others.
•   Pass things using both hands, as a sign of respect.
•   Let elders start the conversation, walk first, and take the lead.
•   Bring a small gift (fruits, flowers) if invited to dine in a Khmer home.
•   Take off your hat and shoes when entering Khmer houses or a place of worship.
•   Wear proper clothes when entering a religious site (upper arm/ legs should be covered).
•   Bargaining is a must-do 

DON’Ts:

•   Display affection in public even small gestures (arms around shoulders).
•   Visit orphanages as it becomes an unpredictable tourism form.
•   Sit higher than the eldest person in the room.
•   Touch someone on the head (even children).
•   Talk about sensitive topics 
•   Give in to frustration or loose temper.
•   Give money to street children.

Cambodian food has influences from many other countries in Asia and French influence too. Cambodian food is milder than Thai food and often herbs, spices and chilli are served on the side rather than blended into the dish. Dishes are delicately enhanced with flavours like lemongrass and coriander. Cambodia’s national dish is bamboo-leaf infused fish amok. Stir-fries feature on most menus alongside delicious coconut milk curry dishes and rice.
Local variations of typical Vietnamese dishes can also be found too. French influences can also be found on the menus here with endless coffee options and French-style baguettes. You can find Khmer street food at markets and on street stalls. You can fill up on noodle dishes, filled baguettes and stir-fries.
Cambodians drink plenty of green tea and fruit shakes. Stalls are set up in towns all over the country from late afternoon. Also available is iced sugar-cane juice and the juice of green coconuts - all very refreshing. Cambodia’s national beer is Angkor, brewed by an Australian and Cambodian joint venture in Sihanoukville.