Cambodia

INTRODUCING CAMBODIA

Ascend to the realm of the gods, Angkor Wat. Descend into the hell of the Khmer Rouge at Tuol Sleng. Thanks to a history both inspiring and depressing, Cambodia delivers an intoxicating present for adventurous visitors. Contemporary Cambodia is the successor state to the mighty Khmer empire, which, during the Angkorian period, ruled much of what is now Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The remains of this empire can be seen at the fabled temples of Angkor, monuments unrivalled in scale and grandeur in southeast Asia. The traveller’s first glimpse of Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer genius, is sublime and is matched by only a few select spots on earth, such as Machu Picchu or Petra. Just as Angkor is more than its wat, so too is Cambodia more than its temples. The chaotic yet charismatic capital of Phnom Penh is a hub of political intrigue, economic vitality and intellectual debate. All too often overlooked by hit-and-run tourists ticking off Angkor on a regional tour, the revitalised city is finally earning plaudits in its own right thanks to a gorgeous riverside location, a cultural renaissance, and a wining and dining scene to rival anywhere in the region.

BEFORE YOU GO

VISA INFORMATION

Obtaining your visa for Cambodia is quite a straightforward process. Tourist visas for most nationalities can be obtained on arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports for 20 USD cash. You will be issued with a visa form while still on the plane or upon arrival, and will require one passport photo to accompany your visa application.

By visiting www.mfaic.gov.kh and paying 25 USD by credit card, a 30-day tourist visa can be issued electronically within three business days. Note that this visa is only valid for arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap international airports, Cham Yeam (Koh Kong), Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey) and Bavet (Svay Rieng). Cambodian visas can be obtained on arrival at the following border crossings:

Phnom Penh International Airport
Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport
Poipet (Banteay Meanchey Province, bordering Thailand)
O’Smach (Oddar Meanchey Province, bordering Thailand)
Cham Yeam (Koh Kong Province, bordering Thailand)
Bavet (Svay Reing Province, bordering Vietnam)
Kaam Samnor on the Mekong River (Kandal Province, bordering Vietnam).

It is important to be aware that Cambodian visa regulations and arrangements are subject to change. You must ensure you have organized or researched your own visa requirements prior to travel. We strongly suggest that you check with the relevant embassies in your home country for current visa guidelines.

CLIMATE & TIMES TO VISIT

It is possible to visit Cambodia year-round, with the climate marked by two distinct variations, the hot, dry season and the wet season. The dry season is from November to March, while the wet season or monsoon spans May to early October. This is a pleasant time to visit as the moats at the temples are full, the countryside is lush and green, and there are fewer tourists. The rain is usually in short bursts during the afternoon.

EVENTS

1 January is International New Year’s Day, a public vacation
7 January is Victory Day
February – on the full moon day of the third lunar month is Meak Bochea Day
14-16 April is Khmer New Year
April/May – on the full moon day of the fifth lunar month is Visakha Buchea Day
May – on the 4th to 6th days of the waning moon of the sixth lunar month is the Royal Ploughing ceremony
13-15 May is a public vacation to celebrate the King’s birthday.
1 June is a public vacation to recognize International and National Children’s Day.
18 June is a public vacation to celebrate the Queen mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s birthday.
24 September is a public vacation to mark Constitution Day
September/October – on the 15th day of the tenth month in the Khmer calendar is the three day Pchum Ben vacation, where Buddhists pay their respects to their ancestors.
29 October is King Coronation Day
31 October is a public vacation to celebrate King Sihanouk’s birthday, the previous King of Cambodia.
9 November is a public vacation to recognize Independence Day
November – on the full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk is the Water Festival

OUR CAMBODIA FEATURED PRODUCTS

Cambodia Tours

In addition to the famous ruins of the Angkor dynasty, Cambodia is home to a wealth of exceptional off the beaten path locations. A southern coastline flaunting stunning beaches, scenic cruises along the Mekong and voyages onto Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap, add several other dimensions to the Kampuchean experience. Visitors to Cambodia will experience a growing arts and craft scene and a nation proud of its Angkor Dynasty heritage.

Cambodia Accommodations

Few countries in the world offer the kind of fascinating intrigue that Cambodia does. And as the country quietly emerges as an international tourist destination, the number and quality of hotels is increasing rapidly. Rural home stays, stilted beach side bungalows, and small boutique hotels offer a nice change from the traditional hotels which dominate the accommodation scene.

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