Since the election of a democratic government in 1993, has welcomed tourists with open arms. In the last few years, the country has opened up with the coming of peace and it is now possible to visit many more attractions than in the past. Many of these destinations are unknown to the outside world, helping the visitor feel as much an explorer as a tourist.

is justly famous for its magnificent temples, but will soon be renowned for its abundant natural attractions and empty beaches. The tourist infrastructure in 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 neighbouring countries. is more accessible today than at any time in the past three decades and a journey here is a journey to a land of timeless grace and charm.

 

 

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

 

• AIRPORT TAX
  International Flights: 25 USD per person from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
  Domestic Flights: 5 USD from all airports
  
  
• CLOTHING
  Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for travelling in , , , and . The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter months warm clothing is needed for visiting the north of , , and . Visitors to Buddhist countries should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting religious buildings and shoes should be removed before entering a private home.
  
  
• ELECTRICITY 220V
   
• FOOD
  Rice and fish are the staple diet for most Cambodians. Local specialities include curries, a variety of soups, and traditional beef, pork and poultry dishes. Fresh seafood is also available. Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine are also common to , as is a variety of western cuisine which can be found in abundance in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
  
  

HEALTH No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advisable to take precautions especially if travelling off the beaten track. It is essential to purchase your own travel insurance covering air evacuation before traveling. Please kindly visit our Travel Insurance for being instructed.

HOURSOFBUSINESS Offices are usually open from Monday to Friday from 07:30 or 08:00 until 17:00 or 18:00 and often close for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00. Shops open early and close any time between 18:00 and 22:00. Most shops are open 7 days a week.

• LANGUAGE
  's national language is Khmer, which is also referred to as Cambodian. English is the first language among young students, while French is spoken by older people.
  
  
• MONEY
  The Riel is Cambodia's official currency (US $1 = 4000 riel), but US dollars are widely accepted. Most hotels accept international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard and travellers checks can be easily cashed. It is advisable for guests to use a combination of cash and travellers cheques for convenience.
  
  
• PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

RELIGION Buddhism was reinstated as the national religion in the late 1980s having been banned, like all religions, under the reign of the Khmer Rouges. Nearly 95% of the population today are Buddhists with the remainder made up of Catholics, Muslims and Cao Dai followers.

• SHOPPING
  Cambodia offers a wide range of handicrafts, such as beautiful silverware, pottery and jewellry. Religious themes and scenes of daily life feature strongly in oil paintings and intricate carvings made from sandstone, marble and some of Cambodia's tropical hardwoods. Perhaps most attractive to visitors are the wide range of traditional silk and cotton cloths which can be made into fine clothing by local tailors at a low cost. In true Asian tradition, open marketplaces are an integral part of Cambodian life. These markets sell everything from mainstream and exotic foods, clothes and electrical appliances, to hundreds of krama, the multi-purpose scarf worn by many Cambodians. Even for non-shoppers, the markets offer a fascinating glimpse of Cambodian daily life and culture.
  
  
• TELECOMMUNICATIONS
  Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices although be warned these services are expensive in all four countries. Away from the major cities it may not always be possible to make international calls. Internet cafes are becoming popular in the major cities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand (not yet in Myanmar) and many travellers now prefer to keep in touch by e-mail. Postcards can be bought at all the main tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks. It is not permitted to bring mobile phones into Myanmar. Even if they are not connectable in Myanmar to an international network such as GSM, they will be confiscated upon arrival at Yangon International Airport and released only upon departure. A few hotels in Yangon have an e-mail service, however, it is not possible to connect to the internet and consult your own e-mail account.
  

TIPPING Tipping for good service is always appreciated in these developing nations. It is customary, though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped a small amount for their troubles.

 

• VISAS
  Visa is easily obtained on arrival at airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap at USD 20 plus a passport-sized photo. Visas can also be obtained at the land entry points from Vietnam and Thailand. For all cases, a valid passport is required.
  

WATER It is not advisable to drink tap water in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Thailand but bottled mineral water is safe and available everywhere. Ice in drinks is generally OK in good standard hotels and restaurants but it is best to avoid it on street stalls or in country areas.

• WEATHER
  Cambodia has two monsoons, the southwest monsoon from May to October brings heavy rains and the northwest monsoon from November to April spreads dry weather throughout the country. Temperatures vary from around 24-35oC with the coolest period between November and January and the hottest from February to April.