Cambodia is a country that for long has been shrouded in secrecy due to the on-going war and civil conflict that lasted for more than 2 decades. Now the country has risen as a Phoenix out of its ashes and is one of the most sought after tourist destinations. Yes, although the borders have opened up and the country is perfectly safe to travel, it remains and exotic and mystical land not seen by many.

The Cambodians are an amazingly strong and resilient people. Since they have been through Year Zero they have been slowly but surely building up their country. Improved road, better security, electricity and clean water, all those things that we take for granted in other countries are a new achievement in Cambodia. And this makes it possible for tourists to enjoy the things that Cambodia has to offer. But it is not only the material things that make tourists feel welcome. It is the genuine friendliness and honesty of the Cambodian people that make foreigners feel at home and what makes a visit to Cambodia an unforgettable and unique experience.

Of course, in terms of destination, Angkor Wat is the highlight of any trip to Cambodia. Angkor Wat, the apex of the ancient, mighty Khmer empire. It is recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world, on par with the Pyramids of Egypt and Great wall of China.

Walking between the towering Khmer temples, created over a period starting over 1,500 years ago, and surrounded by beautiful forest, entering the dark, sacred chambers once the sanctuary of powerful Kings, overlooking the surroundings high up from the sculptured towers, one still feels the mystical meaning of what has been achieved here. One can feel it like a spiritual atmosphere hanging over the area. It is touching, powerful and impressive. It is an experience you will not forget.

Of course Cambodia has many more things to offer. Be it the beaches, the forests, the hill tribes or the bustling city of Phnom Penh. In the following chapters you will find information and tour packages which will guide to enjoy this magnificent jewel of the Mekong.

Area
181,035km2. It is bordered to the North by Thailand and Laos, to the East and the South by Vietnam, and to the South and the West by the Gulf of Thailand.

Capital City
Phnom Penh (Population approx 2 Million, 290 square kilometers). It is considered the center of Industry, Administration, Commerce, and Tourism.

Population
13,124,764 Million (2003 est.) (90-95% Khmers) the balance being ethnic Chinese, Cham, ethnic Vietnamese and hill-tribe people.

Language
Khmer, secondary languages: English and French

Religion
95% Theravada Buddhist with the balance being Muslim, Christian and animist

Time
GMT+7 hours

Voltage
220v/50Hz

Currency
RIEL (USD1 approximately 4000 Riels). US dollars are widely accepted.

Telephone
Country code: 855, Phnom Penh code: 23. Phone cards are available, and can be purchased at many outlets. There are also several mobile phone systems. Mobile phones can be rented from booths on the street on a pay-per-call basis.

Opening Hours
Government offices: business hours are from 7:30am-11: 30am and 2:30pm-5pm, Monday to Friday. Banks are open from 8am-3pm Monday to Friday. Markets are open from early morning to late evening, including Sundays and pubic holidays.

Tourist information
Ministry of Tourism. Tel.: (855)23 211 593, Fax: (855)23 212 837

Emergency
There are emergency services in Phnom Penh. Call 119 ambulances, Call 118 fire truck, Call 117 polices.

Climate
Two monsoons set the rhythm of rural life in Cambodia. The cool, dry, north-eastern monsoon blows from about November to March and brings little rain. From May to early October, the south-western monsoon picks up moist air from over the Indian Ocean, bringing strong winds, high humidity, and heavy rains throughout the country. The weather is transitional between the seasons, but even during the wet season it rarely rains in the morning. Most of the rain comes in afternoon downpours. Visitors should be warned that roads in the northeastern regions in particular, can become flooded during the rains. Travel in these areas should be avoided during the peak of the wet seasons.

Food and Drinks
Rice and fish are the basic foods enjoyed by Cambodians. Delicious noodle soups are available at cafes. Fresh seafood is plentiful at Sihanouk Ville. In major cities a wide range of culinary fare is on offer including; Chinese, Thai, French, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese and Middle Eastern.

Shopping
There are a wide variety of items available for purchase in Cambodia. The country was once well known for its superior silk weaving, metal work and woodcarving. After decades of neglect, many of these arts are being revived. Visitors can find silver items, jewelry, gems, colorful cloth for sarong and hols (variegated silks), wood carving, paper mache' masks, stone copies of ancient Khmer art, brass and bronze figurines and oil paintings in the different markets and shops on main avenues. The traditional clothing for both men and women is the krama, a long, narrow checked silk or cotton cloth available in most markets and shops. Jewelry is generally not up to international standards for design and workmanship and buyers should use caution when purchasing gold and gems, many gems are fake and we recommend not to follow anybody's recommendations. The export of antiques is subject to approval of the Ministry of Culture. Bargaining is essential for all souvenirs shopping, if travelers are to obtain reasonable prices.

Internet
Internet access is available in most hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. There are also plenty of internet cafes with reliable connections at very reasonable prices. Following are Internet addresses, which access relevant information on Cambodia:
http://www.diethelmtravel.com/cambodia
http://www.cambodia-web.net
http://www.embassy.org/cambodia
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
http://www.cambodia.org

January 07, Victory Day over Genocide

February 09, Meak Bochea Day
Buddhist Ceremony held during the full moon of the month of Meak Bochea in commemoration of the spontaneous gathering of the monks to listen to the buddha's preaching.

March 08, International Women's Day

April 14-15-16, Khmer New Year
The New Year Festival spend three days following the end of the harvest season. People clean and decorate their houses with altars of offerings. People play many traditional games at this time of the year.

May 13-14-15, King's Birthday
His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromoneath NORODOM SIHAMONI Festivities are held throughout the capital city.

June 18, Her Majesty Samdech Preah Reach Aka Mohesey NORODOM MONINEATH SIHANOUK's Birthday

September 18-19-20, Bonn Pchum Ben
Phchum Ben is a celebration where people bring offerings to the Monks, and spend a day of worship at the pagoda.

September 24, Constitution's Day and Recoronation Day of H.M. Preah Bat Samdech Preah NORODOM SIHANOUK

October 29, Coronation of King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromoneath NORODOM SIHAMONI

October 31, King's Birthday
His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah NORODOM SIHANOUK's Birthday Festivities are held throughout the capital city.

November 01-02-03, Water and Moon Festival
Bonn Om Touk (Water and Moon Festival). A three-day festival not only marks the reversing of the current in the Tonle Sap river but ushers in the fishing season as well. The highlight of this event is the boat race in which more than 200 teams compete over three days for the top prize. As night falls, fireworks light the sky and a lighted flotilla of boats sail under the full moon.

November 09, Independence Day
The date Cambodia achieved independence from France in 1953 is marked by a parade of spectacular floats highlighting the nation?s achievements.

December 10, United Nation Human Rights Day
A festival of many traditional dance forms.

Getting There
Most international visitors come to Cambodia arrived by air at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. An increasing number of airlines are operating into Cambodia in response to the Cambodian governments open skies policy. The list of international airlines serving Cambodia includes; Bangkok Airways, China Southern Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Lao Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Mekong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Siem Reap Airways International, Silk Air, Royal Phnom Penh Airways, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines.

International Gate Ways
◊ Phnom Penh International Airport
◊ Siem Reap International Airport
◊ Sihanoukville Port

Airport Tax
International Airport:
- Foreigner: USD 25
- Cambodian: USD 18
Domestic:
- Foreigner: USD 6
- Cambodian: USD 5

International Border Checkpoints
- Bavet (Svay Rieng Province)
- Kaam Samnor-Koh Rokar (Kandal-Prey Veng)
- Cham Yeam (Koh Kong Province)
- Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchhey Province)
- O'Smach (Oddar Meanchhey Province)
- Phnom Den (Takeo Province): No Visa on Arrival
- Dong Krolor (Stung Treng Province): No Visa on Arrival

Passports and Visas:
All visitors entering Cambodia must process valid passports. Your passport has to be validated for at least six months after issued date.
Visa can be obtained at the following points of entry:

Visa fees
- USD20 for Tourist visa
- USD25 for Business visa

NEW! As of April 2006 visitors can apply for a tourist visa on the internet. Currently on-line visa are issued for arrivals at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports only. For detailed information, terms and conditions please visit the web-site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation: http://evisa.mfaic.com.kh/

Cambodia is a country that for long has been shrouded in secrecy due to the on-going war and civil conflict that lasted for more than 2 decades. Now the country has risen as a Phoenix out of its ashes and is one of the most sought after tourist destinations. Yes, although the borders have opened up and the country is perfectly safe to travel, it remains and exotic and mystical land not seen by many.

Major tourist attractions in Phnom Penh city

The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia is located at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, the Bassac and the Tonle Sap. Once considered the loveliest city of Indochina, the city still maintains considerable charm....more details »

The second largest city in Cambodia, Battambang is located on a rich and fertile plain, which provides much of the rice and other important crops for the country. The Sangker River cuts through the town center, which is filled with colonial and shophouse architecture. The regi...more details »

(At the intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk) The Independence Monument (Vimean Ekareach) was inaugurated in November 9, 1962 to celebrate Cambodia?s independence from foreign rule. Renowned Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann was the architect of the monument. The Independen...more details »

Major tourist attractions in Siem Reap city

Home of Angkor Wat, one of the greatest religious monuments in the world, Siem Reap is a charming tree-lined city with a narrow river flowing through the center of town. While most visitors spend their time exploring the...more details »

Cambodia's only deep-sea port is located here and considerable international aid has been spent to improve the infrastructure in the province. Although tourism has increased over the past few years, the lovely beaches of Sihanoukville are some of the most unspoiled in all of S...more details »

The distinctive rust-red National Museum next to the Royal Palace was dedicated by King Sisowath in 1920. Over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statues, lingas and other artifacts, most notably the legendary statue of the ?Leper King?. Though the emphasis is...more details »

Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of any visit to the temples of Angkor.

A one-day excursion from Phnom Penh allows the traveler to visit some of the major archeological sites of Cambodia. Ta Phrom temple (12th century) can be found near Tonle Bati Lake and the fine Angkorian temple of Suryagiri (11th century) is located on top of Phnom Chisor moun...more details »

(Intersection of Street 96 and Norodom Blvd. - $1/person) A small hill crowned by an active wat (pagoda) marks the legendary founding place of the Phnom Penh. The hill is the site of constant activity, with a steady stream of the faithful trekking to the vihear, shrines and ...more details »

Roluos Group is the most impressive member of the Roluos Group, sitting at the center of the first Angkorian capital, Hariharalaya. Bakong stands 15 meters tall and is 650mx850m at the outer wall. Constructed by the third Angkorian-era king as his state-temple, Bakong represen...more details »

A unique, sprawling new cultural attraction in Siem Reap, intended to introduce the visitor to Cambodian culture and history. Wax museum with scenes and figures from history. Fascinating 1/20th scale models of sites such as Phsar Thmey and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and th...more details »

Kampot is a pleasant town on the banks of the lovely Kamchay River. The nearby seaside resort of Kep (formerly known as Kep-sur-Mer) is located 30km from Kampot. This beautiful coastal area was once the favorite holiday spot for Cambodia's French-influenced elite during the tu...more details »

(15km southwest of Phnom Penh - Take Monireth 8.5km past the bridge at Street 271) From April 17, 1975 until January 7, 1979, the ultra-Communist Khmer Rouge (i.e. Red Khmer) regime, led by Pol Pot, controlled the whole of Cambodia. Under the Khmer Rouge regime the country was...more details »

Small, attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. The Angkor Wat style is most easily seen in the style of the towers and carved devatas. Thommanon seems to stand in conjunction with Chau Say Tevoda across the street, but was built decades ...more details »

Kompong Thom is a small town located on the banks of the Stung Sen River. It is the base for excursions to the archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk. Located 35km from the city, the ancient capital of Chenla still contains 100 temples from the pre-Angkorian period (7th centur...more details »

(Corner of Street 113 & Street 350 - $2.00 - Open everyday, including holidays, 8AM-5PM - Closed for lunch) Prior to 1975, Toul Sleng was a high school. When the Khmer Rouge came to power it was converted into the S-21 prison and interrogation facility. Inmates were systemat...more details »

Of similar design to the later Jayavarman VII temples of Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei, this quiet, sprawling monastic complex is only partially cleared of jungle overgrowth. Intentionally left partially unrestored, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corr...more details »

This lively port on the banks of the Mekong has some good examples of colonial architecture, as well as some interesting temples (including Wat Nokhor and Wat Kohear Nokor). Outside the provincial capital, on the other bank of the Mekong River, is Chhup, a rubber plantation th...more details »

Short river cruises and dinner cruises along the Phnom Penh riverfront are becoming more popular. A short cruise typically takes about 1-1/2 - 2 hours and runs up the Tonle Sap River along the central riverfront area providing a picturesque view of the Royal Palace, National M...more details »

Small, classic Bayon-style monastic complex consisting of a relatively flat enclosure, face tower gopuras and cruciform interior sanctuaries much like a miniature version of Ta Prohm. Many of the carvings are in good condition and display particularly fine execution for late ...more details »

In Cambodia it is the women who take charge of trade...
Market is held everyday from six o'clock...
They display their goods on matting spread upon the ground.
Each has an allotted place...
Excerpt from The Customs of Cambodia by Zhou Daguan circa 1300AD...more details »

A double terrace wall at the north end of the Terrace of Elephants with deeply carved nagas, demons and other mythological beings. The inner wall is an earlier version of the outer wall that was covered at the time the outer wall was added. The inner wall was excavated by Fren...more details »

Kratie is a port town on the Mekong River, roughly halfway between Phnom Penh and the Laos border. This small provincial town has good examples of sumptuous colonial architecture and is home to a rare and endangered species of river dolphins. Traveling around Kratie provides a...more details »

This unique, art-deco building is a Phnom Penh landmark. Prior to 1935 the area was a swamp/lake that received the runoff during the rainy season. The lake was drained and the market constructed in 1935-37. Wet season flooding in the area around the market of the market is a ...more details »

Architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level, as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Richly detailed, well-preserved carvings. Traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the sta...more details »

Cambodia's Great Lake, the Boeung Tonle Sap (Tonle Sap Lake,) is the most prominent feature on the map of Cambodia - a huge dumbbell-shaped body of water stretching across the northwest section of the country. In the wet season, the Tonle Sap Lake is one of the largest freshw...more details »

This market is of far less architectural interest but has a larger and more varied selection of souvenirs, curios and silks than the Central Market. Like the Central Market, it has a good selection of silver, gold and jewels, but also carries huge selection of curios, silks, ...more details »

Towering but plainly decorated temple-mountain dedicated to Shiva. Known in its time as ?the mountain with golden peaks?. The first to be constructed wholly of sandstone, this temple employing huge sandstone blocks. Constructed under three kings, begun by Jayavarman V as his s...more details »

The 'bird sanctuary' at the Prek Toal core area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve has been called "the single most important breeding ground in Southeast Asia for globally threatened large waterbirds". The Biosphere covers 31,282 hectares at the northwest tip of the Tonle Sap...more details »

A truly local market offering goods such as fruits and vegetables, second hand clothes, hardware and religious articles. In the late afternoon food vendors and fruit sellers spread their mats and set up their stalls in and along street 13 in preparation for an evening market. ...more details »

Major tourist attractions in Siem Reap city then the tourist could visit at other interest place like Kirirom Nation Park, Bokor mountain and waterfall in the rotanakiri.