Cambodia Overview

Though Incredible Asia Journeys’ travel consultants can arrange tailor-made tours to Cambodia hassle-free, you should still refer to our following Cambodia travel guide to fully enjoy your trip as you may travel to a new country that is totally different from where you are living, in terms of lifestyle, custom, as well as culture.

With years of experience in arranging Cambodia package tours, our travel specialists put some of their knowledge and necessary advice into a Cambodia travel guide which can answer the questions most travelers ask before traveling such as what the country is like, how the weather and climate are, how to travel in Cambodia, how to apply visa to Cambodia, what to prepare before the trip, along with what you can do and should not do in Cambodia. Enjoy your tours in Siem Reap with Tonle Sap Lake and countryside area, Phnom Penh city, and all the local places on the way from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh or from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

Cambodia Overview

Cambodia Overview

Among the 4 countries of Indochina, Cambodia is the smallest one but it is still an attractive destination. Despite the fatal and brutal trace of Pol Pot's destructive regime in the 1970s, Cambodia has strongly recovered in recent years and become an attractive destination in Southeast Asia in general and in Indochina in particular.1. Cambodia General OverviewCambodia tourist map- Location: Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam- Capital: Phnom Penh- Population: Approximately 17 million people- Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Khmer (90%), with Vietnamese, Chinese, and ethnic hill tribes making up the rest- Official Language: Khmer (Cambodian), with English widely spoken in tourist areas- Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR), though US Dollars are also commonly used- Seasons: Tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons — Wet (May to October) and Dry (November to April)- Calling Code: +855- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), GMT +7- Electrical Outlet: Cambodia uses Type A, C, and G outlets. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Make sure to bring a universal adapter for your devices.2. 5 Reasons to Visit Cambodia2.1. Millennial structures of Angkor Wat and Angkor TemplesDuring the Golden Time from the 9th to 14th century, the Khmer civilization reached its highest development. And Cambodia's most famous structures such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Angkor Temples, Preah Vihear are the beautiful results of Khmer civilization.Bayon Temple2.2. Rich and diverse cultureThroughout more than 2 millennia of establishing life along the Mekong River, Cambodia has built up a rich and diverse culture. It can be said that Cambodian culture is characterized by Khmer culture under the strong influence of Indian Culture. Its trace is well-preserved in architecture, sculpture, literature, music, and Apsara dance.The culture of Cambodia is strongly affected by Buddhism with 95% of the population being Buddhist followers. Traveling around Cambodia, you may catch a lot of pagodas – the religious, political, and cultural centers of the community living around.Apsara Dance2.3. Unique lifestyle The population of Cambodia is approximately 14 million of which 90% are Khmer (Cambodian). The rest 10% is made up of Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Burmese, and various ethnic hill tribes.Unlike the modern life of developed countries, Cambodia is a developing country. Cambodians make a living on farming. In Cambodia, people are hardly affected by modern life and still keep their daily lives for thousands of years. They wake up early, work hard on their farm, and even use buffalo instead of agrimotor for farming activities.Most Cambodians live in villages and almost spend their whole life living in their place of birth. As a result, they are a bit shy but very warm and friendly.Generally, coming to Cambodia, you may witness the unique and calm lifestyle of Cambodians which is far different from the busy, bustling lifestyle of modern life.Monks in Siem Reap2.4. Great foodCambodia has a lot of delicious street food with fresh ingredients in Cambodia among which fried rice and fried noodles are worth trying. Moreover, in Cambodia, some dishes are challenging your dares such as barbecue crickets, spiders, or snakes.  You can find fresh fruits like coconut and sugarcane everywhere in Cambodia and they are amazingly cheap.You can find easily a local restaurant in Siem Reap so do not worry when you join a tour in Siem Reap if lunch is not included in your tour. Most of the travelers will be happy with the food in Siem Reap.When you travel to Phnom Penh there is an influence of Vietnamese food there but you still can see the difference of the local food there for Khmer people.Cambodian Cuisine2.5. Low budgetIn Cambodia, all services are cheap. For example, you can find a hotel room for 15-20 USD/night. Street food is just around 2-5 dollars/meal. With only 30 to 50 USD/day, you may have a happy day for Cambodia Holiday.Siem Reap Night MarketWith so many amazing reasons to visit, why haven't you planned your trip to Cambodia yet? Get ready to explore Cambodian ancient temples, experience rich cultural heritage, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Contact Incredible Asia Journeys today, and let us help you create free quotes for an itinerary in the Kingdom of Wonder!

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How to apply visa to Cambodia?

How to apply visa to Cambodia?

Visiting Cambodia but you still don't get the Cambodia visa? In this Cambodia visa travel guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Cambodia’s visa policies, how to apply, and what changes are coming soon.1. Cambodia E-VisaThe most convenient way to get your Cambodian visa is through the E-Visa system. This option allows travelers to apply online, ensuring a smoother process and less hassle when you arrive. The E-Visa grants a single-entry visit for up to 30 days and is accepted at all major international airports and most border crossings. You can easily apply for the E-Visa via the official government website: https://www.evisa.gov.kh.2. Cambodia Visa on Arrival If you prefer to get your visa when you arrive, Cambodia also offers a Visa on Arrival at various entry points. Here's how it works:- By Air: If you're flying into Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap International Airport (REP), or the newly opened Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), you can obtain your visa upon arrival. The process is quick and easy, with a visa fee of USD 30 (Cash only) for a single-entry, 30-day visa.- By Land: If you're entering Cambodia from Thailand via the Poit Pet border, or from Vietnam through Chau Doc or Moc Bai border gates, you can also obtain a visa on arrival. The visa fee at these borders is USD 35-50 (Cash only) for a single-entry, 30-day visa.Cambodia VisaNew Policy: Electronic Arrival Card (Effective July 2024) In addition to the visa requirements, starting July 1, 2024, all passengers traveling to Cambodia via international airports will be required to submit an electronic arrival card before arrival. This can be completed from 1 to 7 days before you arrive in Cambodia with the process quicker and easier. Be sure to complete this requirement in advance for a seamless Cambodia entry.3. Visa RequirementsWhen applying for a visa to Cambodia, make sure you meet these essential requirements for a Cambodia Visa:- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Cambodia. There should also be at least 2 blank pages for your visa stamp.- Photographs: You will need two passport-sized photos (4 cm high x 6 cm wide, white background, no glasses, no facial expression).- Visa Application Form: The immigration officers will provide you with a visa application form upon arrival.A sample of the Cambodia Visa Application Form4. Cambodia Visa ExemptionsCitizens of certain countries do not need a visa to enter Cambodia for short stays:- Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam: Up to 30 days- Seychelles: Up to 21 days- Myanmar and Brunei: Up to 14 daysIf you’re from one of these countries, you can simply enter Cambodia without worrying about applying for a visa.Getting your visa sorted is the first step toward an unforgettable journey to Cambodia. At Incredible Asia Journeys, we are always ready to assist you with your visa application, travel planning, and any questions you might have. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

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Cambodia Weather and Climate

Cambodia Weather and Climate

Cambodia is a country located in Southeast Asia, and it has a tropical climate. The country is generally hotter compared to neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam because it has a limited coastline. There are two main seasons in Cambodia: the Wet Season and the Dry Season.1. Wet Season (May to October)The Wet Season lasts from May to October. During this time, Cambodia gets a lot of rain. About 75% of the country's annual rainfall happens in these months. The rain is heavy and can last for hours, sometimes days. The worst of the rain happens from July to September. During this period, the rain can cause floods, especially in cities like Phnom Penh and rural areas. If you travel during this time, be aware that some outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or boat tours might be canceled because of the floods.Tonle Sap in Cambodia2. Dry Season (November to April)The Dry Season starts in November and ends in April. The weather is cooler from November to January, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, which is very comfortable for traveling. This is the best time to visit Cambodia if you want to explore the country without dealing with the heat or rain.However, from March to April, the temperature increases a lot. It can be very hot, sometimes reaching 40°C or higher. During this time, Cambodia also becomes more humid, which can make the heat feel even worse. If you visit during this period, it’s important to wake up early and plan to do most of your outdoor activities before 10 AM, as the sun can be very strong later in the day.3. What to Expect Year-Round in Cambodia- Cooler months: From November to January, the weather is mild and perfect for exploring. It’s a good time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.- Hot months: From March to April, it gets very hot. The temperature can reach up to 40°C, so be prepared for the heat and high humidity.- Rainy months: From May to October, there will be a lot of rain, especially from July to September, when flooding can happen. This is the Wet Season.4. What to Pack for Cambodia Travels- For the Wet Season: Bring light clothes that dry quickly, an umbrella, and waterproof shoes. The rain can be sudden, so it’s good to have something to keep you dry.- For the Dry Season: Pack light, breathable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If you are visiting in the hottest months, don’t forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.Siem Riep Angkor Thom5. Tips for Traveling in Cambodia’s Weather- Prepare for sudden rain: Rain in Cambodia usually comes in short but heavy bursts, so keep an umbrella or a poncho with you, just in case.- Flooding in the Wet Season: Some areas might be hard to reach during the Wet Season, especially in July and August, so check your travel plans and be flexible.- Stay cool in the Dry Season: If you visit in the hot months (March to May), be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid the sun as much as possible, especially after 10 AM.So, to make the most of your Cambodia holiday, it's important to plan according to the season and weather conditions to prepare for both the heat and the rain in Cambodia.

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Cambodia Pre-Trip Preparation

Cambodia Pre-Trip Preparation

Getting ready for a trip to Cambodia? From exploring the incredible temples of Angkor Wat to enjoying the lively streets of Phnom Penh and the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville, there’s a lot to look forward to. But before you go, it’s important to be well-prepared so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. This guide from Incredible Asia Journeys covers everything you need to do before traveling, from getting your visa to packing the right clothes.1. Pre-Travel Cambodia ChecklistAngkor Wat in Cambodia- Get Your Cambodia Visa Ready: Most travelers need a visa to enter Cambodia. Apply in advance or check if you can get a visa on arrival.- Read a Cambodia Travel Guide: Learn about the culture, top attractions like Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Tonle Sap Lake, and Phnom Penh, or local customs to make the most of your journey.- Review Your Travel Itinerary: Check your schedule carefully and ask your travel agent any questions to ensure you’re fully prepared.- Inform Your Travel Agent of Health Conditions: Share any medical needs with your travel agent for better itinerary planning and support.- Check Your Payment Options: Make sure your credit card will work in Cambodia or exchange some money into Cambodian Riel (KHR) or USD, as both are widely accepted.Riel- Cambodia Currency- Set Up an International Data Plan: Register for a data plan or get a local SIM card to stay connected without high roaming fees.- Check for Cambodian Festivals: Look up major festivals like Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) in April, Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day) in September/October, and Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November.- Check the Weather Forecast: Pack suitable clothes based on the weather during your visit. Prepare for hot and humid days or occasional rain, depending on the two main seasons in Cambodia: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October).- Confirm Your Departure Flight: Double-check your flight time and set a reminder to avoid missing your departure.- Electrical Outlets in Cambodia:                + Plug Types: Cambodia uses Type A, Type C, and Type G outlets. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.                + Adapters: If your devices use a different plug type, consider bringing a universal travel adapterTypes of Plugs And Electrical Sockets2. What to Bring along for the Cambodia Holiday?- Essential Documents: Carry your passport, visa, travel insurance certificate, air ticket, and other important documents. It's advisable to keep a copy of your passport in a separate location.- Currency: Bring cash in USD (widely used in Cambodia), Riel, or Visa/Debit cards for ATMs.- Electronics: Pack a camera, extra batteries, and memory cards. Bring your cell phone, charger, portable power bank, and laptop if needed.- Medical Supplies: If you take prescription medications, bring enough for the trip duration. A first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and other essentials is recommended.First Aid Kit3. What Clothes/Items to Bring along for Cambodia Holiday?- Light, breathable clothing: Ideal for exploring the temples of Angkor Wat and the hot streets of Phnom Penh.- Comfortable walking shoes: Essential for climbing temple stairs at Angkor Wat and wandering around markets like the Russian Market in Phnom Penh.- Long pants/skirt and a long-sleeved shirt: Required when visiting religious sites such as Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh and the Banteay Srei Temple.- Swimsuit and flip-flops: Perfect for a relaxing day at the beaches of Sihanoukville or the islands of Koh Rong.- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: Vital for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside, especially in hot areas like Battambang and Siem Reap.- Light rain jacket or poncho: Handy during the rainy season (May to October), especially if you're visiting nature spots like the Kulen Mountain Waterfalls.Pack smartly for your Cambodia trip4. Emergency Contacts in CambodiaFor any unexpected situations during your trip, you can save some key emergency contact numbers.4.1. Emergency Services- Police: 117- Ambulance: 119- Fire Department: 1184.2. Embassies in Cambodia- U.S. Embassy: +855 23 728 000- UK Embassy: +855 23 427 124- French Embassy: +855 23 430 020- German Embassy: +855 23 216 3814.3. Cambodia Banks- Canadia Bank: +855 23 868 222- ABA Bank: +855 23 225 333- Acleda Bank: +855 23 994 444Note: You should have your insurance company’s emergency contact number and policy details easily accessible. For personalized tips or to plan a perfect itinerary, reach out to Incredible Asia Journeys now—we're here to help you make every moment of your Cambodia trip extraordinary!

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Cambodia Transportation

Cambodia Transportation

To encourage the tourism development, the Cambodia government invested quite a lot of money to improve Cambodia's transportation system.Nowadays, that is not difficult for travelers who wish to have to travel to Cambodia to access Cambodia or to travel around Cambodia.You will easily to travel by yourselves in Siem Reap with different transportation means like Taxi, Tuk Tuk, motorbike or join in Siem Reap Tours with the comfortable car. The experience visiting the Angkor Temples will be an unforgetable memory for you.Travelling in Phnom Penh is easy too and that is easy to access Phnom Penh from Vietnam by flight, bus or even boat.1. How to Access Cambodia?Cambodia can be accessed through the Phnom Penh International Airport and the Siem Reap International Airport, both of which provide full services for passengers on international flights operated by many international airlines. In other way, tourists can access Cambodia by land from neighboring Vietnam, Laos, or Thailand.You can access Cambodia from Vietnam through 9 international border checkpoints: Bavet (Cambodian side) and Mok Bai (Vietnamese side), Kaam Samnor (Cambodian side) and Yin Soeung (Vietnamese side), Phnom Den (Cambodian side) and Tin Bienh (Vietnamese side), Trapaing Phlong (Cambodian side) and Xamat (Vietnamese side), Trapaing Srè (Cambodian side) and Bonue (Vietnamese side), Oyadav (Cambodian side) and Lethanh (Vietnamese side), Banteay Chakrei (Cambodian side) and Dinh Ba (Vietnamese side), Preak Chak (Cambodian side) and Ha Tieng (Vietnamese side), Samrong (Cambodian side) and Mi Quy Tei (Vietnamese side).You can access Cambodia from Laos through the Trapaing Kreal international border checkpoint located in Stung Treng Province (Laos side) and Norg Nokbiane in Champasak Province (Cambodia side).2. How to Get Around in Cambodia?There are many ways to get around Cambodia. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages which will be listed in the following:2.1. By PlaneTo save time and effort, travelers normally choose to travel by place for long distance. They often choose to fly from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Hue or Danang or Nha Trang or Phan Thiet and vice versa.Advantage:- Safe- Save time and effort - Enjoy spectacular scenery from aboveDisadvantage:- Small airplanes, small exit gate- Small seat- Small luggage compartmentCambodia Angkor Air2.2. By Tuk-tukTuk-tuk is the most distinguished vehicles of Cambodia. Most popular tourist destinations, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the South Coast offer tuk-tuk to carry tourists.Advantage:- Easy to catch- Cheap- Exotic experienceDisadvantage:- Uncomfortable- Hot in summer- Dangerous if you have careless driverTuk-Tuk in Cambodia2.3. By TaxiTaxi is easy to catch in towns and cities in Cambodia. However, there are still very few metered taxis, with just a handful of operators in Phnom Penh. Fortunately, Uber entered the market which will surely improve this situation.Advantage:- Comfortable- SafeDisadvantage:- Not always available- No fixed priceTaxi in Cambodia2.4. By MotoMotos are very popular in Cambodia. Moto drivers often stand in front of hotels or major tourist centers.Advantage:- Cheap- Easy to catch- FlexibleDisadvantage:- Be overcharged (especially at night)Motorcycle in Cambodia2.5. By CycloIn Cambodia, the cyclo is chosen by many tourists as it is a unique vehicle that only exists in Southeast Asia. In Phnom Penh, cyclo drivers can either be flagged down on main roads or found waiting around markets and major hotels.Advantage:- Cheap- Easy to accessDisadvantage:-  Be overcharged without a bargain-  SlowCyclo in Cambodia

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Dos and Don'ts in Cambodia

Dos and Don'ts in Cambodia

Cambodia is a peaceful and friendly country. However, Cambodians are quite close and conservative so you should bear in mind some do’s and don’ts advice to have a joyful Cambodia Holiday.1. Dos in CambodiaRemove your shoes before entering a house- Ask for permission before taking photographs of any Cambodian people or monks because most Cambodians live in the village and they are quite shy. Taking photos of Cambodians and monks without permission might be considered rude.- Remove your shoes when entering a place of worship such as a pagoda or temple. Additionally, visitors should dress appropriately when inside a religious site (upper arms and legs should be covered, hats removed) to show respect for locals’ beliefs.- Remove your shoes before entering someone’s house to show respect to the house’s owner. Besides, Cambodians do not have the habit of wearing shoes inside the house.- Receive things from the other (especially the old and monk) with both hands to show respect.- Bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest (known as “Sampeah”) as a respectful way of greeting.- Use one hand to cover your mouth when using a toothpick at the table to show politeness.- Bring a small gift for the host such as fruit, dessert, or flowers if you are invited to dine with a Cambodian family- Give genuine compliments to people when merited.- Show your respect to the elders. Acknowledge an elder's status by allowing them to walk first, take a lead, or control the conversation - Do wait for the monks and the eldest to sit first to show respect to the monks and the elders.2. Don'ts in Cambodia Don't wear a tank top in Pagoda- Don't use your feet to point at someone. It will be considered rude. You may tuck your feet beneath when seated so that you do not point at someone.- Don't touch a Cambodian person on the head, even children. It violates the common sense of Cambodians. - Don't begin eating if you are a guest at a dinner and the host has yet to take a bite. It will be considered impolite. - Women don't touch male monks or hand something directly to them. They will feel awkward.- Don't show intimate action to the public.- Don't point with your index finger. You may use your right-hand palm.- Don't sit higher than seated monks to show respect to the monks.- Don't be loud inside the temples to show respect to the religious places. - Don't give money to children or buy things from them in the tourist area. By doing that you may keep them more on the streets. The children or their parents may think that is more useful to spend time begging or selling things than going to school.Enjoy your Cambodia Holiday!

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