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A Guide to Cambodia

The latest travel Information on Cambodia, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Embassy Contacts and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Overview of Cambodia

Captivating Cambodia is a land of beautiful temples, wild jungle and unspoilt countryside, yet still bears the scars of years of conflict. Today's tourists can expect to mix luxurious hotels and restaurants with traditional markets and ramshackle side streets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. With the road network improving, it's time for visitors to start exploring this delightful country beyond its imposing temples.

Top Things To See in Cambodia

Delight in Cambodia's Buddhist temples, such as Preah Vihear. Located in the Dangrek Mountains, the site is home to various festivals, especially during the Cambodian New Year. Do not miss Phnom Penh's gorgeous Royal Palace, which has a stunning and famous Silver Pagoda. Be sure to pay extra attention to the floor - it contains 5,000 silver tiles. There are some magnificent temples to explore in Cambodia as well as other impressive historic buildings. Travel to the little-visited northeast province of Rattanakiri, where there are hill tribes, gem mines and unspoilt national parks. Climb up to abandoned Bokor, the former French hill station, where there are the eerie remains of a hotel, casino, church, villas and a former royal residence. Equally as eerie, take time to visit Kep, once a beach resort which was destroyed in the 1970s. Sihanoukville is Cambodia's only beach resort and has a number of relaxing sandy beaches that are perfect for scuba diving.

Top Things To Do in Cambodia

The river cruise in Cambodia is a great way to look around and have a lazy day. Elephant rides in Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri are very popular and tour guides are there to ensure that you have a good trip. Be a part of the extravagant Water Festival. Taking place in October/November, it is around this time that the Tonle Sap changes direction, leaving behind an abundance of fish. Crowds mingle on the river banks in Phnom Penh to watch hundreds of brightly coloured boats and their paddlers battle it out for top honours. Watch a traditional Cambodian Apsara dance. Siem Reap is probably the best place to watch a dance display, although travellers can occasionally catch a spontaneous one in the villages. Dolphin spotting can also be done near Kratie.

Cambodia Climate

Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate. The monsoon season runs from May to November. The most pleasant season is the dry season, from November/December to April. In the north, winters can be colder, while throughout most of the country temperatures remain fairly constant. There is often seasonal flooding in Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia in late July and early August, and travel may be disrupted at these times.

Public Holidays in Cambodia

2010: 1 Jan New Year's Day. 7 Jan Victory Day. 30 Jan * Meak Bochea Day. 8 Mar Women's Day. 14 Apr - 16 Apr Cambodian New Year. 28 Apr Visaka Buja Day (Birth of Buddha). 1 May Labour Day. 3 May Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony. 15 May King Sihamoni's Birthday. 18 Jun Former Queen's Birthday. 24 Sep Constitution Day. 7 Oct - 9 Jan * Pchum Ben Day. 29 Oct Coronation Day. 31 Oct Former King Sihanouk's Birthday. 9 Nov Independence Day. 20 Nov * Water Festival. 10 Dec Human Rights Day. 2011: 1 Jan New Year's Day. 7 Jan Victory Day. 30 Jan * Meak Bochea Day. 8 Mar Women's Day. 16 Apr Cambodian New Year. 1 May Labour Day. 15 May King Sihamoni's Birthday. 18 Jun Former Queen's Birthday. 24 Sep Constitution Day. 7 Oct * Pchum Ben Day. 29 Oct Coronation Day. 31 Oct Former King Sihanouk's Birthday. 9 Nov Independence Day. 20 Nov * Water Festival 10 Dec Human Rights Day.

Cambodia Health

You will need up to date Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Tetanus and Typhoid vaccinations. You may also need a rabies vaccination. Water for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice should be boiled first. Bottled water is available. Milk should be boiled and you should only eat well cooked meat and fish.

Further Health Information

We strongly advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice. See Staying safe and healthy on the FCO website for more information.

Cambodia Duty Free

From Cambodia to the UK you can bring: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco, 4 litres of still table wine, 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% volume; or 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs, 16 litres of beer, 60cc/ml of perfume, £300 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs.

Cambodia Currency

The currency is the Riel.

Cambodia Passport & Visa Requirements

If you are British, Canadian, American, Australian or from another European country then you must have a passport and a visa, however you do not need a return ticket. Your passport must also be valid for at least 4 months after you leave Cambodia.

Cambodia Embassy/Consulate

Royal Embassy of Cambodia in the UK 64 Brondesbury Park, Willesden Green, London, NW6 7AT Tel: (020) 8451 7850. Website: www.cambodianembassy.org.uk Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1230 (visa section).

Cambodia Travel Advice

Overall, travelling to Cambodia is easy and the stay is pleasant. However, for up to date information, you should check www.fco.gov.uk

Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website for the latest Cambodia information and travel advice For the latest travel advice on Cambodia please visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Travel website at http://fco.gov.uk/travel.

DISCLAIMER
We've tried to make the information on this site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. Verify critical information (like passport, visa, health, customs and transport requirements) with relevant authorities before you travel. Travel Guide © 2010 Flightline Essex Ltd. All Rights Reserved. E&OE.