Time difference
GMT: + 7 hours

Voltage & Electricity
3 associated plug types can be used:
Type A: two flat parallel pins
Type C: two round pins
Type G: 3 square pins
Cambodia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Language
More than 90% of its population is of Khmer origin and speaks the Khmer language, the country's official language. French is still spoken; however, English is widely spoken in the major cities and tourist centers.

Currency & Money
The Cambodian currency is the riel (r). US dollars are universally accepted.
ATMs are available in all major tourist centers and provincial capitals. Credit cards are accepted in larger cities.

Tipping
Tipping in restaurants, in hotels, drivers or tours guides is not expected but highly appreciated.

Visas
Visa exemptions (can apply E-visa):
- 30 days maximum: Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia.
- 21 days maximum: Philippines.
- 14 days maximum: Brunei, Myanmar, Thailand.

E-visa: Nationals of any country may apply for a tourist E-visa before arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.

Visa on arrival: a tourist visa on arrival at the international airports of Phnom Penh or Siam Riep can be done (2 passport photos are necessary) – except citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Sudan need to make advance arrangements.

What to pack
Make sure to pack comfortable footwear and clothes that cover your arms and knees for the visit to the temples. Bring a hat, and maybe an umbrella to protect you from the rain and sun. We recommend you to bring a small backpack for the daily adventures. Also, you can bring some basic medicine with you.

Opening hours
Shops: 8am to 8pm
Banks: 8am to 9pm (closed on weekends)
Markets: 6am to 5 pm

Rules of good conduct
- The traditional way to greet is to bring the hands together at chest level; but with the foreigners, Cambodians can shake hands.
- If you’re invited to someone’s house, you can bring a gift like fruits or flowers.
- Table manner are formal, wait for the others to seat and begin eating.

Climate
Cambodia is a tropical monsoon country with sunshine and high temperatures all year. The temperatures range from 21°C to 35°C (69°F to 95°F). The Southwest monsoons blow inland bringing moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and Indian Ocean from May to October. The northeast monsoon ushers in the dry season, which lasts from November to March. The country experiences the heaviest precipitation from September to October with the driest period occurring from January to February. It has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, can see temperatures drop to 22 °C and is generally accompanied with high humidity. The dry season lasts from November to April when temperatures can raise up to 40 °C around April.


Festivals in Cambodia
Going to a festival in Cambodia is a good way to immerse yourself in the culture and to meet Cambodians.

1. Cambodian New Year (every April 13 to 15)
A three-day celebration after the end of harvest to mark the turn of The New Year. Every home is seen with attractive decorations. Shrines are full of food and beverages offered to God. Other people attend Buddhist temples where traditional games are also performed.
Most of the cities are empty during those three days, as Khmer travel to their hometowns to celebrate. The best way to celebrate is to visit pagodas.

2. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony (in May)
This festival is culturally celebrated to alert the nation of the commencement of rainy season, and farmers to be ready for farming rice by starting to plough. The venue is a field at a wing of Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. The scene is interesting as it depicts real ploughing activities where cows are given a variety of crops to eat. Based on the choices of crops eaten by the cows, predictions are made for the coming year.

3. Water Festival (in November)
Not only it marks the reversing flow of Tonle Sap River but also ushers in the fishing season. The highlight of the event is boat races over three days. As night falls, fireworks light the sky and a lighted flotilla of boats sail under full moon to whom household worships. Some analysts say the celebration is also a thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land. People from all walks of life gather on the bank of the Mekong River for days and nights. It is one of the most magnificent festivals to attend in Phnom Phen.

4. Angkor Festival
This festival is a showcase of performing arts with Angkor Wat as a backdrop. Performers from all over Asia attend this festival performing great epic stories from myths and legends, including the Ramayana, with their own national dance costumes and musical and rhythmic interpretations.

5. Bonn Om Touk (Festival of Boat Racing)
The annual boat rowing contest, is the most attended Cambodian national festival. Held at the end of the rainy season when the Mekong River begins to sink back to its normal levels allowing the Tonle Sap River to reverse flow. Cambodians attend this event each year to play popular games, give thanks to the moon, watch fireworks, and attend the boat race in a carnival-type atmosphere. Every town and province joins in with the festival but the biggest celebrations take place in Phnom Penh

More than a gateway to Angkor temple, Siem Reap is a vibrant city with beautiful-aged colonial buildings, a buzzing Pub Street, markets, and much more. Take you time to enjoy this city and the surroundings wonders and nature on a bike.

 

Sailing from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on a traditional Cambodian boat is one of the most exhilarating experiences. On the journey, keep eyes on the River to spot the friendly Irrawaddy dolphins swimming in their natural habitat. Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, Kartie will charm you with its old French colonial building and its central market place. To finish the day, enjoy a magical sunset at the Mekong River.

 

This is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake is home to 170 fascinating floating villages. The only way to discover the typical villages is to take a boat.

 

Apsara dance is a classical Khmer art performance is inspired by the water, spirit of Hindu and Buddhist mythology. A story is narrated through incredible dance movements and colourful costumes. Recognised in 2003 by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of Oral an Intangible Heritage of Humanity” this is one of the top things to do in Cambodia.

 

The country’s food culture is also not to be missed even if it’s perhaps the most overlooked of all Asian cuisines. A typical Cambodian meal will include rice and freshwater fish. Learn about this unique cuisine.