TRAVELLING TO CAMBODIA: VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION

Visa Options
When planning your trip to Cambodia, you have two main options for a visa:

• E-Visa. Apply online before your trip.
• Visa on Arrival. Available at the border when you enter Cambodia.

Cost

• Tourist visa: $30 + $7 processing fee.
• Valid for one month and can be extended for one more month.

Photograph Requirement

• Bring two passport-sized photos with you for the visa on arrival.

Passport Requirements
Make sure your passport:

• Is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
• Has at least **one blank page for the visa stamp.

Important: Entry may be refused if your passport is damaged or if pages are missing. Passport cards are not accepted.

Emergency Assistance

If you need help while in Cambodia, don’t hesitate to reach out to:

Local contacts (like your tour guide or hotel staff)
Emergency services:

• Police: 117
• Fire: 118
• Ambulance: 119

Stay Updated
Always check the latest requirements and information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation’s website before your trip. Enjoy your travel adventure in Cambodia!

CAMBODIA: GEOGRAPHY AND POPULATION

Located in mainland Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a country with a stunning geography and a rich cultural heritage. Here’s a brief overview of this amazing country:

Geography and Climate

Cambodia covers an area of approximately 181,035 km2 (69,898 sq mi) and is situated in the tropical Indomalaya realm. The country is bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand. Its geographical features include low-lying central plains, mountain ranges, and a long coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.

The Mekong River, which is the longest river in Cambodia, runs through the country and plays a crucial role in shaping its climate and ecosystems. The river’s annual flooding makes the surrounding lands highly fertile, making it an ideal place for agriculture.

Population and Ethnic Groups

With a population of approximately 17.1 million, Cambodia is home to several ethnic groups, including the Khmer, Chinese-Khmers, Khmer Islam or Chams, and ethnic hill-tribe people known as the Khmer Loeu. The majority of the population, around 90-95 percent, are Khmer.

Culture and Society

Cambodian society is characterized by a strong sense of community, with villagers living near major bodies of water in the Tonle Sap Basin-Mekong Lowlands region. The permanently settled Khmer and Cham villages are typically located on or near the banks of a river or other bodies of water.

Economy and Demographics

While Cambodia’s economy is growing, it still faces significant challenges, including deforestation, over-exploitation of natural resources, and uncontrolled globalization. The country’s rural population relies heavily on agriculture, and the majority of the population lives in rural areas.

Climate and Vegetation

Cambodia experiences a tropical savanna climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The coastal areas receive more rainfall, and the country is divided into two seasons of relatively equal length. The vegetation in Cambodia is characterized by lush forests, mangrove marshes, and a variety of plant species.

Key Facts:

• Cambodia is situated in the tropical Indomalaya realm and the Indochina Time zone (ICT).
• The country has a coastline of 443 km (275 mi) along the Gulf of Thailand.
• The highest peak in Cambodia is Phnom Aural, which is 1,810 metres (5,938 ft) above sea level.
• The Mekong River is the longest river in Cambodia, stretching 486 km (302 mi).
• Cambodia has a rich cultural heritage, with several ethnic groups making up the population.
• The majority of the population, around 90-95 percent, are Khmer.

CAMBODIA WEATHER: A TROPICAL PARADISE

Cambodia enjoys a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

• Dry Season (December to April):
  The northeast monsoon brings warm, sunny, and dry weather, especially in January and February.
  Temperatures rise steadily, peaking at around 40°C in April.
• Rainy Season (May to November):
  The winds shift to the southwest monsoon, bringing humidity and rain, particularly in September and October.
  Expect short downpours, but travel remains comfortable, and the scenery is vibrant and lush.
• Best Time to Visit:
  December and January are ideal for visiting, featuring pleasant weather and lower humidity. However, it can be crowded, and prices may be higher.

Overall, whether you prefer sunny skies or lush landscapes, Cambodia offers a unique experience in every season!

A TASTE OF CAMBODIA: AN OVERVIEW OF CAMBODIA CUISINE

Cambodian cuisine is a vibrant blend of traditions from various ethnic groups, with Khmer cuisine being the most prominent, rooted in nearly 2,000 years of history. Over the years, Cambodian dishes have been influenced by Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, and French cooking, leading to similarities with the cuisines of neighboring Thailand and Vietnam.

• Types of Khmer Cuisine
  Khmer cuisine can be categorized into three types: rural, elite, and royal. While royal food tends to use better ingredients and more meat, the difference isn’t as stark as in some other cultures.
• Cooking Techniques
  Cambodians typically cook food in a single pot or wok over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor that many people love. Commonly cooked items include fried dishes, often using palm oil, which can make them greasy. While rice is the primary staple, the phrase “nyam bai” (eat rice) is commonly used to refer to meals.
• Where to Eat
  Affordable street food is abundant, with meals costing around $0.50 to $1.50. Street vendors sell a variety of offerings, from fried noodles and baguettes to fresh fruit and ice cream. Markets are also great places for cheap eats, open day and night with different stalls to choose from.

Noodle shops serve breakfast from around 5:30 AM, offering noodle soups and rice porridge, before transitioning to coffee shops. In tourist spots, you’ll find restaurants serving international cuisine like pizza, burgers, and pasta, while more upscale dining is available in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

• Traditional Breakfast
  Cambodians typically enjoy rice with fried chicken or pork for breakfast, accompanied by soup and pickled vegetables. Noodle soup, or geautieuv, is another popular morning dish, and you can find Western-style breakfasts in tourist areas.
• Snacks and Street Food
  Cambodia offers a wide variety of snacks throughout the day. For breakfast or as an afternoon treat, try noam bpaow (steamed dumplings), or go for a crusty baguette filled with pâté or sardines. Banchaev, savory pancakes filled with meat and vegetables, are common at markets and are best enjoyed wrapped in lettuce and dipped in sauce.
• Unique Treats
  Street vendors sell boiled eggs, including quail eggs and “thousand-year eggs,” which have a jelly-like texture. Another intriguing snack is pong dteer gowne, a boiled duck egg with an unhatched duckling inside — a unique delicacy that offers a taste of tradition.
• Sweet Delights
  Grilled bananas and battered, wok-fried bananas are popular, especially when hot. Sticky rice parcels with banana and other fillings, often wrapped in banana leaves, are also delicious snack options. For a unique treat, try grolan, sticky rice mixed with coconut and black beans cooked in bamboo.
• Seasonal Finds
  Look out for chook, the seeds of lotus flowers, sold in bundles. They’re fun to eat and taste like garden peas when you pop them out of their rubbery pods.

In summary, Cambodian cuisine is not only flavorful but also diverse and influenced by many different cultures. From street food to charming market stalls, there’s a delightful array of flavors to explore!

TRANSPORTATION IN CAMBODIA: A QUICK GUIDE

Getting around Cambodia can be a bit challenging due to limited public transport options, but there are some exciting services emerging. Here’s a breakdown of the main ways to travel in the country:

• Buses
  Phnom Penh City Bus**: Launched in September 2014, this municipal bus system has grown to cover 11 routes across Phnom Penh, including areas like Prek Pnov to the north and Ta Khmao to the south.
• Trains
  Royal Railway**: While not serving the city center, the train service connects Phnom Penh with various provinces and the international airport. You can find schedules and fares directly at the Central Railway Station or online at [royal-railway.com](http://royal-railway.com/).
• Taxis
  Taxis are a popular choice for tourists and expats in Cambodia. With the rise of ride-hailing apps like Grab, it’s easier and more competitive to find a ride.
• Tuk Tuks and Motorbike Taxis
  Tuk tuks—two-wheeled carriages pulled by a motorbike—are a cheap and fun way to get around. They can fit up to four people and are often safer than motorbike taxis, making them a favorite for tourists.
• Ride-Hailing Apps
  To make travel even easier, various e-hailing apps like Grab, ExNet, and PassApp are available. These apps calculate fares automatically, so you don’t have to haggle over prices.

In summary, whether you prefer buses, trains, taxis, or tuk tuks, Cambodia has a growing range of transportation options to explore this vibrant country!

CURRENCY IN CAMBODIA: A QUICK GUIDE

When traveling in Cambodia, you’ll encounter the Riel, which is the official currency. The country has banknotes in various denominations: 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 Riel.

However, you’ll notice that the US Dollar is widely used for most transactions, so it’s smart to bring some cash in US Dollars, especially in smaller bills.

Make sure to also pack your ATM card and credit card. Cambodia’s urban areas are home to plenty of ATMs, which dispense both US Dollars and Riel. Just keep in mind that most ATMs may charge around 3% for cash withdrawals.

So, be prepared with some local currency and US Dollars for a smooth experience during your trip!