Cambodia Travel Guide

Cambodia is rich in history, culture and amazing tourism resources. Cambodia also provides visitors with a range of once undiscovered cultural and historical attractions throughout the Kingdom and the dual theme guiding Cambodia

tourism is "Culture and Nature". But there are lots of things you should know before discover this beautiful country ...

Passports and visas:

Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. They are supposed to say a valid passport and visa are required for entry. Visas can be obtained at Phnom Penh International Airport Siem Reap or (Angkor) Airport. All travelers need to do is bring along two passport size photos and fill up visa application. One month tourist visa costs U.S. $ 20, while a corporate visa costs U.S. $ 25.00. The visa application form will be given to incoming flights. Visas are also available at Thai / Cambodian overland border.

Currency:

Riel is the Cambodian currency. To check the current exchange rate, please see our GoCambodia front page, located at the top right side. But the U.S. dollar is widely accepted.

Transportation:

• to and from Cambodia: Most tourists fly into the international airports in either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Recently, an increasing number of visitors are also arriving overland from Cambodia and Thailand.

• Upon arrival may Motorcycle taxis (Motodub) and taxis can be hired just outside the arrival lobby. From Phnom Penh international airport to anywhere in Phnom Penh will cost you $ 7.00 while Motordub charged $ 1.00 to $ 2.00. The distance is about 8 km to the city.

Hotel:

Room rate starts from $ 3 to $ 200 per night. Whether you prefer to stay at Guest Houses without air-con but fan, a motel style will cost you from $ 10 to $ 45 or you can stay at one of the 5 stars hotel e.g. Cambodiana Le Royal or Inter- Continental. The cost of $ 10 and up will equip with air conditioning, refrigerator and cable TV.

Depositing and negotiations:

Tipping is not expected in Cambodia, but if you meet with exceptional service or kindness, a tip is always appreciated. Wages remain very low in Cambodia. Bargaining is the rule in the markets when you are renting vehicles or buy things. One persuasive smile and a little friendly personality are usually enough to get a good price.

Tourist behavior code is written with the intent to minimize that may arise between tourists and residents because of differences in language and customs. It is also to reinforce and even renew a sense of pride in local people, their culture and enable tourists to learn, understand and respect the Khmer culture. The purpose is to inform tourists about the local community, its customs, dress code and acceptable behavior in religious and other places.

Swakum! Welcome!

Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia. It makes no difference whether you are here for business and pleasure. You are in a treatment. You will get a glimpse of Khmer people, their history, culture and nature through the pristine beaches, natural landscapes, charming villages, exotic traditional dances, the world famous Angkor complex and archaeological treasures.

Proper Greetings

Cambodians traditionally greet each other by joining their hands together in front of their chest and bowing often (Chum Reap Suor) followed by the western practice of shaking hands. Although men tend to shake ands with each other, women usually use the traditional greeting with both men and women. It is considered acceptable for foreigners to shake hands with Cambodians of both sexes. When you're invited to a meeting, it is polite to make an effort to correct greeting

People you meet on your arrival.

• You should respond to greetings from others. It is considered disrespectful not to return greetings from other people.

• When entering pagodas (wats) sit with their feet to the side instead of in the lotus position, so you can sign up both hands together under chin and bow three times on the floor. Always be seated when the monks are seated.

Photography

There are many photographic shops in Cambodia, offering international standard services. Be sure to take lots of photographs so you can take back good memories of the Kingdom. Photographers are free to shoot almost everything. There should be some principles.

• When photographing local people, always ask their permission first. Most of them will be happy to be for you.

• Taking photographs of military bases and other designated security areas is prohibited.

• Ask permission before taking photos inside pagodas, royal palaces, other sacred places or special events.

Visiting pagodas (wats) and other religious and traditional places

The official religion in Cambodia is Theravada Buddhism which is also practiced in neighboring countries like Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Sight by a saffron-robed monk is common to the whole kingdom and almost every village was a pagoda (wat).

• Visitors should dress neatly in all religious places. They should never go shirtless in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.

• Shoes, sandals and a hat should be removed when entering a mosque or a pagoda (wat) where Buddhist images observed. Each Buddha image, large or small, well kept or in ruins, is considered sacred.

• Never climb on a Buddha or photograph a Buddha inside a temple without asking for permission. Always be respectful when you see a Buddha image.

Tipping

There is no regulation of landfill in Cambodia. But the deposit greatly appreciated as wages are low. The value of the tip is optional, depending on individual generosity. It should be rendered service.

A small gift instead of a tip is greatly appreciated.

Shopping

Bargaining is a way of life in Cambodia and many shops will offer discounts after negotiation. Cambodia is famous for its crafts - handmade articles such as silk materials, wood carvings, stone copies of Khmer art, silver items, and jeweler are worth buying. It is illegal to export any antique art objects.

Personal Conduct

Polite behavior is welcome everywhere. What is considered polite in other countries is probably considered polite in Cambodia. However, there are some customs, social and religious taboos.

• Cambodians admire a calm and measured approach to all aspects of life. Open show of temper and anger must be avoided.

• It is considered a grave insult to touch another person's head, even if it is meant as a friendly gesture.

• Use your right to accept things or shake hands.

• It is considered impolite to point your foot at a person or object.

• Keep an open mind and do not require much from your host. Loud voices and boisterous behavior is considered impolite. Smiling and nodding establishes good intent.

• Public displays of affection between men and women is frowned upon.

If you like someone to come over to you, motion with your whole hand, palm down. Do not signal with your finger.

• When picking your teeth with a toothpick after a meal, it is considered polite to keep the toothpick with one hand and cover your open mouth with the other.

• In private homes, it is polite to remove your shoes when you enter the house.

• Be appreciative of people who appreciate

• By observing the behavior code, you can thoroughly enjoy your stay in Cambodia and take home pleasant memories.