Language

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. It has been dominantly influenced by Sanskrit and Pali. There are basically 3 various dialects spoken Cambodia: The Phnom Penh is the standard tone, Northern Khmer also known as Khmer Surin which spoken by ethnic Khmer and the last is Cardamon Khmer, spoken by a small population in the Cardamon Mountains of Western Cambodia.

English is the second language, followed by Chinese and French (spoken mostly in Capital only and and generally only older generation talk).

Climate

Cambodia is a very friendly country and can be visited throughout the year. But the last two months of the year is a bit raining which is not recommended for those who wish to travel to some country side.

The climate is tropical and can be categorized into three different seasons. The most pleasant with cooler temperature of 20-28 C is from November to March. The hot season start from April and end in May with average temperature of 30-35 C. and from June to October is the rainy season with relatively cool temperature of 25-30 C.

The months of December and January are usually considered the best for tourists with lower temperatures and reduced humidity levels. April is generally the hottest month. The monsoons during June – October usually follow a pattern of clear mornings with a period of rain in the afternoons.

Dress

Cambodia experiences tropical climate almost year round so lightweight clothing is best. In the cooler months warmer clothing may be required, especially during the evenings and in mountainous areas. Tourists should remember to dress modestly and remove their footwear when entering places of religious significance such as pagodas. It is best to wear sturdy walking shoes when visiting temple sites as the ground can be undulating.

Food

Rice is the staple ingredients of Cambodian, along with Prahok. Khmer Cuisine is very famous with fresh ingredients. Seafood are very much available in town with relatively good price and also fresh water fish and shellfish are very delicious.

Passport & Visas

A passport valid for six months and an entry visa are required when arriving in Cambodia. Visas are available on arrival at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. You will need two passport sized photos to accompany your visa application. Visas are also available at border crossings on the Thai-Cambodian and Vietnamese-Cambodian border points. Travelers can also apply for visas in advance by contacting the nearest Cambodian embassy. Tourist visas can be extended through a travel agent or at the “Department for Foreigners” of the Ministry of Interior.

Or travelers can obtain their visa through e-visa: www.mfaic.gov.kh

Transportations

By Road

If you are a Tourist and wish to drive in Cambodia, you need to hold International Driving permits to exchange for Cambodian driving licenses. There is a fee for the exchange of US $25.

The majority of roads in Cambodia now are better. However, if you travel by motor cycle you are advised to take precautions including the use of a helmet and protective clothing as either a driver or passenger.

By Sea/River

Mostly are small boat that tourist can rent for seeing scenery on the sea or on the river. Cambodia don’t have big ships…

Air Safety

Domestic air services in Cambodia are limited. Internal air services to Ratanakiri now available and Cambodia just open an international air port at the famous sea resort in Sihanoukville. Rail Safety

We advise against traveling by train. Trains and rail track are poorly maintained which increases the risk of accidents.

Cambodia also has helicopters for rent as well.

Post & Communication

Send mail and parcels from Cambodia now are much more reliable in the past. Most hotels and guest house now have IDD lines but international calls are very expensive.

Internet service now available everywhere even hotspots, Wimax. You can use internet at the hotel or in internet café near you.

Bibliography & References

Ministry of Tourism, www.mot.gov.kh