Here is a quick overview on Cambodia
Cambodia, or Kampuchea (as it is known by its own people) is a mainly lowland country bordering Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, and Vietnam to the east and southeast. To the southwest it faces the Gulf of Thailand. If you could use a color to describe a country, you would use the color green as it is filled with forested hillsides and valleys filled with rice fields. It is a country rich in a history that dates almost 4,000 years. The pages on Cambodia will let you know how you can enjoy visiting this country that boasts a very mild and tropical climate. The Kingdom of Cambodia is an independent country with a population of more than 7 million people. Cambodia has a distinct geography as it is rather like a wide basin surrounded by highlands. The basin is filled with farms with the 20 provinces rich in resources that include forests, rubber, gems, and fish.

Passport and Visa Information
Customs Information
Currency and Money Matters
Climate and When to Visit
Geography of Cambodia
Languages and Culture of Cambodia
Travel Etiquette for Cambodia
Religion of Cambodia
Travel Insurance
Travel Warning

The following information was taken from the CIA Fact Book (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cb.html)
Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline. The king placed the country under French protection in 1863 and it became part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953. In April 1975, after a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy under a coalition government. Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another coalition government and renewed political stability. The remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999. Some of the remaining Khmer Rouge leaders are awaiting trial by a UN-sponsored tribunal for crimes against humanity. Elections in July 2003 were relatively peaceful, but it took one year of negotiations between contending political parties before a coalition government was formed. In October 2004, King SIHANOUK abdicated the throne due to illness and his son, Prince Norodom SIHAMONI, was selected to succeed him. Local elections were held in Cambodia in April 2007, and there was little in the way of pre-election violence that preceded prior elections. National elections are scheduled for July 2008.

From 2001 to 2004, the economy grew at an average rate of 6.4%, driven largely by an expansion in the garment sector and tourism. The US and Cambodia signed a Bilateral Textile Agreement, which gave Cambodia a guaranteed quota of US textile imports and established a bonus for improving working conditions and enforcing Cambodian labor laws and international labor standards in the industry. With the January 2005 expiration of a WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, Cambodia-based textile producers were forced to compete directly with lower-priced producing countries such as China and India. Better-than-expected garment sector performance led to more than 8% growth in 2007. Its vibrant garment industry employs more than 350,000 people and contributes more than 70% of Cambodia's exports. The Cambodian government has committed itself to a policy supporting high labor standards in an attempt to maintain buyer interest. In 2005, exploitable oil and natural gas deposits were found beneath Cambodia's territorial waters, representing a new revenue stream for the government if commercial extraction begins. Mining also is attracting significant investor interest, particularly in the northeastern parts of the country, and the government has said opportunities exist for mining bauxite, gold, iron and gems. In 2006, a US-Cambodia bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) was signed and the first round of discussions took place in early 2007. The tourism industry continues to grow rapidly, with foreign arrivals reaching 2 million in 2007. In 2007 the government signed a joint venture agreement with two companies to form a new national airline. The long-term development of the economy remains a daunting challenge. The Cambodian government is working with bilateral and multilateral donors, including the World Bank and IMF, to address the country's many pressing needs. The major economic challenge for Cambodia over the next decade will be fashioning an economic environment in which the private sector can create enough jobs to handle Cambodia's demographic imbalance. More than 50% of the population is less than 21 years old. The population lacks education and productive skills, particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from an almost total lack of basic infrastructure.

Passport and Visa Information
Visitors will need a passport and a visa when visiting Cambodia. A fifteen-day tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival at Pochentong Airport (currently about $20 USD). You should bring along at least 4 photos. You can fill out and sign the visa applications when you arrive. Visa extensions are possible through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Office of Immigration.

Although you can do it on your own, the easiest way to gain admittance to Cambodia is to have a reputable tour agency take care of things for you. Especially if you are a US citizen. In fact, citizens of the U.S., Israel, China, South Korea, and South Africa are required to have individual visas, which can sometimes be difficult to obtain. Visitors from these countries should leave all of the details to their travel agent. 

For independent travelers there are Cambodian consulates in Bangkok and Ho Chi Min City where you can apply for a visa. A one-month visa, on arrival at Pochentong and Siem Reap costs $20 USD for a tourist visa and $25 USD for a business visa. Travelers to Cambodia also must be able to provide three (I would take 4) passport photos, a photocopy of their passport and an itinerary. The process can sometimes take as long as 7 days, so you must be willing to spend some time waiting in Thailand or Vietnam. 
 

Customs Information and Regulations for Travel in Cambodia
Cambodia, like all other countries, any other country does not allow travelers to import weapons, explosives or narcotics. Beyond these exceptions, they really don't mind what you bring into the country. Although reasonable amounts of duty-free items are allowed into the country such as alcohol and cigars you may not want to do so as many of these things can usually be bought cheaper on the streets of Phnom Penh than from where one probably came from.

Currency and Money Matters
The unit of currency in Cambodia is the RIELS. Riel denominations are 100, 200 and 500. It should be noted that exchange rates are subject to fluctuation.  As it is illegal to import or export reils I would suggest you bring U.S. currency, as it is frequently used by many tourist services and is easier to change than the reil. 

Credit cards are not widely used in Cambodia. Phnom Penh, some credit cards can be used and limited services and purchasing and cashing travelers checks. There are a few places that will change travelers checks. Credit cards are not very useful even in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, although you can get a cash advance from a Visa card at the Thai Farmers Bank in Phnom Penh. 

Tipping is not expected in Cambodia, but salaries are very low and any gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted. You will just have to use your own judgment on this. 

Cambodia, for the most part, is a pretty cheap place to travel. The Budget minded can probably get by in Phnom Penh on  $10 USD a day. Accommodation can be as cheap as $2-$3 USD in the capital, though you'll pay about $5 USD elsewhere. Fees for entrance to some sights (particularly for Angkor Wat - currently around $20 USD a day) can also set you back a fair bit. Mid-range travel is very reasonable, with excellent accommodation from $15-$25 USD and good meals for around $5USD.

Bargaining is the rule in markets, when hiring vehicles and sometimes even when taking a room, but you won't need to be as forceful as you would in Thailand or Vietnam.

Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare.  Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate

Climate and When to Visit
Cambodia lies in a tropical zone between 10 and 14 degree of latitude north the equator. The temperature is fairly uniform throughout the year and averages 77 degrees (25 degree centigrade). The relative humidity is higher at night and usually in excess of 90 percent, during the day the average humidity is 80 percent. This is something that can be pretty hard to get used to.

It should also be noted that the climate of Cambodia is governed by two monsoon seasons. From November to March you have the cool, dry, North-eastern monsoon. The South-western monsoon occurs from April to October and brings strong winds, high humidity and heavy rains. During the wet season it rarely rains in the mornings and if does rain that day it's usually sporadic and occurs in the afternoons. However, some of these rains can be very hard with the rain sometimes looking as though it is almost falling horizontal instead of vertically!

Although you can enjoy Cambodia anytime of the year, I believe the best months to be December and January as the humidity levels are relatively low and there is little likelihood of rain. The hottest month is April and the temperatures remain high throughout May, or until the south-west monsoon brings rain and cooler weather. The wet season, which lasts from April to October is also a pretty good time to visit.

Geography of Cambodia
Cambodia covers an area of some 181,035 square kilometers. For us, this would be just slightly smaller than the state of Oklahoma, or slightly larger than England and Wales. Cambodia is bordered to the north by Thailand and Laos, to the east and the south by Vietnam, to the west by the gulf of Cambodia. The terrain consists mostly of low, flat plains, though there are moderate mountain ranges to the southwest and north. The country is divided into 21 provinces and has a 2,572 kilometers long border. Some 1,228 kilometers is shared with Vietnam, 803 with Thailand and 541 kilometers with Laos.

There are three mountain ranges: the Dangreks on the northern border with Laos, the Cardamons running parallel to the Thai border southwest of Battambang, and the Elephant Mountains, or "Phnom Damrei" as they are known to Cambodians, which lie to the east and southeast of Phnom Penh, near to the southern coastline. The tallest mountain is Phnom Aoral which is in the Cardamons. The mountain areas are, for the most part, densely wooded and have provided good protection for isolated pockets of Khmer Rouge guerillas and other bandits. I would not suggest traveling in these areas without a good guide.

Tonle Sap Lake may be the most instantly recognizable feature on the map. This area, much like the Central United States can be called the "bread basket," is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and may well be called "Cambodia's Fishbowl" as fish is a staple of food for the Cambodians. The second large feature would be the Mekong River, which winds it's way down from the northeastern border with Laos to the Vietnamese border. The Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet at Phnom Penh and this is the only major inland Cambodian port. 

The Languages of Cambodia
Cambodian (or Khmer) is the national and official language but English and French are spoken in hotels and business circles as for most foreigners the writing and pronunciation is both difficult and confusing. There are 33 consonants and, at least seemingly, innumerable vowels. For over a century, the second language of choice among the educated Cambodians was French, and it is still spoken by many people who grew up before the 1970's. English has surged in popularity and, probably because of students, you may find several people who can at least converse with you a bit in English.

I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more

Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

The Religion of Cambodia
The majority of the people of Cambodia are followers of Thervada and Hinayana school of Buddhism which was introduced to Cambodia between the 13th and 14 centuries and was the state religion until 1975. Many of the temples and places of worship make for interesting things to see and do.

Travel Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out. TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide travel. Our features and articles are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Travel Insurance
If you need medical care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit the Getting Away Health and Safety Tips for Travelers page for additional information about insurance.

Travel Warning
Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable.  A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.  The countries listed below meet those criteria.  Additionally, the State Department issues Country Specific Information  for every country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. Check with the U.S. State Department for Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public Announcements.

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Getting To Cambodia
The best and most popular way to get to Cambodia is by air. There are direct flights to the capital of Phnom Penh from Bangkok, Hanoi, Hochiminh City, Hong Kong, Kuahlupur, Singapore and Vientiane. There are some 1900 kilometers of navigable waterways, and Phnom Penh, which is 320 kilometers from the mouth of the Mekong, is accessible by smaller ocean-going vessels and other boats making it possible to get there by sea. It is best that you check with your travel agent for details about getting to Cambodia.

 

At Travelocity, not only can you find the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also find Great Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on Hotel Deals, hundreds of Cruise Deals, some of the Top Vacation Deals on the Internet and much more. You can click on the Weather Center to see what the weather will be like at your destination, and even use their Currency Converter So you will be ready to go as soon as your arrive. At Travelocity, you can find it all.

For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.

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Getting Around In Cambodia
Cambodia's roads are pretty badly deteriorated and is suggested that, if you plan to travel by road, you do it with a guide or on a bus. Buses serve Phnom Penh's suburbs. Cyclos are a cheap form of transport (and sometimes very interesting), and motorbikes and bicycles are available for hire. A word of caution: Do not be of faint heart while riding with others as the Cambodians' reckless driving habits, especially when motoring outside the capital, can be terrible and lead to a lot of nervousness. It you do plan to drive yourself, cars are available for hire for about $30 USD per day.

The train system is in poor condition and travel by train is not currently allowed for foreigners. Much of the train network was destroyed by the civil war. Safety is also a concern for rail travel, as trains have often been the target of sabotage by local rebels. Don't' travel by train. Likewise with water travel. Although water travel is an important means of transportation in the country, again, foreigners are currently prohibited from travel by boat. However, there are a few ferry tours that run out of Phnom Penh that are okay. Again, check with your travel agent.

From Phnom Penh, one can take direct flights to Siemreap (Angkor), which are now operates on daily basis. Because of its vast architectures and plentiful of myths and information, visiting of the great Angkor Wat with a knowledgeable and well-trained guide is highly recommended and fun. You can enjoy traveling to Angkor Wat.

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Cities, Towns and Areas of Cambodia

The Buildings
Phnom Penh in its colonial "high time" was considered as one of the nicest cities in Southeast Asia and even today, though the city has gone through some very troublesome times, it is still considered quite attractive and very interesting. Many of the French-style buildings and tree-lined boulevards remain along with the cooling breezes that blow off the Tonle Sap River and a walk along these boulevards can be very interesting.

However, Phnom Penh is also a city of contrasts and you can often be riding along a pleasant main street and turn a corner into a road that is filled with potholes lined with areas of squalor and poverty while just a little further on you may see a magnificent, old colonial house, which is completely ruined and overgrown with vegetation.

The Markets
Along with the architectural styling of the buildings, you will also want to spend some time in one (or several) of the various markets. Although Western ways of shopping are beginning to catch on here, markets are traditionally where Cambodians do most of their shopping. Phnom Penh's markets stock almost everything you could possibly need  -- and many things you won't -- and are a must for visitors. Just about anything a shopper could possibly want can be found with a little bit of digging around the markets of Phnom Penh. Along with the many "legal" items you can find there, you can also find ganja (marijuana) and other items not normally found in other markets you have visited. And, although it is now outlawed, it can still sometimes be found.

When you are in the markets you will want to be sure to bargain. It is expected. The first price you will be quoted will be vastly inflated so before venturing into any of the markets, be sure to get a pretty good feel for prices by asking or checking with your guide or looking at a good guidebook. When you begin to bargain, always start at a price lower than what you are prepared to pay, then slowly give a little ground to save the vendor's face. I have found that after you get what you believe is the final price, turning and beginning to walk away will bring the price down just a little bit more.

The best markets to try are the Psar Tmey Thom, Psar Soviet, Psar Olympic, Psar Cha, and Psar Kandal. 

The National Museum
The National Museum is set inside a beautiful red traditional pavilion built in 1917-18. It is an annex to the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and is exclusively dedicated to Khmer art. The museum is filled with many artifacts from the pre-Angkor as well as the Angkor period shown. One of the more interesting items is a statue of the great god-king Jayavarman VII, who ruled Angkor form 1181 to 1201 and was responsible for many of the architectural wonders. 

The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is probably the most beautiful building in the city, with its exquisite Khmer architecture. The palace functions as the official residence of the king and the palace is open to visitors every day except Monday. The entrance is opposite the Renakse Hotel that faces toward the river. Tourists are not allowed in some areas within the compound, including the king's quarters.  The eastern wall features the Chan Chaya Pavilion, which is used by monarchs to review parades. You will also want to see the Throne Hall, which was built as late as 1917, with influences from the Bayon temple at Angkor Wat, and the  many paintings. Apart from the coronations, the throne room is used for other official occasions. The summerhouse, known as the Napoleon III Pavilion, which French volunteers have recently renovated, is also quite nice. Napoleon III gave it to his wife Empress Eugenie who in turn had it dismantled and sent to Phnom Penh as a gift to King Norodom in the 1870's. Perhaps one of the most impressive sights in the palace is the Silver Pagoda which lies south of the Throne Hall. This just might be the most expensive, or the richest shrine in the world. The floor is made of silver tiles weighing more than 5 tons and the building houses two priceless Buddha statues. One, the Emerald Buddha, is made from Baccarat crystal and the other is made of pure gold and encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, the largest being a 25-carat stone.

The Tuol Sleng
Tuol Sleng was the central torture chamber of the Khmer Rouge during their years in power. The building was originally a high school. It was converted by Pol Pot's men into a place of unimaginable suffering for some 20,000 victims. Among the people who suffered Tuol Sleng's horrors were soldiers and officials of the Lon Nol regime, academics, artists, engineers, doctors, a even a few foreigners and eventually even some of the cadre of the Tuol Sleng as the paranoid Pol Pot sought to root out traitors from within his ranks. Those who didn't die under torture were transported to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

As gruesome as this place is, it is important to see so, just as the Holocaust, it will never be repeated. The radical communists were, just like the Nazi SS before them, painstaking in their record keeping and documenting and photographed all of the victims. Many of these photographs now line the walls as part of the exhibition. Other photographs and paintings show the instruments of torture used by the Khmer Rouge, who strapped their victims to metal bed frames and tormented them with electric currents, pulling out finger nails and smashing their hands with hammers.

The upstairs classrooms were turned into rows of tiny, and very squalid, cells that were barely big enough for a man or woman. It was here the victims were shackled while they waited their turn to be tortured. One of the most sobering item is A map of Cambodia made of skulls which adorns the wall of one of the rooms.

Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom is the temple from which the city takes its name, and is a focal point at the northern end of the city. Garish flashing lights distinguish the Buddha statue inside the wat and there are murals depicting Buddha's life and the Ramayana on the walls inside. Outside there is a to Penh, the woman who built the original temple in 1372.

Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
The fortified city of Angkor Thom, some 10 sq km in extent, was built in its present form by Angkor's greatest builder, Jayavarman 7 who reigned 1181 to 1201 and who came to power just after the disastrous sacking by the Chams. It is enclosed by a square wall eight meters high and 12 km in length and encircled by a moat 100 meters wide, which is said to have been inhabited by fierce crocodiles. The city has five monumental gates, one in the north, west and south walls and two in the east wall. The gates, which are 20 meters in height, are decorated on either side of the passageway with stone elephant trunks and crowned by four gargantuan faces of the bodhisatva Avalokitesvara.

Things to see and do
Angkor, and it's many wonders, it the main reason so many travelers decide to visit Cambodia. Hundreds of thousands have made the pilgrimage to Angkor since the French explorer Henri Mouhot stumbled into it in 1860 and brought it to the world's attention. Angkor ranks right up there with other great masterpieces of world architecture such as the Great Wall of China, the Egyptian pyramids and the legacy of the great Roman Empire. In fact, Angkor Wat itself is one of the biggest religious structures ever built and arguably the most beautiful, with its imposing spires and beautiful bas-reliefs.

What many people do not realize, however, is that there is far more to Angkor than Angkor Wat. It is just one of the brightest jewels of Angkor's crown. Angkor was the cradle of a highly complex civilization that controlled the greater part of Southeast Asia for several centuries. Covering an area of some 25 kilometers by 10 kilometers and with more than 1,000 archeological sites, ancient Angkor was made up of hundreds of buildings. Many of these buildings included hospitals and schools, as well as homes and temples. Due to their links to the gods, the use of stone was only permissible for temples. With the wearing of time and war, Angkor's wooden buildings have withered, and so the temples are the main legacy of the great Khmer empire that can only be marveled at today.

The structures of Angkor Thom are derived from the Hindu beliefs and, like many other Khmer temples, it was built as an architectural allegory of the Hindu religion. Many believe that a recurring theme with Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom is that the ancient peoples' minds were so deeply engrained in their spiritual beliefs that they believed they have to develop their physical environment around their religious beliefs. Archeologists believe, however, that Angkor Thom was not to be enjoyed by all of the citizens at that time. 

Only court officials, servants, bodyguards, concubines, wives and of course the King himself lived within the walls of the city. The rest of the population is believed to have built wooden houses around it.

Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is considered by many to be the "piece de resistance" of the Angkor complex. This huge temple was built by Suryavarman II in the 12th century. It is believed that it took thousands of slave laborers and close to 30 years to complete. Angkor Wat was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and, unlike all the other monuments, it faces east because it was to double up as the place where Suryavarman II had his funeral.

This place is big. Really big! It is built on a plot measuring 1.5 kilometers by 1.3 kilometers and is surrounded by a large moat. It is also one of Angkor's best preserved remains, thanks to a band of Buddhist monks who stayed around and kept the jungle at bay after the capital was abandoned in 1432. 

Visitors walk across a long road built on top of a causeway to enter the main building through a beautifully carved gate. The building consists of an outer wall and then the temple itself inside, with its world-famous five towers. Just outside the wall is a cruciform platform that may have been used by the kings to hold public audiences. 

Inside you will enjoy walking around as it is much cooler than out in the open. To the right of the entranceway is a statue of Vishnu. The temple itself consists of an outer wall with towers and a central tower. At one time the central tower housed a golden figure of Suryavarman II astride a garuda, or mythical bird. The outside of the central temple building is covered in bas-reliefs which depict Khmer interpretations of epic Hindu scenes and highlights of Khmer history. There are also some fine bas-reliefs to be seen if you climb up to the temple's third level. 

If you are there in the evening, during sunset, after visiting Angkor wat, turn right at the exit and head back towards Angkor Thom and go up the hill called Phnom Bakheng to have a look at the temple up there and take some great pictures of the sunset.

Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville offers travelers the chance to discover the delights of a island paradise much like Phuket, Thailand was before it became so developed in the 1980s. The history of Sihanoukville, or Kompong Som as it was known during the years Sihanouk was out of power, mirrors that of the rest of the country. Apart from being the nations only deep-sea port, it has long been a playground for the rich. In the 60s, Phnom Penh's elite would take weekends and holidays in their villas along the shore. The war put a stop to the frivolity, and Khmer Rouge later came along and burned down the villas. About 20 years later, with the arrival of UNTAC, the resort started to stir again. Hotels were opened to house UN troops and personnel and a few Western restaurants were set up. Sihanoukville itself is a provincial town that sprawls across hilly terrain a short moto ride from the seafront on the end of a promontory jutting into the Gulf of Thailand. There are several nice beaches around the edges of town and dozens of small islands a short boat ride away. The closest, Koh Pos, or Snake Island, is just a hundred meters from shore. There are plenty of choices in accommodation with two dozen small hotels and guesthouses, either on the beaches or in town. While there are not so many restaurants, one or tow of them, like Koh Pos set on its own mini-beach with the island background, is a wonderful place for a dinner staring out over the sunset.

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Some Things To See And Do In Cambodia
Due to security risks and the arduous nature of travel in Cambodia, sightseeing options around the country are still somewhat limited. Before planning any adventurous trips outside well-known tourist tracks for sightseeing, it is essential that one check on the security situation with your embassy and/or with Non Governmental Organizations in Phnom Penh. Cambodia is still in a state of strife. Risks that may be taken and end up backfiring could end up having repercussions not just for you and your travel plans, but also for the whole travel industry in Cambodia.

Cambodia, for the most part, is a pretty cheap place to travel. The Budget minded can probably get by in Phnom Penh on  $10 USD a day. Accommodation can be as cheap as $2-$3 USD in the capital, though you'll pay about $5 USD elsewhere. Fees for entrance to some sights (particularly for Angkor Wat - currently around $20 USD a day) can also set you back a fair bit. Mid-range travel is very reasonable, with excellent accommodation from $15-$25 USD and good meals for around $5USD.

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Some Suggestions For Accommodations In Cambodia
For accommodations and reservations in Cambodia, including the cities of Phnom Pehn and Siem Reap, Hotels in Cambodia

Cambodia, for the most part, is a pretty cheap place to travel. The Budget minded can probably get by in Phnom Penh on  $10 USD a day. Accommodation can be as cheap as $2-$3 USD in the capital, though you'll pay about $5 USD elsewhere. Fees for entrance to some sights (particularly for Angkor Wat - currently around $20 USD a day) can also set you back a fair bit. Mid-range travel is very reasonable, with excellent accommodation from $15-$25 USD and good meals for around $5USD.

With the slow rise in tourism in Cambodia, many hotels are being built or renovated. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a number of hotels and guest houses, many of them very basic in nature. There are a few luxury hotels; some even include swimming pools, bars, and athletic facilities. The most luxurious hotel in Cambodia is currently offering rooms in the $150 USD range. Because the number of tourists and foreign aid workers in Cambodia is rising, it is often difficult to find an available room. Prices of rooms have also been steadily increasing over the last few years.

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Some Suggestions For Dining In Cambodia
Cambodian food is closely related to the cuisines of neighboring Thailand and Laos, and to a lesser extent, Vietnam, but there are some distinct local dishes. In the growing number of restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siemreap, you will find excellent Chinese and Vietnamese dishes but it is the local dishes which are often the best prepared and most interesting. Rice is the principal staple and Battanbang Region is the country's rice bowl. Most Cambodian dishes are cooked in a wok known locally as a chnang khteak and you can usually find good meals for around $5 USD.

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Some Favorites In Cambodia
Coming soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please send me the information so I can post it here. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

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Some Interesting Links For Cambodia

Coming soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please send me the information so I can post it here. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

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Some Interesting Books About Cambodia

My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on Fodor's Travel Guides to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
 

I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Shop Amazon for Travel Books and Maps!

Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

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Date this page was last edited: Saturday, August 02, 2008 17:10:43

Getting Away With Jim Bruner
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