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Country Information

  • Occupying an area of approximately 181,000 sq km, Cambodia is bordered to the north and west by Laos and Thailand, to the east by Vietnam, and to the south by the sea. Cambodia's climate is characterised by three distinct seasons, unofficially known to resident expats as ‘hot, hotter and hottest.’ The rainy season extends from May to October. It is followed by a short, cool dry season from November to February, which develops into a hot dry season from March to May. Average daytime temperatures generally range from 25C to 30C, but can drop to 20C during the coolest months and hit 40C during the peak of the dry season.

  • Area: 181,035 sq km
    Capital: Phnom Penh
    Language: Khmer
    Population: 17.5 million
    Local Time: GMT +7 hrs
    Country Code: +855
    Money: US$1 = 4000r (riel)
    Tourist Visa: US$30 for 1 month
    Business Visa: US$35 for 1 month
    Power: 220V, 50C

  • A Constitutional Monarchy was instituted under the leadership of HM King Norodom Sihanouk, following democratic elections in 1993. The current monarch is King Norodom Sihamoni. The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) oversees the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet.

  • Cambodia's population is nearly 18 million and expanding rapidly. Khmers make up 90 percent of the population, while a variety of other ethnic groups make up the rest. They include a diverse group of Chinese, Vietnamese, Cham, and a number of tribal groups such as the Bunong, Kreung, Tampuon, Kuoy and Jarai in northeastern Cambodia.

  • Cambodia's national language is Khmer, which is also referred to as Cambodian. English is the first language among young students, while French is still spoken by some of the older generation. Chinese and Vietnamese are also widely spoken in urban areas and Thai is quite well understood in Western Cambodia.

  • Cambodia's official religion is Theravada Buddhism. It was introduced in Cambodia in the 12th century. It is enhanced by traditional animist beliefs and Brahmanist practices long imported from India to form a very Cambodian fusion religion. There are also 500,000 muslims, mostly of Cham origin.

  • No vaccinations are required for entry into Cambodia. However, it is recommended that all visitors be innoculated against typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B. It is not wise to drink tap water. Prescription drugs are easily obtainable in urban areas. Travellers should consult their doctor or travel centre before leaving for Cambodia.

  • Rice and fish are the staple diet for most Cambodians. Local specialities include curries, a variety of soups, and traditional beef, pork and poultry dishes. The national dish is amok, which is fresh fish steamed with coconut, curry paste and lemongrass in a banana leaf. Fresh seafood is also available and is especially popular with visitors travelling to the coast. Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine are also common in Cambodia, as is a variety of western cuisine which can be found in abundance in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

  • All urban areas have minimum electricity (220 volts). Many places are equipped with private power generators. Most sockets found in hotels are French style two-pin, but most properties can provide an adaptor on request. Some newer hotels have multi-plug sockets.

  • Cambodia offers a wide range of handicrafts, such as beautiful silverware, pottery and jewellry. Religious themes and scenes of daily life feature strongly in oil paintings and intricate carvings made from sandstone, marble and some of Cambodia's tropical hardwoods. Perhaps most attractive to visitors are the wide range of traditional silk and cotton cloths which can be made into fine clothing by local tailors at a low cost.

    In true Asian tradition, open marketplaces are an integral part of Cambodian life. These markets sell everything from mainstream and exotic foods, clothes and electrical appliances, to hundreds of krama, the multi-purpose scarf worn by many Cambodians. Even for non-shoppers, the markets offer a fascinating glimpse of Cambodian daily life and culture. Bargaining is possible in markets and with street sellers where no fixed prices are displayed.

  • There are three international gateways to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Techo International Airport (KTI) serves the capital of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) acts as a popular gateway to the temples of Angkor and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) is the jumping off point for the South Coast.

    Airlines currently servicing Cambodia include local carrier Air Cambodia, as well as international carriers Air China, Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, China Southern, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Eva Air, Korean Air, Lao Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and Vietnam Airlines.

    There are also several budget airlines, including Air Asia, Jetstar Asia and Vietjet.

  • Daily flights are available between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, gateway to the temples of Angkor, with Air Cambodia. There are also regular flights between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, a great way to link the temples of Angkor with the up and coming Cambodian coastline. There are also airports in Battambang, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri and Koh Kong, but they are not currently operational and there are no flights to these destinations.

  • The departure tax is US$25 for international flights from all the key airports, but it is now included in the original ticket price, so no cash payment at the airport is required. The US$6 charge for domestic flights is also included in the ticket price.

  • One-month tourist visas cost US$30 are available on arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville airports and all land border crossings.

    We recommend using the Cambodian e-arrival app to arrange your e-visa and complete your entry formalities up to 7 days in advance of travel to Cambodia. You can download the app via Google or Apple at https://www.arrival.gov.kh/ . As well as obtaining the Cambodia visa for US$36, including US$6 processing fee, you also complete your immigration and customs formalities via the app, taking about 15 minutes to complete.

    Anyone planning an extended stay should get a one-month business visa for US$35, as these are easier to renew.

  • The Riel is Cambodia's official currency (US $1 = 4000 riel), but US dollars are widely accepted. Most businesses like hotels and restaurants accept international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, as well as tap to pay via smartphones.

    There are lots of international debit card and credit card-compatible ATMs in most major towns and cities. Small charges are sometimes levied on withdrawals. Larger sums can be withdrawn over the counter with some identification such as a passport.

  • International New Year Day: 1 Jan

    Victory over Genocide Day: 7 Jan

    International Women’s Day: 8 Mar

    Khmer New Year: 13-16 Apr

    International Labour Day: 1 May

    King Sihamoni’s Birthday: 14 May

    Royal Ploughing Ceremony: May

    Queen Mother’s Birthday: 18 Jun

    Pchum Ben [3 days]: Sep/Oct

    Constitution Day: 24 Sep

    King Father’s Commemoration: 15 Oct

    King's Coronation Anniversary: 29 Oct

    Water Festival [3 days]: Oct/Nov

    Independence Day: 9 Nov

    Peace Day: 29 Dec