Cambodia

Cambodia

Welcome to Cambodia

Cambodia is a country with vast biodiversity in mammals, reptiles, birds freshwater fishes. The significant attraction points include National parks, Wildlife Protection areas, caves, swimming alongside elephants, and several waterfalls. Underwater spo

Featured Overland Adventures in Cambodia

Country Quick Facts

Country

Cambodia, officially registered as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located on the southern part of the Indo-Chinese Peninsula. It is surrounded by the countries Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, with the Gulf of Thailand forming the coastline. It has pretty simple topography, mountains surrounding the Central Plains. The inundations of the Tonle Sap, recognised as the heartland of Cambodia, sets it apart from the other geological areas. Most of its territory is transformed into bio reserves, as Cambodia is very strict with wildlife protection and has allocated most of the land for its protection. But due to illegal poaching, the deforestation rate is highest amongst most of the Southeast region.

Area: 181,035  km2 
Population: 15,288,489  
Capital: Phnom Penh 

Weather

Cambodia follows a tropical wet and dry climate similar to most of Southeast Asia. Heavy rainfall befalls in the months of September and October. The occurrence of flooding is pretty common in the country, as it happens every year. There are drastic effects of climate change in the country. Mu slides, excessive flooding, and destructive storms are critically acclaimed issues recognised by the country, especially for its coastal regions. The rainy season ranges from May to October, with average temperature as low as 22° C. dry season is from November to April, with an average temperature raised to 40° C.

People & Language

Cambodian people, popularly known as Khmer people, are quite friendly though superstitious. The clothes and food both are quite simple. They lead a modest life and are known to be patient, except they hate losing face in public. The official language of the country is Khmer, an Austroasiatic language. Older Cambodians still practise the French language. There are French medium Universities too in the country that obtain funds from the French Government. Though, gradually English is establishing itself as a significant foreign language. Cambodian French, a dialect used in some parts of the country, is used in government works. Other than this, there are over 19 Indigenous languages spread in the country.

Practicalities

Time: A single time zone applies to the entire country. It is written as ICT (Indo China Time). Indo China time zone (ICT) is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. (GMT +07:00)

Electricity: Electricity in Cambodia is supplied at 230V and 50 Hz. Three types of plug systems are prevalent here: Plug type A having two flat parallel pins, Plug Type C with two round pins, and Plug Type F with two round clips and two earth clips on the side. If you have travelled here from the US, Canada, or South American countries, you will need a voltage converter, as the standard voltage of your appliances would be fit for the voltage range 100-127 V.

Weight & Measurement: Metric system of weights and measurements has been made mandatory in the country.

Telecommunications: Over 98% of the population of the country uses the Internet. Internet cafes are also operated here at cheap rates. The government of Cambodia does not pose any restrictions over access over the Internet. Testing for the 5G network is successfully conducted in the country with the help of Huawei company of China.

Currency

The official currency of Cambodia is Riel with the currency code issued by ISO 4217 as KHR; the currency is available in coins and banknotes. Coins are available in denominations 50, 100, 200, 500. The available denominations for the banknotes are 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000. ATMs are present in major cities with both USD and riel. VISA, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro cards are normally accepted by the ATMs here. MasterCard and JCB are gradually being introduced in this country.

Top Attractions

Food and Drink

Are you a fan of traveling? Do you love exploring the beaches and ioslands? In addition to this, are you an animal lover too? And are little confused about where to travel next? Then Indonesia is the perfect choice for you!

Culture & Lifestyle

The culture of Cambodia is mostly inspired by religion. More than 80% of the population of Cambodia practise Buddhism. The Christians form the highest number of the minority, with 1 % population. There are few people following Islam, atheism, or animism. Many customs, such as prohibition to point feet at one’s head, are being followed. Greetings are displayed by sampeah gesture similar to Indian namaste, i.e., joining the hands in front of the torso. In the traditional outfit of Khmers, a distinct scarf called Krama is adorned. The traditional 

clothing of Cambodians has a strong influence on Hindu clothing. Sampot is one such outfit, influenced by Hinduism. With the introduction of Buddhism, the sampot was replaced by the blouse, shirt, and trousers. The Cambodian pin peat ensemble is played in the pagoda, theatrical events with the classical dance. Three dance forms prevail in the country: classical, folk, and vernacular. Khmer traditional dance, with some similarity to Thai classical dance, is selected as one of UNESCO’s Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Stone inscriptions describing the royal lineage are also found in the country. Football and martial arts are well-known sports in the country.

Overlanding in Cambodia

If you want to explore nearby areas on your own, then you can easily rent a motorcycle, except in Siem Reap. But you need to pay extra attention while travelling. Road rules vary with the City! As a safety measure, take a local with you as rarely anybody is acquainted with the English language outside the main cities.

But, you can take a tour around the countryside on cycles while enjoying the natural scenery the country has to offer. Cycling is generally practiced at Ta Prohm, Elephant Terrace, Bayon. Cambodia is safe for solo travels too. But numerous land mines in the country are yet to be discovered. So, think twice before taking an off-route path; taking a local guide with you is deemed advisable.

Urban Adventure in Cambodia

Preah Sihanouk Ream National Park, Sihanoukville

Ream national park is located near the border of the Gulf of Thailand. It makes you feel like you are in paradise with numerous flora and fauna. With diverse wildlife, this park is home to aquatic species, too, like turtles, sarus cranes, and dolphins. The endangered and rare species are given the utmost protection. You will love the flora here standing along with coral reefs, and encounter with mountain ranges, mangrove forests, beaches, coral reefs, freshwater wetlands, rivers, and islands will leave you thrilled. You can go for trekking, Kayaking, snorkelling, or just relax at the beach. You can even join for a yacht ride!

Elephant Valley Project, Mondulkiri

It is a project taken up by a group of individuals who take care of abandoned, injured, overworked, sick, or orphaned elephants. These people show dedication in conserving the species of elephants. You can get to stay here for a whole day in the company of these adorable beings. Instead of riding the elephants, availed at almost anyplace with elephants; here, you can play and bath with the elephants!

Angkor Thom, Krom Siem Reap

Angkor Thom is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Bayon is one of the most worshipped temples in Seam Reap as giant stone faces adorn Bayon towers. 54 such towers are located here. It is best to visit during the daytime if you want to click a few pictures. The elephant terrace can be visited from this place. Five entrance gates opening to a central Victory gate are located on the east wall. Phnom Bakheng is the oldest temple of Angkor, standing on a hilltop. For its renovation, each stone is hauled and replaced. Sunset can be observed from here if you climb up the staircase. 

Bat Caves, Battambang

These caves, also known as Killing caves of Phnom Sampeau, are located 11 kilometres to the southwest of Battambang on the midway of the karstic limestone mountain. A golden reclining Budha has been placed next to the skulls, which can be accessed by a staircase. A large glass memorial besides golden Budhha houses skulls and bones of the people killed in the rampage of the Khmer Rouge.  Their bodies were thrown into the cave via chute. The approach to these caves consists of a series of steps surrounded by the green vegetation. 

Katieng Waterfalls, Lumphat

One of the most astounding waterfalls in Cambodia, this waterfall is the least visited waterfall in Cambodia. So, if you want to enjoy solitude, you can plan a visit here. The name katieng is based on the kreung hill tribe of Ka Kieng village. Though less visited, it is still one of the most breathtaking sights. This 10 metre high waterfall falls throughout the year. In the middle of a lush green forest, you can rest for a while under the shade provided by the nearby trees. Caves are formed on both sides of the waterfall; you can even explore these caves. Elephants reside here, and you can take up an elephant ride or feed them instead!

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, Phnom Penh

If you are an animal lover, then you should not miss visiting this place. It is the largest zoo in Cambodia. Abandoned and this zoo takes in endangered animals. Home to over 1200 animals from 102 species, this zoo is one of the most visited places by the tourists. Many rare species of animals can be found here. These include Sisamese crocodiles, tigers, and elephants of Asia and Malayan sun bears. 

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