Cambodia is a wonderfully unique place to visit. Your senses are bound to be heightened by the amazing culture, wonderful people and peaceful religion. It has a very rich culture and is most famous for its many ancient temples. Though it is best known for the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat, there are a lot of other stunningly beautiful temples to see as well.
Culture
In the last two decades, Cambodia has endured a horrifying regime by the Khmer Rouge. Under Under Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmner Rouge (from 1975-79), many artifacts, statues and books were destroyed but luckily, examples of the architecture like Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom remain intact.
Pol Pot is associated with the death of millions of Cambodians. He was an incredibly evil man, who led many brutal revolutions and whose name still generates fear among many Cambodians today.
Religion
Theravada Buddhism, which entered Cambodia in the 13th century, is the dominant religion.
Language
Khmer is the official language but English, French and Mandarin are widely spoken.
Geography
Cambodia is located in the southeast of the Indochina Peninsula, sharing its international borders with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Cambodia is divided into 20 provinces. The two major cities are Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Phnom Penh, one of the more popular cities and the capital and chief city of Cambodia, shares a great mix of French colonial and Khmer influences. It was founded in 1434 and has over 1 million inhabitants.
Lifestyle
Though urban migration is on the rise, approximately 85% of Cambodians still live in the countryside. Families in Cambodia tend to be very extended, with several family members living together under the same roof. Family, faith and food are most importance to them.
Customs
Though it is normal for foreigners to greet Cambodians with a handshake, most Cambodians traditionally greet each other by pressing their hands together in prayer and bowing. The higher the hands and the lower the bow, the more respect you show the person.
The more traditional form of dress for both men and women are cotton or silk sarongs but in the city, most men wear pants and women tend to go for a more relaxed dress code.
Food
In general, Khmer cuisine is similar to Thai, but with fewer spices. Fish is the nationfs most popular dish and soup is common to have with meals. Popular spices include: coriander, mint and lemongrass. It is wise to buy water and avoid drinking tap water.
Local Currency
Cambodia's currency is the riel. Notes are in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100. The US$ is accepted widely.
Visa Information
Nearly all nationalities receive a one month visa on arrival at Pochentong airport, Phnom Penh. The cost is US$20 and a passport size photo is required. Extendable one month business visas are available for US$25.
Electricity
Cambodia uses 220-volt European standard electricity, with rounded, two-prong plugs requiring an adaptor.
Siem Reap
Located close to Angkor Wat and many of the other worthwhile temples to visit, Siem Reap is located in the Northwestern part of Cambodia. It is a great town to visit, full of good hotels and restaurants and offers great beauty in its wonderful colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter and around the Old Market.
