This information has been compiled for your reference in good faith but please use this only as a general guide. We advise you to check with relevant authorities with regard to the latest requirement for passport, visa, travel advisory, entry restrictions, health requirements, local currency etc as these are subjected to change with without prior notice and our information given below may not be as updated.

Best time to go: Cambodia is year round destination. It is generally warm and humid all the time and it rains, generally in the afternoons in short-spells between May and Octoberwith the peak rainfall usually happening from August to October.However, those planning to travel extensively by road should avoid the last two months of the rainy season (September & October) when some countryside roads may be impassable. December to February is a bit more pleasant when temperatures drop down a bit.

There are more than 800 species of fish in the Cambodian waters

Visa: New Zealand passport holders need a Visa to enter Cambodia. Visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport or a land border costing USD42.00 pp This process may take some time due to rush. You can get a prior E-Visa through their official website :http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/. E-Visa costs USD42.00 pp and can take anything from one hour to two working days; this Visa is valid for a stay up to 30 days.

The Cambodian flag is the only national flag that has an image of a building – the Angkor Wat.

Currency: Main currency in Cambodia is Riel but US Dollars is also considered as alternate currency and is accepted everywhere. The riel banknotes in circulation are issued in the following denominations: 1,000 riels; 2,000 riels; 5,000 riels; 10,000 riels; 20,000 riels; 50,000 riels; 100,000 riels.It is difficult to exchange New Zealand Dollars in Cambodia; hence it is advisable to carry US Dollars from here, preferably notes of small denominations. If you wish to change US Dollars into Riels, you can change at your Hotel. All major credit cards are accepted by Hotels and big stores but you will need to carry cash for tuk-tuks and for bargains on the streets and markets. ATMs are located in town centre in Siem Reap and main shopping areas of Phnom Penh.

Less than 120,000 customers availed the services of the Cambodia’s banks in 2003 as for every $1 deposited in the bank, more than $10 was held informally.

Health: A reasonably good health is required to visit Cambodia since it involves a fair amount of walking and climbing big steps during sightseeing programs. Cambodia does not have any particular health risk but general hygienic conditions are not the same as in New Zealand. There are a few precautions recommended – avoid eating food exposed to natural elements, ensure that mineral water bottle is properly sealed when you buy it, cover arms and legs in the evening to avoid mosquito bites. Carry your general medication with you and consult your doctor well in advance to prepare for the trip.

In Cambodia, birth is considered more important than death and is celebrated accordingly

Food and drinks: Cambodian or Khmer cuisine is generally influenced by Thai though a few dishes are traditionally Khmer. The menu mainly comprises chicken, beef, fish and fresh seasonal vegetables. Khmer food is always freshly cooked using very little oil. Excellent meat dishes, rice noodles, fried rice dishes as well as vegetarian dishes are all very reasonably priced. You could try out local Khmer restaurants in the cities. Beer is the main alcoholic beverage and is good – local beer is almost half the price as international brands. Local beers - especially Angkor is highly recommended.

Avoid drinking tap water in your Hotels. Always drink mineral water and ensure that bottles are properly sealed when you buy it. Most Hotels provide complimentary mineral water bottles in the room, replenished daily.

Sometimes eaten out of necessity, spiders can be served in Cambodia andTarantula kebabs are a popular delicacy.

Public Transport: Cambodia’s major cities modes of public transportationare motorbikes and tuk-tuks. While traffic congestion and uneven roads can be challenging, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable travel experience by exercising caution and researching their transportation options. Options like buses and trains are limited thus mostly taxis are used to travel locally. You can book vehicle through Grab taxi and Pass App Taxi in Phnom Penh and Grab Taxi in Seam Reap.

Safety & security: Like in any other part of the world, a few precautions need to be taken to avoid any problems. Please do not leave your bags unattended at any times. Please use safe deposit in your hotel room or Reception to keep your money or valuables including passport. When you leave the room, it is recommended that you lock your suitcase. It is also recommended to carry a copy of your passport including the visa page.

UNESCO has listed Cambodia as the third most land mined country in the world as more than 4 million landmines are still strewn across the country causing high number of causalities. It is estimated that it will take a decade before all the land mines are cleared up

Clothing: Casual and light clothes are recommended. Expect a tropical weather most of the times and therefore shorts and t-shirts are advisable. In the evening, you can wear smart casuals for dinner. Please take good walking shoes with non-slip sole as you will be required to walk frequently during your sightseeing programs and sometimes on uneven surface. Most of the tourist vehicles keep umbrellas in case of downpours, so you do not need to carry one from home.

In recent times, the country’s biggest source of income has been the textile industry. The second largest source of Cambodian income is tourism

Language: Official language in Cambodia is Khmer but English is fast becoming popular. Most people understand and can speak English in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap though older generation may be comfortable with French as Cambodians were taught French in schools till early 70’s.

The English word Cambodia has been derived from Cambodge, the French word

Gratuities: As one of the poorest countries of the world, salary levels are extremely low in Cambodia and people of hospitality industry rely mainly on tips. Tipping is not mandatory but it is highly appreciated by the people who serve you. Before you tip, please check if the service charge has been added in the bill. If not, we can recommend 8%-10% of the total bill as tip. Generally, the tipping guideline is around $5/pax/day for guide and around $3/pax/day for driver.To the Hotel Bell Boys, USD1.00 on arrival or departure is sufficient.

In Cambodia, the head is regarded as the highest part of the body and shouldn’t be touched even in the kindest manner.

Internet: Internet is common in hotel rooms and a lot of hotels also have internet facilities at their Reception or Business Centre for use by guests at a small fee. Cyber cafes are popular and can be found near your Hotel.

The Cambodian river Tonle Sap reverses its flow annually and it is the only river in the world to do so.

Telephone: Mobile network covers main cities but quite erratic in the country-side. Dialling code for Cambodia is +855 and if you are calling New Zealand from Cambodia, the code is +64. Telephone numbers of Hotels arranged by us will be supplied to you in your itinerary. It is recommended to buy a mobile SIM card on arrival if you need to be in touch with people back home.

In Khmer language, rice and food mean the same

Time Difference: Cambodia is 5 hours behind New Zealand from April to September and 6 hours from October to March.

In north east of Cambodia, dolphins can be found in rivers

Photography: Taking photos of airports, government buildings and military establishments are prohibited. If you are taking photos of local ladies, please politely ask for prior permission.

Traditional boat racing, buffalo racing, Pradal Serey, Khmer traditional wrestling, and Bokator are the local sports of Cambodia

Electricity: Voltage supply in Cambodia is 220 volts and round 2-pin plugs are used. Few Hotels have adapters available which you could borrow free of charge during your stay but it might be a good idea to carry one from home. It is advisable to carry a small torch as power cuts are frequent in Cambodia though all Hotels have their own stand-by generators. Visit this website for more information on plugs: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

Electricity in Cambodia is in pressing need as in the rural areas it is supplied in the evening only from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM while the business establishments and hotels rely more on generators.

Postage: Postal system in Cambodia is rather slow and you mail can take 2-3 weeks to reach. Postage is cheap and the Hotel staff will be happy to direct you to the nearest post-office.

Most Cambodian young men are Buddhist monks for a short time

General: Cambodia is a developing country, striving hard to lift the living standard of its people and recover from the scarred memories of wars and the black regime of Pol Pot. Cambodia is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia after it opened its doors to world tourism just over a decade back. There has never been a better time to visit to Cambodia – the government is giving is making the country tourist-friendly, people are very warm and helpful towards tourists, the infra-structure for tourism is excellent and the costs very reasonable. People generally do not talk about the dark past but your knowledgeable guides will explain you the details, sometimes first-hand experiences. The country has some beautiful temple complexes, thankfully untouched by the wars, Angkor Wat being one of them which arguably is one of the wonders.

Usual business hours are from 9.00 am till 5.30 pm and offices generally close for lunch between 12.30 pm till 1.30 pm. Shops usually open till late even on public holidays. The real shopping in Cambodia is actually done in the common markets and street shops. There are make-shift shops and hawkers outside most temple complexes selling shirts, t-shirts, dresses, scarves, paintings and other souvenirs. Russian market and Central market in Phnom Penh are good for knock-off stuff – sun-glasses, watches, t-shirts, sports shoes, bags and gift items. There is a huge scope of bargaining in these places.

The ancient city of Angkor Thom could sustain up to 150,000 people

Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital retains an undeniable charm despite its tumultuous and often violent past. The crumbling colonial architecture makes an attractive backdrop to bustling street-side cafes and the redeveloped riverfront precinct - a particularly lively part of town on Friday and Saturday nights. The city has several impressive wats (temple-monasteries), including WatOunalom, Wat Phnom and WatMohaMontrei. Pride of place goes to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where artefacts embodying the richness of Khmer culture were preserved by the Khmer Rouge.

Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a small colonial town just north of Southeast Asia's largest lake, Tonle Sap.  The town itself is charming and pleasant to roam around, with some fine examples of French colonial architecture, though modern developments have been swift here in recent years since the demise of the Khmer Rouge. Now that the town is safe again, visitors have been flocking in, using it as a base for visits to nearby Angkor ruins.  The most famous of the entire temple complex must be Angkor Wat.  It was built under King Suryavarman II, who reigned from 1113 to 1150, who intended the temple to present him to his people as the incarnation of Vishnu, an Indian god. 

When most of Angkor was abandoned in the 15th century, the temples were gradually cloaked by forest until they were uncovered by French naturalist Henri Mouhot in 1861.  The jungle setting and silence enhance the mystery of the temples and many of them remain in good condition. Some are under restoration and visitors can get a first-hand look at the painstaking efforts underway to preserve the relics.

Rattanakiri
Ratanakiri is located, 636 Kms from Phnom Penh. A sparsely populated province, it is renowned for its unique natural beauty and wealth of natural resources. The physical and environmental characteristic of the province forms an impressive range including undulating hills and mountains, a level plateau, watershed lowlands, crater lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Forest cover varies from area to area, from the dense impenetrable forest in the northern reaches, which are still rich in wildlife, to the drier and sparser forest, found in the southwest.

Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is an inspiring beach destination in Cambodia. Bearing a history of a little more than half a century, the small but fascinating city holds a charm of its own which leaves the visitors absolutely enticed. The port city had become a much sought after destination since day one with its pristine beaches and unexplored terrains. Sihanoukville now witnesses hoards of visitors who are attracted to the tranquil ambience and serene beauty of this Asian city. Moreover the city falls short of nothing that you would find in any other tourist destination like hotels, resorts, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, National parks, pulsating nightlife and of course friendly people.

Battambang

Battambang is a riverside town, home to some of the best-preserved, French colonial architecture in Cambodia.It makes a great base for visiting the nearby temples, such as Phnom Banon and Wat Ek Phnom, as well as the close by villages. The network of charming old French shop houses clustered along the riverbank is the real highlight here, and there is a number of Wats scattered around the town.
Koh Rong Island

Located near the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Koh Rong is famous for its serene beauty. Often described as an ‘island paradise’ by visiting tourists, the island boasts pristine white sandy beaches, warm crystal-clear ocean waters, and a hot tropical climate.