Useful & Tips
What do I need to get into Cambodia?
Any visitor needs a visa to enter the country. The visa can be obtained in Cambodian embassies abroad or at the airport upon arrival (two photos needed). Single entry tourist visas cost 20 usd and are valid for one month, renewable once. You can also ask for a 25 usd 1 month business visa, which can be extended to a multi-entry yearly visa at any travel agency.
You may also get your visa online at www.cambodiaonarrival.com.
What currency is used in Cambodia?
Good question! The national currency here is the Riel (1 US Dollar = app. 4000 - 4200 Riels), but everybody uses US dollars everywhere in the country. Make sure you always have small change for tuk-tuk rides and small shops as they probably won't accept a 50 dollar bill! It has been argued that using dollars devaluates the Cambodian currency, so you might consider changing your money to Riels.
Beware that worn dollar bills, or even presenting a small tear, will not be accepted in Cambodia.
The 2011/2012 Cambodian public holidays
Please note that if a public holiday is on a Saturday, most Cambodian institutions will take the Monday off to compensate.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors Remembrance)
26, 27 and 28th of September 2011
King's Coronation Day
29th of October 2011
His Majesty the King Father's Birthday
31st of October 2011
Independance Day
9th of November 2011
Om Tuk (Water Festival)
9, 10, 11th of November 2011
Cambodian New Year
From the 13th till the 16th of April 2012
Chat Preah Nengkal (The Royal Ploughing ceremony)
From the 1st till the 10th of May 2012
Can you recommend places in Phnom Penh?
Yes, loads! Please ask the reception for tips on visiting the town, restaurants, shopping spots, activities and more.
Can I book bus tickets at the front desk?
Yes, we can reserve tickets for travels around Cambodia.
Can you recommend places in Siem Reap?
Heritage Suites, Siem Reap
A unique boutique hotel located in the centre of Siem Reap, combining the charms of colonial style and modern comfort.
www.heritagesuiteshotel.com/
Pavillon Indochine, Siem Reap
Charming hotel with swimming pool, garden, restaurant, massage and travel services.
http://www.pavillon-indochine.com/
Travelling to Siem Reap by boat
The boat to Siem Reap is a great experience, but can sometimes be quite unpredictable (not leaving on a particular day, changing boats on the way...). It runs more or less regularly from August to April if the river level is high enough. The trip takes approximately 6 hours. The landscape, a bit boring when on the lake, is truly beautiful along the river if you are adventurous enough to travel on the roof (don't forget to apply sunscreen, even when cloudy). Around 35 usd. Please ask reception for more information/reservations.
Travelling to Siem Reap by bus
Traveling by bus is the most common way to get to Siem Reap. The landscape isn't as nice as on the boat, but there are many buses that travel all day and all year round. Tickets cost arround 10 usd and the trip lasts 6 hours (don't forget your earplugs as karaoke is often loud!). Please ask reception for more information/reservations.
Travelling to Siem Reap by plane
You can also travel by plane to Siem Reap with Cambodia Angkor Air (subsidiary company of Vietnam Airlines). This is the safest, fastest (50 mins), but most expensive solution (rates fluctuate from 130 - 200 usd return). Please visit a local travel agent for more information as tickets are rarely available from abroad.
Can you recommend places on the south coast?
Les Manguiers, Kampot
A small family-run resor" located along 500 meters of beautiful riverside, overlooking the Bokor Mountains, with peaceful grounds offering comfortable lodging, delicious meals and many activities.
www.mangokampot.com/
Nataya Resort, Kampot
Located at the bottom of the Bokor mountain, Nataya Resort offers beachfront and beachside bungalows and suites.
www.natayaresort.com/
Knai Bang Chatt resort, Kep
The one and only charming accommodation, right on the seaside, in the entire country
www.knaibangchatt.com/
Veranda Resort, Kep
Beautiful resort perched in the hills above Kep, with amazing views of the town and the coast.
www.veranda-resort.com
Pagoda Rocks, Sihanoukville
Pagoda Rocks Boutique Guesthouse is a resort with charming rooms, a pool and panoramic views of the coast, the islands and the port.
www.pagodarocks.com/
4 Rivers Floating Lodge, Tatai
Located near the Thai border (Koh Kong) the 4 Rivers is the world's only floating tent hotel. It is an environmentally friendly resort in the jungle of the Cardamon Mountains that captures the imagination while offering the luxury and high-end facilities of a four-star boutique resort.
www.ecolodges.asia/
Can you recommend places in the north-west regions?
La Villa, Battambang
Beautifully restored 1930s colonial house.
www.lavilla-battambang.net/
Terres Rouges, Ratanakiri
The old governor's residence and gardens converted to a wonderful lodge by the lake.
www.ratanakiri-lodge.com/
Useful Links for traveling in Cambodia
www.yellowpages-cambodia.com
Yellow pages, very thourough.
www.norodomsihanouk.info
The official website of HM Norodom Sihanouk, King Father of Cambodia. Contains recent news as well as unique archive footage and photographs.
www.phnompenhpost.com
One the best and oldest english daily newspaper in the Kingdom.
www.cambodia-airports.aero
Flight and airport information in Cambodia.
Weather in Cambodia form CNN
Up to date weather in Cambodia.
