Cambodia, bordered by Laos, Thailand
and Vietnam,
has a fabulous heritage, warm friendly people and an untamed wild landscape.
The beautiful and extensive temple ruins at Angkor, now a UNESCO Heritage
site, represent the glorious Khmer civilization and one of the most
spectacular historical sites in Asia.
Adventure seekers will love Cambodia's wild north east with
its stunning scenery, alternative hill tribe cultures and wildlife. Go
trekking, mountain biking or simply explore.
The legacy of Cambodia's
artistic past can still be seen in the handicrafts and silverware found in
the bustling markets of Phnom Penh.
Excellent craftsmanship at excellent prices.
Official name:
Kingdom of Cambodia (Kampuchea)
Area :
181,040 sq km
Capital :
Phnom Penh
Administration:
20 Provinces and 4
municipalities
Population
:
12,775,000
Government:
Multiparty democracy
under a constitutional monarchy established in September 1993
Ethnic
groups:
Khmer 90% , Vietnamese 5% , Chinese 1% ,
other 4%
Location :
Southeastern Asia , sharing border with Thailand
to the West , with Lao to the North , with Vietnam
to the East and the Gulf
of Thailand to the
South.
Language
Cambodia's official language is
Khmer. French is still taught in schools and universities. English
increasingly predominates.
Climate :
Tropical ; rainy ,
monsoon season (May to November) ; dry season (December to April)
Local
Time
GMT +7
Religion
The official religion is Theravada Buddhism(95%), which is also
practiced in neighboring Laos,
Thailand, Burma and Sri
Lanka. , other 5%
Cash US dollars are universally accepted however, with the equivalent
change tendered in Riels. (Exchange rates for currencies other than US
dollars can be disadvantageous) Only larger hotels and souvenir shops
accept credit cards. Money changers give a slightly better rate than banks.
Most banks open from 08.00 am to 3.30 pm. Some banks also open on
Saturdays.
Electricity
supply
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Large hotels and businesses have generators.
Outside cities, electricity is available only in the evening from 1830-2130
Tipping
Not obligatory but widely practiced in hotels and restaurants in
addition to the service charges shown on bills.
Public Holidays
January 01
International New Year
January 07
Victory over Khmer Rouges
March 08
International Women Day
Mid April
Khmer New Year
End April
Pisak Bochea
May 01
International Labor Day
June 18
Queen's birthday
September 24
Constitution Day
Beginning October
Bon Pchum Ben Day
October 23
Paris Peace Agreement
October 30 – 31
King's Birthday
November 09
Independence Day
December 10
International Human Right Day
Festivals & Events
Oct -Nov
Water and Moon festival - Bonn Om Touk
December
Siem Reap Half Marathon
End December
Les Nuits d'Angkor
February
Chinese New Year
April
Cambodia New Year
May
Royal Ploughing Ceremony - Bonn Chrott Preah Nongkoal
