Adventure World

Cambodia

Know as the ‘Land of a Thousand Smiles’ Cambodia comprises of tropical rainforest and fertile cultivated land traversed by many rivers. Phnom Penh, one of the great cities of Indochina, is spectacularly located on the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers.

The ruins of the lost cities of Angkor are one of the ancient wonders of the world. Best known is Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building of any kind with its perfect five-towered architectural form and hundreds of metres of exquisite carving.

Although few nations have suffered more than Cambodia with the aftermath of the Vietnam War era, this Indochinese nation has slowly reopened itself to the outside world and is now attracting visitors and investors alike.

Top Highlights

Phnom Penh: Cambodia's capital is located at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonlé Sap rivers. The centre of the city is an area made up of narrow lanes, markets, stalls and shops. This French built city still retains its colonial atmosphere with wide boulevards, leafy parks and cafes. The riverfront area has become a very popular place for travellers with its swaying palms, billowing flags and numerous restaurants and bars.

Must see's are the Royal Palace where the Throne Room is still used for coronations and ceremonies; the Silver Pagoda which has over 5000 silver tiles covering the entire floor and a life-size Buddha made of solid gold and bedecked in jewels; the National Museum; and the Japanese Friendship Bridge which spans the Tonlé Sap river.

Psar Tuol Pong (aka the Russian Market)is the place to shop and bargain for souvenirs, clothing, textiles, antiques, gold & silver jewellery.

The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are 15 km south-west of the city and are a shocking reminder of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. 17,000 people were killed here, and more than 8000 skulls, arranged by age and sex, are visible behind a glass panel.

Siem Reap: Gateway to the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap (see-em ree-ep) with its Old French architecture and shady tree-lined boulevards is located north of Tonlé Sap lake.

The perfect base for travellers to explore the surrounding temples, like Angkor Wat which are only 6 kms away.

Temples of Angkor Wat: Built in the first half of the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, with an estimated construction time of the temple being 30 years. Most of Angkor was abandoned in the 15th century and the temples were gradually covered by jungle forest.

The site became the source of scholarly interest in the late 19th century and efforts were undertaken to clear away the jungle vegetation that threatened to completely destroy the monuments - restoration still continues today.

Angkor Wat occupies an area of approximately 500 acres with over 100 temples and remains of an administrative and religious city.

Apart from Angkor Wat, two other magnificent temples to visit are The Bayon with its 1.2km of bas-reliefs incorporating over 11,000 figures; and Ta Prohm, one of the most atmospheric ruins of Angkor as it has been left to be swallowed up by the jungle.

Sihanoukvile: Cambodia’s only port, located 232 km from the capital, is a good place to explore the nearby beaches of Sokha, Ochheuteal, Serendipity and Victory. The area has become very popular over recent years with travellers, and also gives an insight into the local fishing communities. Most visitors stay in the riverside town of Kampot with its colonial French architecture or the beachside town of Kep.

Bokor National Park (aka Preah Monivong NP) is the country’s largest protected area, visit an abandoned French hill station and the two-tiered Popokvil Falls.

Fact Sheet

• Country Dialling Code: + 855
• When to Go: December to February are the best months. Two monsoons govern the country: from November to April is the cooler dry monsoon that carries little rain. May to October brings heavy afternoon showers and high humidity. Between these seasons the weather is transitional. Average temp 20-30°C year-round.
• Capital: Phnom Penh
• Official Language: Khmer (English spoken in tourist areas).
• Currency: Riel. US dollars are widely accepted and generally quoted to foreigners. If you don’t have exact USD, Riel given in change.
• Tipping & Bargaining: Tipping is not expected, but is always appreciated. Bargain in markets.
• Credit Cards: Best not to rely on these. Use cash only. ATMs are non-existent.
• Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Round, 2 pin plug.
• Geography: Cambodia has a land area of 181,035 sq kms located in the south-western part of the Indochina peninsula. It is surrounded by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and the Gulf of Thailand. Approx 20% of the land is used for agriculture. It lies completely within the tropics with its southern most points slightly more than 10° above the Equator. Three quarters of the country is covered in dense forest. The Mekong River crosses the country from North to South.
• Gateway Airports: Phnom Penh (PNH): Siem Reap (REP).
• Air: The best way to get around.
• Boat: Excellent way to travel the main routes between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and between Vietnam and Cambodia.
• Food: Very similar to Thai food, with a few distinct dishes. For breakfast a local dish is bobor (rice porridge) with a little fish or pork or kyteow (a noodle soup). A typical meal always includes samla (soup) and fish is also popular and is prepared in a number of ways. Drink bottled water only.