Richard’s guidebook

Richard
Richard’s guidebook

Historical

Angkor Wat The stunning temple city of Angkor Wat is the world’s single largest religious monument and one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat literally means “Temple City” in Khmer. With its grand scale and intricate stone carvings, the temple is a silent and majestic reminder of a once so glorious Khmer empire. In 1992, UNESCO declared Angkor Wat as a World Heritage site. King Suryavarman II in the 12th century ordered the construction of this spectacular monument. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the protector of creation, it is also believed that the temple is the earthly representation of Mount Meru which is a sacred five-peaked mountain. The mountain is the centre of the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universe and of great importance in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology. The belief is reflected in every inch of the building. While the 65-meter high central tower together with the four small towers represent the peaks of Mount Meru, the walls around Angkor Wat symbolise mountains at the edge of the earth. The surrounding moat represents the cosmic ocean. The temple is a national symbol, the centre of Khmer civilisation and a source of national pride. Visitors can admire the stunning blend of symmetry and spirituality as they walk through Angkor Wat. The detailed structuring of the chambers, corridors, and towers as well as the countless intricate complex bas-reliefs decorated with scenes from the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata are impressive. While strolling through the temple visitors might notice that Angkor Wat is facing the setting sun, a symbol of death. This is unusual for Khmer temples as they usually face the rising sun. A popular time to visit the temple is early in the morning. Many travellers like to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat before exploring other temples in the archaeological park. For a postcard-perfect photo, most travellers go to the edge of the pond of the temple. While it will get very crowded there in the morning, the view of the temples as they immerse in the golden light of the rising sun will make everyone forget the people around them.
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Angkor Wat
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Angkor Wat The stunning temple city of Angkor Wat is the world’s single largest religious monument and one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat literally means “Temple City” in Khmer. With its grand scale and intricate stone carvings, the temple is a silent and majestic reminder of a once so glorious Khmer empire. In 1992, UNESCO declared Angkor Wat as a World Heritage site. King Suryavarman II in the 12th century ordered the construction of this spectacular monument. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the protector of creation, it is also believed that the temple is the earthly representation of Mount Meru which is a sacred five-peaked mountain. The mountain is the centre of the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universe and of great importance in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology. The belief is reflected in every inch of the building. While the 65-meter high central tower together with the four small towers represent the peaks of Mount Meru, the walls around Angkor Wat symbolise mountains at the edge of the earth. The surrounding moat represents the cosmic ocean. The temple is a national symbol, the centre of Khmer civilisation and a source of national pride. Visitors can admire the stunning blend of symmetry and spirituality as they walk through Angkor Wat. The detailed structuring of the chambers, corridors, and towers as well as the countless intricate complex bas-reliefs decorated with scenes from the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata are impressive. While strolling through the temple visitors might notice that Angkor Wat is facing the setting sun, a symbol of death. This is unusual for Khmer temples as they usually face the rising sun. A popular time to visit the temple is early in the morning. Many travellers like to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat before exploring other temples in the archaeological park. For a postcard-perfect photo, most travellers go to the edge of the pond of the temple. While it will get very crowded there in the morning, the view of the temples as they immerse in the golden light of the rising sun will make everyone forget the people around them.
Bayon Temple The 12th century Bayon Temple is one of the most impressive temples located at the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Also known as the 'Face Temple', this house of worship was built by the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII and decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. The temple was also adorned with astonishing bas-reliefs incorporating over 11,000 figures. A few decades after the death of King Jayavarman VII, the temple was turned back into a Hindu temple as King Jayavarman VIII returned to Hinduism as the official Khmer religion. Images of Buddha in the Bayon temple were destroyed and replaced with Hindu images. Many alterations have shaped the Bayon temple over time. Its most distinctive feature, the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces have resisted all changes and can be admired on the remaining 37 towers. At the height of the Khmer empire, the temple comprised 54 towers with each of them representing a province that was ruled by the Khmer Empire under King Jayavarman VII. The design, architecture, and decoration of the Bayon temple could not be more different to Angkor Wat. The temple, however, is equally impressive and attracts many visitors each year.
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Bayon Hof
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Bayon Temple The 12th century Bayon Temple is one of the most impressive temples located at the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Also known as the 'Face Temple', this house of worship was built by the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII and decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. The temple was also adorned with astonishing bas-reliefs incorporating over 11,000 figures. A few decades after the death of King Jayavarman VII, the temple was turned back into a Hindu temple as King Jayavarman VIII returned to Hinduism as the official Khmer religion. Images of Buddha in the Bayon temple were destroyed and replaced with Hindu images. Many alterations have shaped the Bayon temple over time. Its most distinctive feature, the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces have resisted all changes and can be admired on the remaining 37 towers. At the height of the Khmer empire, the temple comprised 54 towers with each of them representing a province that was ruled by the Khmer Empire under King Jayavarman VII. The design, architecture, and decoration of the Bayon temple could not be more different to Angkor Wat. The temple, however, is equally impressive and attracts many visitors each year.
Banteay Srei Banteay Srei is a 10th century Hindu temple complex located at Angkor. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the temple was built in 967 by a Brahmin priest who was the counsellor to the then reigning King Rajendravarman II and his brother. Often referred to as the “jewel of Khmer art”, Banteay Srei is very popular among locals and tourists. The temple complex comprises four enclosures. The outermost enclosure encircles the intricately carved temple buildings. The carvings on the walls of this enclosure depict scenes from the Indian Ramayana and the Hindu deities. Inside the third enclosure is a moat with a ramp leading into the second enclosure, where visitors can explore two library buildings. The libraries have beautiful decorative panels over the doorways and the carvings illustrate mythological stories from the great Indian epic, the Mahabharatha. The inner sanctuary of the temple is closed to the public and only open to Angkor’s elite.
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Banteay Srei
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Banteay Srei Banteay Srei is a 10th century Hindu temple complex located at Angkor. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the temple was built in 967 by a Brahmin priest who was the counsellor to the then reigning King Rajendravarman II and his brother. Often referred to as the “jewel of Khmer art”, Banteay Srei is very popular among locals and tourists. The temple complex comprises four enclosures. The outermost enclosure encircles the intricately carved temple buildings. The carvings on the walls of this enclosure depict scenes from the Indian Ramayana and the Hindu deities. Inside the third enclosure is a moat with a ramp leading into the second enclosure, where visitors can explore two library buildings. The libraries have beautiful decorative panels over the doorways and the carvings illustrate mythological stories from the great Indian epic, the Mahabharatha. The inner sanctuary of the temple is closed to the public and only open to Angkor’s elite.

Culture

Cambodia Landmine Museum The Landmine Museum, a very popular tourist attraction in Cambodia, was set up to raise awareness of the devastating effects of anti-personnel devices. The museum is housed in a simple corrugated iron building and showcases various kinds of deactivated arms such as mines, mortars, booby traps, guns and other weapons. All objects on display are actual remnants from the war that ravaged Cambodia. Along with the display of arms, the museum also displays information on the dangers of landmines and how they affected the people of Cambodia. Funded purely by donations, the Landmine Museum is run by Aki Ra, a former child soldier and landmine layer in the Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese armies. While in the army, Aki Ra, along with other young fellow soldiers, was forced to lay the anti-personnel devices that covered Cambodia. As an adult, Aki Ra worked with the United Nations in the early 1990’s to detect and clear the mines. He became skilled at clearing landmines and this became his business. Aki Ra has made it his personal mission to clear Cambodia of all the landmines. It is an ambitious project considering that an estimated six million mines still remain planted primarily around the Thai-Cambodia border. To find and defuse the landmines, Aki Ra does not have any sophisticated detection or safety equipment. A knife, leatherman and stick are all he uses on his missions. Besides being a museum, the building is also a home to a handful of child amputee victims, who are part of a programme which helps them go to a local school and earn an income. The museum also runs English and Japanese classes taught by international volunteers.
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Cambodia Landmine Museum
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Cambodia Landmine Museum The Landmine Museum, a very popular tourist attraction in Cambodia, was set up to raise awareness of the devastating effects of anti-personnel devices. The museum is housed in a simple corrugated iron building and showcases various kinds of deactivated arms such as mines, mortars, booby traps, guns and other weapons. All objects on display are actual remnants from the war that ravaged Cambodia. Along with the display of arms, the museum also displays information on the dangers of landmines and how they affected the people of Cambodia. Funded purely by donations, the Landmine Museum is run by Aki Ra, a former child soldier and landmine layer in the Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese armies. While in the army, Aki Ra, along with other young fellow soldiers, was forced to lay the anti-personnel devices that covered Cambodia. As an adult, Aki Ra worked with the United Nations in the early 1990’s to detect and clear the mines. He became skilled at clearing landmines and this became his business. Aki Ra has made it his personal mission to clear Cambodia of all the landmines. It is an ambitious project considering that an estimated six million mines still remain planted primarily around the Thai-Cambodia border. To find and defuse the landmines, Aki Ra does not have any sophisticated detection or safety equipment. A knife, leatherman and stick are all he uses on his missions. Besides being a museum, the building is also a home to a handful of child amputee victims, who are part of a programme which helps them go to a local school and earn an income. The museum also runs English and Japanese classes taught by international volunteers.
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Angkor Þjóðminjasafn
968 Vithei Charles De Gaulle
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Wat Thmey / Killing Fields A visit to Wat Thmey is recommended to all travellers who are interested in learning about the tragic destiny of millions of Cambodians who vanished under the Khmer Rouge. Wat Thmey is also known as Siem Reap’s Killing Fields with a pagoda and a memorial stupa reminding of the events between 1975 and 1979. Under Pol Pot’s regime, the pagoda served as a prison. Many innocent people were kept and tortured here until they confessed a crime they did not commit. They were then killed and buried nearby. Some of the remains of these victims have been exhumed and placed in the memorial stupa near the pagoda. Together with photos, they share bone-chilling insights into the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. While the memorial is significantly smaller in scale compared to the memorial in the Tuol Sleng (S21) Prison and Choeung Ek killing fields in Cambodia’s capital, it still serves as an important reminder for all local Cambodian’s living in the area. Today, the pagoda serves again as a monastery. There is also an orphanage and school. Despite its dark past, the laughter of the children and the sounds of daily Cambodian life in the background prove that the people living in this area are leaving the dark past behind and move forward.
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Wat Thmei
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Wat Thmey / Killing Fields A visit to Wat Thmey is recommended to all travellers who are interested in learning about the tragic destiny of millions of Cambodians who vanished under the Khmer Rouge. Wat Thmey is also known as Siem Reap’s Killing Fields with a pagoda and a memorial stupa reminding of the events between 1975 and 1979. Under Pol Pot’s regime, the pagoda served as a prison. Many innocent people were kept and tortured here until they confessed a crime they did not commit. They were then killed and buried nearby. Some of the remains of these victims have been exhumed and placed in the memorial stupa near the pagoda. Together with photos, they share bone-chilling insights into the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. While the memorial is significantly smaller in scale compared to the memorial in the Tuol Sleng (S21) Prison and Choeung Ek killing fields in Cambodia’s capital, it still serves as an important reminder for all local Cambodian’s living in the area. Today, the pagoda serves again as a monastery. There is also an orphanage and school. Despite its dark past, the laughter of the children and the sounds of daily Cambodian life in the background prove that the people living in this area are leaving the dark past behind and move forward.

Sightseeing

Horseback Riding Siem Reap’s beautiful countryside with sprawling paddy fields and quaint villages is best to be explored on the back of a horse. Equine fans should go to the Happy Ranch Horse Farm which offers guided tours. Lasting between one and four hours, these countryside trail rides can be personalized to suit each rider’s needs. Whether visitors are an amateur or experienced rider, the Happy Ranch Horse Farm has a horse that suits everyone. Founded by the Cambodian national Mr. Sary Pann in 2002 upon his return from the United States, the farm accommodates more than 50 horses in several stables.
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The Happy Ranch Horse Farm
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Horseback Riding Siem Reap’s beautiful countryside with sprawling paddy fields and quaint villages is best to be explored on the back of a horse. Equine fans should go to the Happy Ranch Horse Farm which offers guided tours. Lasting between one and four hours, these countryside trail rides can be personalized to suit each rider’s needs. Whether visitors are an amateur or experienced rider, the Happy Ranch Horse Farm has a horse that suits everyone. Founded by the Cambodian national Mr. Sary Pann in 2002 upon his return from the United States, the farm accommodates more than 50 horses in several stables.
Zipline After visiting the temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park on the ground, an adrenalin-pumping experience awaits all adventurers in the trees– Cambodia’s world-class Angkor Zipline. This Zipline eco-adventure is the only zipline inside the Angkor Park and it guarantees fun for everyone. Soaring through Cambodia’s rainforest, adrenalin junkies can experience the exhilaration of flying through the treetops over Angkor. Whether visitors choose the half or the full course, they will be guided by experienced, professional staff, known as ‘sky rangers’.
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Angkor Zipline
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Zipline After visiting the temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park on the ground, an adrenalin-pumping experience awaits all adventurers in the trees– Cambodia’s world-class Angkor Zipline. This Zipline eco-adventure is the only zipline inside the Angkor Park and it guarantees fun for everyone. Soaring through Cambodia’s rainforest, adrenalin junkies can experience the exhilaration of flying through the treetops over Angkor. Whether visitors choose the half or the full course, they will be guided by experienced, professional staff, known as ‘sky rangers’.
Tuk-Tuk Ride No trip to the Kingdom of Cambodia is complete without an authentic ride in a Tuk Tuk. Not only do the friendly drivers know Siem Reap inside out, they also know the best ways with the most scenic views which makes each ride very enjoyable. A Tuk Tuk is a simple a motorbike with passenger seats added to it. Up to four to five people can sit comfortably behind the driver.
Tuk Tuk Driver
Tuk-Tuk Ride No trip to the Kingdom of Cambodia is complete without an authentic ride in a Tuk Tuk. Not only do the friendly drivers know Siem Reap inside out, they also know the best ways with the most scenic views which makes each ride very enjoyable. A Tuk Tuk is a simple a motorbike with passenger seats added to it. Up to four to five people can sit comfortably behind the driver.
The silk farm is located about 16 Km from the town. This place is really special and unique where the whole process uses the traditional manual method to produce, including sericulture, spinning, dyeing and weaving. Traditional dyeing process uses the natural dye. The silkworm breeding and silk center has the English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish guides to guide visitors to visit the farm. There are café and store, various silk cloth and general cargo are available here.
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Angkor Silk Farm
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The silk farm is located about 16 Km from the town. This place is really special and unique where the whole process uses the traditional manual method to produce, including sericulture, spinning, dyeing and weaving. Traditional dyeing process uses the natural dye. The silkworm breeding and silk center has the English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish guides to guide visitors to visit the farm. There are café and store, various silk cloth and general cargo are available here.

Neighborhoods

Old Market / Psah Chas Located between Pub Street and the Western side of the Siem Reap River is Psah Chas which translates into ‘old market’. A hive of activity, the open-air market is the oldest Khmer market in the province. Itis open every day between 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. With its never-ending sounds of chatting, haggling and laughter, coupled with the constant flow of shoppers, Psah Chas offers a glimpse of the real Cambodia. Covered by a massive roof providing reprieve from the scorching sun, the old market has both wet and dry sections, catering to locals and tourists alike. The stalls on the outer part of the market mainly sell Cambodian souvenirs like silk, t-shirts, silverware and wood carvings. It’s best to bargain as the prices for most of these items have been increased by 50-75% for tourists. There is also an array of fresh vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood stalls that caters to the daily needs of the locals. At the market, travellers also get the opportunity to try many different Cambodian delicacies. Several food stalls on the market offer a huge variety of rice, soup and meat dishes. This is an excellent way to experience authentic Khmer cuisine for affordable prices. Cambodian specialties like ‘Prahok’ which is a type of fish paste and ‘Bai Sach Chrouk’ which is rice with pork slices and scrambled egg can be tried here.
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Old Market Bridge
Pokambor Avenue
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Old Market / Psah Chas Located between Pub Street and the Western side of the Siem Reap River is Psah Chas which translates into ‘old market’. A hive of activity, the open-air market is the oldest Khmer market in the province. Itis open every day between 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. With its never-ending sounds of chatting, haggling and laughter, coupled with the constant flow of shoppers, Psah Chas offers a glimpse of the real Cambodia. Covered by a massive roof providing reprieve from the scorching sun, the old market has both wet and dry sections, catering to locals and tourists alike. The stalls on the outer part of the market mainly sell Cambodian souvenirs like silk, t-shirts, silverware and wood carvings. It’s best to bargain as the prices for most of these items have been increased by 50-75% for tourists. There is also an array of fresh vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood stalls that caters to the daily needs of the locals. At the market, travellers also get the opportunity to try many different Cambodian delicacies. Several food stalls on the market offer a huge variety of rice, soup and meat dishes. This is an excellent way to experience authentic Khmer cuisine for affordable prices. Cambodian specialties like ‘Prahok’ which is a type of fish paste and ‘Bai Sach Chrouk’ which is rice with pork slices and scrambled egg can be tried here.
Angkor Night Market The Angkor Night Market, Siem Reap’s first night market situated near Sivatha Street, is a popular shopping place. This outdoor market was established in 2007 and consists of about 250 bamboo huts selling everything from silk paintings, shadow puppets to intricate stone carvings. Besides shopping, massages and spa services are also available at this night market which is known for being clean, well lit, and safe. There are also many cafes, pubs, and restaurants around the area. Not only do they offer a vast array of local and international dishes, they also contribute to the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of the night market.
Angkor Night Market Street
Angkor Night Market Street
Angkor Night Market The Angkor Night Market, Siem Reap’s first night market situated near Sivatha Street, is a popular shopping place. This outdoor market was established in 2007 and consists of about 250 bamboo huts selling everything from silk paintings, shadow puppets to intricate stone carvings. Besides shopping, massages and spa services are also available at this night market which is known for being clean, well lit, and safe. There are also many cafes, pubs, and restaurants around the area. Not only do they offer a vast array of local and international dishes, they also contribute to the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of the night market.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus Phare, The Cambodian Circus is not a normal circus. Talented young acrobats and actors invite to an evening full of entertainment and excitement. Their show is a unique mix of theatre, music, dance and modern circus art. All shows evolve around Cambodian legends and myths. No animals take part in the show which is performed in Khmer language. To make it easy for international travellers to understand there are screens with subtitles. Visitors to the show, however, will barely need to refer to the screens, as the performers convey the message through their actions, emotions and their abundance of energy, enthusiasm and talent very well. The circus offers the performers a platform to sharpen their skills and a place to earn a decent living. Their wages not only allow them to escape poverty, they also gain back their self-respect and freedom. It also keeps Cambodian arts alive. The Phare performers are students who graduated from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training centre in Battambang. This association was formed in 1994 by nine young men who returned home after having lived in a refugee camp during the Khmer Rouge regime.
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Phare Circus Ring Road
Phare Circus Ring Road
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Phare, The Cambodian Circus Phare, The Cambodian Circus is not a normal circus. Talented young acrobats and actors invite to an evening full of entertainment and excitement. Their show is a unique mix of theatre, music, dance and modern circus art. All shows evolve around Cambodian legends and myths. No animals take part in the show which is performed in Khmer language. To make it easy for international travellers to understand there are screens with subtitles. Visitors to the show, however, will barely need to refer to the screens, as the performers convey the message through their actions, emotions and their abundance of energy, enthusiasm and talent very well. The circus offers the performers a platform to sharpen their skills and a place to earn a decent living. Their wages not only allow them to escape poverty, they also gain back their self-respect and freedom. It also keeps Cambodian arts alive. The Phare performers are students who graduated from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training centre in Battambang. This association was formed in 1994 by nine young men who returned home after having lived in a refugee camp during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Borgartillaga

Samgöngur

TRANSPORTATION

imgREMORK-MOTO The remork-moto (tuk tuk) is a large trailer hitched to a motorcycle and pretty much operates as a low-tech local bus with oh-so-natural air-conditioning. They are used throughout rural Cambodia to transport people and goods, and are often seen on the edge of towns ready to ferry farmers back to the countryside.Often referred to as tuk tuks by foreigners travelling in Cambodia, they’re a great way to explore temples, as you getthe breeze of the bike but some protection from the elements. CYCLO imgThe cyclo (bicycle rickshaw or pedicab) is a cheap way to get around urban areas. In Phnom Penh cyclo drivers can either be flagged down on main roads or found waiting around markets and major hotels. It is necessary to bargain the fare if taking a cyclo from outside an expensive hotel or popular restaurant or bar. Fares range from US$1 to US$3. There are few cyclos in the provinces, and in Phnom Penh the cyclo has almost been driven to extinction by the moto (motorcycle taxi). BUS imgPhnom Penh has several public city bus routes that are proving popular with local students, but are not yet widely used by visitors. Elsewhere there are no public bus networks. There are however many bus companies providing transportation between Phnom Penh and the provinces that have better roads and connect with the capital city. All these buses are air-conditioned and equipped with Video TV, Wi-Fi. The average travel speed of the buses is about 80 kilometers per hour. Bus stations are mostly located around Phsa Thmey (New Central market) area and Riverside. TAXIS Finding metered Taxi hires in towns and cities around Cambodia is getting easier. Guesthouses, hotels and travel agents can also arrange cars for sightseeing in and around towns. Big players such as Uber have now entered the market. Uber acceptes cash and credit cimgard payment. These cab companies usually offer an on-call 24/7 service, although sometimes they wait in tourist areas especially late at night. The price starts at 4000 Riel (1 USD) and will take you 2km then you have to pay 400 Riel per km. TRAIN The Royal Railway now is providing train from Phnom Penh to Takeo, Kampot and Sihanoukville and v.v every weekend Friday, Saturday, Sunday and major holidays. It is available only 74 - 76 seats for passengers. Train Schedules: imgPhnom Penh - Takeo - Kampot - Sihanoukville: Friday: 7:00 AM and 03:00 PM I Saturday and Sunway: 7:00 AM Sihanoukville - Kampot - Takeo - Phnom Penh: Saturday: 7:00 AM I Sunway: 7:00 AM and 04:00 PM The train will take about 7 hours from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville or v.v The schedules are subject to change without prior notice, so you must check with the company before you travel. The ticket can be purchased at Phnom Penh in Railway Station with cost 6$ to Kampot and 7$ to Sihanoukville. Tickete office will be open from 08:00 till 16:30 each weekday and 06:00 to 12:00 each weekend. They are in the process to open up passenger sales at Takeo, Kampot and Sihanouk Ville soon.
Sparnaðarleiðir

CURRENCY

The official currency in Cambodia, the Cambodian riel,trades at around 4,000 riel to the US dollar. But there’s 90 percent level of dollarization in the country. What this means is that you don’t need to be concerned about getting riel when you arrive in Cambodia. Most tourist-oriented businesses quote prices in dollars, as do most grocery stores in the larger cities. Small stores may quote prices in riel, but they will all accept dollars as payment. Unlike in many countries, if you pay in US dollars the exchange rate you will get is quite fair. At the time of writing the official exchange rate is 4,002 riel to the dollar, versus the street rate of 4,000 to the dollar, a difference of less than 1 cent. In the Cambodian countryside the economy is almost entirely in riel, but even so you will always be able to use dollars in small denominations. Do not expect anyone to change a $20 bill for a $0.50 purchase, though, so plan ahead and have lots of $1 and $5 bills. Your US dollars will be rejected if they are ripped, torn, or otherwise overly abused (although you can expect to see filthy riel in circulation). Old-style US bills are also not welcome, so make sure that the cash you bring is fairly new. ATM machines in Cambodia dispense US dollars and Cambodian riel. However, if you are using a foreign ATM card, you will only be able to withdraw dollars.
Gagnlegar setningar

LANGUAGES

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. The Cambodian language is derived from the Mon-Khmer (Austro-Asiatic) language family. Khmer is renowned for possessing one of the largest sets of alphabets; it consists of 33 consonants, 23 vowels and 12 independent vowels. While tourists may wish to learn a few spoken phrases before or when visiting Cambodia, English is widely spoken and understood. French and Mandarin are also spoken frequently in the country; most elderly Cambodians speak French and many people in the Khmer-Chinese population speak Mandarin. It’s not really necessary to speak the local language to get by in Cambodia. Most people find that the staff in most hotels speak relatively good English. You will also find that an increasing number of people in the most popular areas also learn to speak French, Japanese, Korean, German, Spanish, Italian and some even a little Norwegian… If you venture off the beaten tracks and out into the countryside, however, it is a different story and you will undoubtedly have an easier and more enjoyable experience if you spend some time reading a bit up on the Cambodian language - Khmer.
Ekki missa af

SECURITY

Given that close to six million tourists a year now go to Cambodia, and many of those single or solo female travelers, it is a very safe destination indeed. Many have visited Cambodia from all across the globe at all times of the year and have only gone back with pleasant memories of the Kingdom. In fact, most travelers would go so far as to say that it is one of the safest countries in Asia to visit. Many visitors agree that Cambodia is a safe place to live and to travel. In fact, many would say that it’s safer than the big cities back home. Yet while that might be true, it’s still essential to be cautious and watch out for your belongings.
Ferðast með börnum

TRAVELLING WITH THE FAMILY

Ready to wake up your inner Indiana Jones and explore ancient ruins with your kids? Or how about hopping on the back of a Vespa and zipping through the countryside? Or staying with a traditional farming family and trying your hand at rice planting? If these sound like awesome family travel ideas to you, then it’s time to visit Cambodia. A wonderful destination for family travel, Cambodia not only offers idyllic countryside that’s great for outdoor activities, but it’s also home to some of Southeast Asia’s friendliest locals. Cambodia is perfectly suited for a family adventure travel. Children have few inhibitions and quickly break through cultural and language barriers, particularly in Cambodia where children are highly revered. There are lots of activities on offer for children of all ages in Cambodia and you will find it has something to keep kids of all ages amused, with activities like boating, cooking courses, cycling trips, and even quad biking!
Siðir og menning

FOOD & DIET

Cambodians love to eat! Once you learn more about local cuisine, you’ll soon love Cambodian food, too. Cambodian food is perhaps the most overlooked of all Asian cuisines. The most important part of every meal is rice. In fact, Cambodians greet each other by saying “Nyam bai howie nov?” (“Have you eaten rice yet?”) At lunch and dinner in Cambodian homes each person is served a large bowl of rice. Then at least three or four other dishes, usually including a soup, are served family-style. For those who aren’t convinced that they will like Cambodian food, there are hundreds of restaurants serving all types of international food in Cambodia. American, British, French, Italian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese expats have all set up restaurants serving their country’s specialties, and that’s not all. Those who are looking to follow a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or halal diet will find many options. While local cuisine may be the least expensive choice, your favorite foreign comfort food won’t be hard time come by, both in restaurants and supermarkets.