Cambodia essential information

Cambodia essential information 

Population and language in Cambodia
The Cambodian population now stands at almost 15 million, 85% of them lives in countryside. There are around one million people move from rural area to live in Capital city to work.
Khmers are the majority of its people (96% of the population), the country has multies of ethnic groups including Vietnamese, Chinese, Cham and other minorities.
The official language is Khmer and English is the second official language then French, Chinese and Russian are also spoken.

Religion in Cambodia

Theravada Buddhism concerns about 95% of religious practices in Cambodia. There are, however, a handful of Christians (heritage of the French Protectorate era) and Muslims (the Chams from Vietnam). It should also be noted that animist practices are maintained in rural areas within ethnic minorities, as are certain elements of the Hindu religion.

Holidays and holidays in Cambodia

7 January: National Day (anniversary of the fall down of the Khmer Rouge in 1979)
March or April: Khmer New Year (Tchaul Tchnam). For the occasion, many Buddhist baptisms are celebrated and water is abundantly used on the streets, which is particularly appreciated in this dry season!
April: The Sacred Furrow (Royal Plowing Ceremony to open the plowing season)
1 May: Labor
Day 9 May: Genocide Day (Choeung Ek ceremonies in memory of the victims of the Khmer Rouge).
31 October: Birthday of King Norodom, born in 1922. Fireworks are fired on the banks of Phnom Penh.
November: Water festival (Bou-Om-Touk) at the full moon. This day marks the reversal of current from the waters of the river. Parades and spectacular canoe races are organized on the Tonlé Sap river.
9 November: Independence Day

Photography
Cambodians have no restrictions on shooting, but be careful when shooting airports, military vehicles and fortifications. In the street, ask the people, the religious in particular, permission to photograph them.

Food in Cambodia
the local food is based on fish and rice, simmered meats accompanied by spicy vegetables, shrimps and seafood in donuts. Hotels often make efforts to offer food tailored to European tastes.

Accommodation
The use allows for the installation in your room from 2pm the day of arrival, and the release of it at 12h maximum on the day of departure and sometimes even 10h. A provision outside these hours usually gives rise to a supplement not included in our tariffs. In Asia, the triple room is usually a double room with an extra bed.

transport network
Driving to the right, but the condition of roads and rental vehicles recommends using vehicles with driver.

Shopping in Cambodia
You will find in Cambodia a large quantity of handicrafts (textiles, embroidery, silver objects, lacquerware, basketry, reproduction of statues, coins, swords, ceramics, wood carvings, furniture, antique Chinese pieces, etc.) , often designed to help disadvantaged populations. You can also bring kramas, the traditional checkered scarves that are found on any market. Note that the trade of old stones and antiques is strictly forbidden.
Haggling is a common practice in the country.

communications
While the Cambodian telephone network has improved considerably, the use of mobile phones has gained the upper hand over fixed phones.
Know that it is cheaper to use prepaid cards to call abroad.
On the other hand, if you call from a hotel, the communication will be overcharged. Near the Thai border, communications are better and tariffs are lower.

To call Cambodia from France, dial 00 + 855 + the city or province code (Phnom Penh: 23) + the number of your correspondent.
To call France from Cambodia, dial 00 + 33 + your correspondent's number, without the initial 0.

Although the postal network has improved in Cambodia, letters and parcels can take 2 to 3 weeks to reach their destination.

gratuities
Its allocation and amount are at your discretion. However, we suggest that you provide around $ 2 per day for each driver and $ 4 for the guide.

Prepare your trip
Useful addresses

Embassy of Cambodia
4 rue Adolphe Yvon 75016 PARIS
Tel: 01 45 03 47 20

Visa for Cambodia
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of return and visa required. Possibility to get it on arrival: $ 30 with 1 photo ID. Nevertheless, some airlines require their passengers to obtain their visa before departure for any stay longer than 30 days. Information for our clients of French nationality.

Health
No vaccine required. We advise you to be vaccinated against tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A and B.  Recommended anti-malarial treatment  in remote areas. Important: bring all your current medications. Sunscreen. Never drink water other than sealed.

Money in Cambodia
The local currency is the Riel (KHR). The US dollar remains the ubiquitous currency, consider changing small denominations. Distributors are present in most major cities, and you can change the euro easily.
Simplify your purchases of currencies: if you wish, National Change will take care of delivering you home safely from the local currency or, failing that, US dollars. You do not need to travel anymore, please log on to www.asia.fr, under "our services", and place your order with National Change.
For the exchange rate, please visit http://www.xe.com/en/currencyconverter/

When to go?
The climate is semi-tropical, hot and humid. Sunny all year round, Cambodia is pleasant to visit all year round with a preference for winter (from November to March) during the season sè

Pack up
In general, only one checked baggage of 20 kg per person is accepted by airlines on international flights (economy class). Some airlines allow up to 30 kg, please refer to your electronic ticket (eticket) or received from itinerary.
Prefer cotton clothing to adapt to heat and rain. Also provide wool for evening and for excursions in the north as well as a rainwear. Do not forget to bring shoes that are easy to remove at the door of the temples.

Electricity in Cambodia
Voltage 220 volts (sometimes 110 in some rural villages). Check whether an adapter is needed at http://www.priseselectriques.info/ or plan a universal adapter. It is also good to provide a flashlight.

To read, to see
Travelogues - Romans
Angkor, the Stone Forest, Bruno Dagens (Ed Gallimard, Discovery. 1989).
The Cambodia Year Zero, François Ponchaud (Ed Julliard, 1977.)
The butterfly Nights, William T. Vollmann (Col. Pavillons, Ed. Robert Laffont)
A Pilgrim of Angkor by Pierre Loti (The Nompareille 1989)
The Royal Way of André Malraux (Grasset 1930)
Memories on the Cambodian customs of Tchéou Ta-Kouan Maisonneuve 1951)
The sound of our footsteps, Our twenty years of Clara Malraux
Daily life in the Indochinese peninsula in the Angkor period of Louis Frédéric
The leprous king of Pierre Benoit
The ritual mountain of Yves di Mano
The
Forbidden Tears of Navy Soth and Sophie Ansel

Tour Guides
Editions Ango: Cambodia and Laos
Lonely Planet Cambodia
The Rough Guide: Burma, Laos, Cambodia
Little Smart Cambodia