GENERAL INFORMATION
BRIEF KHMER HISTORY
The Mon-Khmer race developed slowly during the first six centuries of the Christian era. Under Indian influence, a powerful maritime empire called “Funan” ruled over all the shores of the Gulf of Siam. Within a short time, this new power known as Chenla absorbed the Funanese Kingdom. In the late 7th century, Chenla broke into twon parts: land Chenla (to the north) and water Chenla (to the south along the Gulf of Thailand). Land Chenla was fairly stable during the 8th century, whereas water Chenla was beset by dynastic rivalries.
At the beginning of the 9th century, the kings set up their capital in the present province of Siem Reap. For nearly six century, they erected two hundred temples as well their sanctuaries in the Angkorian area of some 400 square kilometers in the Siem Reap Province.
King Suryavarman II (113-1150) built the temples such as Angkor Wat, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda, Preah Palilay, Preah Pithu, and Banteay Samre.
Jayavarman VII (1181-1220) was best known for his huge building program. Firstly, he built Ta Prohm (1186) and Preah Khan (1119) to dedicate to his parents. Secondly, he erected Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Terrace of elephants, Neak Pean, Ta Som, Ta Nei, and some others in other parts of the country. Thirdly, he founded his great capital, Angkor Thom. Finally, in the center, he built the Bayon with its two hundred stone faces.
The decline of the Angkor era began after the death of King Jayavarman VII in the early 13th century. Due to the Siamese invasion and the limitation of irrigation system, Khmer power declined so much that the king was finally obliged to move to the vicinity of Phnom Penh in 1431. Resulting from a series of Siamese and Cham invasion, the country was put as a French protectorate in 1863.
In 1991, with the Paris Agreements on Cambodia the country regains its sovereignty and begins its reconstruction up until today.
After regaining Independence in 1953, the country has had several names:
1. The Kingdom of Cambodia (under the Reachia Niyum Regime from 1953 to 1970);
2. The Khmer Republic (under the Lon Nol Regime from 1970 to 1975);
3. Democratic Kampuchea (under the Pol Pot Genocidal Regime from 1975 to 1979 );
4. The People ‘s Republic of Kampucha (1079-1989);
5. The Sate of Cambodia (1989-1993);
6. The Kingdom of Cambodia (1993 until now).
OFFICIAL NAME: Kingdom of Cambodia
NATIONAL FLAG:
AREA: 181,035 sqkm
GEO. COORDINATES: 13000 north and 105000 east
SITUATION
The Kingdom of Cambodia is bordered to the north with Thailand and Laos, to the east and the south with Vietnam, and to the west by the Gulf of Siam and Thailand.
POPULATION AND PEOPLE
About 90 percent of the 14 million Cambodian people are ethnic Khmers. There are several minorities such as the Chams (Khmer Islam), Vietnamese and Chinese. Hill tribes such as the Phnong, Stieng and Kuy dominate the country’s mountainous regions.
CLIMATE
Cambodia’s tropical climate is affected by the monsoon. The cool, dry north-east monsoon which brings little rain, is from November to March. From May to early October, the south-west monsoon brings heavy rain and high humidity. The average temperature is 27 0C.
GETTING
International Gateways by Air:
Phnom Penh International Airport (Visa on arrival & E-visa available)
Siem Reap International Airport (Visa on arrival & E-visa available)
Airlines and air code that fly to and from Cambodia:
- Air Asia - FD. from Kuala Lumpur.
- Bangkok Airways - PG. from Bangkok.
- China Airlines - CI. from Taipei. Taiwan
- China Eastern Airlines - MU. from Kunming.
- China Southern Airlines - CZ. from Guangzhou
- Dragon Air - KA. from Hong Kong
- Eva Air - BR. from Taiwan
- Jet Star Asia Airways - 3K from Singapore
- Korean Air - KE. Seoul
- Lao Airline - QV. from Vientiane
- Malaysian Airline - MH. from Kuala Lumpur.
- Shanghai Airlines - FM. from Shanghai.
- Silk Air - MI. from Singapore
- Thai Airways International - TG. from Bangkok
- Vietnam Airlines - VN. Ho Chi Minh. Hanoi. Vientiane.
International Gateways by Land:
Gateways between Cambodia and Thailand:
- Poipet (Visa on arrival & E-visa available)
- Cham Yeam (Visa on arrival & E-visa available)
- O Smach (Visa on arrival available)
- Choam (Visa on arrival available)
- Prom (Visa on arrival available)
- Dong (Visa on arrival available)
Gateways between Cambodia and Laos: Dong Krolor (Visa on arrival available)
Gateways between Cambodia and Vietnam:
- Bavet (Visa on arrival & E-visa available)
- Kaam Samnor (Visa on arrival available)
- Phnom Den (Visa on arrival available)
- Trapaing Phlong (Visa on arrival available)
- Trapaing Srè (Visa on arrival available)
- Oyadav (Visa on arrival available)
- Banteay Chakrei (Visa on arrival available)
- Preak Chak (Visa on arrival available)
- Samrong (Visa on arrival available)
International Gateways by Water:
Phnom Penh International Port (Visa on arrival available)
Sihanouk Ville International Seaport (Visa on arrival upon request)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Tourist Visa may be obtained upon arrival at the Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airports
One passport size photo is required. Visa is valid for 30 days and the fee is $20 US.
Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the end of your stay.
TIME
Cambodia has one time zone and is seven hours ahead of GMT.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Khmer while the second language (spoken by the educated older Cambodians) is French. However, in recent years, English has gained popularity.
RELIGION
The official religion is Theravada Buddhism and almost 90 percent of the population are of this faith. The rest are Muslims and Christians.
ECONOMY
About 70 per cent of the population work on their rice fields. Cambodia is rich in hardwood (teak and mahogany) and gems which are found in the north-west. The economy operates on free-market principles. Cambodia has adopted one of the most liberal investment laws for foreign investors.
CURRENCY
Riel is the country’s currency. However the US dollar is widely accepted. Traveler checks in US dollar can be changed at most banks in Phnom Penh. If you are traveling to the outskirts, it is advisable to use the riel (get small change) although US dollar is accepted. Credit cards facilities are limited for the time being although efforts are being made to introduce it on a bigger scale. Some hotels and shops accept credit cards.
ELECTRICITY
All electric appliances use 220 volts.
FOOD
Rice and fish constitute the essential basis of national cuisine. Meals consist of soups, stir-fry and grill. The dishes are identified curry, lemon grass, scented with a subtle alchemy of mint, and herbs or the famous Kampot pepper. Coconut milk is used extensively and Prahok (fermented fish paste) is a condiment as old as popular. The Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine is widespread in the country and the capital has dozens of Western restaurants and fast food outlets like KFC, Pizza Company...
HEALTH
Although vaccination is not necessary, it is recommended that you get vaccinated for cholera, typhoid and hepatitis if you are going to the provinces.
COMMUNICATION
Hand phones have become a necessity in Cambodia and almost everyone carries a hand phone numbers start with 010, 011, 012, 013, 015, 016, 017…etc. The country code is 855 and indicative landline phone of Phnom Penh is 23 while Siem Reap is 63.
BUSINESS HOURS
Government offices open from 7.30am to 5pm on weekdays only. The lunch break is from 11.30am to 2 or 2.30pm. Bank are open from 8am to 3h30 pm. Most businesses open from 8am to 9pm.
AIRPORT TAX
International departure flight: Foreign Passengers-US$25
CLOTHING
Most Cambodians are casual in their dressing except when they are attending formal events or business meetings. It’s not unusual to see both men and women wearing the Krama, a long, narrow checked cotton cloth round their neck. The Krama is a versatile piece of cloth.
