Country Info: China

China

population

The current population of Cambodia is approximately 17.88 million (2024), according to a recent survey.

Local Time

Cambodia is GMT + 7 and does not observe a daylight-savings system.

Language

The national language is Khmer. The Khmer language also known as Cambodian, is the official language of Cambodia and is spoken by the majority of the population. It belongs to the Austroasiatic language family and is the second most widely spoken Austroasiatic language after Vietnamese.

religion

The primary religion in Cambodia is Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by the majority of the population.

entry & exit requirements

PASSPORT: U.S. and Canadian passports must be valid for six months beyond the planned stay and have at least one blank visa page.

VISA: For most nationalities, a visa is required to enter Cambodia. You can obtain a tourist visa when you arrive at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap international airports for a fee of USD $30. Along with the visa application form, two passport photographs should also be submitted. If needed, you can extend your tourist visa from one month to three months for an additional fee of USD 6 for domestic extensions and USD 25 for international extensions.

Currency

The official currency in Cambodia is the Khmer Riel, but the American Dollar is also widely accepted, especially in bigger stores and supermarkets. To make your transactions more practical and economical for everyday items, it's recommended to carry small notes of both currencies (dollars and riels).

Electrical Current

Cambodia's standard electrical supply is 230 volts, 50 Hertz. Both flat and round two-pin outlets are used throughout the country. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

cambodia Weather

Cambodia experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The country enters its wet season from May to October, characterized by heavy rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings, and high humidity. Temperatures during this time range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), though it can feel warmer due to the humidity. Flooding can occur in low-lying areas. Conversely, the dry season, spanning from November to April, brings little to no rainfall, clear skies, and cooler temperatures. Humidity levels drop, making it more comfortable for visitors. Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the dry season, with cooler evenings and mornings. This period, especially from November to February, is considered the peak tourist season due to the favorable weather conditions.

getting to CAmbodia

Most international travelers will arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap International Airport. Phnom Penh International Airport is situated approximately 7 km/4.3 miles west of the city center. Siem Reap International Airport is located about 6 km/3.7 miles northwest of the city center.

when to travel

The optimal time to visit Cambodia varies depending on the region you intend to explore. In the northern areas such as Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, November to February is ideal as the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Central Cambodia, including Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham, experiences a dry season from November to April, making it a great time to visit historical sites and enjoy outdoor attractions. The southern part of Cambodia, encompassing areas like Sihanoukville and Koh Rong, has a tropical climate year-round, with the dry season from November to May being the best time for beach vacations and water activities. For travelers looking to explore the entire country, the dry season, from November to April, offers the most favorable weather conditions across different regions.

getting around by plane

Cambodia's domestic airlines provide residents and tourists with convenient and reliable transportation options. Carriers like Cambodia Angkor Air and Lanmei Airlines operate routes connecting major cities such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, facilitating efficient travel experiences across the country.

From	To	Flight times
Phnom Penh	Siem Reap	+/- 50 min

shopping

The major cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap provide abundant shopping opportunities. Local specialties worth purchasing include traditional Cambodian silk products, intricately woven textiles, handmade crafts such as lacquerware and woodcarvings, silver jewelry, and ceramics. Unique items such as traditional Khmer scarves (krama) and handwoven baskets make excellent souvenirs. Clothing is also a good value for money, and many tailors in popular tourist areas offer custom-made garments with quick turnaround times, often within 24 hours.

payment methods

ATMs are widely available in cities, but they are not as common in rural areas. Travelers' cheques can be used in banks, money changers, and hotels, but most people prefer to use debit or credit cards. Currency exchange services are often offered by hotels. US Dollars are the most widely accepted currency. It is recommended to carry cash for shopping and tipping.

opening hours

Stores & Shops: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Government Offices: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Banks: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

tips

While tipping for good service is not mandatory, it is always a gesture of generosity that is greatly appreciated. Tipping the guide and driver on your transfers and tours should depend on how satisfied you are with the excursion. You should also tip hotel porters for carrying your bags to the room. In other cases, deciding when and how much to tip is entirely up to you.

telephone

Cambodia has a well-developed telecommunications network, offering reliable telephone services to both residents and visitors. Mobile phone coverage is extensive across the country, with several major carriers providing affordable prepaid and postpaid plans. International roaming services are also available for travelers. Internet communication platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Skype are widely used for voice and video calls in Cambodia, making staying connected convenient and accessible.

the name CAmbodia

Cambodia was formerly known as Kampuchea. The name Cambodia is believed to derive from the Khmer word "Kambuja," which refers to the ancient kingdom of the Khmer people. The addition of the "-dia" suffix is thought to have been influenced by the Indian term for land or country, "desh." Thus, Cambodia can be interpreted as the land of the Khmer people.

location, area and frontiers

Cambodia is a captivating country located in Southeast Asia, encompassing a land area of approximately 69,900 square miles. It features a diverse landscape and an extensive coastline stretching about 275 miles along the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia shares its borders with Thailand to the west and northwest, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east and southeast. The country's major cities, notable for their population and significance, include Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Sihanoukville.

geography

Cambodia's geography includes tropical forests, rolling hills, and fertile plains, with rice paddies being a prominent feature, especially in the lowland areas. The northern part of Cambodia consists mainly of upland areas and mountain ranges, while the southern portion is characterized by the vast floodplains of the Mekong River and its tributaries. The Tonle Sap Lake, located in the central part of the country, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia and plays a crucial role in Cambodia's ecosystem. The Cardamom Mountains in the southwest and the Dangrek Mountains along the northern border with Thailand add to the country's diverse landscape.