1. When is the best time of the year to visit Cambodia?
There are two distinct seasons in Cambodia; the dry season from November to May and the wet season from June to October. The dry season is further divided into two sub-seasons; the cool season from November to February and the hot season from March to May. The dry and cool season which has the best weather also coincides with the peak season to visit Cambodia. Temperature and humidity rise slightly during the dry and hot season with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap seeing peak daytime temperatures of 33°C and higher. The wet season is usually marked by a brief downpour in the afternoon which might slightly affect travel plan but there are still sufficient hours of bright sunshine for sightseeing. The wet season also known as the green season is an excellent time see the countryside at its lushest and to avoid crowd.
2. Do I need a VISA to visit Cambodia?
ASEAN citizens do not require a visa for Cambodia for up to 30 days. Nationalities of other countries can obtain tourism visa either on arrival or via eVISA online (https://www.evisa.gov.kh/) for up to 30 days.
3. What are the main languages spoken in Cambodia?
Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. English is quite widely spoken by young people especially those who work in tourism related industry while French is more widely spoken by the older generation.
4. What is the time difference between Cambodia and Singapore?
Singapore is one hour ahead of Cambodia. For example 12 noon in Singapore is 11 am in Cambodia.
5. What is the voltage in Cambodia and what adapters should I bring?
The standard voltage in Cambodia is 230V with a frequency of 50 Hz. There are three types of power supply used in Cambodia, types G, A and C with the primary power supply being type G.
6. What is the Cambodia currency?
Cambodian currency is called the riel (KHR). The exchange rate is around KHR $4,000 to USD $1. Riel is a non-convertible currency, meaning that you can only exchange for Cambodia currency (with USD only) within Cambodia – banks or moneychangers outside Cambodia will not accept or exchange it.
7. Is US dollars accepted in Cambodia?
US dollars are actually the de factor currency in Cambodia. Most businesses, especially hotels, restaurants, airlines, and souvenir shops set their prices in US dollars though change (especially small change) may be given in riel. Always carry some small riel for small purchases. 500 and 1000 riel notes are the most common and useful denominations.
8. Are there any Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in Cambodia?
International access ATMs dispensing US dollars can be found in most major tourist centres in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. There is a surcharge of USD 2-5 per withdrawal. Currency can also be exchanged at most banks, hotels or moneychangers in town.
9. Is credit card acceptable in Cambodia?
Credit cards are accepted in most upscale shops and restaurants in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Visa, MasterCard and JCB are the most widely accepted credit card in Cambodia. AMEX is gaining wider acceptance while Diners Club is only accepted in a few places.
10. How do I get a Sim Card in Siem Reap?
Cambodia has a very competitive mobile markets; there are about 5 Telco for a population of 15 million. The SIM card providers are: Metfone, Smart, Cellcard, qb and Seatel. Metfone has the best 3G coverage outside of major towns in the provinces. Both Smart and Cellcard have good 3G coverage in major towns and tourist attractions though their connection might be patchy in remote areas. By law to purchase a SIM card you need to bring along your passport with valid VISA (if applicable) to the telco office or booth for registration. However, this is not adhered by most retailers who continue to sell SIM cards without the required IDs. You can buy prepaid 3G SIM card and/or top-up value easily from any telco booths, telco offices, phone shops or supermarkets in airport or town. Prices are generally low; you can easily get 1GB for 1 week duration for a couple of dollars.
11. Are there any good shopping in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is not just about Angkor Wat and museums, it is also an up-and-coming shoppers’ paradise. Siem Reap is an excellent place to shop for quality and inexpensive Cambodian souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles and contemporary art. Besides the traditional shopping venues, new fashion and apparel malls and boutiques are also sprouting up every now and then. There are also dozens of night markets in Sieam Reap where you can stroll, shop and eat all night long.
12. What are the food options in Cambodia?
Bordered by Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam on three sides, Cambodia cuisine is very much influenced by its neighbours including China. There are noodle soups like Vietnamese phở and sandwiches like bánh mì. There are many dishes which are similar to Thai food but with less chili, sugar and coconut milk being used for flavoring. Indian inspired curries and Chinese style stir fry dishes are also commonly found in Cambodia cuisine. The main stable of Cambodians is rice while fresh water fish from the Mekong and the Tonle Sap make up a large part of the Cambodian diet. The pungent fermented fish paste Prahok used in almost every dishes is considered the sole of Cambodia cuisine. If Prahok is too much of an acquired taste for you, there are hundreds of restaurants serving all types of international food (French, Italian, Japanese etc) in Siem Reap and Phnom Pehn. Halal and vegetarian food can also be found easily in the cities.
13. Can I drink the water when traveling in Cambodia?
We strongly advise you not to drink water directly from the tap as it might not be safely treated. You should always drink boiled water or bottled water from reputable international or local brands like Dasani (Coca Cola), Evien, Kulara Water etc.
14. Is it customary to tip while traveling in Cambodia?
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia; the medium wage is less than USD$200 per month. Many workers in the tourism and restaurant industry rely strongly on tips to supplement their meager income. Therefore we encourage tipping especially for good services.
15. What are the opening times of the Angkor Archaeological Park?
The park opens everyday from 7.30am till 5.30pm. However some temples and sites within the park have different opening times; Angkor Wat Temple opens at from 5.00am till 5.30pm while Bakheng Hill opens at from 5.00am till 7.00pm.
16. Are there any specific dress code for visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park ?
Angkor Wat is considered a holy religious site by many Cambodians. Visitors should dress politely and modestly as they would to visit any religious place. Visitors are required to wear pants or skirts below the knees and a T-shirt that covers the shoulders. Spaghetti straps, mini-skirts and shorts are prohibited. Visitors can and are frequently turned away by the park authority when wearing revealing clothing.
17. What type of footwear should I wear for visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park?
You will be doing a lot of walking as the Angkor Archaeological Park covers a very large area. Some of the trails connecting the various temples are not paved and are rocky with tree roots. You should wear sturdy covered shoes (running shoes are fine) for visiting the Park.
18. Is there a map for me to visualize the scale of the Angkor Archaeological Park
Refer to the two links below which provide good maps to visualize the scale of Angkor Wat.
http://www.visit-angkor.org/project/angkor-map
https://www.google.com/streetview/#angkor-wat
19. What do I need to bring along for the trip?
A comprehensive packing list will be provided by us upon trip confirmation.
20. Are medical supplies easy to find in Siem Reap?
Medical supplies are readily available at pharmacies and supermarkets in Cambodia. U-care (http://www.ucarepharma.com/) is the biggest and most established pharmacy with many branches in Siem Reap. You will be able to find in U-care most of the medicine brands available at home.
21. Do I need vaccinations?
The vaccination and immunization required depend on the length of your stay, the activities you plan to undertake as well as your personal health conditions. Since most vaccination and immunization have to be done a few weeks in advance before departure in order to be effective, it is important for you to consult your doctor early. Kindly refer to these links for more info: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cambodia
22. Is travel insurance provided in the package?
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We strongly recommend you to procure your own travel insurance before embarking on the Cambodia trip. You may also procure travel insurance through us: http://iwannatravel.com.sg/world-nomads-travel-insurance