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Top Cambodia Hotels


Cambodia Cambodia is a small country with incredible depth. It is easy to overlook little Cambodia on the map, but this is a land of extremes and far from anonymous. The glorious extreme is the historic ruined city of Angkor and Siem Reap. The ancient Khmer remains are among the most incredible sites on the planet. This great civilisation reached its flamboyant zenith between the 9th and 14th centuries, their architectural feats culminating in the magnificent Angkor Wat, deservedly one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Some 100 temples survive and are generally being sensitively restored, although recently concerns have been voiced about the damage tourism is inflicting on these stunning ruins. Still, without doubt, Angkor is the defining reason to go to Cambodia. But Cambodia has known more sinister extremes. Regional instability in the 1970's saw civil war sweep Pol Pot's Khemer Rouge to power and his introduction of an ultra-Maoist policy. Coined 'Year Zero' he intended to wipe out the existing Cambodian way of life and start afresh, but ultimately the end result was appalling genocide. More than two million died amid atrocities of unimaginable cruelty, and the educated classes were almost entirely lost. The Vietnamese forced out the Khmer Rouge. Political chaos continued until the 1990's when some stability returned and saw the battered country finally getting back on its feet. A stroll around Phnom Penh reveals a poor but lively city with Buddhist temples and French architecture. Reminders of the recent savage past are clearly visible the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum have become ghoulish yet compulsive tourist attractions. Today Cambodia wrestles with some big modern problems below its remarkably cheerful surface. The sex trade is massive with grim statistics for AIDS and paedophilia. And you realise just where Cambodia is today when recreational activities available to tourists include hurling grenades into ponds, or for US$200 you can fire a rocket launcher and blow up a live cow. The recent stability has led to a tourist boom and some very good hotels are springing up. The infrastructure is evolving and Cambodia is easier now than it has ever been. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh remain the only viable places to visit, although the beaches around Sihanoukville may emerge soon as there is a good strip of coastline. Temperatures remain fairly constant and typically nudge above 30 C, with the dry season running from December to April. At other times of the year it can be uncomfortably humid not the best time for clambering around the awesome but slippery temples. More...

Visas

Passports should be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry and a tourist visa is required by all nationalities whether entering Cambodia by land or air. It is possible for all nationalities to obtain a 30-day visa on arrival if entering the country at either of the international airports (3 passport-sized photographs are required). If arriving overland, a visa should be obtained prior to entry. It would be advisable to check the current situation with the Cambodian Consulate or Embassy before travelling.

Customs

Cash amounting to more than US$10,000 in foreign currency must be declared upon arrival and the import/export of local currency is prohibited. Foreign currency up to the equivalent value of the amount imported may be taken out of Cambodia.

  • Alcohol - 1 opened bottle of spirits
  • Tobacco - 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are extremely severe.

Time

Cambodian Time: GMT + 7

Currency

  • Cambodian Riel (CRI) - Check current exchange rates
  • 1 Riel = 100 sen.
  • Notes issued: CRI100, 000, CRI50, 000, CRI20, 000, CRI10, 000, CRI5, 000, CRI2,000, CRI1000, CRI500, CRI200, CRI100

US dollars are widely used, however other foreign currencies are not generally accepted

Language

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia whilst French, English, Russian, Vietnamese and Chinese are also spoken to varying degrees. English is widely spoken around the main tourist areas of Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat and Cambodians are enthusiastic about learning and practising English.

Tipping

Tipping is optional in most situations, although it is appreciated in hotels and restaurants. Tip porters, hotel staff and taxi drivers between CR2,000 and CR4,000.

Banking Hours

Monday to Friday 8.00am to 3.00pm

Telephone

The international dialling code for Cambodia is 855.

When making international telephone calls from Cambodia, first dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number.

Local Telephone Codes

Phnom Penh 023
Siem Reap 063

Electricity

  • 220 volts AC, 50Hz
  • Flat and round two-pin plugs are most common and a universal adapter is an important travel item.
  • Power cuts are quite frequent but many hotels and businesses have their own generators.

Water

Tap water is not considered safe for drinking and ice cubes should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country.

Health

Be aware that the standard of health care is exceptionally low in Cambodia and there is also an acute shortage of medical staff. Make sure that your health insurance is comprehensive and covers evacuation. Think seriously about being inoculated against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Also consider a pre-exposure rabies vaccination and anti-malarials. It is essential that you check the current situation with regard to all potential health hazards and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

International Airports

  • Phnom Penh - Pochentong
  • Siem Reap

International Airport Departure Tax

  • US$20 at Phnom Penh
  • US$8 at Siem Reap

Domestic Airports

All international airports mentioned above plus the following:

  • Battambang
  • Koh Kong
  • Sihanoukville
  • Stung Trung
  • Banlung
  • Sen Monorom

Domestic Airport Departure Tax

From US$4 to US$10 depending on airport

Etiquette/Dress Code

As with most of South East Asia, modest dress is recommended; avoid sleeveless tops, short skirts and shorts. Dress especially respectably when visiting temples and take your cues for appropriate behaviour from fellow Cambodian visitors.

Diplomatic Missions

A number of countries have representative offices in Cambodia.

Useful Sources of Information

Further information on Cambodian culture and tourist attractions:

  • Cambodia-Web

Weather

Season Average temperature Average rainfall
Hot Season (March - May) 24 - 37°C 70mm
Rainy Season (June - October) 24 - 32°C 193mm
Dry Season (November - February) 22 - 31°C 47mm

Situated 14 degrees north of the equator, Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with maximum temperatures averaging 32C all year round and humidity levels maintaining a sticky 80-90%.

Light clothes are recommended and it is worth carrying an umbrella throughout both the hot and rainy seasons. Warmer clothes are advisable during the cooler months, especially at night.

Hot Season - The northeast monsoon brings high temperatures and low rainfall to Cambodia. These months, especially April, can be extremely hot with high humidity.

Rainy Season - The southwest monsoon brings heavy rains - usually during the afternoon and flooded streets are commonplace.

Best time to visit: During the Cool and Dry Season - although daytime temperatures can remain high, nights become much more tolerable with an average temperature of 22°C. The air can be rather dusty during this period.

Featured Cambodia Hotels

2 stars
Angkor Saphir Hostel Siem Reap

Angkor Saphir Hostel Siem Reap

City, Cambodia

Location The Angkor Saphir Hostel Siem Reap is just three minutes from royal... More...

 
5 stars
Angkor Century Resort & Spa Siem Reap

Angkor Century Resort & Spa Siem Reap

City, Cambodia

Location The hotel is located on Komay Road, 300 metres from the Royal Garden. It... More...

 
25 stars
Passaggio Boutique Hotel Siem Reap

Passaggio Boutique Hotel Siem Reap

City, Cambodia

Location Passaggio Boutique Hotel is only 15 minutes from the airport and lies in the... More...

 
5 stars
Cambodiana Hotel Phnom Penh

Cambodiana Hotel Phnom Penh

City, Cambodia

Location The Cambodiana Hotel is located at Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh on the banks... More...

 
5 stars
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa

Borei Angkor Resort & Spa

City, Cambodia

Location Placed between the 2 main roads that lead to the finest monuments of the... More...

 
4 stars
Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh

Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh

City, Cambodia

Location Located within the heart of Cambodia's green belt capital, Sunway Hotel... More...

 
3 stars
Bopha Angkor Hotel & Restaurant Siem Reap

Bopha Angkor Hotel & Restaurant Siem Reap

City, Cambodia

Location Located on Acharsva Street, the Bopha Angkor Hotel & Restaurant is in... More...

 
5 stars
Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh

City, Cambodia

Location Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, the Raffles Hotel Le Royal is only a 20... More...

 
5 stars
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

City, Cambodia

Location Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra is set amongst the tranquil landscaped gardens... More...

 
3 stars
Allson Angkor Hotel Siem Reap

Allson Angkor Hotel Siem Reap

City, Cambodia

Location Ideally located at Siem Reap, this property is easily accessible from Angkor... More...

 
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