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The program to Battambang, starting by boat from or to Siem
Reap or by plane from Phnom Penh. The boat trip between
Siem Reap and Battambang takes about 4 hours. It is
an excellent way to discover the countryside and to
admire the daily life along the river, the floating
villages and the wild birds of the Tonle Sap lake. Battambang
province is also home to some interesting temples. This
charming and peaceful town has beautiful examples of
colonial architecture and a museum.
The inundated forest of the Tonle Sap is also a fascinating
new excursion from Siem Reap. Only accessible by boat,
the forest is immerged from the month of June to March
and is the natural habitat of numerous wild birds.
The lost temple of the Beng Mealea can be now visited by
adventurous travelers from October to June. Taking a
pick-up car to go through the jungle and discover the
11th century temple is an exciting adventure only few
people can experience.
The Pansea Angkor Hotel is now scheduled to open on 15th
August 2001, followed by the Angkor Century Hotel which
opens in October. However, the Victoria Hotel still
is under construction. Other local hotels are being
built, giving a larger choice of accommodation to travelers
in Siem Reap.
There are now 4 airlines offering early morning flights from
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, such as: Royal Air Cambodge,
Siem Reap Airways, President Airlines and Royal Phnom
Penh Airways. Luggage allowance has been increased from
10 to 20 kg.
Temple Pass:
Since May 2000, the private company Sokha Hotel handling the
entrance fees to Angkor Complex has implemented a new
control system. Visitors should bring along 2 ID-sized
photos. One picture will be needed for the Cambodian
visa upon arrival, the other for the Temple pass. There
are no extra charges for pictures taken at the checkpoint,
if needed. The whole process takes around 5 minutes.
Visitors buying a one-day pass don't need a photo.
Not new is that travelers to Siem Reap always think their
stay was too short to see Angkor. Tours are adapted
to cover the most interesting temples of the complex
but in a very short time, according to the demand. From
the general opinion, Siem Reap on its own deserves at
least a 4-day visit!
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2. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL? ARE THERE PLACES TO AVOID?
Since the last national election, a new era of peace and political
stability is taking roots in the country, giving travelers
a chance to discover the deepest heart of the Kingdom.
However, there are still some places where travelers should not
go without an experienced local guide, as the problem
of mines is still present in the countryside.
Moreover, soldiers who do not like to be disturbed during their
transactions with their neighbors, control some regions
sharing the border with Thailand and Laos as well as
the Cardamons. We advise you to avoid these destinations
during your visit to Cambodia.
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3. WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS AND CUSTOM FORMALITIES?
It is easy to obtain a tourist visa (validity: 30 days)
upon arrival at the airports of Phnom Penh and Siem
Reap (with a valid passport of six months beyond your
visit and two ID-sized photos).
Visas are available upon arrival at Pochentong International
Airport in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap International Airport,
Poi Pet (border to Aranyaprathet, Thailand), Koh Kong
(border to Hat Lek, Thailand).
Visas are required prior to arrival at Bavet (border to Moc
Bai, Vietnam), Kham Samnor (border to Chau Doc, Vietnam).
To cross the border at Voeun Kam (border to Laos), one
needs a special permit of the Foreigners Office in Stung Treng.
Each traveler has to complete immigration and customs declaration
forms during the flight and must submit it upon arrival.
Tourists and non-residents, carrying over USD 10.000
in cash or its equivalent, must declare it.
Immigration formalities are quicker when travelers already hold their visa.
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4. DO'S AND DON'T'S?
Never drink tap water - purified, bottled water is available everywhere.
Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes and be careful
to protect yourself against dehydration, heat exhaustion
and sunburn.
Eating in hotels and local restaurants booked by travel-here
is safe. Food served in the streets, at the markets
and other small local restaurants is best avoided especially
for raw food, peeled or cut fruits and ice cubes.
Wearing shorts and T-shirts is acceptable even in the complex
of Angkor. Please note, however, that for the visit
of the Silver Pagoda in the Royal Palace (Phnom Penh),
visitors are asked to dress more formally (long clothes).
Shoes are always removed at the entrance to pagodas.
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5. WHAT MONEY SHOULD I TAKE?
The Riel is the local currency but the US Dollar is widely
accepted and used in most transactions (3,800. Riel
to one U.S.D, June, 01). Credit cards, Traveller's cheques,
foreign currencies are accepted in hotels and major
banks. It is recommended to carry U.S. Dollars in small
denomination notes.
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6. WHAT LANGUAGE WILL THEY UNDERSTAND?
Khmer is the official language but English is well spoken
in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, followed by French. In
the countryside, people only speak Khmer.
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7. HOW ABOUT MY HEALTH?
No vaccinations are required for entry to Cambodia. Visitors
are advised to check in their own country regarding
protection against malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A and B.
There is no problem to find a foreign doctor or dentist in
Phnom Penh. International SOS already strongly established
in Phnom Penh has sent one of their doctors to Siem Reap.
Foreign medicines can be easily bought in main towns.
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8. WHAT FOOD WILL I FIND?
Khmer cuisine is closely related to its neighboring countries,
although it is not as spicy. The Amok (fish preparation
with coconut milk and spices) is one of the best Cambodian
dishes. There is a wide variety of dishes such as curries,
stir-fried vegetables, noodles, soups and all meals
are served with steamed rice. Western food is provided
only in the major cities although other Asian dishes
are widely available.
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9. HOW IS THE SHOPPING AND WHAT DO I TIP?
SHOPPING: Markets are the best place for shopping and all prices should
be bargained. Cambodia produces excellent quality of
silk, as well as cotton sarongs. The Krama is the traditional
checked cotton (or silk) scarf used by local people.
It is also easy to find stones, wood copies of ancient
Khmer art, metal work, etc. When buying jewelry, visitors
should be careful, as gems are often fake.
The export of antiques is subject to approval by the Ministry of Culture.
TIPPING: Major hotels and restaurants add a 20% service charge and
tax on bills. If not included in the bill a 5% tip would
be apppropriate if service was satisfactory. For porters,
1,000 Riel per bag is sufficient.
IMPORTANT BEWARES: Phnom Penh is a nice place to go out in the evening but remember
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