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Homepage > Destination > Cambodia Cambodia – Key facts & travel tips Official name: Kingdom of Cambodia Geography & PopulationThe Kingdom of Cambodia occupies an area of 181,035 square km and is almost completely hemmed in by its neighbours, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia is dominated by the Mekong River ("the great river”) and Lake Tonle Sap ('”the fresh water river”), one of the world's richest sources of fresh water fish. In the centre of Cambodia, the region around Lake Tonle Sap (Great Lake), which is a densely populated plain, the heartland of Cambodia, is devoted to wet rice cultivation. Most of the country lies at elevations of less than 100m above sea level. Cambodia's highest peak is Phnom Aoral (1,813m), near Pusat Province in the southwestern part of the country. The standard itinerary of Angkor and Phnom Penh will be rewarded with a wide variety of experience. Miles of unspoilt beaches and remote islands offer sandy seclusion along the southern coastline with Sihanoukville as the main port of call. Ratanakiri Province on the northeastern corner of the country, with its hill tribes and volcanic scenery, is also becoming increasingly popular with visitors. Neighbouring Mondolkiri is less well known, but equally impressive, offering dramatic alpinesque woodlands, villages and mountains. In the central plains, Battambang, Cambodia's second largest city, is a sleepy provincial capital, and the gateway to the old Khmer Rouge stronghold of Pailin. Cambodia's monsoon climate creates two distinct seasons. The southwesterly monsoon from May to October brings heavy rain, high humidity and strong winds, while the northeasterly monsoon from November to February produces dry, hot weather, with average temperatures rising from 25°C in November to around 38°C in April. The best months to visit are December and January, as it is dry and relatively cool, though Angkor is at its most stunning during the lush rainy season. Cambodia has a population of 13.8 million, around 90% of which is Khmer. The remaining 10% is Cham Muslims, hill tribes, Chinese and Vietnamese. Culture Khmer culture, as developed and spread by the Khmer Empire, has distinctive styles of dance, architecture and sculpture which have strongly influenced neighbouring Laos and Thailand. Many Khmer temples are models of the Hindu-Buddhist universe. Moats and walls symbolize oceans and mountains. The building materials used by the ancient Khmer changed over time from brick to laterite. The use of sandstone was what set Khmer temples apart from religious structures constructed by the ancient Cham, Thai and Burmese. Bonn Om Teuk (Boat Race Festiva) is the biggest Cambodian holiday that attracts 10% of Cambodia’s population each year. The festival is held at the end of the rainy season when the Mekong River begins to sink back to its normal levels. Khmer culture is very hierarchical. The younger must respect the older. Everyone in Khmer culture is given a hierarchical title before the name. Referring to someone by an improper title is a sign of disrespect and would be assumed as improper parenting or a lack of respect for elders. Cambodians traditionally wear a checkered scarf called a "kroma" (cotton scarf). This multi–purpose article of clothing, similar to a sarong, is used for bathing, cleaning, protection from the sun and many other functions in Khmer life. Almost all Khmer men and women wear a Buddha pendant in a necklace fashion. There are different pendants for different uses; some are meant for protection from evil spirits, some are meant to bring good luck. The cuisine of Cambodia is similar to other Southeast Asian cuisines, but not as spicy as Thai cuisine. Entry formalitiesVisas are required to enter Cambodia. Visitors may obtain visas in advance at any Cambodian embassy or consulate or upon arrival at Cambodian airports and border crossing points. One passport-sized photo, a photocopy of passport valid for at least 6 months, and a fee are required. Cambodian visas are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance (not from the date of entry). Visitors can also extend their visas at the Department of Immigration, located opposite Pochentong Airport. Visa fee: single entry visa: US$20 - $30, visa extensions: US$40 - $75. Getting there:
Customs regulationsA- Entry: Visitors should make sure that they complete immigration and customs formalities when they enter Cambodia. Visitors are authorized to bring in the following items duty-free: cigarettes ( 200), alcohol (1litre) and a reasonable amount of perfume. Like any other country, Cambodia does not allow visitors to import:
B- Exit: Antique items such as Buddha images and other old artifacts may not be taken out of Cambodia. The export of antiques is subject to approval of the Ministry of Culture. If visitors have toured neighbouring countries before entering Cambodia, they are advised to declare all their belongings to the customs to avoid any problems which may arise when leaving the country. ClimateThe climate of Cambodia is described as tropical, hot and humid. There are two distinct seasons:
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