Volunteer Travel Guide Cambodia - Volunteering Abroad Cambodia www.abroaderview.org

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov 05, 2008 -
For many travelers the allure of an unspoiled and little-explored country is irresistible. Emerging from a violent past of human rights atrocities, war and political instability, Cambodia is recovering from its past and slowly becoming a top destination on the South East Asian travel map. The magnificent temples of the 'Lost City' of Angkor are an irresistible attraction that, despite the dangers of unexploded landmines and the threat of rural banditry, is a must-see for any determined traveler.

http://www.abroaderview.org/cambodia.php

Modern day Cambodia is the successor kingdom of the powerful Khmer Empire which ruled most of what is today Vietnam, Laos and Thailand from the 9th to 14th centuries. Although the country does not have the same volume of attractions as some of its neighbors, the Cambodian people are incredibly friendly, providing a welcoming embrace for travelers.

This fact in itself is amazing given the suffering that Cambodians had to endure during the three-and-a-half year reign of Pol Pot, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated two million people. The Khmer Rouge period under Pol Pot's leadership, altered the face of the country. Overnight cities were emptied and property destroyed, the economy was left in shatters and so were the lives of countless families. This period between 1975 and 1979 represents a particularly dark one in the nation's history.

Travelers to Cambodia can now enjoy many wonderful aspects of this country. Pleasurable moments can be had in the snatches of friendly conversations, in the tranquility ushered in by Buddhist prayer or in the sounds of workers in the rice paddies. One can also search for the charms of the French-era capital city Phnom Penh, visit the tragic horrors of the Killing Fields or drift past sleepy riverside locations on a boat.

http://www.abroaderview.org/cambodia.php

The Basics
Time:
GMT +7.
Electricity:
220 volts, 50Hz. Travelers should be aware that power cuts are frequent and, outside the capital, electricity is generally only available in the evenings.

Language:
Khmer is the official language. French is also spoken, but English is fast becoming popular with the younger generation.

Health:

There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Cambodia and travelers are advised to seek the latest medical advice on vaccinations and precautions especially regarding typhoid, cholera, malaria, hepatitis B and polio, at least three weeks before traveling. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas except Phnom Penh, around Lake Tonle Sap and the Angkor temple complex. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is prevalent especially in heavily populated areas.

Customs:

Permission should be sought before snapping pictures of people, particularly monks. Avoid touching someone on the head as it is considered the most sacred part of a person's body. Women should wear modest clothing, preferably a long skirt or loose-fitting trousers. When visiting religious sites, shoes should be removed, and shorts avoided.

Communications:

The international access code for Cambodia is +855. The outgoing code is 001 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). Phnom Penh's area code is (0)23; the code for Siem Reap is (0)63. Domestic and international calls can be made at post offices or telecom offices in most towns.

http://www.abroaderview.org/cambodia.php

Contacts
Visa Agencies
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Tourism
Tourism of Cambodia, Phnom Penh +855 (0)23 216 666 or www.tourismcambodia.com

Cambodia Embassies

Embassy of Cambodia, Washington DC, United States: +1 206 726 7742.
Embassy of Cambodia, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7483 9063.
Embassy of Cambodia, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 1154.
Embassy of Cambodia, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7843 9063.
Embassy of Cambodia, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6273 1154.

Foreign Embassies in Cambodia

United States Embassy, Phnom Penh: +855 (0)23 728 000.
British Embassy, Phnom Penh: +855 (0)23 427 124.
Canadian Embassy, Phnom Penh (co-located with Australian Embassy): +855 (0)23 213 470.
Australian Embassy, Phnom Penh: +855 (0)23 213 470.
South African Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Cambodia): +66 (0)2 250 9012-14.
Irish Embassy, Hanoi, Vietnam (also responsible for Cambodia): +84 (0)4 974 3291.
New Zealand Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Cambodia): +66 (0)2 254 2530.

Cambodia Emergency Numbers
Emergencies: 119

Airports
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
Location:
The airport is situated six miles (10km) west of Phnom Penh.
Time:
GMT +7.
Contacts:
Tel: +855 (0)23 890 890.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include foreign exchange, cafes and a food court, shops, duty free, and a post office. Wireless Internet access is also available..
Departure Tax:
International flights: US$25 (adults), US$13 (children under 12); Domestic: US$6.
Website:
www.cambodia-airports.com

Climate

Cambodia's climate can generally be described as tropical with seasonal monsoons. There are two distinct seasons, the rainy and dry. Temperatures during the rainy season, between June and October, average 80-95°F (27-35°C). The dry season is characterised by cool months, November to February, with temperatures averaging 80-95°F (17-27°C) and hot months, from March till May, which sees temperature range between 84-100°F (29-38°C).

Passport & Visa
Visa Agencies:
Avoid the stress and queues, get a visa agency to arrange your visa.
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Global Visas, London, UK. 0207 190 3903 or www.globalvisas.com

Entry requirements for Americans: US travellers must have a valid passport and holiday or business visa, which can be obtained on arrival for one month.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK travellers must have a valid passport and a tourist or business visa, which can be obtained on arrival for one month.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport and a visa is required. A visa can be obtained on arrival, if the purpose of travel is for touristic or business purposes for up to one month.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport and a visa is required. A visa can be obtained on arrival, if the purpose of travel is for touristic or business purposes for up to one month.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals must have a valid passport and require a holiday or business visa, which can be obtained on arrival for one month.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders must have a valid passport and require a business or tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival for one month.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport and require a holiday or business visa, which can be obtained on arrival for one month.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must have a return or onward ticket in addition to documents for further travel, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. A passport valid for at least six months from date of entry is required by all visitors. An e-Visa can be applied for online (single entry tourist visas) that allows for stays of up to 30 days. See www.mfaic.gov.kh for more information.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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