Cambodia journey Guide
Cambodia is rich in times gone by, culture and surprising sightseeing resources. Cambodia also provides visitors with a variety of once undiscovered cultural in addition to historical attractions throughout the Kingdom and the dual theme guiding Cambodia tourism is "Culture and Nature". But there are lot of things you should be familiar with before discover this good-looking country…
Passport and Visas:
Cambodia has very liberal visa system. It is meant to say a valid identification and visa are required for entry. Visas can be obtain at Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap (Angkor) Airport. All travelers have to do is bring along two passport size photos and fill up visa function. A one-month tourist visa expenses US$20 even as a business visa expenses US$25.00. Visa application outward appearance will be provided on inbound flights. Visas are also available at Thai/Cambodian overland border crossing.
Currency:
Riel is the Cambodia’s money To make sure for the today’s swap over rate, please refer to our GoCambodia’s front-page, located top right page. However the US dollar is widely accepted.
Transportation:
To and From Cambodia: the majority tourists are flying keen on the International Airports at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Recently a growing numbers of visitors are also arriving overland from Cambodia and Thailand.
On appearance, Motorcycle taxis (Motodub) and taxi can be borrowed just outside the arrival lobby. From Phnom Penh global airport to anywhere in Phnom Penh will cost you $7.00 while Motordub is charging $1.00 to $2.00. The aloofness is about 8 kilometers to town.
Hotel:
Room rate is starting from $3 to $200 per night. Whether you prefer to stay at Guest Houses with no air-con but fan, a motel style will charge you from $10 to $45 or you may stay at one of the 5 stars hotel e.g. Cambodiana, Le Royal or Inter-Continental. The cost of $10 and up will equip with air conditioner, refrigerator and a cable TV.
Tipping and bargain:
Tipping is not possible in Cambodia but if you meet with exceptional services or kindness, a incline is always appreciated. salary remain extremely low in Cambodia. Bargaining is the rule in the markets, when you are sign up vehicle or buying things. A influential smile and a little friendly personality is usually enough to get a good price.
The sightseer behavior code is on paper with the intention to decrease any that may crop up among tourists and residents due to differences in idiom and customs. It is also to reinforce and even renew a sense of pride in the local people, their culture and provide an chance for tourists to learn, appreciate and respect the Khmer culture. It aims to inform tourists about the local society, its customs, dress code and acceptable performance in religious and other places.
Swakum ! greeting !
Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia. It make no difference whether you are here on commerce or pleasure. You be in for a treat. You will catch a sight of the Khmer people, their history, culture and nature through the pristine beaches, natural landscapes, quaint villages, exotic traditional dances, the world famous Angkor complex and archaeological treasures.
Proper Greetings
Cambodians traditionally greet both other by joining their hands in concert in front of their chest and bowing often (Chum Reap Suor) followed by the western practice of shaking hands. Although men tend to shake ands with each other, women more often than not use the traditional greeting with both men as well as other women. It is considered acceptable for foreigners to shake hands with Cambodians of both sexes. When you are invite to a gathering, it is polite to make an attempt to properly greet the
people you congregate on your coming.
· You should respond to good wishes from others. It is considered rude not to return compliments by other people.
· When you enter pagodas (wats) sit with your foot to the side rather than in lotus location, then you join both hands together underneath chin and bow three period to the floor. Always be seated when the monks are seated.
taking pictures
There are many photogenic shops in Cambodia, offering global standard services. Be certain to take plenty of photograph so you can take back high-quality memories of the Kingdom. Photographers are free to shoot almost the whole thing. However, a few principles should be observed.
· If photographing restricted people, forever ask their permission first. the majority of them will be happy to pose for you.
· Taking photograph of military bases and other designated safety areas is forbidden.
· Ask consent before taking photos inside pagodas, royal palaces, other sacred places or particular events.
Visiting Pagodas (Wats) and added religious and established places
The official faith of Cambodia is Theravada Buddhism, which is also experienced in adjoining country like Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The sight of a saffron-robed monk is widespread all through the Kingdom and more or less every village had a pagoda (wat).
· Visitors be supposed to dress in order in all spiritual places. They be theoretical to never go shirtless, in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.
· Shoes, flip-flops and a hat should be removed when entering a mosque or a pagoda (wat) anywhere Buddhist images are kept. Each Buddha image, huge or minute, well kept or in ruins, is regarded consecrated.
· Never scale onto a Buddha or take pictures of a Buddha inside a place of worship devoid of asking permission. Always be deferential when viewing a Buddha image.
Tipping
There is no directive on tipping in Cambodia. However, tipping be greatly appreciated as salary are low. The value of the tip is not obligatory, depending on person generosity. It should proportionate with the level of service render.
A small present, in its place of a tip, is greatly valued.
Shopping
Bargaining is a way of life in Cambodia and a lot of shops will offer discount after negotiation. Cambodia is noted for its handicrafts - handmade articles such as silk materials, wood carvings, stone copies of Khmer art, silver items and jeweler are worth buying. It is illegal to export any antique art objects.
Personal Behavior
Polite performance is welcome everywhere. What is considered polite in other country is almost certainly considered polite in Cambodia too. though, there are few customs, social and religious taboos.
· Cambodians have a high regard for a calm and measured approach to all aspects of life. Open show of temper and anger should be avoided.
· It is considered a grave insult to touch one more person's head, even if is meant as a welcoming gesture.
· Use the right give to recognize things or shake hands.
· It is considered rude to point your foot at a person or object.
· Keep an open mind as well as do not command much from your host. Loud voices and energetic behavior are considered impolite. Smiling and nodding establishes good intent.
· Public display of affection flanked by men and women are frowned upon.
