Tours Within Cambodia |
Travel TipsAncient temples, empty beaches, mighty rivers, remote forests…and (outside Angkor) only a handful of tourists. But the world is out – Cambodia has emerged from the decades of war and isolation that make it a byword for atrocities, refugees, poverty and political instability. Those magical Angkor temples are drawing gaping travelers by the busload one more, and Cambodia is well and truly back on the South-East Asian travel map. The successor-state of the mighty Khmer Empire – which ruled much of what is now Vietnam, Laos and Thailand – Cambodia boasts a rich culture, French-era (albeit a little weathered) capital and impressive natural scenery. The peace is young but relatively stable, and the country is slowly attracting that tourism currently sweeping neighboring Vietnam. However, the proliferation of land mines and banditry in remote areas means the picture isn’t all rosy, and for now the beaten path remains by far the one best traveled.  Safety The other major information sources are from guest-house & people, both long-term resident ex-pats & travelers themselves. In Phnom Penh, Capitol GH is a renowned place for info, but now any friendly guest-house area is good for finding out what you need to know. With regard landmines - There are still many thousands of land-mines & unexploded ordnance in more remote areas of Cambodia. The chances of approaching these areas unknown to you is very small. In rural, always seek local advice & don’t stray from that path. Local Transport In Phnom Penh & Siem Reap, moto taxis and Tuk Tuks are the main option. Bus : Newly erected bus shelters have been spotted in Phnom Penh! As yet no information on services. It helps to know your way back from town to your GH or navigate by landmarks obvious to locals (Psah Cantral, Wat Phnom). On the upside, these are usually cheaper! Mo-ped : $3/day, Dirt bike US$6/day ask at hotels, guest houses and agents. May need to show your passport. Bicycle : Phnom Penh $1+/day in very dad condition. The traffic is horrendous except on Sundays. Customs These customs are common throughout South East Asia Toilet : Squat toilets are usual. Toilet paper is rare – cleaning by left hand is the custom. Flush with hand bucket. Most Guesthouse have western style toilets, some even have toilet paper. Bathing : take water from a water pool with a bucket and pour over your head. Most guesthouses have showers. Left hand : Do not touch others with yours left hand as it is considered dirty – see above for explanation. Touching the head of others : It is quite insulting to Cambodians. Never ever touch with your left hand. Tipping : is recommended Clothing : Casual dress is generally acceptable. However religious sites require that arms and legs be covered. Footwear (indoor) : Locals don’t wear shoes inside houses or temples. Remove your shoes before entry. Bargaining : Common practice in markets, street stalls, taxis, motos, cyclos Others Souvenirs : Gems, silver. “Make sure that you get the real Gemâ€? Voltages : 220 volts, 60 cycles in Phnom Penh. 100 volts, 50 cycles other areas. Most type of plugs can be used, except British. Photography Newspapers Phnom Penh Post (3500 riel, every 2 weeks) Bayon Pearnik – monthly (free) some visitors info (Sometimes lists events or gives tourists info and excellent free city map mainly intended for the Ex-Pat community, contains amusing articles. Available form Guest Houses and some bars, restaurants, free. Traveling to Cambodia By Air Over LandÂ
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