Cambodia
This is a country that is a treat to your eyes. Cambodia is surrounded by Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. This country is gifted with an amiable climate accompanied by tropical monsoons. Damrei Mountains, Cardamom Mountains and Dangrek Mountains keep most parts of the country above sea level. The lacustrine plain which possesses wet rice agriculture is Cambodia’s hub. Sandy beaches, temples, jungles and a bustling city all combined together will make your visit unforgettable.
Travel to Cambodia: Cambodia visa lasts for 30 days from the date of issue. Business people can obtain a separate business visa for an extended stay. Now tourists are also able to get a visa from the airport.
Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways International, Vietnam Airlines, Malaysian Airlines and Laos Airlines fly you to Cambodia. Other services include China Southern Airlines, Dragon Air, EVA Air, Angkor Airways, Progress Multitrade Air, Shanghai Airlines, Silk Air, Korean Air, Air Asia and more. One of the international airports is Phnom Penh International Airport which is approximately 10km from the city. Taxis and motorbike taxis are available for tourists’ transportation. The airport also provides services like restaurants, bars, shops, Wi-Fi, a cosy lounge and money exchange. Cell phone cards are also within reach. For more information visit: http://www.cambodia-airports.com/phnompenh/en/.
Another International airport in Cambodia would be Siem Reap International Airport which is about 8km from Siem Reap (http://www.cambodia-airports.com/siemreap/en)
Cambodia can also be reached by water. Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville are the main ports and can be accessed from Vietnam and Thailand. Road transport is also available from these countries.
Attractions:
Angkor Wat: If you are in Cambodia then you are not allowed to miss out on the Angkor Wat. You may not be a religious person but the extraordinary Khmer architecture draws you in. Located in Angkor, this was erected for Suryavarman II and it was his capital. This was his state temple. It honours Lord Vishnu and is a representation of Hindu cosmology. Along with the ancient wealth interesting mysteries do prevail in this region.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: This gloomy museum is located in Phnom Penh and its name means ‘hill of the poisonous trees’. The site was used by communist Khmer Rouge as a Security Prison. A major part of the prisoners but foreigners were also held. Prisoners were treated badly and had to undergo various tortures. Even the sanitary conditions were bad. The number of survivors was very low. After Khmer Rouge was sent out the place is preserved a museum. It houses the photographs of the prisoners, materials used for torturing, skulls and other proofs of the prison.
Languages: Khmer is the official language of Cambodia and it is also known as Cambodian. It is part of Mon-Khmer language family and it is influenced by Sanskrit and Pali. The written text can be quite confusing for foreigners. French is also well known in the country mostly by the older generation. Vietnamese and South Chinese are the other languages spoken. English is well conversed too.
Shopping: Cambodia has attractive gems and handicrafts. Intricate handicrafts include religious carving of the Hindu culture. Crafted silver works, anklets, textiles, silk, cotton, wood carvings, antique products, brass products, stuff for sarongs and hols, paper Mache masks and eye catching jewellery are other products to go for in Cambodia. The Central market, Old Market and Tuol Tom Pong market are the places to go for artworks and jewels. Riel (KHR) is the official currency. Thai Baht and US Dollars can be freely exchanged and accepted at places. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are not general in use so tourists are advised to carry local money in small denominations.
Destinations in Cambodia:
Phnom Penh: This busy capital is the largest city of the country located at the union of Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. Adorned by Khmer and French architecture this was once known as the Pearl of Asia. This city also holds the Royal Palace – the home of the King of Cambodia. This has a large port and in joined at the South China Sea. This is one of the tourist spot in Cambodia.
Sihanoukville: This major port city is loved for its beaches. This is said to be the single deep sea port in Cambodia. Beaches with natural beauty cannot be missed on your arrival. Occheteal beach, Serdipity beach, Sokha beach, Victory beach, Independence beach and more attract more and more people each year. Islands surround the place and can be accessed by trips conducted by hotels cafes and restaurants. You can also zoom to the islands for snorkelling, game fishing and diving by the water taxis. This place receives its name King Norodom Sihanouk.
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