Q: Can I issue Cambodia Visa on arrival ? How ? where can I issue ?
A: ASEAN nationalities DO NOT require Visa except Thai. All other nationalities will require visas to visit Cambodia.

Visas can be applied upon arrival at any Airports and any border crossings of the following check points:

Q:What shall I do , if I do not have photo ?
A: No problems ,If you're arriving by air and you forget your photo they'll charge you a dollar or two and let you in anyway. If arriving by land they will do the same...money talk.

Q: What is the proper currency to use?
A: US dollars are as commonly used as the Cambodian Riel and even Thai Baht is acceptable in many places. Most hotels and many restaurants and shops set their prices in dollars. Small transactions are usually done in Riel. Always carry some small Riel for motorcycle taxis, snacks, beggars and other small purchases.
Riel notes come in 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 denominations, but the distinctive red 500 Riel note is the most commonly used.
US dollar travelers checks are much more easily encashed than any other kind.
Money changers cluster around the markets. When accepting money, inspect the bills. Marred Riel is acceptable tender, but the tiniest tear in a large US note renders it worthless.
Banks and ATM machine could be found in ANY cities. You can either take your money in US dollars or Riels from ATM machine.

Q: Doesn't using the local currency result in cheaper prices?
A: Not in Cambodia. For all intents and purposes, the US dollar is the currency of Cambodia. If anything, using riel for larger purchases may cost you more, not less, than if you used US dollars.

Q: So change is given in riels, do the merchants cheat you?
A: Not really. The most common way to scrape a few extra riel is that some merchants will put the riel at 3900 to the dollar when giving you change, but put it at 4000 to the dollar when you are paying in. Until September 2002, 100 riels was the smallest denomination, and what you would get for fifty cents change then, was 1900 riels. To you, these few extra riels they make are only a couple of cents, but spread that out over thousands and thousands of transactions during the course of a year and it adds up to a tidy sum of cash. For purposes of giving change, many foreign-owned businesses value the riel at 4000 to the dollar regardless of the direction, but it's more common for Khmer-owned businesses to use the 4000 in/3900 out system, which, if you really get analytical about it, is cheating.

Q: Where can I change money?
A: The best place to go is to any of the hundreds of private money changers. Do not bother with banks as most (all?) are not in the money changing business. You'll always see a concentration of money changers around the markets, but they are everywhere. They can be recognized by the glass case full of money (also a testament to the general honesty of most Khmers), most of it riels, and two numbers on the glass, both numbers being 39xx. These numbers are the present exchange rates for US dollars and riels. Exchanging dollars and riel is a straightforward process and rip-offs are extremely rare. With any other currency some bargaining may be necessary. Japanese yen, euros, and baht seem to pose no difficulties, though rates may vary slightly from changer to changer. However, the more obscure the currency is, the less likely the money changer will know the actual rate nor be willing to offer a fair rate as it may be more difficult for them to reconvert the notes. It's also been my experience that in most cases the money changers will offer a better rate than the hotels regardless of what currency you're changing.

Q: Are there a lot of counterfeit bills floating around?
A: Some, yes, but if I ever had one I didn't know it, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. If for any reason you find yourself with a possible counterfeit, just keep trying, eventually somebody will take it. The best place to get rid of it would probably be in paying your airport departure tax as they don't seem to check the money their handed.

Does the condition of the bills make a difference?
A: For Cambodian riels, you will see some bills so worn and torn you might have trouble figuring out what denomination it is. But with the US dollars one little rip in a bill and nobody will accept it. I can't for the life of me figure out why this is so, but it is. On my very first visit to Cambodia I got stuck with a torn ten-dollar bill that nobody would take until finally as I was leaving via Pochentong International Airport they took it when I paid the departure tax. Do not accept torn money and if you're receiving money from a bank, check every bill and don't be shy to turn one back if you don't like the appearance of it. I've often handed back bills at several different banks and they've exchanged them without question. Old dirty bills that aren't torn can still be spent, but new ones are better, so if you can, turn back the dirty ones, too.

Q: Are there any ATMs?
A: ATM machine is available everywhere in Cambodia. You can either get US dollar or Riel from ATM.

Q: Can I use a credit card?
A: Most of the big hotels and restaurant will accept credit cards.

Q: How about traveler's checks?
A: You can cash them in at many banks. Spending them is a bit more problematic. Cash is king.

Q: How many days do I need to see Angkor?
A: This is a very commonly asked question that really doesn't have a definite answer. Some people are happy with a day, some find a week is not enough. But to give you some kind of answer, try to give yourself at least three days in Siem Reap, though a week may be better as you can take a break from the temples for one or two days to see some other area sights and avoid temple burn-out.

Q: How much does Angkor cost?
A: A one-day ticket is $20, a three-day ticket is $40, a seven-day ticket is $60. Unfortunately, the multi-day tickets must be used on consecutive days, a policy I strongly oppose. I do believe that Siem Reap could see a noticeable increase in tourist revenue if this consecutive day policy was eliminated and, for example, three-day tickets could be used on any three days in a one-week period and one-week tickets would have a two-week validity. It would not be a difficult policy to implement.

Q: Angkor sounds expensive, can I sneak in?
A: Umm, no. Not anymore. Getting past the main gate is easy and contrary to what you may have heard, you don't really have to stop at the main gate, though if you don't stop and they don't know you, they'll probably chase after you anyway. This is all stupid, because anybody can legally enter the Angkor Archaeological Park without a ticket, but what you can't do is enter the temples themselves. Most of the temples have ticket checkers at the front and they do their jobs rather efficiently. If you are caught trying to sneak into one of the temples without a ticket you'll face a hefty fine. Don't be a blubbering idiot. If you've come to see the temples - buy a ticket.

Q: Where do I buy a ticket?
A: For three and seven-day tickets there is only one place to buy a ticket and that is at the main gate on the main road from Siem Reap to the Angkor Park. It's a big facility that looks like a large toll plaza. It's off to the right and your driver will know to take you there. You need one passport photo but if you forget this photo they'll take one for you, free of charge. One day tickets can also be purchased at Banteay Srei and Rolous as these tickets don't require photographs. You absolutely cannot transfer the ticket to another individual. If any guesthouse, taxi driver, moto driver, or anybody else for that matter offers you a ticket, says they've purchased one for you already, will take care of it for you, etc, stay clear of this individual. There's a 99.999999% chance that the ticket this guy is offering is bogus and you will almost certainly be caught. You might even do the next tourist (and all of us for that matter) a favor and turn the guy into the police. Everybody MUST purchase their OWN tickets!

Q: How's the local food?
A: Personally, I don't particularly care for Khmer food. It's a cross between Thai and Vietnamese but with a fraction of the flavor. I find Khmer food quite bland, really. It's been suggested that Khmer food is less exciting than its neighbors' because of years of war and occasional famine, whereupon they just let their cuisine fall away. It's a plausible explanation as apparently Cambodia did have quite a cuisine but in the past thirty years or so, like so many things, it seems to have been lost. That said, there are those who do like the food and of course if you're coming on a holiday, please ignore what I say, try the food and make your own decision about whether you like it or not.

Q: What's the availability of western food?
A: In Phnom Penh just about any cuisine you can think of is represented somewhere by a restaurant and represented fairly well. Siem Reap also has a generous supply of western and other Asian cuisine restaurants. If Khmer food doesn't do it for you, you'll find plenty of satisfactory alternatives in either of these locations. Elsewhere the choices become slimmer. Sihanoukville has a couple of eateries with western food and in Battambang there are a couple of places as well. Anywhere else and you're going local.

Q: Is the food safe to eat?
A: Everybody eventually comes down with some kind of food poisoning here but everybody has to eat. I wouldn't stress too much on the food. Look at it, smell it, whatever, just eat. I've gotten sick at nice restaurants and I've eaten from street stalls where the food was pre-cooked hours before and had no problems whatsoever. The best rule to follow is if you see a place with a lot of locals, than the restaurant is probably okay.
Also realize that individual body chemistry plays some role in how you will react to unfamiliar food. Five years I've been here and there is still some kind of bacteria I can't seem to get my body to adjust to.

Q: How about water and ice?
A: Do not drink the tab water!!!! Bottled water is readily available and any brand, even the cheapest, is fine. I've never had a problem with ice and have it in my drinks all the time. The ice to be careful with is the stuff delivered in the big blocks covered with saw dust. You can recognize this ice because it will be broken up in non-uniform shapes and sizes. Most restaurants will not use this ice in drinks. Still, I've drank this ice without problem. But almost any restaurant or bar is going to serve you safe ice, so don't worry about it.

Q: What beer is available and what's best?
A: In restaurants and bars the most common brands are Angkor, Anchor, Beer Lao, and Tiger. Angkor is domestic, Tiger and Anchor are from Singapore but brewed locally (Anchor is young Tiger), and Beer Lao is imported from Laos. Tiger and Angkor are the most common beers on tap. Two other local beers are Crown and Bayon but these are cheap rat's piss and rarely seen in restaurants and bars catering to westerners. There are several other local brands as well but the contents hardly qualify as beer. You can also find Heineken, Budweiser, and some of the Thai brands. Most expats seem to drink either Beer Lao or Anchor. I go for Beer Lao.

Q: Are land mines a problem for tourists?
A: No. Half a million tourists alone walked around Cambodia in 2001 and nobody stepped on a land mine (though a few probably stepped in human excrement outside Wat Ounalom in Phnom Penh). To this day, there have been no reported incidents of any foreign visitor stepping on a mine in Cambodia. Not one. The major tourist areas are absolutely mine-free. While the guidebooks still suggest being careful, even around Angkor Wat, the question you need to ask yourself is - do you plan to go bushwhacking through the trees, treading upon land no human as walked upon in years? I think the answer is 'no'. Even if you step into the bushes to answer nature's call, you're almost certainly going to walk along a well-worn path. So relax. According to the head of the HALO Trust in Cambodia, you'd have to drive at least one hour from Siem Reap to find a mine.

Climate / What to wear
Generally speaking, November through June is the dry season and July through October is rainy. The temperature range between 27 C (80F)and 23 C(73F) Wear light, airy, covering clothing. The sun can intense so bring a hat, sunglasses and perhaps sun block. Consider buying a traditional Khmer scarf (Krama) to keep the sun off your neck. Carry raincoat during the wet season, though you will probably only need it in the afternoon. You should have a mosquito repellent for sunrise and sunset hour. For serious temple explore, a flashlight and compass can come in handy. Sport shoes are the best for exploring the ruins. The peak season - is from November till March , Best time of the year , No rain , Not too hot , all activities in town operate , more flights , more bus & boat Service.

Sent Postcards Home
Mail to Europe, Australasian and North America takes between five and ten days to arrive, leaving Phnom Penh for major international destinations around twice a week the specific days can be checked at the main post office. Stamps for postcards sent from the capital cost 1800 Riel to Europe and Australia, 2100 Riel to America (add 300 Riel if posting from the provinces).

E-mail
E-Mail and Internet can be accessed ANY where in Cambodia.

Do I need any vaccinations?
Travellers have very little to worry about in a country where health standards are ranked amongst the highest in Asia. Vaccinations are not required to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia; you are unless coming from a "yellow" infected area.

Les Chantiers Ecoles (Artisans d'Angkor) locate next to Golden Temple Villa
Launched in 1992 under a join Canbodian/French initiative and partly financed by the EU since 1998 under the "REPLIC" programme,Chantiers-Ecoles vocational center trains 650 apprentices a year included 160 in five arts & crafts trades united in the "Artisans d'Angkor" production net work. The site open to the public wanting to be guided through the different workshops and watch the artisans at work. The visit is free of charge and guide will take you around.
Open Mon-Sun 7.30am to 5.30 pm.
Entran Fee : Free

Markets
SiemReap abounds with small markets but the three main ones are the Psaa Chas "The Old Market" ( 5 minutes walk from Red Lodge) ,the Psaa Loeu and the New Market The Psaa Chas (less than 3 minutes walk from Red Lodge ) built in the Old French Quarter near the river , cater to tourists. Dozens of small stalls offer the usual cheap handicrafts one can find in any such place , along with vidios , CDs,postcards,books,ect. It is worth a visit after a day spent an Angkor . Bargaining is the order of the day.
The Psaa Loeu is on Road No.6 to PhnomPenh . It is the economic centre of the region and certainly worth a visit if you don't have time to get other parts of "'real" Cambodian.
The New Market, 2-3minutes walk from Psaa Chas new complex open 2003 , Next to this market are the biggest night food stalls area in SiemReap.

Angkor Wat in miniature
Artist Dy Proeung displays his detailed miniature concrete replicas of Angkor Wat, Banteay Srey and other temples at his home /workshop. not a cultural must, but an interestingly an interestingly different diversion
Entrance Fee : USD

Apsara (Traditional) Dance Performance
Innumurable apsaras - celestial dancers - adornthe walls of many of the Angkorian temples. Their earthly counterparts performed traditional dances for the kings,and these dances have been passed down through the ages. A traditional apsara dance show is an absolute must for the visitor to Cambodia. Nightly dinner-theater performance are held at several location. Traditional dance such as the graceful, the fun and romantic fishing dance, excerpts from the Ramayana and other selections are performed. Dinner & Show is at 7:00PM and last about an hour Price range from $12-25 (Local restaurant $12 / Grand Hotel $+25) Book at Golden Temple to get special discount

Beatocello if you are in town on Saturday
Dr. Beat (Beatocello) Richner plays Cellomusic by J.S. Bach on the cello and speaks about the activities of this children's hospitals every Saturday at 7:15PM at the Jayavarman VII hospital. An entertaining and worthy evening. The hospital welcomes both monetary and blood donations at any time. On the road from town to Angkor Wat. More informations http://www.beat-richner.ch.

Crocodile Farm
Hundreds of crocodiles in several pens separated by age. Also on display are various small animals (e.g.gibbon, deer, lizards) in abysmal little wire cages. 7.00am-6.00pm one km. South of town.
Entrance Fee : USD 1

Countryside Tours
Rice paddies and water buffalos. Stilted houses and little villages, a tour through the cambodian countryside can be a scenic,bucolic, cultural experience. The road from siem reap to the tonle sap south of tour is both nearby and picturesque. Following the siem reap river past traditionnal khmer houses, pagodas, water wheels and more. For more extensive tours consult a travel agent or Terre Cambodge.

Elepant Rides
During the day, ridable elephants await customers near Bayon and the south gate of Angkor Thom. In the evenings elephants are stationed at the base of Phnom Bakheng, ready to climb the hill for sunset.

Exhibition On The Khmer Heritage
Sponsored by Krousar Thmey, (which means New Family a Cambodia-based NGO assisting children in Cambodia), 'the current echibition is dedicated to the tonle sap lake and the people, culture and environment of the area. Displays include maps, photos, models of traditions houses, and a working scale model of the lake. There are also exhibits on the work of Krousar Thmey open everyday.closed noon till 2.00pm. admission is free, donations acceptedd. Located on the road to angkor wat just past the jayavarman VII hospital. (Tel: 063-964-694,E -mail: krousar_thmey@bighpond.com.kh )

Helicopter Tours
Helicopters cambodia (62) offres helicopter tours of the temple area. Exiting and unique experience. The office is near the old market. (012-814500).

Balloning over Angkor Wat
New …..in town

Massage
Relaxing and refreshing traditional khmer massage is offered at chai angkor wat on the road to angkor wat, traditional khmer health massage near the okd market and angkor massage bu the blind on rte.6.

Mine Museun ( Not War Museum) IT A MUST if you have time..
Years of war have broght cambodia one of the worst landmine problems in the world. The museum contains a variety of defused mines, bombs and other ordinance.'there is also a mock minefield where you can test your demng skills. The creator and proprirecent years. He is often there to provide personal relevant and educational. 7 am-6pm. Turn off the road to Angkor Wat at the Krousar Thmey sign, go 750 m, turn left and then another 750 m, Entrance Fee : Free / Donation accepted

Pagodas & shrines
Buddhist pagodas are the traditional seat of khmer culture. Siem reap, like many cambodian towns, is a collection of villages, which grew around individual pagodas, later coalescing into the town. To get a true feel for Cambodia, a visit to at least one pagoda is a must. Preah Ang Chek & Preah Ang Chorm of particular importance to the locals is the small shrine in front of the Grand hotel d' Angkor containing two standing Preah Ang Chorm (shorter). They are surrounded by stories of power and indestructibility. Vistors are welcome to make offerings and take photos, the reverence of local pilgrims is palpable. Shrine to Ya Tep under a huge tree in the traffic circle.