Archive-name: travel/cambodia-guide/part1
Url: http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia
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CAMBODIA - Peter M. Geiser's Hotel and Travel Guide
Cambodia still is a bit of a tourist backwater. However, the runis of
Angkor Wat are definitely worth the effort and even Phnom Penh,
Cambodia's capital, offers many nice attractions. For the more
adventurous traveller, visiting small villages in Cambodias country
side full of friendly Cambodians may lead to wonderful experiences.
Places
Angkor Wat
Angkor-Wat Tours
Banteay Srei
Batdambang
Killing Fields
Kompong Saom (Sihanoukville)
Phnom Chissor
Phnom Penh
Siem Reap
Tonle Bati
General Information
Geographical Information
Climate
People
Events
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Border Crossing
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Literature and Other Information
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Copyright (c) 1995 - 2003, Peter M. Geiser
http://www.pmgeiser.ch
http://www.pmgeiser.com
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http://www.dussy.ch
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ANGKOR WAT
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/angkorwat.htm
Sights
What has become known as Angkor Wat is in fact a huge area near the
town of Siem Reap covering several square kilometers. The actual
temple Angkor Wat is only one of numerous others within this area. The
temples in this area have been built between the 6th and 13th
century. Unfortunately, the temples are in a very bad state and in
need of extensive restoration.
In the ninth century, the royal palace of the Khmer had been built on
a mountain, the Phnom Kulen. Later, the capital was moved to what is
now known as Angkor Thom. During its best times it was home to more
than one million people. It's decline came quite suddenly when in 1431
a large number of people emigrated. So far, there is no satisfying
explanation as to why this has happened.
In the center of Angkor Thom is the Bayon. It has numerous towers,
each with four faces looking into the directions of the four winds.
Just south of Angkor Thom is Angkor Wat, the actual temple that gave
the whole area its name.
There are two big areas, the Eastern and the Western Baray, that once
were lakes, used to store water for drinking and irrigation. Each
covers an area of about 17 sqare kilometers. Today only the western
lake still carries water, although only about half the original size.
About 65 km east of Siem Reap is the Beng Mealear Temple. It was built
shortly before Angkor Wat and is slightly smaller (about 150 x 200 m).
It is generally accepted as the architectonical "blue-print" to Angkor
Wat. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Wishnu.
Kbal Spean is about 60 km from Siem Reap at the foot of Kulen
Mountain. This was the residence of King Jayavarman II., who started
the history of Angkor at the beginning of the 8th century. Kbal Spean
is a shrine, used by the king for sacrifices. Images of various gods
are carved into the rocks of the river bed and a waterfall flows down
the mountain. This quiet place is regarded as holy and is still being
used by many Cambodians today.
Tours
Check out the Angkor-Wat Tours page at
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/angkorwattour.htm
Hotels
There are no hotels in the temples of Angkor itself. You will have to
go to nearby Siem Reap. For your convenience, I list a few hotels:
The new and beautiful Rama Hotel opened in December 2002 at
No 0088 Bridge Stone Road No 6. It offers nice rooms, complete with
Hot-and Cold Shower, Mini Fridge, Safety Depository, Cable TV and
Air Conditioning.
Singles: USD 30, Doubles: USD 35. Set dinner: USD 9.
For resevations, contact rama (at) pmgeiser.ch.
Angkor Hotel, St. 6, Phum Sala Kanseng, Sangkat Svay Dong KomRates: USD 60-68,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/angkor_hotel.asp
Auberge Mont-Royal Hotel, P.O. Box 34, 497 Taphul, Khurn Svay Dang KumRates: USD 44-50,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/auberge_mont-royal_hotel.asp
City Angkor Hotel , City Angkor Hotel Airport RoadRates: USD 52-83,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/city_angkor_hotel.asp
Nokor Phnom Hotel , Airport Road, Phum SalakansengRates: USD 47,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/nokor_phnom_hotel.asp
Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor, 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle Khum Svay Dang Kum
This is the most prestigious hotel in Siem Reap, on a par with the
other "Grand Dames de L'Orient", the Raffels Hotel in
Singapore, and The Strand in Yangon, Myanmar.
Rates: USD 307-398,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/Cambodia/Siem_Reap/Raffles_Grand_Hotel_D-Angkor.asp
Salina Hotel , 125 Taphul Village, Rd No 6Rates: USD 43-50,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/salina_hotel.asp
Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel, Salarunseing, Zaderool Road, SveydongkornRates: USD 268-338,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/sofitel_royal_angkor_hotel.asp
Ta Prohm Hotel , Airport Road, Psar Chas RouteRates: USD 52-68,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/ta_prohm_hotel.asp
Practicalities
The entrance fees are quite high. A 1 day pass costs USD 20, 3 days
cost USD 40 and one week is USD 60. Some people seem to think this
very high, but think of the very high costs to preserve and restore
these temples (and compare it to prices for comparable attractions in
your country). On the other hand, it seems that most of that money
does not go its intended way to restauration, but rather improves the
balance sheets of a Vietnamese petrol company.
Note: It seems to be common practice (by some guest houses, guides,
etc.) to sell used tickets to the tourists. The people are told that
the tickets will be with the driver, and the driver will take you into
the complex. This could be the end of the story, unless you will meet
someone checking on you. If caught, pentalties are quite high.
Besides, the money spent on these already used tickets will certainly
not help restoring the ruins.
You can hire a guide for about USD 20 (depending on the number of
tourists, this can be cheaper).
Get to the temples early. There are much less people there early in
the morning. (Mary) Getting to the temples at 8 instead of 9 makes a
world of difference in staying one step ahead of the tour buses.
While many temple at the outlying areas once were occupied by Khmer
Rouge, it has become quite safe nowadays to wander around. However,
the danger of land mines still remines. A good indicator of the danger
are the local kids. If they refuse to go with you it's dangerous.
(Karl) Important Advice: I learned to go to the temples carrying a wad
of 100 and 200 Riel notes in my pockets. About $2 worth. I called it
"disappearance money". I'd give 200 Riels (six cents) to each of the
kids, "guides" and beggars, and they more than happily disappear and
leave me be. It's a lot of peace of mind for very little money.
Note from the editor: While it may be very convenient to "pay the kids
away", it of course encourages them to this behaviour.
Important notice: The Cambodian Immigration Law does not allow a 1-day
stay in Siem Reap.
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ANGKOR-WAT TOURS
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/angkorwattour.htm
The best way to experience Angkor Wat is to take part in a tour. There
are many tour operators, and even more possibilites what to see on a
tour. Below, I list two excellent tours for short visits. For
resevations, contact rama (at) pmgeiser.ch. There is also a
four-day tour available, starting and ending at Bangkok. For details,
please enquire.
For details, please check out the web page.
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BANTEAY SREI
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/banteaysrei.htm
The temple of Banteay Srei is about a thousand years old. Although
small, it is very ornate and well preserved.
It is located some 30 km north of Angkor Wat. The best way to get
there is to rent a car with a driver. It costs USD 30 for the driver,
the car, and a hotel at Banteay Srei. The temple opens at 8 am and the
ticket for Angkor Wat is valid.
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BATDAMBANG
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/batdambang.htm
Batdambang is the second largest city in Cambodia. Located towards the
Thai border it profits enormously from trade with the rich neighbor.
It is also an ideal stop-over when travelling overland from Thailand
to Angkor Wat.
Hotels
There are many hotels with air-conditioning and satellite TV.
Restaurants
Restaurants are plentiful, mostly managed by Thai.
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KILLING FIELDS
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/killingf.htm
The Killing Fields are some 10 km outside of Phnom Penh, near Choeng Ek.
For a tour inquire at the Capitol Restaurant or rent a car for USD 20 a
day. It is also possible to take a moto.
Entrance is generally USD 2, but it may be different, depending on the
guard, your face, the weather, and what else...
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KOMPONG SAOM (SIHANOUKVILLE)
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/kompongsaom.htm
Sihanoukville is on the coast near the border to Vietnam.
There is a go-cart track, named Obye Karting, 4km East of the market
(turn right about mid-way). The track is 535 m long and has 10 carts,
imported from France. Prices: 10 min USD 6, 20 min USD USD 10, 30 min
for USD 14, and for 24x10 min USD 100. Beers is USD 1 and soft-drinks
are USD 0.75. In addition, there are roller-blades and mini-motos for
rent. A 12x4 m swimming pool is beeing completed. Open 24 hours, 7
days.
(Anna, Mar 96) Sunbathe on the municipal beach with no-one selling
food, drinks or massage ... Hire a motorbike and drive a few
kilometers to find a totally deserted beach ... Visit the English pub,
the docks, the market, the coral islands, Sam's restaurant by the
beach ... discover that you have been here for two weeks already.
The trip from Phnom Penh is about 4 hours by bus and costs some
KHR 12000. Currently, the national road nr. 4 is under government
control.
Hotels
Australian Apsara, at Victory Beach near the Post Office has
self contained rooms for USD 9 per night, or USD 50 per month! The
owner is Australian and his Khmer wive has been in Australia for five
years, working as a chef. The restaurant at the guest house offers
Khmer and Western food for reasonable prices.
The traveller hangout is the Mali Chenda Guest House. Rooms are USD 3
for a single and USD 5 for a double. It is located up the hill behind
Sam's restaurant.
The Orchd Guesthouse offers rooms with private bath and hot water for
USD 15 to 20. American breakfast costs USD 2 extra.
Restaurants
The Sunrise Restaurant offers good Khmer food. A good breakfast runs
at less than a dollar. They also have good coffee.
The Koh Pos Restaurant directly at the beach specializes in seafood,
but has also other great food for very little money. Good service.
The Mealy Chenda Restaurant, a roof top site on the Guest House atop a
hill, has stunning sunset views and very inexpensive good food.
On 17 Februar 2001 the Baladin piano bar has been opened.
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PHNOM CHISSOR
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/phnomchissor.htm
This hill is located about 60 km south of Phnom Penh, on national road
2 to Takeo. On its top is a pre-angkorian ruin and you can enjoy a
beautiful view over the surrounding country-side.
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PHNOM PENH
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/phnompenh.htm
The capital of Cambodia dates back to an event in the year 1327. It is
said that a rich widow named Don Penh found a tree with 5 Buddhas in
it. She thus founded a pagoda, Wat Phnom Don Penh, The Monastery on
the Hill of Lady Penh. In 1434 the city founded some years earlier by
King Ponhea Yat was finished. In 1866 it became the capital.
Today, Phnom Penh unfortunately is turning into the pit of Asia, with
prostitution and drugs abounding. After dark, robbery at gunpoint is
quite common. There are several reports of tourists being dragged from
their motorbikes. Make sure that you don't stay out in the evening.
Sights
Palace
The palace of the king with its beautifully curved roofs is off limits
for visitors. However, haveing a look from the outside still gives an
idea of its beauty.
Wat Preah Keo (Silver Pagoda)
Located just next to the palace, this is the most famous pagoda in
Phnom Penh. It was built in 1962 to replace a wooden temple from 1900.
The name comes from 5281 tiles of silver, each weighing a little above
1 kg, that covers the floor. The altar is home to a life sized Buddha,
made of 90 kg pure gold and covered with 9584 diamonds, the largest
being 25 karats!
Open daily, except Mondays, from 8:00 - 11:00 and 14:00 - 17:00.
Entrance fee is USD 2. Cameras are USD 2 extra and videos USD 5. Don't
use flash, as it destroys the gold.
National Museum
This museum is host to a number of valuable objects of the Cambodian
history. Many statues from Angkor can be found here.
Open daily, except Mondays, from 8:00 - 11:00 and 14:00 - 17:00.
Entrance fee is USD 2. Cameras are not allowed.
Markets
There are three markets worth checking out: the Central Market, the
Russian Market and the Tuol Tum Pong Market. The latter is the least
expensive.
The Killing Field Museum (Tuol Sleng), a former school taken over in 1975
by the Khmer Rouge and turned into a torture chamber, is open to visitors.
Entrance fee is USD 2.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 26 27 29 30 29 28 27 28 27 27 27 26
F 79 81 84 83 84 82 81 82 81 81 81 79
days rain 1 1 2 6 14 15 16 16 19 17 9 4
http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/48991.html
Activities
If you want a day to relax, consider the Olympic Stadium with tennis
court and an olympic size pool. Entrance is USD 2.
Shopping
(Mary) The gift shop at Wat Thanh in Phnom Penh deserves your money.
It's a coop that trains Cambodians disabled by land mines in various
crafts, some of which are sold at the gift shop. Small purses, bags,
frames, clothes, etc. out of lovely silk.
Transportaton
The fare for a taxi from Phnom Penh's Pochentong International Airport
is about USD 7. If you walk the couple of meters to the main road,
you'll be able to get a ride on a motorbike for USD 1 to 2.
The going fare fo motorcycles with driver is USD 1.
Norodom Boulevard is closed for cyclos and motorbikes. The official
fee is 2000 Riels, but the police will probably ask you for USD 20. In
effect, the driver should pay, but the police of course goes for the
rich foreigner. You can try to bargain, down to USD 5 should be
possible. Another option would be to just walk away, but the police
has some means to enforce their demands...
If you go on a tour or arrange transportation, deal directly with the
local operators. Especially bad reputation has Hanuman Travel.
Hotels
Bayon, No. 2 St. 75, Toul Kork, Sangkat Srak Chork:Rates: USD 50
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Phnom_Penh/bayon_hotel.asp
City Central, P.O. Box 2154, 128 Corner of Monivong, Boulevard:Rates: USD 60-114
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Phnom_Penh/city_central_hotel.asp
Raffels Hotel Le Royal, 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh:Rates: USD 192-2.330
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Phnom_Penh/hotel_le_royal.asp
Intercontinental, Regency Square, 296 Blvd Mao Tse Tung:Rates: USD 145-333
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Phnom_Penh/hotel_intercontinental.asp
Juliana, 16 Juliana, 152 Road, Sangkat Veal Wong, Khan 7:Rates: USD 60-81
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Phnom_Penh/juliana_hotel.asp
Regent Park, 58 Building, Samdeach Sothearos:Rates: USD 60
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Phnom_Penh/regent_park_hotel.asp
Cambodiana, 313 Sisowath Quay:Rates: USD 95-235
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Phnom_Penh/hotel_sofitel_cambodiana.asp
Sunway Hotel, P.O. Box 633, Street 92, Sangkat Wat Phnom:Rates: USD 75-143
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Phnom_Penh/sunway_hotel.asp
The Capitol Hotel offers dormitories for USD 3, singles for USD 4 and
doubles for USD 6 or 8. While it is the main backpacker hangout, it is
also on a noisy intersection and not too nice.
The Pyco Guest House has clean, cool rooms for USD 5 (Aug 99).
The Narin's Guest house at Number 50, Street 125 is run by a friendly
family and charges USD 3 for a single and USD 5 for a double (Mar 96).
The Last Home at 147, Street 108 has simple rooms with shared bath
starting at USD 3. They have an e-mail address (bert@no-spam
Hotel Indochine at 251 Sisowath charges USD 10 for rooms with private
bath, air conditioning, refridgerator and satellite TV.
The Cathay has rooms with bath, toilette air-con, TV and refrigerator
for USD 15 to USD 20. It's clean and quiet.
The Orchidee Hotel at 174 St, just east of Monivong has rooms for
USD 15. The rooms have a bathtub, cable TV (satellite?), western style
toilets, and an unstoced mini-bar. There is a KTV joint on the first
floor.
(Anna, Mar 96) Guest House No 9 on the south east corner of Boeng Kak
lake. Fondly known as Cloud No 9 for the ganja haze..., lovely
sunsets, less lovely mosquitoes.
Some other budget hotels are: Asia Hotel, La Paillote Hotel, What
Phnom Hotel.
Just behind the Mondop is a hotel with USD 15 rooms on the first
floor. It is clean, but a bit rundown.
The new Pacific Hotel has single rooms for USD 25 and double rooms for
USD 30, both including breakfast. The rooms include air-conditioning
with remote control, bathroom amenities, cable TV, mini bar, IDD, and
24 hours room service. There is a free pick up service from and to the
airport.
The Tai Seng Hotel at 56 Monivong Boulevard has rooms for USD 20 - 25.
The restaurant is rather expnsive for poor quality food.
The Hawaii Hotel near the Central Market has rooms for USD 42 per day.
The Bayon is USD 40. It is a bit north of the city, clean, friendly
and with good food.
Reportedly good security for a high price is available at City Villa
Hotel Apartment at No 394 & 396 EQ Street 93, Monivong Road, Beng Keng
Kong 1 Cham Ca Mon District.
Generally, the medium-priced hotels, and also some of the expensive
places, double as brothels. This may appeal to some travellers, but it
certainly doesn't make for a good night's sleep.
Restaurants
In the evening, food stalls are put up at the riverside. Also on the
river front, about a kilometer from the Japanese bridge, are some
excellent authentic Cambodian restaurants.
The Chez Lip, the Seng Lip and Calmette are all offering very good
quality food at very competitive prices. They also do take-away.
A good, cheap Indian restaurant can be found at 240 St. and Monicong.
Another good place is the large Chinese at the far side of Preah
Monivong.
The California restaurant at Preah Sihanoukand has South-East Asian
menu that once was famous, but seems to have become low quality.
Many travellers and expats hang out at the Heart of Darkness, a bar
with a pool table. Named after a novel by Joseph Conrad, it is a dark
place with a very special athmosphere. You can also play pool there.
Very much recommended is Tom's Irish Pub. A former UNTAC employee, Tom
runs the place with his wife and every now and the throws a party for
orphaned children.
Another favorite with expats is the Martini Pub. Not quite so well
known, but probably a much better place is the Duck Tub, on Pasteur.
For western food and a wild time, there is Happy Nef's Pizza. Even
better is the Happy Herb. Well, the names say it all: not for 'clean'
people...
The FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club) on the riverside is open since
1993 and gives a colonial feeling with its high ceilings, slow fans
and big armchairs. It is the perfect place for a beer at sunset.
Twice a month at the Australian embassy there are beers on the
verandah for just one dollar a can.
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SIEM REAP
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/siemreap.htm
Siem Reap is the town next to Angkor Wat. Its main purpose is to
provide accommodation and food and a convenient transport hub to the
travellers to Angkor Wat and other temples in the vicinity.
In the south of Siem Reap, near the Ceremonial Gate at the river,
there is a crocodile farm. Entrance is USD 1 for tourists.
To move to and between the temples of Angkor, rent a bicycle (USD 1
per day) or a motorbike with driver (USD 5 per day) (Mar 96).
(Mary) Some of the moto drivers are remarkably well informed about the
temples, and will know better than you do what route you should take.
They will have good suggestions on dropping you off on one side of a
temple and picking you up on another. When you get there and see how
huge the temples are, you will appreciate this. Be sure to give your
driver the lunch hours off--from around 12-2--so they can go back and
eat with their families. In the afternoon heat, you'll welcome the
breeze from the moto ride to and from town anyway.
Motorcycles with drivers are USD 6-7 per day. A car with a driver
seems to go for about USD 18.
Important notice: The Cambodian Immigration Law does not allow a 1-day
stay in Siem Reap.
Hotels
The new and beautiful Rama Hotel opened in December 2002 at
No 0088 Bridge Stone Road No 6. It offers nice rooms, complete with
Hot-and Cold Shower, Mini Fridge, Safety Depository, Cable TV and
Air Conditioning.
Singles: USD 30, Doubles: USD 35. Set dinner: USD 9.
For resevations, contact rama (at) pmgeiser.ch.
Angkor Hotel, St. 6, Phum Sala Kanseng, Sangkat Svay Dong KomRates: USD 60-68,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/angkor_hotel.asp
Auberge Mont-Royal Hotel, P.O. Box 34, 497 Taphul, Khurn Svay Dang KumRates: USD 44-50,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/auberge_mont-royal_hotel.asp
City Angkor Hotel , City Angkor Hotel Airport RoadRates: USD 52-83,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/city_angkor_hotel.asp
Nokor Phnom Hotel , Airport Road, Phum SalakansengRates: USD 47,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/nokor_phnom_hotel.asp
Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor, 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle Khum Svay Dang Kum
This is the most prestigious hotel in Siem Reap, on a par with the
other "Grand Dames de L'Orient", the Raffels Hotel in
Singapore, and The Strand in Yangon, Myanmar.
Rates: USD 307-398,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/Cambodia/Siem_Reap/Raffles_Grand_Hotel_D-Angkor.asp
Salina Hotel , 125 Taphul Village, Rd No 6Rates: USD 43-50,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/salina_hotel.asp
Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel, Salarunseing, Zaderool Road, SveydongkornRates: USD 268-338,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/sofitel_royal_angkor_hotel.asp
Ta Prohm Hotel , Airport Road, Psar Chas RouteRates: USD 52-68,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/cambodia/Siem_Reap/ta_prohm_hotel.asp
There are many small guest houses starting at only a few dollars per
person.
The Garden Guesthouse at 99 Wat Bo Road is run by the village doctor's
wife. It has rooms with clean, queen-size beds for USD 5. There is a
pharmacy in the same house.
Guest House 265, Guest House 45 and Apsara Guest House are recommended
by Anna.
The Apsara Guest House has double rooms for USD 3. The bathroom is on
the outside.
The Golden Apsara has large tripels for USD 20. The owner speaks no
English, but excellent French.
(Anna, Mar 96) Not recommended is Naga Guest House which charges only
USD 1 per person, but overcharges for food, has dirty bathrooms and
tried to rip me off.
The Freedom Hotel has rooms from USD 10 to USD 25, depending on room
quality and bargaining ability. The staff is friendly. Free pick-up
service from the airport or the boat landing. They have a restaurant
serving meals for around USD 1.50 to USD 2.50. Tel 063 963 473 or
015 637 649. E-Mail freedom_hotel.boc@no-spam (most likely
no longer active, or then temporarily inactive).
The Ta Prom Hotel is located directly at the river. Fridays, they
stage a Cambodian dance show. Admission USD 5.
Restaurants
The Swiss Center, owned and built, as a labor of love by the former
manager of the Grand Hotel, offers fine cuisine. The superbly equipped
kitchen is a hobby of the owner, who loves to cook. Prices are quite
reasonable. Mr Rudof Knuchel recived a number of awards in his time.
angkor.swiss@no-spam
The Green House is a nice, cheap restaurant. Just a bit further down
the road, at the corner is another nice place.
A good place for a relaxing dinner is the Bayon Restaurant. Food is
about USD 2-3. It is located at Wat Bo Road, just across the Garden
Guesthouse.
Also in Wat Bo Road, just next door to the Bayon is a good Thai place.
Popular with French expats is the Only One Cafe, Restaurant and Bar,
located right next to the New Market. The owner is very helpful and
friendly.
Popular restaurants are the Arun and the Sunflower.
Bring along an English language newspaper or a book when dining. The
staff is always eager to learn English.
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TONLE BATI
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/places/tonlebati.htm
About 30 km south of Phnom Penh is Tonle Bati. Nearby is the Ta Prohm
Temple and the Yeah Pean Temple. This is a favourite spot for weekend
excursions of families who come here to picnic.
Although there has been a shrine since the 6th century, the oldest
buildings still visible date back to the 10th and 11th century. The
temples have been renovated several times, as recently as the 17th
century.
There is a nice legend associated with the Yeah Pean Temple, about
100 m from the Ta Prohm Temple. A king of Angkor once fell in love
with the daughter of a fisherman, the beautiful Yeah Pean. Upon
leaving he gave her a ring. The child she was to bear him should be
brought to Angkor with the ring as identification. Obediently, Yeah
Pean sent her son, named Prohm, to Angkor where he received a warm
welcome and the best education. Later, Prohm was sent back to the
province as governor. He looked well after the province and built a
temple after the one he had seen in Angkor, named after him Ta Prohm.
Nearby he erected the small Yeah Pean temple in honour of his mother.
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GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/general/geography.htm
Area 181'040 km²
Capital Phnom Penh
Borders Vietnam (1228 km), Laos (541 km) and Thailand (803 km)
coastline 443 km (without islands)
Highest point Mt. Aoral, 1771 m
Terrain mostly low, flat plains, with mountains in the north and
southwest
Time GMT plus seven hours
Measures Metric
Electricity 220 V, 50 Hz
In the Web-version of the Internet Travel Guide at
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/general/geography.htm
there would be a map right here.
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CLIMATE
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/general/climate.htm
Cambodia has three seasons, varying greatly over the year. The rainy,
monsoon season lasts from May to October. From November to April is
the dry season, which in turn is split into the cold season from
November to January and the hot season from February to April. In
spite of these differences the seasonal variations in temperature are
small, ranging between 21 to 35 degrees Celcius (70 to 95 F).
Phnom Penh
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 26 27 29 30 29 28 27 28 27 27 27 26
F 79 81 84 83 84 82 81 82 81 81 81 79
days rain 1 1 2 6 14 15 16 16 19 17 9 4
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PEOPLE
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/general/people.htm
Population 11.626 mio (est. July 1999) (annual growth rate 2.49%)
90% Khmer, 5% Vietnamese, 1% Chinese, some Chams and Malay
Life expectancy 48.24 years (m: 46.8 y, f: 49.75 y)
Ethnic groups Khmer (90%), Vietnamese (5%), Chinese (1%), other (4%)
Language Khmer (official), English and French
Script Modern variant of the old Khmer script, which in turn
originated 1700 years ago from the Bhrami script of India.
Literacy 35%
Religion 95% Theravada Buddhism, some Muslim and animist
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EVENTS
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/general/events.htm
April/May: Bonn Chroat Preah Nongkoal
The Royal Ploughing ceremony, or the opening of the Sacred Furrow, is the
first of the traditional agrarian festivals. In times past, on an
auspicious day determined by palace astrologists, the King traced the
first furrows in the Capital's sacred rice field, thus inaugurating the
ploughing season. Today, the ritual is performed by a man, King of Meakh,
who leads the yoke and plough, followed by a woman, Queen Me Hour, who
sows seeds. After thrice circling the rice field, the procession stops at
a chapel where Brahmins invoke the protection of the Gods. The sacred cows
are unharnessed and guided to seven silver trays containing rice, corn,
bean, and other edibles. Based on their choice, predictions are made for
the coming year. If they choose the cereals, harvest will be good. If they
eat herbs, cattle diseases are to be feared. If they drink water, rain
will be abundant and peace will reign; but if they drink alcohol, trouble
will break out in the Kingdom.
13 April: Bonn Chaul Chnam or Bonn Pimai
The New Year's Festival spans three days following the end of the harvest
season. Khmers clean and decorate their houses with an altar for offerings
to the Tevoda of the coming year. They also visit the temple with
offerings. Then they play traditional games such as Angkunh, Chaol
Chhoung, Leak Kansaeng, and tug of war. Since 1975, the New Year
festival has been fixed to 16 April.
September: Bonn Dak Ben and Bonn Phchum Ben
Spirits Commemoration Festival is held for the spirits of the dead. Bonn
Dak Ben - the offering of food to the monks - lasts for 15 days. The 15th
day of the ceremony - the full moon - is called Bonn Phchum Ben, the
collection of the bens (offerings). During this celebration, if departed
souls do not find their family making offerings at a wat, it is believed
that the soul is cursed and will bother the descendent throughout the
year.
October: Bonn Kathen
This religious festival lasts for 29 days. The monks come out of their
retreat. Town and country folks march in a procession to the wat, where
the monks are waiting to change their old saffron robes for the new ones
offered during the festival. The ceremony brings spiritual merit to both
lay people and the monks.
9 November: Independence Day
The 9th of November 1953 is the date Cambodia achieved independence from
France. The occasion is marked each year by a gala parade in front of the
Royal Palace, which includes floats, marching bands and other spectacles
highlighting the nation's achievements.
November: Bonn Om Tuk
The three-day Water Festival celebrates the river's changing flow by
watching a festive cavalcade of competitive boat races. The finish line
symbolizes a gate that retains the water. Once the line is cut, water
flows down the Mekong, commencing the fishing season. Other traditional
ceremonies are the midnight meals of pounded rice and full moon
celebration, with lighted flotillas and fireworks in the evening. It
is held at full moon at the end of October or in November.
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VISA
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/general/visa.htm
A valid passport is needed for all nationalities. The passport needs
to be valid for more than 6 months at the time of entry.
In addition, a visa is required. You can get the visa either at a
Cambodian embassy, or directly upon entering the country. The visa
will be valid for one month and costs about USD 20. Have a passport
photo ready.
For more details on visa, please have a look at the web site of the
http://www.embassy.org/cambodia/consular/index.html
Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Washington, USA
(http://www.embassy.org/cambodia/consular/index.html).
Extensions to a visa are issued in Cambodia by the Ministry of
National Security. This can be done at the Department of Foreigners
(Bureaus des Etrangers) at House 32, Street 200. Opening hours are
Mo-Fr 8:00-12:00. The form comes with attached stamps and costs
KHR 2000. Two passport photos are required. The processing time is
10 days!
Another place to extend visas is the Immigration Office at No. 5,
Street 200. Opening hours are Mo-Fr, 7:30-10:00 and 14:00-16:00.
Costs are: 1 week USD 20, 1 month USD 30, 6 months USD 100 (multiple
entry) and 1 year USD 150 (multiple entry).
If you fail to extend your visa, you will be charged USD 3 for each
day you overstay.
For details of how to get a visa in a certain country, have a look at
the Embassy section.
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EMBASSIES
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/cambodia/general/_embassy.htm
For technical reasons, this has not been converted into text format.
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CAMBODIA - Peter M. Geiser's Hotel and Travel Guide
Copyright (c) 1995 - 2003, Peter M. Geiser
http://www.pmgeiser.ch
http://www.pmgeiser.com
http://www.mineralwaters.org
http://www.dussy.ch
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