Travel Tips

Land Boundaries
The Kingdom of Cambodia is bounded on the northeast by the people's Democratic Republic of Laos, on the east and southeast by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and on the west and northwest by the Kingdom of Thailand.

Coastal Boundary
The coastal boundary of Cambodia is 440 kilometers with medium depth tropical sea, rich in aquatic creatures that are good for aquatic business. In addition, there are beautiful, uninhabited islands, virgin beaches, white sand and fresh air, which are also good for tourism.

Topography of Land
Cambodia's land surface is deep and plain at the middle since it is surrounded by mountain and plateaus. In the southwest lies the coastal area.

As regards tourism development, Cambodia is classified by four types of topography:

Plain Area
This area covers 25,069 square kilometers. The total population of the plain area is 5,898,305 or about 51.6 percent of the entire population, and the population density is 235 persons per square kilometer, according to the 1998 census. This area consists of 63 districts, 700 communes and 6,414 villages. The capital city of Phnom Penh, as well as Kandal, Kampong Cham, Svay Riend, Prey Veng and Takeo provinces are located in this area.

The plain area is the most crowded inhabited by many races of people including Khmer, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cham, Thai, Lao and Westerners. Minority groups including Kuoy and Steang also live in the Krek and Memut district in Kampong Cham province.

Surrounded Great Lake Tonlesap Area
This area covers 67,668 square kilometers. The total population of the surrounding Great Lake Tonle sap area is 3,505,448 or about 30.7 percent of the entire population of Cambodia, and the population density is 57 persons per square kilometer, according to the 1998 census. It consists of 60 districs, 488 communes and 4,041 villages. The area includes Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang and Oddar Meanchey provinces and Pailin city.
The surrounding Tonle Sap area is inhabited by many races of people, including Khmer, Chinese, Vietnamese and Cham. In addition, there are a number of minority hill tribes such as Sa Och, Steang and Samre, who inhabit the mountainous area.

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Coastal Area
Cambodia's coastal area covers 17,237 square kilometers. The total population living in the coastal area is about 845,000 people, or about 49 persons per square kilometer, according to the 1998 census. It consists of 21 districts, 152 communes and 705 villages. The area includes Sihanoukville, Kampot and Koh Kong provinces, and Kep city. All lie along Cambodia's southwestern coast, which is 440 kilometers long. Sihanoukville is the mid point of the coastal area. It is 232 kilometers from Phnom Penh.

About 80 percent of the population of the coastal area is Khmer, although Cham, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and ethnic minorities such Sa Och also live here. Most of people living along the coast have a good life. They earn their living by farming and fishing.

The topography of Cambodia's coastal area is mountainous, plateau, plain, coast, seaside and gulf. There is much sand in this area. Palm oil, rubber, coconuts, pepper, durian and other crops can be grown in this area. It is also rich in vaieties of mangrove.

The total length of the Cambodian coastal area has been disputed over the year. The generally accepted length is 440 kilometers, although a 1997 survey by the DANIDA organization set the length at 435 kilometers, while the Oil Authority in 1973 determined the coast to be 450 kilometers long. In Cambodian schools, however, the 440 kilometer figure is used.

Cambodia's gulf, which divides the country from the Malacca subcontinent, is not very deep, averaging only 50 meters. The maximum depth is 81 meters. The bottom is plain.

There are 60 islands in Cambodia's coastal waters. They include 23 in Koh Kong province, 2 in Kampot province, 22 in Sihanoukville and 13 in Kep city.

Plateau and Mountainous Area
This area covers 68,061 square kilometers. The total population of mountainous and plateau region is 1,189,042 or about 10.3 percent of the country's entire population, and the population density is 17 persons per square kilometer, according to the 1998 census. It consists of 39 districts, 283 communes and 2,246 villages. The area includes Kampong Speu, Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Rattanakiri, and Mondulkiri provinces.

The mountainous and plateau region is inhabited by many races of people, including Khmer, Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, and Thai. In addition, there are 18 minority groups. They include Pnong, Steang, Kraol, Ro Oung, Tumpun, Tmuon, Bruv, Smil, Kuoy, Ar Norng, Charay, Kreung, Roder, Kha, Sa Och, Kachok, Kavet and Lun. Of these minority groups, the Pnong are the largest, comprising about 45 percent of the minority population.

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WHAT TO EXPECT:
For many the name Cambodia (or Kampuchea as it was formerly known) conjures images of war, famine, Pol Pot, the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ and political instability. True, these events have all been a part of this nation’s history, and a number of the places you will visit (particularly around Phnom Penh) are reminders of Cambodia’s tragic recent past. However, northwest of the capital near the town of Siem Reap, visitors will see one of mankind's greatest architectural achievements. The magnificent temples of Angkor - of which Angkor Wat is the most famous – are permanent reminders of the incredible skill and dedication of the Khmer civilization as it existed from the ninth to the fourteenth centuries. Forgotten and buried under dense jungle for hundreds of years, restoration of this ‘lost city’ only began in 1908. Angkor Wat is truly one of the great achievements of human civilization.

RESPONSIBILITY:
Information herein was correct at the time of preparation. However the rapid development of tourism in Cambodia has the potential to make some of the information in this guide irrelevant. This information is intended as a guide only and New Sai Travel is not responsible for any inaccuracies. This document does not, in any way, alter the booking terms and conditions in our small group journey brochure. Please contact us with your comments if you find during the course of your travels that the information in this guide is incorrect or out of date.

VISA INFORMATION & DEPARTURE TAXES:
Getting your Cambodian visa is a simple and efficient process. Tourist visas for most nationalities can be obtained on arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport and the following point of entry.

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Cambodia-Vietnam border
- Bavet International Check Point
- Kha Orm Sam Nor International Check Point

Cambodia-Thailand border
- Cham Yeam International Check Point
- Poi Pet International Check Point
- O’Smach International Check Point

Application for an entry visa requires:
- A completed visa application form
- Passport valid at least further 4 months
- One recent photograph (4x6)
- Appropriate visa fee
- Supporting documents for business and official visas
Download Visa Application Form

Visa fees
- USD20 for Tourist visa
- USD25 for Business visa

Airport Tax:
International Airport:
- Foreigner: USD25
- Cambodian: USD18
Domestic:
- Foreigner: 6USD
- Cambodian: 5USD (Effective from 5th January 2004)

Diplomatic, Official, Courtesy and Special (Cambodian national) visas are issued gratis.
Important: In order to be admitted into the country, tourists need sufficient funds for their stay and a return ticket.

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Visa K
Visa K can be issued to a Cambodian national entering the Kingdom on a foreign passport. (The applicant has to provide well-documented evidence, such as proof that one’s parents were Cambodian).

Visa Exemption
The nationals of the Philippines and Malaysia do not need a tourist visa and any stay in Cambodia for 21 and 30 days respectively.

Visa extension
The tourist (T) and business (E) visas can be extended at the Immigration Department, National Police. The Diplomatic (A), Official (B) and Courtesy (C) visas can be extended at the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Note
A tourist visa can be extended only once for up to one month (single entry). A business visa can be extended for:
- One month (Single entry)
- Three months (Single entry)
- Six months (Multiple-entry)
- One year (Multiple-entry)
Ousters will be fined USD 5 per day.

ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS:
If you have arranged an arrival transfer you will find a representative from New Sai Travel waiting to meet you outside the airport. Please look carefully for a New Sai Travel sign with your name on it (not a hotel sign). If you cannot see a sign with your name please call our local office contact number (at the bottom of this document and on your detailed itinerary) and our duty officer will advise you what to do.

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INSURANCE:
You must be comprehensively insured as a condition of traveling with New Sai Travel. Insurance should include coverage for personal accident, medical expenses, baggage loss, and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. We will ask you to confirm your insurance details as part of our travel registration process at the start of your journey. If you do not have appropriate insurance we will insist you obtain insurance. We reserve the right not to provide the services booked with us until insurance is purchased. Note that travel insurance may be ‘attached’ to your credit card, although usually such cover is effective only if your travel arrangements have been purchased with the card. Insurance cover from credit cards often does not include payment of medical expenses. Please check your policy carefully. You must have adequate insurance to cover you in the event you suffer a medical problem while traveling.

MONEY:
The official unit of currency in Cambodia is the riel. Current approximate exchange rates are:

• Riel 6,700 equals 1GBP
• Riel 4,000 equals 1USD
• Riel 2,500 equals 1AUD
• Riel 2,500 equals 1CAD
• Riel 2,000 equals 1NZD

United States dollar cash is accepted everywhere and can easily be used instead of riel. As you will accumulate riel as change from payments you make in USD, we recommend you change either nothing or very little (eg. 10USD) into riel upon your arrival in Cambodia. We advise you to carry a mix of USD cash and travelers cheques.

Please be aware that costs in Cambodia are significantly higher than in neighboring Asian countries. The cost of meals, transport, and shopping often takes tourists by surprise. Credit cards (Visa and Master card) can be used in only a limited number of shops and restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. From late 2005 a number of ANZ Royal ATMs were installed in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Cash advances can also be obtained using Visa and Master cards at exchange booths and banks in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

CLIMATE:
There are two main seasons in Cambodia. From November to March temperatures are slightly cooler with little rain. From May to October, the rainy season, average temperatures in the day range from 24 to 35 degrees Celsius. During this period it rains for a short time in the afternoon, temple moats are full, the scenery is greener, and there are fewer people at the temples. Many people prefer to travel at this time of the year.

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BAGGAGE & CLOTHING:
Please ensure that your luggage is of a standard size (preferably soft bags) as backpacks or soft cases are only permitted on our journeys. It should be clearly labeled and not exceed the airline’s own limitations. Any flight booked through New Sai Travel (both domestic and international) has a luggage limit of 20kg per person. If you have made your own flight arrangements, please check the luggage allowance directly with the airline. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles and trains is limited. New Sai Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage fees that may be incurred due to bags that exceed the airline limitations. If you are doing a lot of shopping during your travels, it may be necessary for you to forward any excess to the city where your tour concludes, or ship purchases directly home.

Keeping the amount of luggage you carry in check will ensure your safety and comfort, and the comfort of your fellow travelers. Please note you may be required to carry your own luggage at times. Porterage is not included in the cost of your journey. Please ensure you pay porters around 1USD per person for carrying your luggage. Should you wish to avoid such payments, please carry and take responsibility for your luggage.

Comfortable casual clothes made of cotton are best in tropical and semi tropical climates – packing one set of smart casual clothes is advisable. Laundry services are available throughout the country, although hotel laundry costs can be expensive. We suggest you include:

• Flat walking shoes and sandals
• Hat & sunglasses
• Jumper/coat/thermals - if visiting in winter
• Bathers
• Money belt
• Raincoat or umbrella
• Basic first aid kit (see below)
• Insect repellent
• Alarm clock
• Small torch
• Swiss Army pocketknife
• Power adapter
• Women’s sanitary products
• Ear plugs and eye patches for the train

Please note that airlines insist all sharp items (knives, scissors, nail clippers etc.) are packed in your ‘check-in’ luggage.

ELECTRICITY:
The electrical standard in Cambodia is 220 volts at 50Hz. Electrical plugs of the two rounded pin type are the most commonly required. You may want to bring a small hair dryer – not all hotels provide one.

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HEALTH:
Travelers to Cambodia should take precautions as they would elsewhere in Asia. Some of the diseases known to exist in Cambodia include malaria, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, diphtheria, tetanus, and HIV/ AIDS. We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimize your risk of exposure to these health risks. We are a travel company and we are not qualified to provide detailed medical information appropriate to your individual needs. We recommend you consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical centre for up to date health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip, at least one month prior to departure. Medical facilities are limited throughout the country (even in the capital Phnom Penh) compared to western standards.
We suggest you bring a simple medical kit. Your doctor should advise you what to include, however as a minimum we suggest you bring:

• Aspirin or paracetamole (for pain or fever)
• Antihistamines (for allergies and itches)
• Cold and flu tablets
• Something to stop diarrhea
• Something appropriate for nausea and vomiting
• Rehydration mixture (to prevent dehydration)
• Insect repellant
• Antiseptic and bandages
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Antibiotics (discuss with your doctor)

As part of our travel registration process at the start of any journey with New Sai Travel, you will be asked to declare any serious pre-existing medical conditions or allergies.

FOOD/ WATER:
Cambodian cuisine is closely related to the cuisines of neighboring Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. There are however, some distinctly Cambodian dishes. Rice is the principle staple. Hot sour soup with freshwater fish is a common dish, as is stir fried pork with morning glory and lashings of fresh ginger. Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a buffet/ continental style mix. You should only drink bottled water, available everywhere for purchase.

TIPPING POLICY:
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides, drivers and your tour leader, a tip is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, tipping inspires great service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across New Sai Travel destinations. As a general guide on Small Group or Special Group Journeys, please allow 2USD to 3USD per day per traveler for each of your local guide, driver and tour leader. If your tour is private, please allow 3USD to 5USD per day per traveler for each of your local guide and driver. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Should you be dissatisfied with the services provided by your local guide, driver or tour leader, please let us know.

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SAFETY & SECURITY:
Touristed areas in Cambodia are safe by world standards, but the usual commonsense safety precautions should be adhered to. Tourists should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. It is not safe to walk the streets of Phnom Penh at night where street lighting is poor. We recommend you keep jewelry to a minimum, and leave items of value in your hotel’s safety deposit box. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers, and a detailed record of your encased traveler-cheques.

POST & COMMUNICATION:
International mail generally takes seven to ten days to reach its destination. Prices are equivalent to western postal charges. Reverse charge (collect) calls are not possible from Cambodia. International phone and fax fees on LAN lines are expensive and vary between 4USD and 6USD per minute. In both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap there are now numerous internet cafes providing email services and internet phone call services. Using these internet phone services is the cheapest way of calling overseas (or locally).

PHOTOGRAPHY:
Print film, such as Kodak, Konika or Fuji is widely available and costs approximately 4USD per roll. Cambodia has good and fast processing facilities. A roll of 24 exposures can be developed for approximately 4USD. Slide film and Hi8/V8 video cassettes are not widely available in Cambodia. The x-ray machines at all airports are film-safe. There are now a number of photo shops in Phnom Penh which can burn digital images on to a disk.

HOTELS:
The hotels we use have private western style bathrooms, hot water, air-conditioning, satellite television, IDD telephones, laundry, and other facilities. Generally they have swimming pools. Where possible we endeavour at passenger request to accommodate couples in double rooms. Please note however that on occasions during your journey, this may not be possible and a twin room will be provided.

Check in and check out times can vary but most hotels in Cambodia require guests to check out by 12 noon and do not allow check in until 2pm. Many hotels may allow an earlier check in or later check out subject to availability on the day.

MASSAGE SERVICES:
Many countries in Asia are deservedly renowned for their massage techniques and the quality and value for money of these services. Unfortunately, many massage parlors including some in otherwise 'reputable' hotels are also linked to the paid sex industry. We advise you to check carefully before using massage services in Asia.

TRANSPORT:
When traveling by road we generally use Toyota Camry’s or air-conditioned minibuses. We always use the best vehicles available. Larger vehicles are used for bigger group sizes. Planes used on domestic routes are generally modern and well-maintained. Sometimes schedules change and this can result in alterations to your flight times and tour arrangements. There is only a limited railway network in Cambodia and use of the train is not recommended for safety reasons.

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LOCAL TIME:
Cambodia is:

• 7hrs ahead of GMT
• 3hrs behind Australian Eastern Standard Time
• 5hrs behind New Zealand
• 12hrs ahead of Canada Eastern Time
• 15hrs ahead of Canada Pacific Time
• 12hrs ahead of US Eastern Time
• 15 hrs ahead of US Pacific Time

GROUP DYNAMICS:
Our Small Group Journeys provide you with a good balance of group activity and personal discovery. Travelers need to be aware of certain personal responsibilities when traveling with a group. Simple things like being ready at agreed times and keeping to schedule will ensure the smooth running of the program. Furthermore, the traditions and culture of the country you are visiting should be respected. Correct behavior includes wearing the appropriate dress when visiting religious sites and refraining from making comments or acting in a manner that would be viewed as unacceptable by your fellow group members or by the local people in the country you are visiting. Please ask your tour leader for further clarification of the issues mentioned above.

LANGUAGE:
The official Cambodian language is Khmer and most westerners will have a very difficult time trying to understand written or spoken Khmer. French is sometimes understood by the older generation but English is becoming more widely spoken throughout the country, especially in tourist areas.

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IMPORTANT DATES AFFECTING TOURING, AND COMPULSORY MEALS:

01 Jan 2006 - International New Year's Day: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. The Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace will likely be closed. Other touring will be unaffected.

07 Jan 2006 - Victory Day: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

08 Mar 2006 - International Women's Day: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.
14-16 in Apr 2006 - Khmer New Year: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. All sites in Siem Reap will be open. Some sites in Phnom Penh will be open in the morning, and closed in the afternoon. Siem Reap will be particularly crowded during one week for new year-day.

01 May 2006 - International Labor Day: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

12 May 2006 – Visak bochear Day: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

13-15 May 2006 - King's Birthday: Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. There will most likely be crowds in Phnom Penh in the afternoon, and this could affect traffic flow.

16 May 2006 - Royal Ploughing Ceremony: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

01 June 2006 - International Children's Day: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

18 Jun 2006 - Queen's Birthday: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

24 Sep 2006 - Constitution Day: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

21-23 Sept 2006 (dates yet to be announced) - Pchum Ben's Day: Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. There may be crowds of people in the afternoon in Phnom Penh, and this may affect traffic flow.
23 Oct 2006 - Paris Peace Accord: Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

31 Oct 2006 -Former King's Birthday (Norodom Shihaknuk): Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. There will most likely be crowds in Phnom Penh in the afternoon, and this could affect traffic flow.

09 Nov 2006 - Independence Day: Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

04-06 Nov 2006 - Water Festival: Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. There will be significant crowds during the day and night, in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. The Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace will likely be closed. Other touring will be unaffected.

10 Dec 2006 - Human Rights Day: Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

24 Dec 2006 - Christmas Eve: Not a public holiday - no effect on touring. There will be compulsory dinners at some hotels in Siem Reap.

31 Dec 2006 - International New Year's Eve: Public holiday – banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. There will be compulsory dinners at some hotels in Siem Reap.

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