Cambodia

Cambodia’s tourism industry has increased for the previous years, there is so much to discover, cultural heritage, cities, miles of lush forest, rivers, and beaches which makes it a unique destination. Since Cambodia established security and political stability, the country opened to the world to boost their culture and temples in particular Angkor Wat, but do not assume that this is all they have to offer.

As a tropical country, Cambodia’s range of temperature is from 21-35 degrees Celsius. Unlike neighboring Thailand, Cambodia has 3 seasons with warm temperatures all year round.

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Cool season

Runs from December to February, it starts to cool down by November, these months are the best time to visit Cambodia and its coastal area, the beaches are perfect during this time. In the capital city of Phnom Phen temperatures range from 21 to 32 degrees, temperature starts to rise in February but is still more on the cool side, this is the best time to visit Temples.

Hot season

Runs from March-June April is the hottest month of the year, this is the time when temperatures rise to a scorching 40 degrees and above. This is a very dry season for Cambodia, if you do not like hot, dry dusty streets, you might want to reconsider visiting.

The Rainy season (hot and cool)

Runs from June to November

After the hot season, the rainy season will be very much welcome for farmers, locals, and tourists. If you want to visit during this month, you might want to bring an umbrella with you, this is advisable wherever you go in Cambodia. Rains and showers can be predictable at times and can be short with heavy rains.

Health

Cambodia’s medical facilities and basic health systems have improved during the past years, Pharmacies are also stocked with medications, but be aware because some pharmacies can give you fake medications. Medical care in Cambodia has further improved over the years, there are highly competitive and well equipped International Hospitals and Dental Clinics. However, most expats with major health problems sometimes go to neighboring Thailand for treatments.

Intestinal problems

Street foods can be seen all over Cambodia, most intestinal diseases can be caused by dirty water, poorly prepared food, eating local food is one of the best experiences you can have whenever you travel, if you are worried about eating pre-cooked food, go to a place where they serve freshly cooked food. Mosquito-Borne Diseases such as dengue and Malaria are very prevalent in Cambodia, especially in rural and jungle areas. It is recommended that you have mosquito repellent, mosquito coils, and avoid areas where mosquito borne diseases are widespread.

Infections

Warm temperatures help bacterial growth especially in open wounds, so always keep your wound clean and dry no matter how small and avoid swimming in dirty water. If you see any signs of infections go to a clinic or pharmacy have your wound cleaned, you will be given antibiotic cream.

Heat-Related problems

It is important to remember that Cambodia is a hot and humid country, you should rehydrate wherever you go, be it sightseeing, or riding a bike to the market, etc. wear sunscreen, a hat, and loose clothing that can protect you.

Food

Cambodian recipes are always thought to be the same as Thai or Vietnamese food, with a variety of fresh herbs and spices where it produces original flavors which is always available with every meal. A typical Cambodian meal is served with soup and a couple of dishes, you can enjoy Cambodian food on most lively city streets.

Getting around

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Travel by train

Despite being destroyed during the war period the railway has been restored in some areas, this is the most practical option to travel from one city to another with newly built modern carriages, like the route from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville runs once a day vice versa on selected days, the trip takes approximately 7 hours, though traveling by train takes longer, it will be more comfortable compared to a shorter bus ride.

By Bus

The most convenient and cheapest way to travel to major cities and provinces, there is also an International route from Angkor to Bangkok vice versa. All bus companies are privately run, the buses are quite old but comfortable, they provide movies to watch while traveling however movies of choice is not the ones you would like, buses are also equipped with wifi. In general, since buses are all run by private companies, they do not have a bus terminal where all the buses wait for their passengers, they always unload and load passengers at their offices.

Tuk-tuks

This is a unique vehicle to go around the city, it is very common in countries like Thailand and Vietnam, however, it looks different from the others, the Cambodian version of the tuk-tuk is built of a carriage with a roof pulled by a motorcycle. It is a fun and secure way of getting around the city.

Currency

Cambodia uses US$ as the main currency, prices in most places are quoted in US dollars, the Cambodian Riels are used only in small purchases.

Credit cards

Credit cards and ATMs can be used as a mode of payment in major tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. For ATM withdrawals, US dollars can be withdrawn from ATMs which are usually marked on City maps. Always remember there are always fees when using a credit card or an ATM.