Geography

Cambodia is a small and unique Kingdom with a land area of 181.035 sq. km, making it about the same size as the State of Washington or as England and Wales. The Mekong River is the lifeline of Cambodia and it cuts a path for about 500 km dividing the country into the north and the south.

The Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest fresh water lake in South-East. During the monsoon season between June and October the Tonlé Sap River reverses its flow and runs in the opposite direction filling the Tonlé Sap Lake. The Tonlé Sap River is the only river in the world that flows in both directions.

The central plains account for two-thirds of the country and are mainly agricultural areas that become flooded in the monsoon season. Most of the population lives on the fertile flood plains which are very important for the country's agricultural production, especially of rice. The plains are sparsely forested, whereas all other parts of the landscape are composed of densely forested hills.

Time Zone

GMT plus seven hours.

Agriculture

The monsoon with its rhythm of dry and wet seasons builds the rhythm of the Cambodian people and agriculture. The wet season (May - October) transforms the plains into fertile arable land. The pattern of expansion and contraction of the Tonlé Sap Lake is the backbone of Cambodian production of fast growing deep-water rice. The annual flooding covers the surrounding countryside with a nutrient rich layer.

The fishing industry:

The Cambodian fishing industry also relies on the rhythm of the Tonlé Sap. In the dry season there is large scale commercial fishing and with the annual replenishment of the waters of the Great Lake with the nutrient-rich waters of the Mekong, fish yields are some of the highest in the world.

Climate

Two monsoons set the rhythm of rural life in Cambodia. The cool, dry, north-eastern monsoon blows from about November to March and brings little rain. From May to early October, the south-western monsoon picks up moist air from over the Indian Ocean, bringing strong winds, high humidity, and heavy rains throughout the country. The weather is transitional between the seasons, but even during the wet season it rarely rains in the morning. Most of the rain comes in afternoon downpours.

· Cambodia Visa is available on arrival if travelling by air, otherwise, visa application should be applied to Cambodia Consulate before coming.

· Dragon Indochina Travel provide visa services for individuals and groups for all countries in Indochina. Please contact indochinevn@hcm.vnn.vn for details.

Cambodia's capital has a very chequered past. French, Khmer Rouge, Vietnamese and then UNO intervention and the much longed for return of the King Sihanouk, todays head of state.

There are many traces left, none more tragic than the Toul Seng Museum of genocide which tells of the Khmer Rouge era. But there is much more for the visitor, the famous Silver Pagoda, the temple of Wat Phnom, the King's Palace and not least the magnificent location on the confluence of the Tonle Sap into the Mekong River.

Phnom Penh caters for all types of visitor. The Government of Cambodia has initiated a program to encourage and welcome tourists and foreign business people. Be assured of a warm welcome when visiting all the sites of Cambodia.

Sightseeing :
1. Tuol Sleng Museum
2. Chan Chaya Pavillion
3. Throne Hall
4. National Museum
5. The Killing Fields
6. Wat Phnom
7. Central Market

In the beginning...

According to legend, during the first century AD, Kaundinya, an Indian Brahmin priest following a dream came to Cambodia's Great Lake to find his fortune. He met and married a local princess, Soma, daughter of the Naga king, and founded the first kingdom called the Phnom, introducing Hindu customs, legal traditions and the Sanskrit language. Modern historians refer to it as Funan, the first Khmer kingdom and the oldest Indianized state in the south-east Asian region, which became a dominant power in the region for more than 600 years.

Jayavarman II, a Khmer king, united all the Khmer people under his leadership in approximately 800 AD. Establishing his capital in the north-western part of Cambodia, north of the Tonlé Sap Lake, Jayavarman II was crowned as King of Kampuchea and adopted the Hindu religion. With a succession of capitals located in and around the Siem Reap province the Khmer kings exhibited an enormous talent for marshalling the genius of their people.

Although Cambodia had a rich and powerful past under the Hindu state of Funan and the Kingdom of Angkor, by the mid-19th century the country was on the verge of dissolution. After repeated requests for French assistance a protectorate was established in 1863. By 1884, Cambodia was a virtual colony.

France continued to control the country even after the start of World War II through its Vichy government. Full independence came on 9 November 1953, but the situation remained unsettled until a 1954 conference was held in Geneva to settle the French-Indochina war. The Cambodian delegation agreed to the neutrality of the three Indochina states but insisted on a provision in the ceasefire agreement that left the Cambodian government free to call for outside military assistance should the Viet Minh or others threaten its territory.

In February 1969 a new chapter in Cambodian history was opened as the Vietnam war spilled into Cambodia. On 30 April 1970 American and South Vietnamese government troops invaded south-east Cambodia. As Vietnamese troops retreated deeper into Cambodia the Khmer Rouge grew in strength. As the Khmer Rouge grew, they became increasingly independent of their Vietnamese

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allies. While the Vietnamese and the Americans signed the Paris Peace agreement in 1973, the Khmer Rouge continued to make gains on the battlefields of Cambodia. Soon the territory held by the weak Republic was reduced to little more than a handful of enclaves around the major cities.

On the same day that Lon Nol fled the country the Khmer Rouge marched into Phnom Penh. Pol Pot's goal was to transform Cambodia in a completely self-sufficient agrarian communist state. The revolution justified everything; human life was expendable. Until 1979 the Khmer Rouge terrorized the country and more than a million people were killed during their reign. The Khmer Rouge have therefore been accused of genocide - holding an unchallenged record in percentage of the population killed by a revolutionary movement.

On Christmas Day 1978, an invasion force of 90,000 Vietnamese and 18,000 dissident Cambodians poured across the border into Cambodia. The defence of Pol Pot's regime was confronted by a much better-equipped, brilliantly-led invasion force. Within a few days the Vietnamese had captured Phnom Penh. The battered remnants of the Khmer Rouge retreated into the mountains and jungles along the Thai border.

A different kind of war began: the Khmer Rouge stepped up guerrilla attacks against the Vietnamese. As the months passed the Vietnamese consolidated their hold on Cambodia and soon a new Cambodian government was formed under Vietnamese supervision. In June 1988 the Vietnamese announced plans to begin a gradual troop withdrawal.

In early 1990 the negotiating process continued. A formal ceasefire was finally adopted in May 1991. On 23 October 1991 a peace agreement was at least signed and formally accepted by all sides. After the free elections of 1993 Cambodia had a parliamentary system with two prime ministers who shared power. A new constitution was adopted and in 1993, King Norodom Sihanouk assumed the throne once again. It was 52 years since he had been crowned king the first time. The official name of the country today is 'Kingdom of Cambodia'.

Places to Visit

To many people Cambodia means nothing but temples but there is more to Cambodia than the fantastic temples of Angkor. In Phnom Penh, the faded French-era capital, there are numerous pagodas and interesting museums to visit and on the coast beautiful unspoilt beaches and inland there is impressive natural scenery.

PHNOM PENH

Cambodia's capital is in a magnificent location at the confluence of the Tonlé Sap River and the Mekong River and retains its colonial charm, making it a pleasant place to spend time. There are many traces left of Phnom Penh's chequered past from the crumbling colonial buildings of the French era to the Toul Sleng Museum that tells of the genocide of the Khmer Rouge era. The city has several interesting wats including Wat Phnom (the hilltop pagoda that gave the city its name) and there is also the famous Silver Pagoda, and the King's Palace.

Fifteen kilometres south-west of Phnom Penh are the Killing Fields, another reminder of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. More than 17,000 people were killed here and over 8000 skulls are visible in the Memorial Stupa.

SIEM REAP

Only a few kilometres north of Siem Reap lies one of the world's most impressive temple complexes, Angkor. What has become known as Angkor is in fact a large area near Siem Reap covering several square kilometres and containing many temples. The

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temple of Angkor Wat is only one of numerous temples within this area. Angkor literally means 'city' or 'capital' and 'wat' means 'temple'. Founded in 802 AD it was allegedly residence for more than a million people in the heyday of the Khmer Empire in the 12th and 13th centuries. Angkor Wat is the largest and most famous of these architectural wonders. It is estimated that the temples took 30 years to construct using 17,000 to 20,000 workers. The temple was first dedicated to Vishnu and after a long period of abandonment from 1432 it was later dedicated to Buddhism during the reign of King Ang Chan in the 15th century. Its beauty and state of preservation are unrivalled and its artistic distinctiveness is as fine as the Taj Mahal in India. In addition to exploring the temples of Angkor, the Tonlé Sap Lake is close to Siem Reap, inviting you on a relaxing boat trip.

SIHANOUKVILLE

Some of Cambodia's most beautiful beaches can be found in the Gulf of Thailand, and this is also a good base for visiting the Ream National Park. This area is still not very developed and the beaches provide peace and quiet with snorkelling and diving opportunities.

BANLUNG

Banlung is the capital of the province Rattanakiri in the far north-east of Cambodia. This is still one of the undiscovered regions in Indochina where you can experience the Cambodian jungle, visit various minorities with their different traditions and if you are lucky even see elephants.

Shopping

Cambodia is widely recognized for its beautiful religious carvings, often featuring the Indian Ramayana and Mahabharata motifs, and its bas-reliefs. Collector-quality replicas are available in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Cambodia has excellent silverware of both classical Khmer and Chinese design which can be found and purchased in local markets and in hotel shops.

Beautiful textiles made from silk and cotton, woven in traditional designs and tie-dyed, are also available. A traditional and popular item, mostly made from cotton, is the krama, a coloured, checker scarf.

Eating and Drinking

Khmer food is usually spicy and has a high proportion of fish. Fish combined with rice forms the basis of the Cambodian diet. Local specialties include curries, soups, and many varieties of dish prepared with beef, pork, poultry, and seafood, which is abundant in the rivers and Gulf of Thailand. Chinese, Thai, and Indian dishes are also common in Cambodia as well as a variety of Western cuisines which can be found in the capital and areas frequented by tourists. The French gastronomic influence is still evident - fresh French bread can be purchased daily in Phnom Penh and other major cities where bakeries are found. It is sold all day in the markets and even on street corners. It is called num pang in the Khmer language.

Health

We strongly recommend having a good health insurance and carrying a good first aid kit. There is a chronic shortage of trained medical help and hospitals. Therefore, you should avoid treatment in Cambodia. Evacuation to Singapore, Thailand or Malaysia is recommended.

VACCINATIONS

The Royal Government of Cambodia does not require you to have any vaccinations except for cholera if you are coming from an infected area. It is recommended that you get the cholera vaccination anyway and those for hepatitis, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tetanus, and typhoid.

MALARIA

Malarial drugs are essential for tourists travelling in provincial Cambodia but Phnom Penh and the areas around Angkor Wat are not malarial. It may not be much of a problem in Phnom Penh and Angkor any longer, but you should check with your physician first since malaria in Cambodia is resistant to all drugs.

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The best protection against malaria is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Check with your physician about taking a course of anti-malarials. If it is considered necessary given your itinerary, you might need to begin before your trip and continue for a time after you return. Dengue fever, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes, is often mistaken for malaria. Its symptoms are severe pain in the joints, high fever, and extreme headache. Aside from avoiding being bitten altogether (this mosquito is active in daytime and is often a striped variety), there is no prevention available. Hospital treatment is urgently required.

FOOD & WATER

Avoid all water that has not been thoroughly boiled or sterilized. Drink only bottled water. Supposedly, a plant in Phnom Penh makes all of the city's ice using sterilized water, but to play it safe, avoid any ice. You should not eat any uncooked vegetables and do not eat any fruit that you have not peeled yourself.

Getting Around

AIR

As a result of the Open Skies Policy numerous airlines have added services to Cambodia. It is also possible to fly between the major towns within Cambodia.

TRAIN

Cambodia has two rail lines and if you want to travel around by train it is possible to do so in Cambodia, however the trains are extremely slow. The north-west line goes as far as Battambang, while the south-west line links Phnom Penh with Sihanoukville. Much of the rail network was destroyed during the civil war and at present service is irregular.

BUS

There is a basic road network, but bridges and roads are in a poor state of repair.

BOAT

The most popular route is between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and on an express boat this takes four hours.

WALKING

Phnom Penh is safe for walking during the day and it can be one of the best ways of getting to know the city unless you visit during summer when it is just too hot.

Hotels in Phnom Penh

Inter-Continental
Regency Square,
296 Boulevard Mao Tse Toung,
Phnom Penh

Le Royal Phnom Penh
92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh
Sangkat Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh

Cambodiana Sofitel
Sisowath Quay,
No. 313,
Phnom Penh

Sunway
N° 1, Street 92
P.O. Box 633, Phnom Penh

Juliana
No 16 Juliana, 152 Road,
Sangkat Veal Vong, Phnom Penh

Hotels in Siem Reap

Grand Hotel d'Angkor
1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle
Khum Svay Dang Kum, Siem Reap

Nokor Phnom
Airport Road, Siem Reap

Ta Phrom
Psah Chas Street, Siem Reap

Recommended Restaurants

Phnom Penh

Le Pacha,
208. Street,
No. 8, Phnom Penh

Nokor Khmer,
Sihanouk Boulevard,
No. 12,
Phnom Penh

FCC,
Preah Sisowath,
No. 363,
Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

Angkor Village,
near Bayon Hotel,
Siem Reap

Bantey Srey,
Airport Road,
Siem Reap

Kampong Som

Hawaii Restaurant,
Mean Ekareach,
Kampong Som

Airlines

Royal Air Cambodge,
No 206A Norodom Blvd.
Phnom Penh

Silk Air,
Monivong Boulevard,
No. 219,
Pailin Hotel,
Phnom Penh

Thai Airways,
106th Street,
No. 19,
Phnom Penh

Vietnam Airlines,
Sihanouk Boulevard,
No. 53,
Phnom Penh

Air France,
Sofitel Cambodiana,
Office No 11,
No 313 Sisowath Blvd,
Phnom Penh

Lao Aviation,
No 58 Sihanouk Blvd.,
Phnom Penh

Malaysia Airlines,
Diamond Hotel,
No 207 Monivong Blvd.,
Phnom Penh

Post and Telegraph Office

GPO,
Corner 13th/102nd Street,
Phnom Penh

GPO,
Po Kambor Street,
Siem Reap

UPS (JVK-Nage Movers),
184th Street, No. 8,
Phnom Penh (Parcels)

DHL,
Monivong Boulevard,
No. 28,
Phnom Penh (Parcels)

Banks

Foreign Trade Bank,
Norodom Blvd.,
No. 24,
Phnom Penh

Cambodian Commercial Bank,
Corner Monivong Boulevard
114th Street,
Phnom Penh

National Bank of Cambodia,
near Ta Prohm Hotel,
Siem Reap Cambodia

Commercial Bank,
Mean Ekareach,
Kampong Som

Health

SOS International Medical Center,
Mao Tse Tung Boulevard No. 83,
Phnom Penh

Calmette Hospital,
Corner Monivong Boulevard
84th Street,
Phnom Penh

European Dental Clinic,
Norodom Boulevard,
No. 195a,
Phnom Penh

Pharmacie de la Gare,
Monivong Boulevard,
near Railway Station,
Phnom Penh

Embassies

Australia: 254th Street,
No. 11, Phnom Penh,
Phone:015-910427

France: Monivong Boulevard,
No. 1, Phnom Penh
Phone: 015-914365

Germany: 214th Street,
No. 76, Phnom Penh
Phone: 023-426381

Hungary: Monivong Boulevard,
No. 463, Phnom Penh

Japan: 75 Norodom Street
Phnom Penh

USA: 228th Street,
No. 16, Phnom Penh,
Phone: 023-210049

Museums

National Museum,
178th and 184th Street,
Phnom Penh

Taul-Sleng-Museum,
103rd Street,
Phnom Penh

Phone Numbers in Phnom Phenh

Ambulance
SOS International Medical Center
015-912765

Police
Emergeny 426494/722093
(English and French speaking)

Travel Information & Airlines

Cambodia Tourism 25607
Phnom Penh Tourism 23949/25349
Royal Air Cambodge 60154
Silk Air 22236
Thai Airways 22335
Vietnam Airlines 27526