An Introduction to CAMBODIA

More and more people are beginning to realise that Cambodia has much more to offer than the famous Temples of Angkor. Cambodia is blessed with golden undeveloped beaches, unspoilt forests and beautiful old colonial cities like Phnom Penh, Battambang, Kampot and Kep, all of which have a very relaxing atmosphere. It is also the gentle, polite and charming personality of the Khmer people which makes Cambodia such a memorable destination.

Time - GMT + 8 hours (In general terms that means Cambodia is app 6 hours ahead of South Africa) 

Language - Khmer is the official language but English is widely spoken in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, followed by French which is becoming increasingly popular.

Entry Requirements - Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the length of stay. Visas are required for South African passport holders and can be obtained on arrival in either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Between USD25 to USD35 per person and 2 passport photos are required (Updated Feb 09) 

The countries of Indochina hold some of the most spectacular scenery, ancient monuments and friendly warm people in the world. Despite the huge increase in travel to this region over the past ten years, every time I go back there I am constantly struck by the endearing charm of the countries that make up Indochina and how little things have actually changed. The proliferation of modern high rise buildings, super highways and smart shopping centres that usually spring up in developing regions when tourism takes a hold, has not happened in any large degree to Indochina and so a visit here is still an exciting and fascinating experience for even the most seasoned traveller. Because of the success of our group tours to Indochina and in particular Cambodia & Vietnam, over the years, we have had the privilege of showing many thousands of Australians and hundreds of South Africans the charms of this part of the world. As well as having a great deal of success in operating group tours to Indochina, Wendy Wu Tours can also offer a wide range of independent and tailor made arrangements, in fact we send almost as many people to Indochina independently as we do on our groups and they are all looked after in the same great Wendy Wu Tours way. No matter what is your preferred travel option, group or independent, I hope you will join us in Indochina in the future and see for yourself what wonderful countries these are.

CITIES OF CAMBODIA

PHNOM PENH

Phnom Penh is located at the confluence of three great rivers - the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac. It is the commercial and political hub of Cambodia as well as home to nearly a million of the country’s 11.5 million people. Its buildings are a mix of traditional Khmer and fine French colonial influenced architecture.

SIEM REAP / TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

The provincial capital of Siem Reap is an energetic tourist destination due to its proximity to both the ancient Khmer national capital city of Angkor and Tonle Sap Lake. Angkor Wat is the spiritual and cultural heart of Cambodia. The huge complex of palaces and temples were built on the sprawling alluvial plain to the north of Tonle Sap.

THE NORTH WEST (BATTAMBANG, PHNOM SROK)

The second largest city in Cambodia, Battambang is located in a rich and fertile plain. The Sangker River flows through the colonial town centre. The region has numerous Angkorian and post-Angkorian sites.

THE SOUTH COAST (SIHANOUKVILLE, KEP, KAMPOT, BOKOR)

Kampot is a pleasant town 5km inland on the banks of the river Tuk Chhou and is used as a base for excursions to Bokor National Park in the Elephant Mountains. The nearby seaside resort of Kep (Kep-sur-Mer) is located 25 km from Kampot and was once the favourite holiday spot for Cambodia’s French-influenced elite, during the turn of the 19th century. Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s only deep-sea port and has some of the most unspoiled and finest beaches in all of Southeast Asia.

 

Country Map

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Images from CAMBODIA

Country Info