In Cambodian culture, religion plays an important role in everyday life. For over two millennia, Cambodian people have practiced combinations of Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as Khmer and animistic beliefs. Rural Cambodia also retains traditional practices from China and India.

Cambodia today strikes a balance between modern influences and Khmer heritage. Today, people continue to practice birth, marriage, and death rituals. Cambodian culture also is hierarchical; people pay careful attention to one’s social standing, and respect for elders (whether relatives or not) is critically important. In fact, many Cambodian people honor their ancestors throughout the year and at annual festivals.

Cambodian people are famous for their warm hospitality. While traveling in Cambodia, there are a few rules of thumb that will ensure your interactions go smoothly. Always make sure to show respect at religious sites by wearing clothing that fully covers your shoulders, arms, torso, and legs. If you enter a pagoda, office, or personal home, please remove your hat and shoes. When you meet someone for the first time, make sure to remove your hat and bow with your hands in prayer position. This practice is especially important when meeting monks or elders.

Cambodia's Buddhist traditions teach that the head is a holy part of the body, and the bottoms of feet are considered dirty. Please make sure to not touch another person’s head and do not display the soles of your feet (or point at something with your feet). Strong displays of emotion are also discouraged. Please avoid hugging or kissing in public and strive to maintain a calm demeanor at all times. If you follow these guidelines, you’re sure to be met with many smiles.

Cambodian food tends to be less known compared to the culinary traditions of other Asian countries. Yet, Khmer cuisine is based on similar fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices that are typically used throughout Southeast Asia. When you sit down to enjoy traditional Cambodian food, you’ll likely savor delicious soups, noodles, and/or rice -- major Cambodian staples. Cambodia boasts several rice varieties, and some are even used in desserts. A typical meal features crisp vegetables and grilled or stir-fried meat. There are also plenty of vegetarian options available. While visiting Southeast Asia, try eating like the locals do and grab a heaping plate of Cambodian street food!

Cambodian cuisine makes excellent use of spices and herbs to create a complex palette of flavors. You’ll likely taste pastes made from blended combinations of cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, or ginger. Dishes often add accents of fresh lime leaves, garlic, and lemongrass. Frequently, Cambodian meals contrast sweet with sour and bitter with hot flavors. If you’re averse to spicy food, don’t worry. Chiles are usually served on the side so you can choose the heat level that is best for you. Kroeung, a fish paste with an unusual odor, is also frequently found in Cambodian dishes. Kroeung may smell a bit strange at first, but it adds an explosion of flavor to any meal.

Siem Reap
Siem Reap’s cosmopolitan cuisine features an array of Khmer dishes, excellent street food, and meals inspired by culinary traditions from around the world. Some of the city’s highlights include Khmer red curry: a not- too-spicy dish with coconut milk, kroeung, savory meat, and vegetables. If you’re a fan of Vietnamese pho, you’ll want to sample nom banh chok: Khmer rice noodles in green curry, garnished with mint and bean sprouts. Delve deeper into Siem Reap’s thriving food culture, and you’ll soon discover the many faces of Khmer cuisine -- from traditional, homestyle dishes to contemporary remixes of old favorites.

Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh also boasts superb Khmer cooking and a blend of international dishes from Asia and Europe. You can also find an array of tantalizing street food like sizzling grilled pork or sausage skewers, freshly-brewed coffee laced with creamy sweetened condensed milk, and fish amok. Amok -- one of Cambodia’s most famous dishes -- includes white fish drenched in a coconut curry and served in a banana leaf bowl. This refreshingly simple meal also features accents of lime, lemongrass, and chilies.

Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville reaps many benefits by being near the Gulf of Thailand, including access to abundant, fresh seafood. Search the local restaurants and cafes long enough, and you’re sure to find pepper squid, rich lobster, plump prawns, and a wide array of fish. This area is also home to many types of international cuisine.

Domestic and International Flights
Cambodia has a total three international airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. The majority of international flights will take you to and from neighboring Asian countries. Each airport also offers domestic connections. Sihanoukville International Airport serves Sihanoukville -- Cambodia’s main resort destination.

Taxis
Cambodia’s towns and cities offer taxi services, and you can even find metered taxis in major cities like Phnom Penh. Cambodia also offers on-demand ride services such as Uber and Grab.

Health
Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, general health tends to be more of a concern in Cambodia due to a lack of high-quality medical facilities. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the only cities with good clinics and hospitals. If you venture in rural areas -- even though some areas have small clinics -- please take care to be especially cautious. It’s always a good idea to bring precautionary items from home such as insect repellent, painkillers, and medications to safeguard against common ailments such as mosquito bites, colds, and diarrhea. Proper precautions can help prevent serious illnesses. (In Cambodia, traffic accidents are common culprits of injuries. Please make sure to be alert and cautious at all times)!

Travel Insurance
At AAT, we always recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Unfortunately, travel accidents can happen anywhere and without warning. Please make sure that your travel insurance is complete, comprehensive, and covers emergency medical flights, evacuations, and major health-related expenses.

Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccines include routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria, chicken-pox, etc.), hepatitis A & B, typhoid, malaria, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis. Please also speak with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip, as certain vaccinations and special prescription medication take time to be fully effective. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

There is no risk of yellow fever in Cambodia, however, you are required to have the yellow fever vaccine if you’re traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of vaccination is also mandatory if you are coming from or have recently visited a yellow fever zone.

While Traveling...
Be safe and drink bottled water only. Also, make sure to avoid raw or partially cooked fish and meat. You’ll want to be wary of drink served with ice, especially from food vendors -- the ice could contain contaminated water. Avoid mosquito and insect bites by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks. Mosquitos are especially active in the early morning and evening, so make sure to take extra precautions at these times of day.

Safety
Cambodia tends to be fairly safe, but it’s always a good idea to follow a few rules of thumb. Even when you visit remote Angkorian sites located outside of Siem Reap, make sure to always follow your tour guide and stay on the marked path; unexploded landmines are still found throughout the country. Whether you’re traveling in the cities or the countryside, it’s also always a good idea to stay in groups and avoid traveling late at night. Make sure to use your common sense and purchase travel insurance to cover theft, loss, and medical problems.

Crime and Scams
Violence against international travelers is rare in Cambodia, but always exercise caution and good common sense. Purse and bag snatching can occur in Phnom Penh especially, and smartphones are especially prized. Take care to not display your smartphone or any expensive items in public, especially at night. In your hotel room, it’s also a good idea to keep valuables hidden or locked away in a personal safe deposit box. Blackjack scams can commonly occur in the cities, so avoiding gambling is highly recommended. Also make sure to watch out for planted drug scams and yama -- an extremely dangerous drug.

Road Safety
Take extra precautions and care when traveling on Cambodia’s roads, whether you’re a pedestrian or in a vehicle. Many drivers do not pay close attention to traffic rules, and some lanes are unmarked. Be extra cautious if you’re traveling with children.

Mines and Bombs
Tragically, Cambodia still bears many scars from its turbulent history from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Today, unexploded landmines can still be found in rural areas. No matter where you travel -- even if the area seems safe -- always make sure to stay on the well-marked paths. When you travel to rural areas, it’s also always a good idea to take an experienced guide.

Official Language: Khmer
We recommend that you travel with a basic Khmer phrase book. When speaking with locals, try the following phrases. You’re sure to receive appreciative smiles.

'Jom reab suar' (Jom REE-up SOO-wer) = Hello (formal)
'Jom reap lia’ (Jom REE-up LEE-er) = Goodbye (formal)
'Or kun' (Or-KUN) = Thank you
'Somm dtoh' (Somm toe) = Excuse me / I’m sorry

Currency: Riel (KHR)
Many places in Cambodia accept U.S. dollars, and even countryside shops may take dollars in small amounts. Depending on your purchase, you may receive small amounts of riel in change. It’s also standard practice to purchase your Cambodia visa with USD. Generally speaking, U.S. bills (but not coins) are widely accepted. Please note that in Cambodia, credit cards are not a common payment method.

Time Zone: GMT+7h
Cambodia follows Indochina Time (ICT) all year long (no Daylight-Saving Time).

During Daylight Saving Time, if it is noon (PST) in the United States, then it is 2 AM in Cambodia. When Daylight Saving Time ends, noon (PST) is 1 AM in Cambodia.

Internet Access:
Cambodia offers widespread internet access in its populous cities. Many hotels, restaurants, and cafes offer Wi-Fi service for customers. Cambodia also has a handful of internet cafes, but they are becoming increasingly rare these days.

Electricity:
Voltage: 230V
Frequency: 50hz

Common Plug Types: A, C, and G
Cambodia uses a variety of plug types, so we highly recommend that you bring universal plug adapters.

Khmer New Year and Public Holidays:
Khmer New Year takes place each year in mid-April and lasts for 3 days. Other major holidays include the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May, Ancestor’s Day in late September through the beginning of October, and the Water Festival in November. Travel can be more challenging during these times, therefore, please make sure to plan well in advance.

At All Asia Tours, we are always happy to provide you with the extensive advice and information you need as you prepare for your journey. Please never hesitate to ask.