Circuits and trips to Cambodia

It is a sovereign country located south of the Indochina peninsula, in Southeast Asia. It was governed as a vassal territory by several neighboring powers, a situation that lasted until the French converted it into a protectorate in the mid-19th century. It became independent from France in 1953. In the last ten years it has experienced great economic growth thanks to the good functioning of sectors such as textiles, agriculture and tourism, which have attracted foreign investment and international trade. To this we must add that Cambodia's territorial waters contain important oil and natural gas deposits that remain mostly unexploited due to territorial disputes with its neighbor Thailand. It is a kingdom greatly influenced by Indian culture. It has monumental temples such as Angkor Wat.

Programs at Cambodia

Useful information for traveling to Cambodia

Documentation

Spanish people need a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of return, for stays of less than 30 days. Tourists need to apply for a visa upon arrival in the country.

Language

The official language is Khmer, one of the oldest spoken languages on Earth and which has the longest alphabet in the world. French is also the language of instruction in some schools and universities that are funded by the French government.

Religion

The country's official religion is Theravada Buddhism, practiced by 95% of the population. This religion has a strong Hindu element due to the country's long Hindu history.

Traditions

You must be very respectful when visiting any legacy from the time of Khmer Rouge rule, they are not simple tourist attractions, they are an important part of the country's recent history. Wear appropriate clothing when visiting a temple. Avoid high-pitched voice and gesturing a lot with your hands; Cambodians may interpret this as a sign of anger or anger.

Climate

The temperature range in Cambodia is from 10 to 38°C. The most notable climatic feature is the tropical monsoons. Winds blowing from the southwest inland bring humidity from the Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean from May to October. The heaviest rainfall occurs from September to October. The northeast monsoons appear in the dry season, which lasts from November to March, with the driest period from January to February.

Health

No vaccination is required for travelers from Europe. It is recommended to drink bottled water. It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent.

Currency

The Cambodian riel is the country's official currency. There are coins of 50, 100, 200 and 500 riels, and bills of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 riels. The dollar is used in many parts of the country, even more so than the riel. €1 is equivalent to approximately 4,407 riels. It is always advisable to carry some local money, especially outside of big cities. They can be obtained at ATMs, hotels and currency exchange offices.

Payment methods

The use of debit or credit cards is not widespread in Cambodia. Only in very touristy places can you pay by card.

Electricity

The common voltage is 230 V. The plugs and sockets are type A / C / G. In many cases adapters will be needed.

Means of transport

There are several ways to get around the country: taxis, buses, bicycles, motorcycles, etc. Although one of the most popular means of transportation in Cambodia is the Tuk Tuk. It is a modified motorcycle that becomes a tricycle or minicar. Before renting one, you must negotiate the price of the trip.

Hour

The time zone of Cambodia is GMT+07:00.

Gastronomy

Cambodian or Khmer cuisine has a strong influence from centuries of Chinese, Indian and French food customs. The most typical Cambodian dishes are: Amok, whose ingredients can be fish, chicken, bamboo shoots, tofu, seaweed, egg, thick coconut gravy, galangal and a type of blue ginger; K'tieu, a soup of Chinese origin that can vary between pork or fish as the main ingredient seasoned with spicy sauce, lime juice, typical fish paste, sugar and noodles made from long grain rice flour. The typical Cambodian drink is watermelon sorbet with peach and a pinch of basil.

Helpful tips

There is no set rule about tipping, but they are usually given to service personnel (drivers, guides, porters, waiters, hotel staff, etc.).