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There are direct flights to the capital of Phnom Penh from Bangkok , Hochiminh, Kualalumpur , Singapore , Hongkong, Vientiane and Guangzou. All of these cities serve as gateways to Cambodia meaning Cambodia is easily reached from further a field. Cambodia can also be reached by road from Thailand and Vietnam . Another exotic way to reach Cambodia is by river boat or sea cruise.
Direct flights exist from Bangkok to Siem Reap, the home of Angkor Wat. |
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Cambodia covers an area of 181,035 square kilometers and is divided into 21 provinces. It is bordered to the North by Thailand and Laos , to the East and South by Vietnam , and to the South and Southwest by the Gulf of Thailand . Much of Cambodia is relatively flat with vast tracts of land given over to rice production. Other areas of Cambodia are mountainous, including the Dangrek, Cardomen and Elephant mountain ranges.
Climate and Seasons
As a tropical country, Cambodia is bathed in almost all year sunshine and has a high average temperature. There are two distinct seasons, the dry and the monsoon. The monsoon lasts from May to October with southwesterly winds ushering in the clouds that bring seventy five to eighty percent of the annual rainfall often in spectacular intense bursts for an hour at a time with fantastic lightening displays. The dry season runs from November to April averaging temperatures from 27 to 40 degrees Celsius. The collest and most comfortable for those from cooler climates is from October to January. |
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The official currency in Cambodia is the Riel which come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 50000 and 100000 notes. However, in the major towns and cities, US dollars can be freely spent though travelers are recommended to use smaller denomination notes as change may be difficult. Most places will refuse old, tatty or damaged US bills. Due to the economic problems in the region, the currency has slipped from 2500 Riels to 4000-4150 per one US dollars (2005), meaning Cambodia is an even better value for money tourist destination than before. Popular local and international currencies can be exchanged openly and freely. Major credit cards are only accepted in a few places, but it is increasingly becoming acceptable, you can also cash advance of your credit card, however traveler cheques or cash are recommended.
In Cambodia , there are 2 ATM machines in Canadia Bank and 2 in ANZ Royal Bank, thus getting cash from your credit card is possible. Travelers may cash advances from their credit card at some shops, but the latter will charge high handling fees.
Traveler Cheques (TC) - You can exchange TC at any bank in Cambodia , but you have to pay about 2-4% extra for converting it into US$ bill.
As an advice, you should carry USD cash (with $20 and $100 notes) in addition to traveler cheques and credit card. Do not exchange all of your cash into the local currency at one time, but gradually. It is very difficult to exchange back to foreign currency - practically impossible for ordinary tourists! |
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