Cambodia Guide

The Kingdom of Cambodia

Photo by: Poorfish

At first glance Cambodia can seem a little daunting especially if your traveling overland from the relative modernity of Thailand. It’s border towns are a little worn and tired as is the transport that usually ferries backpackers across them. Everyone going into Cambodia for the first time should at least have a basic grasp of the country’s recent history (if not read this Wiki entry) – Which paints an even bleaker picture than the border towns do… But to take Cambodia at this first glance would be a mistake,  a country is made by people who live there… And the majority of Cambodian people tell a different story. In the face of some destructive and brutal false starts the Cambodian people have stood fast, their country is built on stronger foundations. An overwhelming sense of hope shines through the scarred nation and as the clouds of the Khmer Rouge pass it’s clear that Cambodia is on the up.

Editors notes:

The first time I went to Cambodia I didn’t know what to think… I wanted to like the place but I found it harder than it should have been, crossing the border between Thailand and Cambodia was my first real overland border experience and it was a little intense, people were everywhere, directing us and herding us… And no one seemed to be an official.

We missed the last bus out of Koh kong and ended up getting stuck there, at first glance it just seemed like a  grubby border town to a grubby country. The first bus stop was a dive and getting off the bus at Sihanoukville, we got mobbed.

Photo by: mhamberger

I’ve spent close to four months in Cambodia and it never stops surprising me, Sihanoukville has some world class beaches, Phnom Penh is like a small Bangkok (which I like a lot) Siam Reap is dwarfed by the majesty and beauty of Angkor Wat. Cambodia is a poor country and poverty is never far away, and that’s a hard thing to swallow if you’ve never seen it before… Cambodia has enough on it’s plate without having to worry about what I think about the place, I’ve never really had to “struggle” for anything and to walk across the border and be judgemental was the worst thing I could have done.

If you let your guard down, read up on the history a little and do what you can to break the divide between rich and poor you’ll see Cambodia for what it really is – A once great country getting back on its feet, filled with hope and promise.

Something that a Khmer man once said really summed Cambodia up for me… While on a particularly gruelling bus journey with 5 seats less than people, a woman started to moan about it… The Cambodian driver looked over his shoulder with a big friendly smile and said:

“Madam this is Cambodia… We are who we are, and we do what we do…”

Khmer Culture:

Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist with 90% of the population being Theravada Buddhist. Much of the population lives on less than $1 a day and survives on subsistence farming. Much like Thailand, in Khmer culture a person’s head is believed to contain their soul – So it’s regarded as rude to touch or point your feet at it. Customary Cambodian teachings include:

• If a person doesn’t wake up before sunrise they’re lazy
• You must tell your parents or elders where you’re going and what time to expect you home.
• Always close doors gently, otherwise you have a bad temper.
• Crossing your legs when you sit down (on a chair) shows that you are an impolite person.
• Always let other people talk more than you…

Cambodia Visa info:

Everyone except those from Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines need a visa to enter Cambodia. The official prices are:

• Tourist visa is $20

  When arranged in advance, are valid for 90 days (ie must be used within 3 months), and good for a 30 day stamp which can be extended once only for a further 30 days at a cost of $15.

• Business visa $25

  Probably the best option for stays over two months and/or multiple entries. They can be extended indefinitely ($140 for a 6 month extension).

Visas can be arranged at any Cambodian embassy or consulate overseas and they’re also available “on arrival” at both international airports, all  border crossings with Thailand, some border crossings with Vietnam and at the main border crossing with Laos. Citizens of most countries can apply for an e-Visa on-line. The cost for this is $25 ($20 + $5 processing fee), the visa takes by 3 working days and arrives via email.

All done… Where you going next?

• Sihanoukville - Get some sun, sea and sand on Cambodia’s beaches – the gateway to “the Islands”