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Tourist Information

Few words and phrases of Khmer to understand
We love foreigner who speak our language and would love to recommend few words and phrases of Khmer language to interact with local. Khmer may sound confusing. But with a little patience and practice, you can get by.

Hello

How are you?

Goodbye

See you again!

What is your name?

My name is

Good morning

Afternoon

Good night

Yes

No

Please

Thank you

Excuse me

Joohm ree-up soo-a

Sok-sa bai jee-a te?

Joohm ree-up lea 

Joo-up k’neer Mdong Teat!

Laok ch’moo-ah a-vwai?

K’nyom ch’moo-ah

Arun sour sdei

Tiveah sour sdei

Reah-trey sour sdei

Baat

Dteh/ te

Suom mehta

Or-koon

Sohm dtoh

Cambodia in Brief

Cambodia officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia with a population of over 14.8 million. The state religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by approximately 95% of the total population; the rest are Khmer Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer Muslim, Thai, Indian and 30 hill tribes.
Population density is 80.09/km2

Culture

Various factors contribute to the Cambodian culture including Theravada Buddhism, Hinduism, French colonialism, Angkorian culture, and modern globalization. Cambodian culture not only includes the culture of the lowland ethnic majority, but also some 20 culturally distinct hill tribes colloquially known as the Khmer Loeu. Rural Cambodians wear a Krama scarf which is a unique aspect of Cambodian clothing. The Sampeah is a traditional Cambodian greeting or a way of showing respect to others. Khmer culture, as developed and spread by the Khmer empire, has distinctive styles of dance, architecture and sculpture, which have been exchanged with neighboring Laos and Thailand throughout history.

We recommend tourists to wear long clothes once entering Angkor and other temples rather than the short. Loose, light clothing is also recommended!

Climate
As the most of the Southeast Asia Countries, Cambodia’s climate is hot and warm almost all year round. The climate is dominated by the annual monsoon cycle of rainy and dry seasons. The dry season extends from November till April and temperatures range from 26°C to 38°C. The rainy season lasts from May to October with temperature range from 20°C to 32°C. December to January is the cool months while the hottest period is in April.

Language
Khmer is the official language of Cambodia, although French is still spoken by the older generation. English is gaining in popularity, particularly in tourist areas such Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanouk Vill.

Currency
Riel is the national currency with 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 notes. In Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanouk Ville, however, US dollar is accepted and tourists are recommended to carry small notes in this currency. We accept accepts Visa Card and MasterCard to settle your incidental bill

VISA Applications
Tourist VISA: Tourist visas are required and can be obtained in advance or upon arrival at the airport in Siem Reap. In the latter case, guests must provide a passport photo and US$25. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date and must have one entirely blank page available for the visa. Guests are advised to check with their nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate.

Business VISA: Guests are advised to check with their nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate.

Health
The doctor is 24 hours on call. If it is not convenient, we will then send you to clinic. Reasonable precautions should be taken against mosquito-borne diseases, including the use of mosquito repellents in the early morning and late in the day to minimize the risk. Travelers may also wish to consult their doctors.

Travel tips
Electricity voltage is 220 with 50 cycles. Cambodia time is plus seven hours GMT. It is the same as neighboring time zone of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. In the dry season, which is a little cooler, a light sweater may be needed during the evening. It is recommended to bring along a comfortable pair of walking shoes, wide brimmed hat and sunscreen. Bargaining is customary in some of local markets.

Jayavaraman VII Hospital and Angkor Hospital for Children are the completely free treatment for poor Cambodian children and they really need fund to support their daily operation. For charity, please contact our hosting desk for facilitation and the donation must be made directly at any of the hospital you wish.

Responsible Tourism

Responsible Tourism, highly appreciated!

There is a rapid increasing of tourist in Cambodia to explore Angkor Complex, the old city of Khmer Empire, each year; tourism can be the negative impact to local culture and environment. To preserve and conserve this negative impact, we would like you to share some tips to help and protect the local culture and environment as the following:

+ Be with us

     - Experience local life by visiting local village at least once during your stay.

     - Try to learn a few words or phrases of the local language – Khmer language

     - Please remember that Cambodia peace has just been returned more than a decade and it is still a poor and developing country in Asia. Cambodians do not have the same level of education as the developed countries do, many are illiterate but they want to do their best and search for better improvement. Honest deal with challenges and positive manner so that they can learn from you.

+ Volunteering

     -  If you are thinking about sharing your skill especially the education, training and tourism related filed the local NGO will cordially welcome you. From 2 months’ time and longer of volunteering is the best term. 

+ Preserve Culture and Heritage

     -Cambodians are strictly embracing their tradition and religion. This has been started sine Pro-Angkor Period. The following things should be avoided when facing with Cambodians included:

           + Man should not touch woman

           + Monk should not be always touched especially by woman

           + Head should not be touched especially the people who are older than you

           + Take off your hate once you enter the pagoda premises 

+ Preserve Environment

     - Water conservation – it is now highly demanded in the Siem Reap City and lacking clean water in the country side. 

     - If possible, do not ask hotel staff which you stay with to change your towels and bed sheets every day. Turn off the light, air-conditioner when leaving your room. 

+ Leverage Local Economy

     - Take local guide and driver for your touring

    - Eat and accommodate at local owned restaurant and hotel 

    - Shop at local market and try your hand at bargaining where appropriate – buy local goods and products to keep money in the economy and helps local people keep their jobs.

    - For advance planning your visit to Siem Reap, remember that most things are available here. Wait, and buy what you need when you get here; then you can support the local economy.

+ Refrain to give back

   - Help to refrain from giving to begging children on the roadside, find a project to donate instead. This will have a more positive and long-lasting impact. Please contact our receptionist at Front Desk for assistance.