Cambodia is a country of misty mountains, ancient pagodas, tropical sanctuaries and long-abandoned cave temples. It has also seen one of the bloodiest genocides of the twentieth century. After emerging from 30 years of turmoil in the late 1980s Cambodia has made great progress, but the legacy of the Khmer Rouge still lingers and it remains one of Asia’s poorest countries.
The most famous of Cambodia’s many treasures is the temple at Angor Wat, the largest religious building in the world and a strong candidate for the eighth wonder. The haunting ruins of 10th century Koh Ker are almost as impressive and the relics around Kampot will awake in you the spirit of Indiana Jones. In the south, the Cardomom Mountains are a marvel of a different kind, home to nearly 60 endangered species, including tigers, Asian elephants and pangolins.
The capital Phnom Penh has been dubbed ‘the Pearl of Asia’ and is rich in heritage and excitement. The streets are overrun with a delightful chaos that seems born of another century. The people are eager to make visitors feel at home and the younger generation in particular are keen to practice their English.
When it comes to business, though, remember that this is still a country learning to walk. Meetings may take hours with little decided and business affairs can drag on from weeks to months. Yet if you’re patient, helpful and above all polite, there is a great deal to love in this complicated country.
Getting there
International airports exist at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, though most routes are regional. From further afield, the cheapest connection is usually via Thailand. Overland border crossings are possible from Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, though most routes are aimed at promoting trade and few cater to tourists.
Getting around
The bus network is extensive and once-treacherous roads are improving. Boat travel along Cambodia’s 1900km of navigable waterways is also popular. No passenger train services operate. Car rental is cheap though Cambodian roads are notorious for poor maintenance and crazy drivers.
Local information
Language: Khmer
Time: UTC+7
Climate: Tropical monsoon. Hot all year round, monsoon from May-November. Temperature: Max 35°C (April), Min 22°C (January). Rainfall: Max 252mm (October), Min 5mm (January).
Currency: Riel (KHR)
Business etiquette: Shirt and tie on formal occasions, otherwise smart-casual. Timekeeping can be vague. Business cards are important.
Tipping: Tip according to personal preference.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or tobacco equivalent; perfume for personal use; one opened bottle of liquor.
Safety: Avoid protests and try and steer clear of the Cambodia/Thailand border.
Laws: Drug offences incur heavy jail sentences. A permit is required to purchase cultural artefacts; infringements attract jail sentences between 6 months and 5 years.
Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, malaria, tetanus and typhoid. Drink bottled water. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment for services; health insurance is essential. Take essential personal medication when travelling as some supplies are not available in Cambodia.
Socket type: Type A, Type C or Type G
