An Introduction to CAMBODIA
More and more people are beginning to realise that Cambodia has much more to offer than the famous Temples of Angkor. Cambodia is blessed with golden undeveloped beaches, unspoilt forests and beautiful old colonial cities like Phnom Penh, Battambang, Kampot and Kep, all of which have a very relaxing atmosphere. It is also the gentle, polite and charming personality of the Khmer people which makes Cambodia such a memorable destination.
Time - Cambodia is 6 hours behind Eastern Standard Time in New Zealand.
Language - Khmer is the official language but English is widely spoken in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, followed by French which is becoming increasingly popular.
Entry Requirements - Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the length of stay. Visas are required for New Zealanders.
CITIES OF CAMBODIA
PHNOM PENH
Phnom Penh is located at the confluence of three great rivers - the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac. It is the commercial and political hub of Cambodia as well as home to nearly a million of the country’s 11.5 million people. Its buildings are a mix of traditional Khmer and fine French colonial influenced architecture.
SIEM REAP / TEMPLES OF ANGKOR
The provincial capital of Siem Reap is an energetic tourist destination due to its proximity to both the ancient Khmer national capital city of Angkor and Tonle Sap Lake. Angkor Wat is the spiritual and cultural heart of Cambodia. The huge complex of palaces and temples were built on the sprawling alluvial plain to the north of Tonle Sap.
THE NORTH WEST (BATTAMBANG, PHNOM SROK)
The second largest city in Cambodia, Battambang is located in a rich and fertile plain. The Sangker River flows through the colonial town centre. The region has numerous Angkorian and post-Angkorian sites.
THE SOUTH COAST (SIHANOUKVILLE, KEP, KAMPOT, BOKOR)
Kampot is a pleasant town 5km inland on the banks of the river Tuk Chhou and is used as a base for excursions to Bokor National Park in the Elephant Mountains. The nearby seaside resort of Kep (Kep-sur-Mer) is located 25 km from Kampot and was once the favourite holiday spot for Cambodia’s French-influenced elite, during the turn of the 19th century. Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s only deep-sea port and has some of the most unspoiled and finest beaches in all of Southeast Asia.
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