Trip Tips and What to Pack For Your
Cambodia Singles Vacation

Country Information

Cambodia, located in the southwestern part of the Indochina peninsula has a land area of 181,035 square kilometers. Cambodia shares borders with Thailand, Lao and Vietnam and is bounded on the Southeast by the Gulf of Thailand.

The population of Cambodia today is about 10 million and about 90-95 percent of the people are Khmer ethnic, which is the official language. Thearavada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia which is practiced by 95 percent of the population.

Cambodia Visa

All travelers need a visa to visit Cambodia except for the nationals of Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The Cambodia visa should be applied for within 90 days of departure. The processing time is approximately 3 business days. E-Visa, enables you to apply for a Cambodia tourist visa online. Just complete the online application form and pay with your credit card. After receiving your Visa through email, print it out and bring it along with you on your Cambodia vacation.

The fee is $20 plus a $5 processing fee. The link to the website is http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/ 
To apply for the visa you will need a recent online passport-size photo in digital format (JPEG or PNG), your passport must be valid for more than six months at time of travel and either a valid Visa or MasterCard.

You can also get your visa on arrival at the international airports. Your passport must be valid for at least four months from the expiration date and you will need one recent photograph (4 x 6). The tourist visa is $20.

Weather

The climate can generally be described as tropical. As the country is affected by monsoon, it is hot and humid with an average temperature around 27.C (80.F). There are two distinct seasons: the Rainy Season and the Dry Season. However, the Dry Season is divided into two sub-seasons, cool and hot.

Local Currency

US dollars are more commonly used than the Cambodian Riel and even the Thai Baht is acceptable in many places. Most hotels and many restaurants and shops set their prices in dollars. Some small transactions are done in Riel.

All ATMs in Cambodia dispense US dollars. Credit cards are accepted in all major hotels and stores but most vendors at the markets only take cash.

It’s a good idea to check that any big dollar bills you take or accept as change does not have any small tears or look too tatty, as no-one will accept them in Cambodia.

Local Time

Cambodia Standard Time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 12 hours ahead of EST / 15 hours ahead of PST

Electric Plugs

Voltage: 230 V; Plugs A & C* (Some outlets are a combination of type A and C and can accept either type plug. Plug G may be found in some hotels.) You will need a voltage converter, and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances.

What to Pack for Your Vacation

Since Cambodia is a hot and humid tropical climate, casual lightweight clothing is best. Clothing made from natural fibers is the best option.

One suitcase and an overnight bag are allowed – please check with individual airlines for weight limits.

Insect repellent is the only way to be sure of protection against mosquito borne diseases.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Shopping in Cambodia

Be prepared to bargain, which is best done with small U.S. bills. There are a great many shopping markets in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh where you can buy cheap souvenirs to expensive gems and jewellery, and everything in between.

Encouraged by the government and aid organizations, local people are rediscovering their natural talent as weavers and craftsmen. You can purchase purses and handbags, clothing, furnishings, paintings and many other items.including sculptures, small statues, Buddha figures, heads and apsaras.

Local Foods

Cambodia food is closely related to the cuisines of neighboring Thailand and Laos and, to a lesser extent, Vietnam, but there are some distinct local dishes. The overall consensus is that Khmer cooking is like Thai without spicy. Curries, stir fried vegetable, rice, noodles and soups are staples of the Khmer diet.

Rice is the principal staple and most Cambodian dishes are cooked in a wok, known locally as a chhnang khteak. The local beers are Angkor, Phnom Penh, Kingdom and Cambodia.

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!