cambodia - avalon waterways€¦ · cambodia was under french rule from 1863 – 1953. human...

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Copyright, All rights reserved. CAMBODIA Language: Khmer, French, English Time Zone: EST plus 11 hours Capital: Phnom Penh Population: 15.7 Million Currency: Riel (KHR) Electricity: 230V/50Hz Fun Facts Angkor Wat, in the Cambodian jungle, was discovered by French explorers in the 19th century making it the Eighth Wonder of the World. Cambodia was under French rule from 1863 – 1953. Human settlement in Cambodia dates back 7,000 years. Siem Reap As the sun sets over the temples of Angkor, visitors of Siem Reap bask in the reverence and historic awe of this unique spot in the world. These temples, constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries are arguably unmatched in their intricate design and impressive structure. Having seen relatively recent years of revitalization, the temples are well preserved and perhaps the most important temples to visit during any trip to Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat is the most famous of these temples, and it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Built in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu, it shows off impressive trademark towers and bas-reliefs – stunning wall sculptures in which the figures project slightly from the background. Another must-see is Angkor Thom, where you'll find the Bayon Temple, one of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor. Fifty-four magnificent towers make up this shrine featuring some 200 carved faces in the sandstone and bas-reliefs that depict images of mythological and historical scenes. Other temples to visit offering a different scene are Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei. Ta Prohm, surrounded by jungle and influenced by the land, is unique in that it has been largely undisturbed over time to resemble how it looked upon first discovery after centuries of abandonment. Nature has mingled with the temple, growing massive roots around its walls, stretching out like great fingers splayed onto the ground. This unique feature is one of the greatest allures of this site. Banteay Srei is another unusual temple to visit as it is unlike any other in Cambodia. Constructed of red sandstone and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the intricate details carved into the façade of this temple baffle visitors and guarantee to leave them with visions of the stunning artwork even hours after touring the grounds. The many temples of Cambodia are a major attraction for tourists, but after a day of soaking in the mysterious and exhilarating structures, lounging by the pool, sipping a cocktail, or surrendering to a rejuvenating massage can be a welcome reprieve from the heat. At night, relish local flavors on famous Pub Street. Here a lively scene unfolds during the evening as many visitors flood the street. From restaurants and pubs to entertainment and a night market there is something for everyone. It is a small town so heading out gives you a great chance to bump into and mingle with other visitors and friendly locals. Any Southeast Asian sojourn is tremendously enhanced by a trip to Cambodia’s famous ruins – witnessing the mystique of the timeless temples of Angkor and in between, enjoying the pleasure of charming Siem Reap. Phnom Penh For a very different vision of Cambodia, a visit to Phnom Penh delivers a historical, and sometimes somber, perspective of a country that has had to rebuild itself after the Khmer Rouge regime. Tour the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a sobering reminder of what a government can do to its people and where you can

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Page 1: CAMBODIA - Avalon Waterways€¦ · Cambodia was under French rule from 1863 – 1953. Human settlement in Cambodia dates back 7,000 years. Siem Reap As the sun sets over the temples

Copyright, All rights reserved.

CAMBODIALanguage: Khmer, French, English

Time Zone: EST plus 11 hours

Capital: Phnom Penh

Population: 15.7 Million

Currency: Riel (KHR) Electricity: 230V/50Hz

Fun Facts● Angkor Wat, in the Cambodian jungle, was discovered by French explorers in the 19th century

making it the Eighth Wonder of the World.● Cambodia was under French rule from 1863 – 1953.● Human settlement in Cambodia dates back 7,000 years.

Siem ReapAs the sun sets over the temples of Angkor, visitors of Siem Reap bask in the reverence and historicawe of this unique spot in the world. These temples, constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries arearguably unmatched in their intricate design and impressive structure. Having seen relatively recent yearsof revitalization, the temples are well preserved and perhaps the most important temples to visit during anytrip to Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat is the most famous of these temples, and it has become a symbol ofCambodia. Built in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu, it shows off impressive trademark towers and bas-reliefs –stunning wall sculptures in which the figures project slightly from the background. Another must-see is AngkorThom, where you'll find the Bayon Temple, one of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor. Fifty-four magnificenttowers make up this shrine featuring some 200 carved faces in the sandstone and bas-reliefs that depictimages of mythological and historical scenes. Other temples to visit offering a different scene are Ta Prohmand Banteay Srei. Ta Prohm, surrounded by jungle and influenced by the land, is unique in that it has beenlargely undisturbed over time to resemble how it looked upon first discovery after centuries of abandonment.Nature has mingled with the temple, growing massive roots around its walls, stretching out like great fingerssplayed onto the ground. This unique feature is one of the greatest allures of this site. Banteay Srei is anotherunusual temple to visit as it is unlike any other in Cambodia. Constructed of red sandstone and dedicated tothe Hindu god Shiva, the intricate details carved into the façade of this temple baffle visitors and guaranteeto leave them with visions of the stunning artwork even hours after touring the grounds.

The many temples of Cambodia are a major attraction for tourists, but after a day of soaking in the mysteriousand exhilarating structures, lounging by the pool, sipping a cocktail, or surrendering to a rejuvenating massagecan be a welcome reprieve from the heat. At night, relish local flavors on famous Pub Street. Here alively scene unfolds during the evening as many visitors flood the street. From restaurants and pubs toentertainment and a night market there is something for everyone. It is a small town so heading out gives youa great chance to bump into and mingle with other visitors and friendly locals. Any Southeast Asian sojournis tremendously enhanced by a trip to Cambodia’s famous ruins – witnessing the mystique of the timelesstemples of Angkor and in between, enjoying the pleasure of charming Siem Reap.

Phnom PenhFor a very different vision of Cambodia, a visit to Phnom Penh delivers a historical, and sometimes somber,perspective of a country that has had to rebuild itself after the Khmer Rouge regime. Tour the Tuol SlengGenocide Museum, a sobering reminder of what a government can do to its people and where you can

Page 2: CAMBODIA - Avalon Waterways€¦ · Cambodia was under French rule from 1863 – 1953. Human settlement in Cambodia dates back 7,000 years. Siem Reap As the sun sets over the temples

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learn about the murderous Khmer Rouge regime, in power from 1975 – 1979. The prison, a former highschool, saw 17,000 prisoners through its doors, out of which only 15 or fewer survived. The schoolroomswere transformed into crude cells and prisoners packed into them were stripped of everything and forbiddento even communicate with each other. If you are lucky you may even meet one of two survivors who oftenfrequent the grounds to share their story. View the Killing Fields, where more than 200,000 people werekilled by the regime, and where it is important to stand in quiet reflection of Cambodia’s turbulent past. Seemany images from this grim time in Phnom Penh’s history – while difficult, there is the consolation that suchan atrocious act was ended and the museum stands in honor of the victims.

Somewhat more lighthearted, other things to see here are the National Museum, which maintains a finecollection of Khmer artifacts, the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda. The Palace, built in the 1860’s hasbeen the residence of the various kings of Cambodia and is still to this day. Don't miss a look at the Pagodawhen visiting – where the 5,000 stunning silver tiles for which it earns its name glisten across the floor, fillingthe sacred room with an ethereal glow. Time in Phnom Penh with friendly locals and a laid-back city lifewill leave you with fond memories of this city that has seen so much change but still preserves the spiritof Cambodia and its people.

VISAS AND PASSPORTS

A visa for your visit to Cambodia is necessary for Canadian Citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Cambodia.

Visas can be obtained through an embassy, visa service, or online (www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/) prior to departing Canada. Alternatively, they can be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Siem Reap. The embassy or visa service will be able to advise the latest requirements for obtaining a visa.

In general going through a visa service is more expensive but offers convenience and peace of mind. If you choose to go this route, we recommend contacting CIBT our preferred partner for visa and passport services, at least 90 days prior to departure. You can visit the CIBT website at www.cibtvisas.ca please enter the Globus Family of Brands account number on the CIBT website which is:

● Globus Family of Brands Account # 73121

Or call 1-866-566-8472 for additional information

Please check your itinerary carefully and make sure that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates anddestinations before you leave on your vacation. If your nationality (passport) differs from the country in whichyou reside, you must consult with the appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed. CIBTmay be able to assist you with this process.

All passengers travelling internationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification(your passport) on you and do not leave in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that requireyou to carry your passport with you at all times.

COUNTRY CODES

The country code for Cambodia is 855. When calling to Cambodia from overseas, dial your internationalaccess code (011 from the U.S./Canada) followed by the country code, area code, and phone number.Phone numbers in Cambodia are 8-9 digits in length. Dialing from the U.S./Canada: 011 855 ## ### ####.

CURRENCY

US dollars are widely accepted throughout Cambodia. When paying with US dollars it is important to notethat change may be given in the local currency.

For initial convenience we recommend you bring some US dollars with you from home. It is advisable tobring newer US notes that are in good condition as some merchants will not accept those that are tatteredand/or old.

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ATMs are the most convenient way to obtain money in Cambodia as they are readily available throughoutthe country and the vast majority of ATMs dispense US dollars.

Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also exchange US dollars into the local currency, the Cambodian Riel.

The symbol for the Cambodian Riel is

● Banknote denominations: 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000

Please note: US Dollars are accepted throughout the country as means of payment.

For the most current exchange rates, please go to our Web site at www.globusfamily.ca/currency.

Major credit cards are widely accepted (only Visa & MasterCard on the Avalon cruise) but some shops and restaurants require a minimum purchase amount when using them (so they are not appropriate for incidentals such as ice creams, snacks, etc.). You might consider bringing more than one card, as some outlets may not accept all types. Due to increasing credit card fraud worldwide, be prepared to show identification (i.e. your passport or driver's license) when making a transaction with your credit card. If you use a credit card for your purchase, most transactions will be debited in the local currency, and your bank will establish the rate of exchange on the debit.

BUDGETING AND SHOPPING

The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person.Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages asprovided by our experienced personnel.

The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is US $1.

An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately US $3.

A steak dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at approximatelyUS $25.

ShoppingPrices are as marked in department stores, though in Asia it is customary to barter. Start negotiating withan offer at one-third or half the vendor's initial price.

Please be warned that if you buy items on tour to be shipped to your home, customs import charges arehardly ever included in the price. Sales tax or GST (Goods & Services Tax) is normally already included onprice tags; GST refunds, if applicable, are processed at the departing airport from the relevant country.

TIPPING

It is customary to tip table staff at local restaurants the equivalent of 10% of your bill. A service charge mayalready be added to the bill, but it likely won't be passed along to the wait staff.

● For a taxi, pre-negotiate the price before getting in and then round up the fare as tip.● Tipping hotel staff for bar or room service is at your discretion but if you choose to we recommend

US$1 at the most.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

Voltage for outlets is 230V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, a converter may benecessary for your travels. Check the back of each charger carefully as some new electronics already havethis built in. In these cases adapters may be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet but not convert

Page 4: CAMBODIA - Avalon Waterways€¦ · Cambodia was under French rule from 1863 – 1953. Human settlement in Cambodia dates back 7,000 years. Siem Reap As the sun sets over the temples

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the voltage. You may encounter different plugs, as shown below, but some hotels have combination outletsthat accept several different types of plugs.

Type C Type E

TEMPERATURES

The climate in Cambodia is dominated by monsoons but in general it is warm or hot year round.

● Warm and dry between November and February● Hot and dry between March and May● Hot and wet between June and August● Warm and wet between September and early November

To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures in Celsius for Cambodia.

Month Siem Reap Phnom Penh

January 21/31°C 23/31°C

February 22/32°C 23/32°C

March 23/34°C 25/34°C

April 24/35°C 26/35°C

May 24/34°C 26/34°C

June 24/33°C 26/33°C

July 24/32°C 26/32°C

August 26/32°C 25/32°C

September 25/31°C 25/32°C

October 24/30°C 25/31°C

November 23/30°C 24/30°C

December 22/30°C 23/30°C

FOOD SPECIALTIES

Dishes are primarily mild and dipping sauces are served with peppers for those who want a spicier dish.

Drinking WaterTap water is generally not safe to drink throughout Asia. For sightseeing and excursions, bottled water maybe included; otherwise we recommend you bring bottled water with you from your hotel. Bottled water isalso common in restaurants.

Page 5: CAMBODIA - Avalon Waterways€¦ · Cambodia was under French rule from 1863 – 1953. Human settlement in Cambodia dates back 7,000 years. Siem Reap As the sun sets over the temples

Last Updated 11/20/15

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CUSTOMS AND CULTURE

Cambodians are generally very easy going and friendly. There are, however a few things that are best toavoid:

● Disrespect to the national religion (Theravada Buddhism) can upset locals. Unlike many faiths,Buddhists open their temples to tourists, permitting the snapping of cameras and invasion of theirsacred space. They ask only one thing: that we take our shoes off.

● Try not to point with your feet.● In the company of monks or elders, never cross your legs.● Do not touch people on the head or upper body.● When beckoning someone to come over do not flap your hand in the standard Western 'come

here' motion; instead turn the hand round so that your palm flaps down towards yourself.● Do not shake hands with monks or nuns as people in general rarely shake hands; rather smile and

nod away.● Ladies should never sit down next to a monk.● Shorts and skirts should be longish (below the knee) for both sexes and it is okay to expose arms.● Smoking is common in Asia so locals tend to be less sensitive to issues regarding smoking around

others and often ignore “non-smoking” signs.

A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE

Cambodian (Khmer):Good morning/day: Arun sour sdey, Good evening: Sayon sour sdey, Hi: Sour sdey, Please: Som, Thankyou: Or kun, You're welcome: Min el te, Yes: Bat, No: Te, Do you speak English? Neak ni yeay pjeasa angle te?, I don't understand: Khnom min yold te, How much? Thlay pon man?, 1: Mouy, 2: Pi, 3:Bei, 4: Bourn, 5:Pram, 6:Pram Mouy, 7: Pram Pi, 8: Pram Bei, 9: pram Bourn, 10: Dob, Where is...? Nouver na...?, Telephone: Tourasap, Bathroom: Bantub tuk, Tea: Tuk ter, Coffee: Kafe, Bottled water: Tukborisoth dob (carbonated=tuk soda, non-carbonated=peasajak), Cheers! Rik reay!, Have a nice day! Sommean thngay laor!