Cambodia

Cambodia - Contemporary Cambodia may be the successor-state with the mighty Khmer Empire, which ruled a lot of what is now Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. In between the achievements of Khmer civilisation are the magisterial temples of Angkor, which are now open to foreign visitors. Cambodia has emerged, bloodied and bowed by a couple of decades of internecine war, but the UN-brokered elections have achieved partial stability. The nation includes a rich and proud culture, a charming French-era capital (albeit a tiny weathered) and impressive natural scenery.

Khmer architecture reached its zenith during the Angkorian era (seen in Angkor Wat and the structures of Angkor Thom). Many fine examples of Khmer sculpture is also discovered from the National Museum in Phnom Penh. Cambodia's classical dance is extremely stylised and typically accompanied by an orchestra or choral narration.

Theravada Buddhism stands out as the dominant religion. Khmer is Cambodia's official language and can usually prove hard for foreigners. For on a century, the second language of alternative was French, that is certainly still spoken by many individuals who grew up just before the 1970s. English has recently surged in popularity.

A Cambodian meal nearly often has a soup, that is eaten in the other courses. Fish is the nation's mainstay, and grilled freshwater fish, wrapped in lettuce or spinach and dipped into a nutty fish sauce, is really a specific speciality. `Salad' dishes are flavoured with coriander, mint and lemon grass - three flavours which find their way into quite a few Cambodian dishes. The French influence is witnessed in the bread, baked turtles and frogs legs that are sold during the markets. Sweet dishes include sticky rice cakes and jackfruit pudding. The most well-liked local drink is soda water having a squeeze of lemon.

Events - Prominent cultural events include the Bon Om Tuk or the Water Festival. It begins in late October or early November as soon as the Tonle Sap River reverses its flow and begins to empty to the Mekong River. Pirogue (long canoe) races are held in Phnom Penh at this time. Chaul Chnam is held in mid-April, and is really a three-day celebration of the Khmer New Year. Ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese celebrate Lunar New Year in late January or early February.

Warning - Banditry is widespread and foreigners had been kidnapped and murdered by the Khmer Rouge. It is advisable that non-essential travel outside Phnom Penh and Angkor ought to be avoided. If you are required to travel outside the capital, register your presence in your embassy and seek guidance on a modern day security situation. Targeted visitors must not attempt to enter Cambodia by land, except from Moc Bai in Vietnam. There is even tension along the Vietnamese-Cambodian border after Cambodian accusations that the Vietnamese are extending their territory many hundred metres into Cambodian soil. The amount of smuggling that takes location across the border also means strangers are often regarded as intruders.

Getting There & Away - Carriers offer direct links with Phnom Penh from Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Most flights into and out of Cambodia are booked up well in advance. It also pays to remember that Phnom Penh's Pochentong airport is quite tiny and can only handle 1 flight at a time. You'll find buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, through the Moc Bai border crossing, which take in 5 to six hours. It is also possible to rent each a car and driver in Vietnam for trips into Cambodia. Passenger ferries link the Vietnamese port of Chau Doc inside the Mekong Delta with Phnom Penh.

Getting Close to - Cambodia has a limited road network, most of that may be deteriorating badly. The rail system, which has suffered standard sabotage by rebels, is off limits to foreigners. In contrast, you will discover some 1900 km of navigable waterways, and Phnom Penh, that is 320 km inside the mouth of the Mekong, is offered by small ocean-going vessels. Buses serve Phnom Penh's suburbs. Cyclos are a cheap form of transport and motorbikes and bicycles are out there for hire. Beware of Cambodians' reckless driving habits and see under Warning about travelling outside the capital.