GENERAL ADVICE AND INFORMATION on Cambodia
Guide Sorn with tour guests
For 4 to 7 day visit you will be able to see most of the main Temples of Angkor and some of the more remote sights. Most visitors are surprised at the size and complexity of these huge monuments. The whole of the ancient city of Angkor covered well over 100 sq kms, with more than 100 sites. Those who stay only three days, often wish they had allowed more time!
Temple Passes
You can get a 3 or 7 day Temple Pass to all the major sites and a few of the outlying ones. A 7 day pass leaves plenty of scope for relaxation in the afternoons when the light can too harsh for the best photography.
The temple pass prices are $20 1 day, $40 3 day and $60 7 days. The pass allows unlimited access to all temples on the Angkor Park during opening hours (sunrise to 5 or 6pm) plus several outside e.g. Banteay Srey and Kbal Spean.
Transport and Guides
Most people us taxi or tuk tuks hired by the day. The drivers will wait while you visit the temples. Our guides are experts in the Architecture, Khmer history and culture and will enhance your visit and bring the stones of Angkor to life!
Please note: tour guides are not stationed at the temples; they have to be booked in advance.
Accommodation
Siem Reap has a broad range of Accommodation from Budget to 5 star luxury. Mid range hotels in the $30 to $60 range represent best value; some even have swimming pools. We can assist with getting accommodation within any budget.
WEATHER
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season starts from November to April. Hardly any rain falls and skies are usually clear. Humidity is much lower, evenings are pleasant and in December and January early mornings sometimes feel a little chilly. It is still very hot during the day with temperatures averaging 28-30o Celsius or mid 80s Fahrenheit. By February and
certainly March; temperatures can rise to the mid 30s Celsius 95oF.
The Rainy Season: May to November can bring many rewards. Although the weather is humid; the temples and countryside look quite stunning. The rains usually occur in the afternoons and evenings and take the form of intense thunderstorms The temperatures are a little lower 28 —32 o C but the humidity can make it. feel much hotter.
MONEY
The riel must be the only currency named after a fish! The almost worthless riel is caught by the million and used for Prahok (fish paste) and cattle feed. Take ample amounts of US Dollars. They are the most widely used currency in Cambodia. It really isn’t worth changing local currency when you arrive, as riels are just used for small change. There are no coins; just low value notes; 100r = $0.025. Virtually all businesses convert riels at the following rate $1=4000r, For example when changing dollars and are expecting $1.25 in change you would get $1+1000r(25c)
Some areas near Thailand use Thai Baht, though you would get a worse exchange rate US$ Travelers cheques are the best ones to have. Commission rates for T/Cs are 2- 4%. In practice the 4000r to the dollar rate is still being used for convenience
ATMs are Becoming widespread They all dispense cash in US $ the ANZ royal Bank brought the first ATMs to Phnom Penh in November 2005; many branches of Canadia and Acleda banks now have them. There ATMs in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airports. Also some convenience stores U Care pharmacies and a few Caltex filing stations have ATMs.
The ATM network is expanding rapidly; but unreliable electric supplies and lack of internet in rural areas mean that its going to take many years for full coverage; so don't expect ATMs outside of tourist areas.
It is also is possible to get cash on Visa card. Use the right bank and you can get 0% commission. There are limits to the amount of cash that can be withdrawn.
Credit cards are becoming more accepted here; usually in large shops International Hotels. Although they are not supposed to, many charge up to 5% per transaction.
ELECTRIC SUPPLY
The Voltage: is 220v AC with two pin Euro or Asian style sockets. There are no common standards; but universal adaptors will con with most plugs .
The reliability of supply in the main cities can be erratic; but power cuts are not usually common, In rural areas. mains electricity is non-existent,; some small towns and villages have generator power; but only between dusk and 9 or 10pm .
Next Page -Things to Do
Temple Passes
You can get a 3 or 7 day Temple Pass to all the major sites and a few of the outlying ones. A 7 day pass leaves plenty of scope for relaxation in the afternoons when the light can too harsh for the best photography.
The temple pass prices are $20 1 day, $40 3 day and $60 7 days. The pass allows unlimited access to all temples on the Angkor Park during opening hours (sunrise to 5 or 6pm) plus several outside e.g. Banteay Srey and Kbal Spean.
Transport and Guides
Most people us taxi or tuk tuks hired by the day. The drivers will wait while you visit the temples. Our guides are experts in the Architecture, Khmer history and culture and will enhance your visit and bring the stones of Angkor to life!
Please note: tour guides are not stationed at the temples; they have to be booked in advance.
Accommodation
Siem Reap has a broad range of Accommodation from Budget to 5 star luxury. Mid range hotels in the $30 to $60 range represent best value; some even have swimming pools. We can assist with getting accommodation within any budget.
WEATHER
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season starts from November to April. Hardly any rain falls and skies are usually clear. Humidity is much lower, evenings are pleasant and in December and January early mornings sometimes feel a little chilly. It is still very hot during the day with temperatures averaging 28-30o Celsius or mid 80s Fahrenheit. By February and
certainly March; temperatures can rise to the mid 30s Celsius 95oF.
The Rainy Season: May to November can bring many rewards. Although the weather is humid; the temples and countryside look quite stunning. The rains usually occur in the afternoons and evenings and take the form of intense thunderstorms The temperatures are a little lower 28 —32 o C but the humidity can make it. feel much hotter.
MONEY
The riel must be the only currency named after a fish! The almost worthless riel is caught by the million and used for Prahok (fish paste) and cattle feed. Take ample amounts of US Dollars. They are the most widely used currency in Cambodia. It really isn’t worth changing local currency when you arrive, as riels are just used for small change. There are no coins; just low value notes; 100r = $0.025. Virtually all businesses convert riels at the following rate $1=4000r, For example when changing dollars and are expecting $1.25 in change you would get $1+1000r(25c)
Some areas near Thailand use Thai Baht, though you would get a worse exchange rate US$ Travelers cheques are the best ones to have. Commission rates for T/Cs are 2- 4%. In practice the 4000r to the dollar rate is still being used for convenience
ATMs are Becoming widespread They all dispense cash in US $ the ANZ royal Bank brought the first ATMs to Phnom Penh in November 2005; many branches of Canadia and Acleda banks now have them. There ATMs in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airports. Also some convenience stores U Care pharmacies and a few Caltex filing stations have ATMs.
The ATM network is expanding rapidly; but unreliable electric supplies and lack of internet in rural areas mean that its going to take many years for full coverage; so don't expect ATMs outside of tourist areas.
It is also is possible to get cash on Visa card. Use the right bank and you can get 0% commission. There are limits to the amount of cash that can be withdrawn.
Credit cards are becoming more accepted here; usually in large shops International Hotels. Although they are not supposed to, many charge up to 5% per transaction.
ELECTRIC SUPPLY
The Voltage: is 220v AC with two pin Euro or Asian style sockets. There are no common standards; but universal adaptors will con with most plugs .
The reliability of supply in the main cities can be erratic; but power cuts are not usually common, In rural areas. mains electricity is non-existent,; some small towns and villages have generator power; but only between dusk and 9 or 10pm .
Next Page -Things to Do
