WELCOME TO CAMBODIA

KINGDOM OF WONDER

First of all, I would like to brief you some information about Cambodia.

The race that produced the Builders of Angkor developed slowly through the fusion of the Mon-Khmer racial groups of Southern Indochina during the first six centuries of the Christian era. Under Indian influence, two principal centers of civilization developed. The older in the extreme south of the peninsula was called “Funan” (the name is a Chinese transliteration of the ancient Khmer form of the word “Phnom”, which means “hill”), a powerful maritime empire which ruled over all the shores of the Gulf of Siam. In the mid-sixth century, the Kambuja who lived in the middle Mekong (north of present day Cambodia), broke away from Funan. Within a short period, this new power known as Chenla, absorbed the Funanese Kingdom. In the late seventh century, Chenla broke into two parts: Land Chenla (to the north) and Water Chenla (to the south along the Gulf of Thailand) dominated by the Chinese. Land Chenla was fairly stable during the 8th century, whereas Water Chenla was beset by dynastic rivalries. During this period, Java invaded and took control part of the country.

At the beginning of the ninth century, the kings set up their respective capital in the present province of Siem Reap. For nearly six centuries, the kings enriched it by building temples one after another and each being more sumptuous than the other. Two hundred of these temples are spread all over in the Angkorian area some 400 square kilometers in the Siem Reap Province. The temples and their sanctuaries are best known for their architecture and sculptures.

The first founder of Angkor was King Jayayarman II (802-850), who built one of his residences on the plateau of the Kulen in 802. King Indravarman I (887-889), a nephew of King Jayavarman II, constructed a vast irrigation system at Lolei and then built the tower of Preah Ko in 879 and Bakong in 881. King Yasovarman (889-900), the son of King Indravarman I, dedicated the towers of Lolei to his memory in 893 and founded a new capital to the northwest which was to remain the very heart of Angkor. He built the Eastern Baray, a 7km X 2km size artificial lake also.

King Harshavarman I (900-923), the son of King Yasovarman, who took to the foot of Phnom Bakheng, consecrated the little temple of Baksei Chamkrong, and built Prasat Kravan in 921. King Jayavarman IV (928-941), uncle of King Harshavarman I, reigned in northeastern Cambodia near the present town of Koh Ker. He erected several majestic monuments. King Rajendravarman (944-968) returned to Angkor in 952 and built the Eastern Mebon and Prè Roup in 961. In 967, the Brahman Yajnavaraha, a high religious dignitary of royal blood, erected the temple of Banteay Srei, about 20 km northeast of the capital. King Jayavarman V (968-1001) founded a new capital around Takeo Temple.

In the eleventh century, King Suryavarman I (1002-1050) seized Angkor and founded a glorious dynasty. It was at this time that the Gopura of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom was completed with the sober pyramid of the Phimeanakas at its center. He also erected the temple of Phnom Chiso, some parts of Preah Vihear, and Preah Khan in Kampong Svay District.

King Udayadityavarman II (1050-1066), son of king Suryavarman I, built the mountain temple of Baphuon and Western Baray. King Udayadityavarman’s brother, King Harshavarman III, succeeded him and ruled from 1066 to 1080 when violent strife led to the fall of the dynasty. King Jayavarman VI (1080-1113) continued to build Preah Vihear Mount in Vat Po and Phimai.

King Suryavarman II (1113-1150) extended his power from the coast of the China Sea to the Indian Ocean and built the temples of Angkor Wat, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda, Preah Palilay, Preah Pithu and Banteay Samrè. After these dazzling achievements, the Khmer civilization began to decline due to internal strife and an attack by the Chams.

King Jayavarman VII (1181-1220) was the most fascinating personality in Khmer history. He re-established his rule over all of southern Indochina and is best known for his huge building program. He built Ta Prohm (1186) and Preah Khan (1191) to dedicate to his parents. Then he erected Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Terrace of the Elephants, Neak Pean, Ta Saom, Ta Nei, and a few monuments in other parts of the country. It was he who founded his great capital, Angkor Thom and in the center of which, he built the Bayon temple with its two hundred stone faces.

It is understandable that the country was exhausted after these enormous efforts. The decline of the Angkor era began after the death of King Jayavarman VII in the early thirteenth century. Due to Siamese invasion and the limitations of the irrigation system, Khmer power declined so drastically that the king was finally obliged to move to the vicinity of Phnom Penh in 1431. Then, resulting from a series of Siamese and Cham invasions, the country was placed as a French protectorate in 1863.

After regaining Independence in 1953, the country resumed several names:

1. The Kingdom of Cambodia (under the Reachia Niyum Regime from 1953 to 1970)
2. The Khmer Republic (under the Lon Nol Regime from 1970 to 1975)
3. Democratic Kampuchea (under the Pol Pot Genocidal Regime from 1975 to 1979)
4. The People’s Republic of Kampuchea (1979-1989)
5. The State of Cambodia (1989-1993)
6. The Kingdom of Cambodia (1993 until now)

VISA CONDITION AND FEES
For most foreign visitors, entry visa for Cambodia are obtainable at Cambodian Embassy or consulate abroad or upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International airports at the cost of US$20. For overland crossing visitors visa is obtainable at these borders check-points:

- Poipet (From Aranyaprathet, Thailand)
- Cham Yeam (From Trat, Thailand)
- Pailin (From Thailand)
- Doung, Battambang (From Thailand)
- O'Smach (From Thailand)
- Choam, Anlong Veng (From Thailand)
- Bavet (From Moc Bai, Vietnam)
- Kaom Samnor (From Chou Doc, Vietnam)
- Kaom Samnor (From Chou Doc, Vietnam)
- Dong Kralor (Laos)

Two passport-size photos and at least 6 months validity passport are required to obtain visa. Tourist visa can be extended for another month at the cost of US$15. One month business visa are also available and cost US$25 but can be extended indefinitely. Please note that other check point with Vietnam such as: Phnom Den (Tinh Bien) and with Laos: Veurnkham are also international check points but visitors need to obtain visa prior to arrival at these borders. This information is true as of June 2005, and is subject to change without prior notice.

CLIMATE
The climate can generally be described as tropical, hot and humid with average temperature is around 27ºC. There are two distinct seasons: the Rainy season and Dry Season. Dry season is divided into two sub-seasons: cool and hot.

The Rainy season: June - September (27ºC - 35ºC)
The Dry season:
- The cool season: October – February (17ºC - 27ºC)
- The hot season: March – May (29ºC - 38ºC)

The best time to visit Cambodia is in cool season, however even in rainy season, it doesn't rain much normally one or two showers in the afternoon. Visit Cambodia in rainy season is more greenies and less crowded and most of the time, travelers could enjoy off peak rate offer.

CURRENCY
The local currency is Riel although US Dollar is widely accepted in Cambodia. The exchange is around US$ 1 – 4,000 Riel (as of July 2005), Traveler Cheque and major credit card: Visa, Master and American Express are accepted in major business establishment with a bank charge of 4% per transaction.

BUSINESS HOUR (GMT+7)
Most of offices open from 07.00 till 12.00 and from 14.00 till 17.00, Monday-Friday and Saturday morning. Banks run from 8.00 till 15.00.

ELECTRICITY
110 - 220 volts.

TRAVELING IN CAMBODIA
The quickest and most comfortable mode of domestic travel to major tourist destination is by flying. However traveling by coaches and boat although consume more time but offer an exciting experience, more scenery and more involvement. Van and car rental is recommended for touring in the city and outskirts. cyclos (tricycle) and motor taxis and taxi are available within the city.

AIRPORT TAX
Departure tax for international flight is $25 payable in USD. For domestic flight is $6 from Phnom Penh and other provincial ariprt.

HOW TO GET TO CAMBODIA
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap cities are still considered to be the major gateways to access to and from Cambodia.

Direct flight to Phnom Penh are available from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Singapore, Kula Lumpur, Taipei, Vientiane, Hong Kong, Shianghai, Guangzhou, Pakse, and Seoul.

Direct flight to Siem Reap are available from: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Singapore, Pakse, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul.