DINING HOTELS MAPS SIGHTSEEING SHOPPING

Transcription

1 20 DINING HOTELS MAPS SIGHTSEEING SHOPPING 1

2 2 LAND AREA: 68,154 sq. mi (176,519 sq. km); TOTAL AREA: 69,900 sq. mi (181,040 sq. km) POPULATION: 4,952,665 (growth rate: 1.69%); birth rate: 25.17/1000; infant mortality rate: 54.08/1000; life expec- tancy: 63.04; density per sq. km: 80 CAPITAL AND LARGEST CITY (2009): Phnom Penh, 1,519,000 CURRENCY: Cambodian Riel NATIONAL NAME: Preahreacheanacha Kampuchea LAGUAGES: Khmer 95% (official), French, English ETHINICITY/RACE: Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4% NATIONAL HOLIDAY: Independence Day, November 9 RELIGIONS: Theravada Buddhist 95%, others 5% 19

3 18 3 Destination 4 Seasons 5 General Information 6 Airports & History 7 Attractions 10 Food 12 Accommodation 13 Souvenirs 15 Travel Tips 16 Map 18 Flights 19 Advertisement

4 4 17 The currency in Cambodia is the Reil. Cambodians are very picky about the money that they may or may not accept it. They will not accept a damaged bill that has a slight tear in it; only undamaged, newer bills will be accepted. The use of cheques and credit cards are not Cambodian people are recognized for their hospitality, and friendliness. There is so much to see, and do on your visit to Cambodia. The two most popular cities to stay widely accepted although some banks in Phnom Penh will accept the MasterCard and Visa for cash advances. Traveller s cheques are often accepted by major hotels and banks. There are a few ATMS in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. in are: Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. While visiting Cambodia, travellers can partake in many different types of tours. Some dining tips are if you are a guest at someone s house make sure that your host takes the first bite of food. If you are using a tooth pick, make sure that you use the other hand to cover your mouth. The way to greet someone is to bow slightly with both hands pressed together at the chest. Tipping in Cambodia: there is not a set amount to tip like there is here in Canada, while there is no set amount, no one will look down on you if you do not tip. A customary dollar or two is the norm for the services and is well received. You will need a valid passport and a travel visa to visit Cambodia. The travel visa can be obtained by contacting a Cambodian embassy or when arriving at the international airports, and you will require 2 passport sized photos. A single entry visa can be obtained through Phnom Penh is the capital, and largest city in Cambodia. This city is full of attrac- the Cambodian government ministry of foreign affairs website e-visa service. The cost for a tions; such as, museums, S-21 Prison, and the Royal Palace. It is a great destina- tourist visa is $20.00 and is valid for a 30 day visit. There is a departure fee of $25 dollars is tion for sightseeing. If you love the old mixed with the new, then this place is for charged at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports. As usual it is a good idea to you. have a proof of a return ticket and sufficient funds when visiting anywhere, and Cambodia is not an exception of this rule. Siem Reap is full of adventure. World famous Angkor Wat is located here. Angkor Wat is the seventh wonder of the world and a UNESCO wold heritage site. It attracts more than 2 million visitors per year. Siem Reap is the perfect destination for Shorts are frowned upon especially when visiting the temples. Very few people wear shorts in Cambodia outdoor activities, as well as meeting others who are like-minded travellers. Local payphones work on a card system only, so you will not be able to use a payphone. If you rewire to make a phone call, you may ask a taxi driver and offer him some money. Calls are usually $ a minute.

5 16 5 At OffTheGrid Tours we focus on giving our clients exactly what they want. Our client base are young adults who want to get out there and explore the world. They When in Cambodia you need to stick to the main cities and only use main roads/paths. Secondary roads small bridges and forested areas are still riddled with land mines. Do not visit unknown areas or outlying temples, especially Phnom Kulen and the River of a Thousand are interested in meeting new people, sightseeing, and learning new things. This is why we host tours in Cambodia, because our clients can do all of these things. Lingas as these areas are still riddled with land mines. Make sure that you observe and follow We customize our tours based on their wants, needs, and budget. We promise all warning signs. Do not handle any unknown objects. you will be completely satisfied with your trip, and you will want to travel with us again! When travelling in Cambodia the best mode of transportation is by either driving or taking a bus. Often internal (within the country) air travel can be unpredictable, and flights can be cancelled with short to no notice. (There is an exception of flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.) Motorcycle transportation is not recommended for travellers because of poor road conditions lack of regard for laws, drunk drivers and you must have a Cambodian driver s Even though Cambodia is generally tropical, the months of November to February is license, or an international drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement. Helmets are man- classified as dry season or cool. The average temperatures during these months are datory for the driver and passengers. Tourists to Siem Reap are not allowed to rent a motor- 17 to 27 degrees Celsius. Choosing the last week of November gives travellers the cycle. Passports are often used as a guarantee that you will return the motorcycle. This can mild weather with almost no rain at all. Seeing as the average temperature for No- pose as an issue as people often steal them; therefore, you should purchase or bring your own locks and chains so that it is more secure. Boat travel is not recommended as they are often overcrowded and lack the necessary safety equipment. They are also targets for armed robbery and gangs. Boat owners are not responsible for anything that happens on their boats. The best way to travel is by bus or by a vehicle with a convoy. You can hire a local company to drive you from place to place. When travelling in Cambodia beware of scams that often target tourists. They often involve some sort of card game, and you can end up being taken to an ATM. You also need to be aware of being taken advantage of at border crossings and having to pay extra money before entering Cambodia. Another thing to watch out for is being taken by strangers to rural areas and being held, intimidated and pressed for payment. Be careful and cautious when accepting help or assistance (especially documentation and transportation) from strangers. Ask permission before taking photographs especially of Buddhist monks. Women are not allowed to touch or hand anything to a Buddhist monk. vember is a high of 25 degrees Celsius, it is high season for tourists in Cambodia. For travelers who like to meet new people and be outdoors doing fun activities and Cambodia is an amazing place to do so, especially in the high season.

6 6 15 GEOGRAPHY: Cambodia is located on the southwest Indochinese Peninsula. Thailand is located to the northwest, and west of Cambodia, Laos is located to the northeast, and Vietnam is located to the east. When in Cambodia you might like to purchase a locally woven items that are often woven by women out of the reeds that they collect. These baskets are often made by people that are in a rehab like program because they were injured by the land mines. Some woven items can include but are not limited to: Baskets, plates, bowls and many other items to choose from. Another item that is hand made and often a very popular souvenir item that people like to bring back from Cambodia would be the hand made silk. They still use the traditional methods of making silk by hand. This means that the pattern is dyed into the silk before it is woven, and then it is made into the piece of material. This method means that it may take several weeks for a piece to be completed. If you can get your hands on a piece of silk that dates back to before 1970, they are becoming a prized possession. Another item that is available for purchase is custom tailoring services, and you could use some of the lovely silk that you purchase to be turned into a custom piece of clothing. AIRPORT TAX (FOREIGNERS): $25USD for Adults, $13 for Children under 12, FREE for Infants under 2 ENTRY POINTS TO ACQUIRE VISA: Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport VISA FEES: $20 (Tourist) per person for 30 days, $25 (Business) per person 30 days TIME ZONE: GMT +7 hours An interesting item that you might like to bring home from your memorable trip to Cambodia is a Betel nut box. These uniquely designed containers once represented your status in a society based on its size. They are often made of silver they have ornate designs often of animals on them. The original ones are made of high quality silver, whereas the newer manufactured ones are made out of lesser quality materials but still handmade and make for a great choice if you want a light weight keepsake to bring home. CURRENCY: The Cambodian Riel comes in 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000, and 100,000 values. The US Dollar is accepted at the majority of hotels, shops and restaurants. Tourists should carry the Riel on them for tips, and small purchases. TRANSPORTATION: Bus, Boat, Taxi, Mekong Express Limousine Bus, or Jeep Rental with Driver. Some other souvenirs that you would be able to purchase while on your trip to Cambodia would be t shirts that range anywhere from 2 to 5 bucks each. Postcards and artwork are also popular items. You will also be able to purchase sculpture reproductions and various wood carved items as well.

7 14 7 Our tour will start by flying into the capital of Cambodia, which is Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is located only 12.4 km away from the S21 Prison, so about 25 minutes; which is extremely close. Our tour will be departing out of the Siem Reap International Airport (REP), as we will be driving to this city to have some excellent adventures. 11 Happy Backpackers Guesthouse Address: #87-89, 136 Street, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Facilities: Great choice of a Hostel in Phnom Penh with cool stuff to enjoy. This is the biggest hostel has the best rooftop of Cambodia including pool table, music, TV, hammocks. There is a Movie House, private bathroom, air conditioning, music, lots of other people around, close to centre of town,and the cost is only $18.69 CAD per night!! Cambodia is a country that is historically older than Canada. With carbon dating, they Also offers: have been able to date civilization back to 4000B.C.; by finding tools in a cave in Bar, Car Parking, No curfew, Currency exchange, Games Room, lockers, lounge area, free Wi- northwest Cambodia. Cambodia as a county has had a rough time with unity and Fi, pool table, restaurant, bicycle hire, laundry service, wake up calls, café, television room and pets are allowed. There is a fantastic rooftop, lots to do here on the awesome rooftop including play pool on the free pool table, laze in a hammock, listen to music, watch TV and enjoy free Wi-Fi! being pulled into wars and dealing with communism. The Angkor Empire started in 802AD, and this era was ruled by a series of powerful kings. During this time in history, was when the most extensive concentration of the temples was built in the world; including, the Angkor temple complex. Some of the most successful kings of this time Great location. Around the corner about a 10 minute walk from the central market and about a were: Jayavarman the second, Indravarman the first, Suryavarman the second, and 5 minute walk to the riverside. Jayavarman the seventh. These kings also developed a very successful and compli- Nightly rate for the stay: $18.69 CAD per night for Single Room with Single Bed, Private Bathroom, Bed Linen, Ceiling fan and desk. cated irrigation system that included canals and manmade lakes. They developed such a sophisticated system, that they could be guaranteed 3 crops of rice per year.

8 8 13 By the 9th century, there were kings ruling over the Khmer kingdom which is a modern day Angkor. Between the 9th and 15th century they had 26 successful monarch rulers. Most of the stone carvings in the temple walls date back to this era. These temples are believed to have been used not just as religious Centre s of worship (Buddhist) but also as civic meeting places. During this time, the borders of this kingdom were fluctuating, and they had; in addition to, the present day Cambodia parts of, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Malay Peninsula. Of course, there were wars that took place, and it was not uncommon for an up and coming ruler to overtake the current ruler to be able to gain the throne. During the 13th and 14th century the Cambodian kingdom saw a decline in their power. Though, it is not completely clear as to what caused this decline in power some believe that it had to do with any number of things including the introduction Siddharta Hotel of Theravada Buddhism. This type of Buddhism teaches that all people can achieve enlightenment through intense meditation, and going above and beyond the call of duty. These new ways of thinking could have undermined the hierarchical way of thinking and living making it very hard to manage a kingdom with only one ruler. Another thing that could have led J. Commaille St. (back to the decline in the power of the kingdom could have been an invasion from the Thai kingdom. This lead to a shift in the road from Angkor Wat) remaining Cambodian kingdom to the area of Phnom Penh. In the 18th century, a civil war broke out, and this civil war continued into the 19th century. The newly developed Vietnamese dynasties were battling over the rights to the Cambodian land. The war that started in 1830 s, nearly destroyed Cambodia. In 1863, the Cambodian king at the time approached the French government to help protect his weakened Behind Le Meridien hotel Siem Reap kingdom. This stopped the invasions from Vietnam and Thailand. This caused the next 90 years of Cambodia s rule to be under the French. While under French rule, they built up the infrastructure and superstructure and Phnom Penh resembled a provincial town. Although this was all good, they neglected the education of the people. After World War 2, in 1953, King Sihanouk was able to skillfully maneuver the kingdom into independence, and they drafted a constitution and form a government. In 1955, he vacated the throne and left it to his father so that he could be free from all the duties that were involved with running a country, and so that he could focus on building the political movement known as the Sangkum Reastr Niyum (People's Socialist Community). The people that joined this movement Siddharta Hotel Lovely small boutique hotel, with twenty-eight rooms only, and is close to Siem Reap. Located in a very tranquil area, approximately the midpoint between the Angkor temples and Siem Reap s centre; offering a super location which is accessible to so many Cambodian attractions. Hotel is rated #16 out of 211 hotels in Siem Reap by Tripadvisor.* were not allowed to belong or be a part of any other political party. When elections were held in 1955, the people socialist This hotel has won 2012 and 2013 Certificate of Excellence awards as well as the 2013 Winner of the party won all the seats, and this lead to the beginning of the communist era in Cambodia. Travelers' Choice Award! So much to see and do outside but if you want to relax there are Televisions with many channels, I pod, MP3 station and free Wi-Fi. The cold war broke out in the late 1950 s they were dragged into this war because of the affiliations with Asia and their proximity with Vietnam. The different battling parties were stroking Sangkums leader Sihanouk, and while the USA ap- Deluxe room rate $85.00 includes breakfast from 6:30 AM until any time, taxes, and transfer from airport. posed the communism Russia and Vietnam supported, so both sides saw Cambodia as a valuable asset to them winning Transportation included by TUK TUK to temples, town or the lake, once per day. Easy to plan your day the war. Sihanouk pursued the thought and made a policy that they were to remain neutral. This brought in substantial since breakfast is included. economic aid from the competing countries. Stuff you will love:!965 Sihanouk broke of the diplomatic ties with the USA. He also allowed the Southern Vietnamese in South Vietnam to Surrounding tropical gardens, clean and tidy set up bases on Cambodian soil. As the war in Vietnam increased the pressures on Cambodia, but the people of Cambo- Balcony, saltwater pool, housekeeping, air conditioning dia started to oppose the government. The Cambodian communist party of Kampuchea or the CPK for short had gone underground when they failed to win any Geneva accords, but they were now taking up arms again to try to overthrow the government. Cambodia was once again in need of economic and military aid and; therefore, renewed its ties with the USA. In 1969, the USA declared a bombing campaign against Cambodia to destroy the communist parties there. Free bottled water Desk, safe Bathrobe Agreement with Nick Faldo golf course to arrange golf games.

9 12 9 In 1970 when Sihanouk was away from Cambodia the National assembly ousted him from power. General Lon Nol who was the countries Prime Minister put himself into power. He then sent the poorly equipped army to fight the North Vietnamese communist forces. In April of that year, the South Vietnamese forces invaded Cambodia because they were There are over 100 different words for rice in the Khmer language in Cambodia, and over 100 different varieties of rice in the country. Many restaurants give out free rice! Along with rice, many wonderful dishes are prepared. searching for the North Vietnamese people, and this caused the North Vietnamese people to go deeper into Cambodia to avoid the South Vietnamese people. Over the next year, the North Vietnamese would destroy the Cambodian army the Cambodian gorilla party or the communist party Khmer Rouge got rid of General Lon Nol. This party ruled with brutality until During this time, all city dwellers were ordered to move into the countryside to work on agricultural Fish Amok is Cambodia s national dish. This is fish curry custard. To make: first make a projects. This move was made because Khmer saw the urban dwellers as the enemy the leader of this regime was Saloth paste, add the fish, and then put in a banana leaf. It would be best to follow the recipe. Sar also known as Pol Pot. This party claimed to be independent of all other countries, yet they accepted military and Here are the ingredients: economic aid from China and North Korea. This communist and militant government worked to death or killed an estimated 1.7 million people in the middle to late 70 s. There is a museum in a prison that is filled with human bones and skulls that are made up of the victims of this violent era in time the party's ideology became openly racist. If you were a Vietnamese or Chinese person in Cambodia, you were no longer safe to live in Cambodia. You would be hunted down, tortured and killed. At this time, members of the party were often accused of treason and were purged out of the party. If you were suspected of cooperating with Vietnam, you were going to suffer at the hands of the party. In 1991, the UN and a number of interested parties; including, the warring factions of Cambodia, all signed an agreement in Paris; that states that they intended to end the fighting in Cambodia. This agreement allowed for power sharing between the UN and the Supreme National council that was made up of various Cambodian officials. Prince Sihanouk was the head of the SNC. In 1993, they had their first election. This is the first time in history that the people of Cambodia rejected a militant and armed regime. A royalist party that is known by the acronym FUNCINPEC took the majority of the seats in the government. Prince Norodom Ranariddh who was a member of FUNCINPEC, and who is also Prince Sihanouks son, was the first prime minister under the newly formed government they restored the monarchy and ratified a new constitution. Sihanouk became the king again. After the 1993 elections, no foreign nation recognized the communist party as the party in power. The party lost its seat at the UN Pol Pot dies and the remaining troops surrender. Rebel troops are merged into the Cambodian army two communist party leaders are arrested and charged with Genocide for their part in the mass murders that took place. Advertisement Advertisement

10 10 11 Cruising We will take a private boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, the biggest lake in South East Asia, where water level changes in August to December. S-21 Prison Khmer Rouge regime Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. This Museum was a previous high school turned into a security prison called S-21. Tuol Sleng means Hill of the Poisonous Trees. There were 150 execution centres in the country We will go to see the floating village of Kompong Phluk. We will take time to visit with some villagers who have vegetable, fish and crocodile farms! We will see rice paddies, and baskets and mats made out of rattan. Experience Cambodian culture. and about 20,000 prisoners were killed. This was a torture and death prison. There is an unbelievable history of genocide in Cambodia. Shocking to see, so real, an experience not to be missed. Beng Mealea This is a large jungle temple. This is a Hindu temple made of sandstone, but it is unusual that trees and jungle grew all around. Scholars assume this was built in the 12th century, but it is difficult to ascertain with all of the natural brush and tree limbs and branches. A must see! This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list in The Killing Fields One of the largest memorial sites in the world, visitors come from all over to experience this site. On April 17, 1975, Phnom Penh fell under the control of the Khmer Rouge, the communist guerilla group led by Pol Pot. They forced all city residents into the countryside and to labor camps. During the three years, eight months, and 20 days of Pol Pot s rule, Cambodia faced its darkest days, an estimated 2 million Cambodians or 30% of the country s population died by starvation, torture or execution. Almost every Cambodian family has lost at least one relative during this most gruesome holocaust. Angkor Wat Angkor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: 400KM 2 IN SIZE, Angkor Archaeological Park has the remains of some of the capitals of the Khmer Empire dating from the 9th to the 15th century. Included is the Temple of Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom. This is one of the most important sites of Southeast Asia! This was the centre of the Khmer Kingdom. This area showcases cultural, religious and symbolic assets of architectural, archaeological and artistic importance. The Park is a protected site. Be sure to take a look at the Unesco videos including : Admission Fees Phnom Penh S-21 Prison and The Killing Fields - $2.19CAD admission, $5.48CAD for a video Angkor Wat - $21.91 CAD per day, $43.82 for 3 days, $65.72 for one week Tonle Sap Lake Tour - $27.38-$38.34 CAD depending on the length of the tour Beng Mealea - $5.48 CAD entrance fee