Thought You Should Know That...

Time

...Cambodia follows Indochina Time (ICT time zone), that is GMT +7 hours in the standard time zone. In other words, it is an hour behind the Philippines.

Weather

...much like the Philippines, Cambodia is hot and humid and has two seasons. Cambodia's rainy season is from May to October and dry the rest of the year. Although the sun beats fiercely on Cambodia, I have noticed that most Khmer men wear long-sleeved button-down shirts and pants.

Currency

...their currency is the riel (KHR) but US dollars are widely accepted. One US dollar is about 4,000 KHR, or one Philippine peso is about 100 KHR. It is best to bring US dollars in small denominations (1s, 5s, 10s).

Type C

Type A

Electricity

...electricity in Cambodia is 230 volts and the type A and type C plugs (see photos on the right from electricaloutlet.org) are used.

Language

...their official language is Khmer/Cambodian but most, or at least, all those that I have come across, young and old, in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, are fluent in English.

Borders

...if you want to go to Cambodia directly from the Philippines, your only option is to fly to Siem Reap from Manila. Traveling from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos by bus is the most common. There are a number of border crossings from Thailand and Vietnam and one from Laos. From Saigon (Vietnam) to Phnom Penh takes 6 to 7 hours by bus. Bus tickets (US$8-$12) can be bought from hostels and travel agencies. Traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia by ferry is another option.

 

At the Bavet (Vietnam)/Moc Bai (Cambodia) border

Our bus from Saigon to Phnom Penh

A short river crossing in Cambodia, on the way to Phnom Penh

Transportation

...you can hire a tuktuk (similar to a tricycle in the Philippines) or a motodup (motorcycle taxi) to get around the city. In Siem Reap, in addition to the two mentioned, you also have the option to rent a bicycle. Tuktuks can comfortably seat four passengers, but if you and your friends are small, it can fit up to five, just make sure your driver is okay with squeezing five passengers and that you agree on the fare first before setting off.

 

Tuktuk

 

Explore Siem Reap by renting a bicycle

Phnom Penh in 24 Hours:

Thought You Should Know That... (you're here!)

A Bed to Sleep On
The Royal Palace 
Hello Kid!
History Lessons in Phnom Penh
Chews Cambodia
I Came, I Saw, I...Spent