Angkor Discovery by Bicycle

Cambodia is located in the tropical climate zone, in which neither the temperatures nor the hours of sunshine show great variations over the course of the year. Due to the tropical monsoons in Cambodia, a distinction is made between a dry season and a rainy season, and each of these seasons has its own charm.

The dry season runs from October to April and is the time to visit the coastal towns of Cambodia or the tropical islands. Temperatures are warm and comfortable during this time of year, and there are long periods of sunshine. Although it is relatively dry during this time, individual showers can occur.

The rainy season runs from May to September and is ideally suited to experiencing Cambodia’s nature in a, particularly green and lush way. The warm temperatures remain unchanged, while the rain ensures high humidity. There is a lot of rainfall, especially in the last months of the rainy season. For the entire time, however, the rain falls in short downpours.

While Cambodia can be visited year-round, it is important to note that small country roads that may pass through the more remote areas, e.g., the province of Mondulkiri, are impassable during the last two months of the rainy season.

Any time of year is a good time to visit Cambodia, with each season offering its own range of benefits. Throughout the year, the climate in Cambodia is hot and humid. The temperature remains in the 30°C range for the majority of the year, dropping to 20°C at night.

The local dishes are among the healthiest in the world. It smells and tastes good and is reminiscent of Thai cuisine, but without the strong seasoning. Because of the shared history, there is also a great closeness to Vietnamese cuisine.

The best-known local dish is “Amok“, a fish curry with coconut cream, whereby the fish can also be replaced by chicken.

Only drink bottled mineral water that is cheap to buy anywhere. Do not drink tap water!

The currency of Cambodia is called “Riel”, and there is, however, no need to change the currency into riel as US dollars are accepted everywhere. Please kindly note that ripped, torn, or old bills will not be accepted.

ATM machines are available in the main cities across the country, mostly in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and on Saturday morning until 12:00 PM.

Most hotels and restaurants in the major cities will charge US dollars, but for other currencies, it is advisable to visit a bank. Traveler’s checks can be exchanged at banks and some hotels, but they are not usable outside of major cities.

We would highly recommend using a Visa or Master Card, as they are now accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. If you wish to travel in a local taxi or Tuk-Tuk, make sure to have the right amount of cash and change with you, as the drivers are unlikely to keep a lot of cash with them.

Allow $20 per day for basic living expenses (drinks, meals, etc). A bottle of local beer will set you back roughly $1, a two-course lunch will set you back $7, and a two-course dinner would set you back $10.

It is interesting to get to know foreign customs and traditions, but respect is required. Below, we’ll give you a few tips on how you can move around the country without causing offense.

• Don’t show any anger! Venturing out anger by speaking loudly or in a rude manner is perceived as extremely impolite. According to the Cambodian view, anyone who is yelled at loses face.
• Public expressions of love (kissing, holding hands, etc.) are perceived as offensive. You rarely see couples holding hands here, whereas you see it often with friends.
• When entering a house, you usually have to take off your shoes. When in doubt, follow the example of others.
• Locals bow slightly to greet them, bend their arms and hold the palms of their hands together, with the younger ones’ first greeting. With foreigners (especially in business life), a handshake is accepted.
• Do not touch children by the head, as this is said to bring bad luck. This is not a problem for the arms and shoulders.
• Use both hands or just your right hand, never just your left hand, to hand over or receive things.
• Inappropriate clothing (shorts, short skirts, tank tops, skimpy tops, etc.) should be avoided in sacred places and in the countryside.
• When entering a monastery, the headgear may have to be removed and the shoes are taken off.
• Do not point your finger at people or Buddha images.
• If you sit in front of a Buddha altar (Dai), you must not point to it with your feet.
• A female person is allowed to give something to a monk but never to touch him.

Please note: the central tower of the Angkor Wat complex is closed to tourists on Buddhist holidays.

The international code is +855. Since making calls with a cell phone can be expensive (incoming and outgoing calls), the costs should be clarified in advance. It may be worth buying a SIM card (prepaid) in the country. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, and there are internet cafes in larger cities.

We recommend carrying a modest supply of basic health care medications such as travel sickness tablets, anti-diarrhea tablets, antacids for indigestion, insect repellant, sun creams, and chosen antibiotics. Although the majority of these things are available in Cambodia, the security afforded by well-known names is comforting.