The Cambodia Kingdom (ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រកម្ពុជា ឬ ប្រទេសកម្ពុជា) (sometimes transliterated as Kampuchea to more closely represent the Khmer pronunciation) is a Southeast Asian nation bordered by Vietnam to the East, Laos to the North, Thailand to the Northwest, and the Gulf of Thailand to the Southwest.
Capital: Phnom Penh
Government: Constitutional Monarchy under a Multiparty Democracy
Currency: US dollar (USD) officially used, Khmer riel (KHR) is only for small transactions.
Area: 181,035km²
Population: 14,494,293 (July 2009 est.)
Language: Khmer (official), French, English
Religion: Theravada Buddhist 96%, Christianity 2%, Muslim 2%
Electricity: 230V/50 Hz; European plugs are most common, British less so.
Country code: 855
Internet TLD: .kh
Time Zone: UTC +7
Where to go and what to see in Cambodia?
It is important to know about Cambodia when you plan Cambodia trip
We listed the most popular places to visit in Cambodia
Siem Reap and the Angkor Temples: Siem Reap must be the most visited town in Cambodia. It is a great little place to base yourself as you explore the world’s most impressive archaeological site (The Angkor Temples). Be prepared though as Siem Reap is nothing but touristy. Still a great spot to hang out, eat, get a massage and enjoy some night life! To read about our exploration of the Angkor Temples with our kids, click here. You can also find more information and review of an awesome tour to Kampong Khleang and the little villages around Siem Reap in our post here.
Phnom Penh: The capital city of the Kingdom of Wonders. This city is large in size, chaotic in design and simply buzzing with activity. Tourists attractions here mainly centre around the Palace and the sad horrendous history found at the National Museum and Tuol Sleng prison. For a break away from the crazy busy feel of the city, why not enjoy a relaxing slow-paced Phnom Penh Cruise on the Mekong river.
Battambang: Set along the banks of the Sangker River, this town is a little oasis away from the busy touristy cities. It also happens to be one of the country’s best-preserved colonial-era towns. A popular favourite tourist activity here is to experience a ride on the bamboo train.
Kampot: Set in a beautiful setting next to Praek Tuek Chhu river with a backdrop over Elephant Mountains in the distance, this little laid back town located on the South Coast will allow you to slow down! Loads of river activities will fill your days here, together with expeditions to Bokor.
Kep: A tiny, sleepy coastal province known for its crab dishes as well as its access to gorgeous tropical islands. The town itself has lots of crumbling villas from its former glory as a French colonial resort town. We loved heading down to the Crab Markets in the morning and highly recommend a hop over to Rabbit Island for a day excursion as well. To read more about Rabbit Island, click here.
Kratie: Kratie is the place to go in order to try and spot one of the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. A hot popular stopping point on the road from Phnom Penh to Laos, why not enjoy a homestay here.
Ratanakiri: For lovers of trekking through jungles, here you might encounter some elephants or gibbons. One of Cambodia’s most remote and pretty provinces, a place to loose yourself in the a world of jungle, waterfalls and ethnic minority people.
Sihanoukville or Otres Beach: Sihanoukville and Otres beach are reknown for their beaches. Sihanoukville is the perfect place to stay when you are after a party atmosphere. Groups of people congregate here to loose themselves in loud music, in loads of drinks and some ‘happy’ pizzas. If you are after a quieter, more laid back beach atmosphere, head to Otres Beach. Whilst Otres Beach 1 will give you a mix between a slightly less quiet beach than Sihanoukville, this beach is very quickly rising up to the same loud party style beach of Sihanoukville. The furthest beach, which is Otres 2 will still provide you with a quieter haven to call home whilst soaking up the sun.
Koh Rong Islands: Home to some of the most beautiful Cambodia beaches. These two islands lie within easy reach by speedboat from Sihanoukville’s coast. Whilst both islands provide you with idylic beaches, it is important to put thought into which island best suits your needs. Koh Rong Island itself is the home to backpackers and party-goers. Whilst some resorts on the further edges of the island will provide you with a peaceful, quiet space to relax, most of the resorts here are known to be within hearing reach to the loud music and happy noises of those who are looking for a fun time! If you are after a quiet alternative to the party island, it might be worth your while looking into a stay at the smaller island: Koh Rong Samloem. More laid back, and more raw, Koh Rong Samloem is the ultimate place to unwind in peace and quiet! For more information, please contact Travel Consultant of Cambodia Tours today.
