BEST OF CAMBODIA – 5 DAYS

NOTES

1. The weather

• Cambodia is a nature-blessed country with the tropical climate which has warm temperatures throughout the year. Dry and wet are two distinct seasons in Cambodia. While the dry season in Cambodia runs from October to April with average temperatures range from 24°C in the cooler months of October, November & December, the wet season starts from May until September, with the heaviest rainfall generally in August & September. There may certainly be some rainfall in October but it usually comes in short showers. The highest temperature can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius during midday.

2. Our latest advice on the weather

• Due to lack of rainfall, from October to April is perfect for escaping to the beaches of Sihanoukville unless you’re in remote areas with bad roads traveling. The wonderful months to visit Cambodia are December and January, with dry weather and lower humidity levels, temperatures reach a comfortable mid-20 degrees Celsius, skies are clear and evenings are cool, it’s nice to see the rice paddies and tropical foliage at their most green and lush during these months. However, this is also the busiest time of year so expect some crowds and higher prices.
• In addition, you can plan your trip when national holidays happen to immerse in Cambodia’s culture. Khmer New Year – the biggest holiday in Cambodia is held between April 14th and 16th based on the Buddhist calendar, marking the end of the harvest and the welcoming of the rainy season. Pchum Ben holiday is a 15-day religious festival in veneration of the dead which is celebrated in September or October. You might find that ancestral altars and temples are especially vibrant and lively during this holiday.

3. Passport & Visa

• You will need a valid passport and a Cambodian visa to enter Cambodia. Tourist and business visas are valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia. Cambodia offers online visa processing.
• The Cambodian visa now may also obtain at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. Cambodian immigration officials at airports now collect fingerprints upon entry using an inkless, electronic process. The visa on arrival is valid for a 30-day stay and issued at a cost of US $30 per tourist and US$35 per business traveler.
• You must prepare:
  + A passport valid for at least 6 months from the expiry date
  + 02 recent passport-sized (4cm x 6cm) photographs
• Some nationalities are required to get a visa in advance at Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Cambodia in their country: Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab Saudi, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Nigeria.
• On the other hand, the nationals of the Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia do not need a tourist visa and may stay in Cambodia for 21 and 30 days respectively.

4. International flight

• Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Siem Reap for two reasons:
• International flights from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam. It is therefore more beneficial for you to buy them from a ticketing agency in your country.
• The payment and booking conditions for international flights are strict while it is difficult for us, a local agency, to apply the same conditions to you (full payment before travel). Since international financial transactions give rise to significant bank charges, you will be led to pay unnecessary surcharges.

5.Traffic and transportation:

• + Shared-taxi: Shared taxi transport is the quickest and most comfortable way to travel between destinations. The shared taxis are nearly all Toyota Camrys. Shared taxi leave when full, meaning at least five to six passengers, though once you leave the driver may pick up more people. The fares can be slightly higher but somewhat faster than buses, despite the driving can make you hair-standing. To have the whole front seat for yourself, you can pay double the standard fare and you can hire the entire taxi for around five or six times the original fare. Shared taxis usually leave from the local transport stop and there are no fixed schedules but most of them run in the morning.

• + Bus: There are no bus stations or a center for you in Cambodia to check general information about schedules and fares because buses generally arrive and depart from their respective company offices. The prices are pretty affordable, starting from just $4 from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and $6 to Siem Reap, and are generally much of a muchness on all but the most-traveled routes. Deluxe coaches can be found on popular routes with free snacks and even onboard wi-fi.

• + Train: Trains in Cambodia are quite slow but they’re budget-friendly. A train will be the good choice for who has the time to spend on them. There are two kinds of trains – the Yellow Train and the Blue one. Both of them have the air conditioner and same price tickets and tend to leave on time, there is a slightly different in the way seating is set up between the two. Instant noodles and bottles of water are offered to your seat on request. Moreover, passengers can easily stock up on boiled eggs, cut fruits, dried fish, and drinks at the station stops, which are usually about 10 minutes each.

• + Boat: Boat is an outstanding vehicle in Cambodia which is available in some particular routes. The most popular route is Phnom Penh to Siem Reap trip. Boats run every day south along the Mekong between Phnom Penh and the Vietnamese border at Chau Doc – this can be arranged via local guesthouses. Don’t be surprised if you see plenty of overloading boats. Trips to and from Phnom Penh aren’t particularly picturesque while ones to or from Battambang are more interesting. You also should be aware that in rough weather the Tonle Sap can whip up some fierce waves.

6. Customs in Cambodia

• Under a kingdom regime, social status of people is much more concerned than others. Cambodians usually ask your personal questions. It is when they want to establish your rank and the most appropriate way to talk to you.
• Like other Indochina countries, the collective needs are far more important than individual needs. And public image is essential as well. It is always better to avoid making Cambodian publicly lose their face.

7. Do’s and Don’ts in Cambodia
   • DO’S

• Off the beach and outside the big city nightclubs, avoid short shorts and tops that reveal cleavage.
• Dress well when visiting pagodas. Knees and shoulders should be covered and shoes, hats should be removed.
• Do ask for permissions before taking photos of people or monks.
• Do respectfully greet others by slightly bowing the head with hand pressing together at the chest (known as “Sampeah”)
• Do bow when walking in front of or passing an elder.
• Do bring a small gift to the host that you are invited to dine in a Cambodian family.
• Do cover your mouth if you use toothpick.
• Do remove shoes before entering a Cambodian home.
• Do present and accept business cards with both
• Do try local specialty such as Amok and Num Bachok.
• Do bargain when buying things. Bargaining is normal and enjoyable experience.
• Do avoid hugging and kissing in public
• DON’T
• Don’t point at someone with your feet or finger.
• Don’t touch on a head of Cambodian people.
• Don’t litter and plastic bags should be disposed properly.
• Women should never touch male monks or hand something directly to them.
• Never stand when talking to seated monks. It shows grave disrespect.
• Don’t touch a Buddha statue or stand on the altar.
• Never put hand on an elder’s shoulder. It is considered very rude.
• Don’t put hands in pockets while talking.
• Don’t start before the elder when eating.
• Don’t give money to beggars, especially children. Give donation on established fund of local people instead.
• Don’t give sweets to children in villages.
• Don’t purchase historical artifacts.
• Don’t take home pieces of stone from the temples and tourist sites.
• Don’t involve in narcotic drug consumption and sexual exploitation of children.

LIST OF OUR HOTELS:
The hotels offered by Xuan Son Travel classified from 02 to 05 stars at international standard, comfortable with all the required services.

1. Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
2. Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
3. Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
4. Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi
5. Luxury Category: 5 stars. Hotels with excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services. Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi…)

CITIES /AREAS	HOME STAY	HOTEL-STANDARD	HOTELS-SUPERIOR	HOTEL-DELUXE	HOTELS- LUXURY
SIEM REAP	Anou Home Guesthouse/Chamraoen’s Home/Sihariddh Angkor Villa	Ta Som Guest House/Mother home boutique	Central Boutique Angkor Hotel/Laniche D’Angkor Boutique/Angkor Holiday Hotel/City River/Treasure Oasis/Cheathata Angkor/Silk Angkor/The Frangipani Villa Hotel & Spa	Saem Siem Reap Hotel/Sokha Roh/Mother Home Boutique/Treasure Oasis Angkor	Hotel Somadevi Angkor Boutique & Resort/Royal Angkor Resort/Angko Micracle/Sokah Angkor/Angkor Palace Resort/Sak Mut Hotel & Spa…
PHNOM PENH	Capital Hotel	Khmer Village Guest House/Brigade Manager Hotel	Cardamon/King Grand Boutique/Town View III/River Home/Asia Tune/The Frangipani Living Arts Hotel	Ohana/Juliana/Harmony Phnom Penh/Kravan/ The Frangipani Royal Palace/Villa Langka/Iroha Garden Hotel & Resort	Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel/Palace Gate Hotel & Resort/Rose Suites/ Raffles Hotel Le Royal

SERVICES & PRICE

TRAVEL PRICE: BEST OF CAMBODIA 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS
From…. To… usd /per
Excluding international flights

Inclusion

• Accommodation with breakfast based on twin/double room shared.
• Transportation with a/c for whole program.
• All admission fees as indicated.
• English speaking guide.
• Drinking water during tours.

Exclusion

• Personal expenses, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, mini-bar in hotel, etc.
• Other tours & meals not mentioned.
• Domestic and International air tickets.
• Airport’s departure tax.

Visa arrangement.