Travel Information for Tourists
In Cambodia

Geography

The Kingdom of Cambodia, formerly known as Kampuchea, is a country in Southeast Asia bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand. Its capital is Phnom Penh.
Located in the southwest of the Indochinese Peninsula, Cambodia covers a total area of 181,035 square kilometers. Geographically, Cambodia is bordered by Thailand to the west and northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.

The country’s coordinates are 13° 00 N, 105° 00 E. Cambodia’s terrain mainly consists of low-lying plains, with mountains in the southwest and north. Its two dominant physical features are the Mekong River, which runs from north to south, and Tonlé Sap Lake. Natural resources include oil, gas, timber, gemstones, iron ore, manganese, phosphates, and hydroelectric potential.

Religion

Theravada Buddhism is the official and dominant religion in Cambodia, practiced by about 90% of the population. Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity are also practiced.

Buddha statues and images are considered sacred, so visitors are asked to treat them respectfully to avoid offending locals. Cambodia maintains a harmonious coexistence of different religions.

Public Holidays

Cambodia is rich in traditional and cultural festivals, celebrated according to the Khmer lunar calendar and influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and royal traditions. These holidays are widely celebrated across both urban and rural communities.

Some major public holidays include:

International New Year’s Day – January 1
Victory over Genocidal Regime Day – January 7
International Women’s Day – March 8
Khmer New Year (Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei Khmer) – April 13–16
Visakh Bochea Day (Birth & Enlightenment of Buddha) – May 22
Royal Ploughing Ceremony – May 26
International Labour Day – May 1
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday – May 14
Queen Mother Norodom Monineath’s Birthday – June 18
Constitution Day – September 24
Pchum Ben Festival (Ancestors’ Day) – October 1–3

National Flag

The Cambodian flag symbolizes the country’s motto: Nation, Religion, King. The two blue stripes represent royalty, the red stripe represents the nation, and the white temple (Angkor Wat) represents religion.

History (Brief Overview)

The Khmer civilization emerged from the fusion of Mon-Khmer ethnic groups in southern Indochina between the 1st and 6th centuries. Under Indian influence, early states such as Funan (a powerful maritime empire) and later Chenla flourished.

By the 9th century, the Khmer Empire rose, leading to the construction of the iconic Angkor temples, which remain the pride of Cambodia today.

Cambodian Cuisine

Cambodian cuisine is diverse, featuring noodles, soups, stir-fries, curries, salads, tropical fruits, and rice, the staple food. Recipes are traditionally passed down orally.

Key elements include:

Kroeung – a spice paste made with cloves, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, galangal, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and coriander.
Prahok – a fermented fish paste with a strong taste.
Kapi – fermented shrimp paste.

Meals typically include rice, soup (samlor), and several other dishes, offering a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors. Chili is usually served as a side.

Travel Recommendations

Travel Recommendations: Do’s and Don’ts in Cambodia

✅ Do’s

Ask permission before photographing Cambodians or monks.
Remove shoes before entering temples or pagodas; dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees, no hats inside).
Remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
Greet respectfully with the “Sampeah” gesture (hands together at chest, slight bow).
Bring a small gift (fruit, dessert, or flowers) when invited to a Cambodian home.
Cash gifts are customary at weddings.
Use both hands when giving or receiving business cards.

❌ Don’ts

Don’t point at people with your feet.
Don’t touch anyone’s head.
Don’t start eating until your host does.
Women should not touch monks or hand them objects directly.
Avoid public displays of affection.

Common Sense Practices

Don’t litter; keep the community clean and safe.
Dispose of plastic bags properly.

Travel Information for Tourists In Cambodia