TRAVEL GUIDE 2017

CAMBODIA

ANGKOR WAT (SIEM REAP)

PHNOM PENH

KAMPOT

CAMBODIA INSIDER FROM HEALTH HINTS TO CULTURAL NO-NOS

KEP

The basics Population: 16 million Capital: Phnom Penh Religion: Theravada Buddhism Emergency number: 117 The key dates

While you’re there,

please don’t… Point with your index finger; instead gesture with your right-hand palm up. Before you go, read … A Dragon Apparent: Travels in Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam by Norman Lewis – the British travel writer’s memoir includes a meeting with the King of Cambodia. The Gate by Francois Bizot – an account of the fall of Phnom Penh and the early days of the Pol Pot era. Notes from My Travels by Angelina Jolie – an honest account of the actress’s work with refugees, including in Cambodia. Before you go, watch … The Killing Fields – depicting the events under the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot’s regime in the 1970s, which resulted in mass genocide, as seen through a local and US journalist’s eyes. Harrowing history. They said it “The humble people of Cambodia are the most wonderful in the world. Their misfortune is that they always have terrible leaders who make them suffer.” – Prince Sihanouk “Don’t take the straight path or the winding path. Take the path your ancestors have taken.” – Khmer proverb

April: Chaul Chnam, the Cambodian New Year celebration, lasts for around three days from mid-April. September to October: Pchum Ben or Soul Day. Running for 15 days, this festival is dedicated to blessing the spirits of the dead. 9 November: Independence Day. A national holiday celebrating Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. The hot spots Popular destinations include Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kep, Tonle Sap Lake, Kratie and Banlung. Among the World Heritage Sites are the incredible Angkor temple complex, and the Temple of Preah Vihear. Some itinerary ideas • The Big Two: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) • The South: Phnom Penh – Kep – Kampot – Sihanoukville How to stay healthy • Malaria is present throughout the country, so see your health practitioner about antimalarial drugs. Also, wear long sleeves and trousers, and plenty of repellent. • Cambodia is still affected by unmarked landmines. Don’t stray off main routes, including those around temples.

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TRAVELGUIDE2017