Cambodia

If you're looking for a beach getaway or a cultural trip in Cambodia, the best time to visit is from November to April. This is the dry season, ideal for enjoying sunny days on the beach. Rainfall is minimal, and temperatures typically hover around 35°C.

If you have 7 days in Cambodia, I recommend:

• 3 days exploring the Angkor temple complex
• 2 days visiting Phnom Penh
• 2 days for transfers between destinations, arrival, and departure

A 7-day trip to Cambodia provides a great cultural and historical experience, allowing you to explore Angkor's temples and enjoy Phnom Penh’s nightlife. However, given the limited time, it’s best to focus on key destinations.
The total cost depends on your travel style:

• Budget travelers: €500-800
• Mid-range travelers: €1,000-1,500
• Luxury travelers: €2,000+

You must obtain a tourist visa on arrival at major airports like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as at some land border crossings, such as Bavet or Chau Doc.
The Cambodian visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days.
If entering by river, such as via the Chau Doc - Phnom Penh speedboat, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
E-visas are NOT accepted for entry via river routes.

In Cambodia, you can pay with cash or card, but it's always recommended to carry cash for small transactions and quick payments.
Credit & Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are commonly accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and major stores.
Cash is preferred for local markets, street vendors, and small businesses.
Contactless payments are not widely used, so a physical card with a magnetic strip or chip is required.
Mobile payments via smartphones or smartwatches are not yet available in Cambodia.

Cambodia is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Italians are well-received, especially in tourism and cultural exchanges.
Bilateral relations between Italy and Cambodia are friendly.
Respecting local culture is key to maintaining a positive experience.
As with any country, staying alert in crowded areas, avoiding isolated places at night, and keeping valuables secure is always recommended.

You can stay in Cambodia for up to 30 days. A tourist visa can be obtained on arrival or online, allowing a stay of 30 days, which can be extended once for an additional 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an E-type visa for extended stays.

Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy, which means it has a King as well as a government. Currently, the Prime Minister is Hun Sen, who has been in power for more than 30 years. In this country, the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), led by Hun Sen, is the dominant party and controls many government institutions.

Cambodians primarily consume rice and fish, with a lesser amount of meat. During festivals, fermented fish is commonly eaten, as it is a staple food throughout the year. Cambodian cuisine is influenced by Indian and Chinese flavors, featuring delicate and mildly sweet dishes.
The main ingredients include rice, which is the staple food and accompanies almost every meal. Cambodians also use glutinous rice for special dishes, such as sticky rice and bamboo tube rice. Palm juice, extracted from sugar palms, is used to sweeten food and prepare fermented beverages. Neem flowers, harvested between December and March, are a delicacy with a bitter taste and a sweet aftertaste.
Edible insects, rich in protein, are commonly consumed and prepared in various ways. Fermented fish, a traditional staple, plays a central role in Cambodian cuisine and is preserved for months. Lastly, grilled snakehead fish wrapped in banana leaves is another typical dish.

Angkor Wat is a sacred site for the Khmer people, and visitors should dress modestly. To access the upper level, you must cover your arms and thighs. Additionally, only a limited number of visitors are allowed to ascend to the upper level to enjoy the surrounding view.

All tourist destinations in Cambodia are safe, so vaccinations are not mandatory. However, travelers should consult their personal doctor. Here is a list of recommended vaccines:

• Routine vaccinations: Ensure you are up to date on standard vaccines such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio.
• Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers, as it can be transmitted through contaminated food and water.
• Hepatitis B: Advised, especially for those who may have close contact with locals or require medical care.
• Typhoid: Recommended for those who plan to eat food or drink water from unregulated sources.
• Rabies: Suggested for travelers who may come into contact with animals, especially in rural or outdoor areas.
• Yellow fever: Not required unless traveling from a country with a yellow fever risk. If you have transited through such a country, a vaccination certificate may be necessary.
• Dengue: There is no vaccine for dengue, but travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites, as the virus is present in Cambodia.

It is advisable to consult a doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure to receive necessary vaccinations and additional health advice.

Cambodia is home to many fascinating temples, with Angkor Wat being the most famous and iconic. Here are some must-visit temples:

• Angkor Wat: The largest and best-preserved temple in the Angkor complex, renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate bas-reliefs.
• Bayon: Famous for its numerous smiling stone faces and elaborate carvings, located in the heart of Angkor Thom.
• Ta Prohm: Known for its mysterious atmosphere and tree roots intertwined with the ruins, made famous by the movie Tomb Raider.
• Banteay Srei: Also called the "Temple of Women," admired for its intricate carvings and remarkable architectural beauty.
• Angkor Thom: The ancient capital, featuring massive gateways and the Bayon temple within its walls.
• Phnom Bakheng: A hilltop temple offering spectacular panoramic views of the Angkor complex, especially at sunset.
• These temples provide a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich history and culture, making them essential stops for first-time visitors.

Cambodian women embody a blend of tradition and modernity, playing a vital role in both family life and the country’s development. Their resilience has earned them increasing respect and equality in society. They are admired for their natural beauty, often characterized by fair skin and delicate features. Traditional attire, such as the sampot and sinh, reflects Cambodia’s cultural heritage, though modern fashion is also embraced for special occasions.
Women actively participate in the economy across various sectors, yet they still face challenges such as gender discrimination and limited access to education. In Khmer art, they are depicted as modest and respectable figures, devoted to family life. They manage household responsibilities and finances but often earn lower wages compared to men. While legislation mandates equal pay, wage disparities persist in practice.
Despite these challenges, Cambodian women continue to make significant contributions to society, driving progress while preserving their cultural identity.

Cambodia is in the Indochina Time zone (ICT), which is UTC+7. This means that Cambodia is always 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The country does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains the same throughout the year.