"A Country Rich in Heritage & Natural Beauty"
Cambodia
Cambodia is a country steeped in history.
In spite of years and years of struggle, the country has emerged today as a nation with an infectious spirit seen in its people and a tourism business that is flourishing.
Home of the famous Angkor Wat and numerous other temples, this country is intoxicating in its beauty, to say the least.
Apart from the historical and the cultural, Cambodia is also urbane, boasting of beautiful Phnom Penh, its capital, and tonnes of restaurants serving delicious cuisine.
Cambodia is an amalgamation of the old and the new and a gentle reminder that the two can indeed co-exist and do it graciously.
####Exchanging Money in Cambodia####
Cambodia's accepted money exchange rate when you buy something using KHR or USD is USD 1.00 = KHR 4,000.
You can exchange currency at foreign exchange desks and even at banks.
ATMs are also available, making transactions even easier.
The major banks here are National Bank of Cambodia, Canadia Bank, Cambodia Commercial Bank, Phnom Penh Commercial Bank, Vattanac Bank and Cambodian Public Bank.
####Nightlife in Cambodia####
While Cambodia does not have an amazing nightlife, it's not that bad.
It has its fair share of clubs, pubs and bars.
Always do your research on the kind of place you're visiting beforehand.
Otherwise, you may be surprised to find what you see, especially if you are with your family.
Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are the cities that have most of the good nightlife spots.
####Shopping in Cambodia####
There is an abundance of shopping options in Cambodia.
From art pieces to textiles, you can find a lot in the boutiques and street stalls.
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have numerous large markets that you can shop from and even bargain at.
However, in some cases, shopkeepers understand only the Khmer language.
So, it is better if you can take someone along with you who can converse in Khmer and get you a good rate for your purchases.
####Festivals of Cambodia####
There are a lot of festivals in Cambodia, in keeping with their culture and tradition.
Almost all of these festivals have a heavy Buddhist or Hindu influence.
The major festivals celebrated in Cambodia are the Water Festival, Pchum Ben, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Khmer New Year's Day and the Angkor Festival.
####Hygiene in Cambodia####
Poor sanitation is a major problem in Cambodia.
Waterborne diseases are common here, so make sure to use the toilets only in your hotel rooms.
Though drinking water is available, it is advisable to buy or carry your drinking water.
There are also a lot of insects here, so make sure you carry mosquito repellent sprays and the like.
####Customs of Cambodia####
Always remove your footwear before entering a temple or even before entering someone's home.
It is considered disrespectful to point at a person while you talk to them.
Maintaining eye contact with someone who is older than you is also deemed to be impolite and is against their beliefs.
Tipping is not compulsory here and nor is there any fixed amount to it.
Nothing will be said even if you do not choose to tip for services.
####Tips for Visiting Cambodia####
Never carry your entire cash with you, as pickpockets could steal it.
Beware of certain tuk-tuk drivers, as they will try to fleece you.
Know the average rates well beforehand. If you do not mind cycling, rent one and cycle around the various cities to take in the beautiful sites.
Visit any of the floating villages on Tonl Sap for an enriching experience.
###Food of Cambodia###
Cambodian food is rich in distinctive flavours. Cambodian meals include three to four dishes, including soup.
A lot of herbs, sauces or dips, leaves, edible flowers and pickled vegetables are used in their preparations.
A significant chunk of the population thrives on rice.
Khmer rice comes in a lot of different varieties, sticky rice being the most popular one.
Kuyteav, or rice noodle soup is a must-have dish when you visit Cambodia, it being the country's signature dish.
Cambodians also use fruits in lots of their preparations.
They serve it as dessert, along with sticky rice.
Fruits such as mangoes, bananas and durian are used in milkshakes.
Green tea is also consumed on a large scale.
