There are different types of entertainment segments where Cambodians can go and enjoy. Some of these are discussed below.
Movie Houses: In Cambodia private viewing rooms are there where you can watch some English language movies. One such room is located at Movie Street Video Center, at Sihanouk blvd. There is a French Cultural Center located at Street 184. This center hosts French films for movie lovers. In Cambodia you can also get CDs of most recent movies in the Russian Market i.e. Toul Tom Pong.
Cinemas: Cambodians strongly support to the Khmer films and the reason behind this was the constant encouragement from the Ministry of Fine Arts and Culture. Many of the abandoned cinemas have been re-open in Cambodia. In present days the Khmer films become very popular not only in city but also provinces in Cambodia. These movies are screened around the main streets of the city such as Luxe Cinema at Norodom blvd., Kirirom Cinema at Sihanouk blvd., or Vimean Tip at Monivong blvd.
Traditional Dance: in Cambodia you can enjoy few public performances of Khmer traditional dance. In few hotels at Phnom Penh and also most of the local restaurants in Siem Reap are the places where you can enjoy these traditional dances. Local newspapers in English-language are there for news of upcoming events.
Nightclubs: Disco nightlife can be enjoyed at Phnom Penh. Several clubs are there where you can see a combined gathering of foreigners and also locals. Some of these places are Spark, Rock, U2. etc. Outside this place, Khmer nightclubs dominated nightlife in Cambodia. Live bands are there where you can also learn little about Khmer dancing.
Pubs and Bars: you can get a number of pubs and bars at Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. You can also get drink in restaurants, at street stalls and also in nightclubs.
Getting around in Cambodia
In Cambodia you can roam in different ways. It can be airways, roadways, railways and also waterways. Little description is given below:
Getting Around by Air
In Cambodia, internal flights operate between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The trip is dedicated for Angkor. The total journey time is 45 minutes. The major domestic carriers are Siem Reap Airways International and PMT Air. PMT Air has continue to fly internationally. The places named Sihanoukville, Battambang, Sen Monorom, Banlung, and Stung Treng all have airports.
Getting Around by Rail
In Cambodia you will get only one functioning train service. The train runs once a week from Phnom Penh Railway Station to Battambang. The journey takes place on Saturdays and vice-versa on Sundays. The train route is longer than the bus route. You can enjoy some excellent view of rural Cambodia.
Getting Around by Water
The Government runs the ferries. These ferries depart from the Psar Cha Ministry of Transport Ferry. The service is up to Siem Reap. This is a very well known route. You can arrange tickets through travel agent or else directly take it from dock. In dry season traveling would be bit difficult as water level diminishes at that time. Often boat services are suspended.
Getting Around by Road
In Cambodia traffic always drives on the right. Some of the roads are excellent while some are really poor. There are numbered routes from Phnom Penh leading to the Vietnamese border. Accidents are frequent here so care should be taken while driving. Some vehicles do not lit headlights at night. Cattle are often seen to stray onto the roads. In Siem Reap, hiring motorcycles to tourists becomes banned because of the increasing number of accidents.
Taxi: Taxis are available for hire in main cities. They are not metered and you have to fix the rate before boarding. You can also hire a car with driver while in the city.
Getting Around by Air
In Cambodia, internal flights operate between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The trip is dedicated for Angkor. The total journey time is 45 minutes. The major domestic carriers are Siem Reap Airways International and PMT Air. PMT Air has continue to fly internationally. The places named Sihanoukville, Battambang, Sen Monorom, Banlung, and Stung Treng all have airports.
Getting Around by Rail
In Cambodia you will get only one functioning train service. The train runs once a week from Phnom Penh Railway Station to Battambang. The journey takes place on Saturdays and vice-versa on Sundays. The train route is longer than the bus route. You can enjoy some excellent view of rural Cambodia.
Getting Around by Water
The Government runs the ferries. These ferries depart from the Psar Cha Ministry of Transport Ferry. The service is up to Siem Reap. This is a very well known route. You can arrange tickets through travel agent or else directly take it from dock. In dry season traveling would be bit difficult as water level diminishes at that time. Often boat services are suspended.
Getting Around by Road
In Cambodia traffic always drives on the right. Some of the roads are excellent while some are really poor. There are numbered routes from Phnom Penh leading to the Vietnamese border. Accidents are frequent here so care should be taken while driving. Some vehicles do not lit headlights at night. Cattle are often seen to stray onto the roads. In Siem Reap, hiring motorcycles to tourists becomes banned because of the increasing number of accidents.
Taxi: Taxis are available for hire in main cities. They are not metered and you have to fix the rate before boarding. You can also hire a car with driver while in the city.
Some advice to follow before coming to Cambodia
If you read this post you will see that I tried to put forward some points that could be helpful to you if come to your notice while in Cambodia. Most of the time visits to Cambodia happened without any trouble. However public order can be easily broken. Travelers should know about the global risk of random terrorist attacks. These are often goes against civilian targets. The attacks are prominent even at the places frequented by foreigners. The greatest risks for travelers can also come from road traffic accidents. Armed robbery after daylight is another thing of tension. Another important thing is landmines and unexploded ordnance in some of the rural areas.
It is advisable that the travelers should get the information about the risk of robbery and also other crime while visiting Cambodia. Sexual offences are also included in the list. The victimized places are Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The situation becomes worst after dark. All should take sensible precautions at that time. Travelers should also be careful against bag snatchers and petty pickpockets. When traveling around the different places in cities, just be careful about your belongings.
In Cambodia very recently outbreaks of bird flu have resulted in a small number of human dead. So, as a precaution it can be stated that travellers should avoid to visit live animal markets and also poultry farms. They also avoid visiting the some other places where they may come into close proximity with caged, domestic, or wild birds. Poultry and egg dishes should be thoroughly cooked.
Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK provide the information and based on that these advices are given to the travelers. Base on the changing situation it can be advised to the travelers to contact British Foreign and Commonwealth Office for latest travel advice.
It is advisable that the travelers should get the information about the risk of robbery and also other crime while visiting Cambodia. Sexual offences are also included in the list. The victimized places are Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The situation becomes worst after dark. All should take sensible precautions at that time. Travelers should also be careful against bag snatchers and petty pickpockets. When traveling around the different places in cities, just be careful about your belongings.
In Cambodia very recently outbreaks of bird flu have resulted in a small number of human dead. So, as a precaution it can be stated that travellers should avoid to visit live animal markets and also poultry farms. They also avoid visiting the some other places where they may come into close proximity with caged, domestic, or wild birds. Poultry and egg dishes should be thoroughly cooked.
Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK provide the information and based on that these advices are given to the travelers. Base on the changing situation it can be advised to the travelers to contact British Foreign and Commonwealth Office for latest travel advice.
Important things to see in Cambodia
Don’t miss the following places to visit when in Cambodia. I am mentioning some of them.
1) Cambodia’s Buddhist temples are the real delight. The examples can be given as Preah Vihear. This temple is located in the Dangrek Mountains. Various festivals are organized at this place especially the Cambodian New Year.
2) The interrogation centre of Pol Pot’s regime in Phnom Penh is another attraction of Cambodia. The chilling Toul Sleng Museum of Genocide which is also called as S-21 i.e. Security office 21 can also be visited.
3) You can visit Ta Prohm at Angkor. You can easily recognize it because of the growing roots of massive trees through the building.
4) Try not to miss Phnom Penh’s gorgeous Royal Palace. This has a stunning and well-known Silver Pagoda. Pay some extra attention to the floor that contains nearly 5,000 silver tiles.
5) You have to hold your nose at Stung Meanchey Garbage Dump. This will be a shocking experience to you when you see that how many children spend their days just by sifting through rubbish for food and some other things to sell.
6) Pseudo-Khmer-style National Museum can be visited which was constructed by the French in the year 1917.
7) This is expected that you would like to explore the glorious temples of Angkor. This is the remains of the Khmer civilization. The well temple, Angkor Wat, can be visited. The surrounding areas are also worth visiting. Sunrise and sunset from this point is really unforgettable.
8) You can relax for sometime at Sihanoukville. This is Cambodia’s one and only beach resort. The offshore islands and sandy beaches provide excellent opportunity for scuba-diving.
9) You can also travel to the little-visited northeast province of Rattanakiri. You can find some of the hill tribes, unspoilt national parks and some gem mines there.
1) Cambodia’s Buddhist temples are the real delight. The examples can be given as Preah Vihear. This temple is located in the Dangrek Mountains. Various festivals are organized at this place especially the Cambodian New Year.
2) The interrogation centre of Pol Pot’s regime in Phnom Penh is another attraction of Cambodia. The chilling Toul Sleng Museum of Genocide which is also called as S-21 i.e. Security office 21 can also be visited.
3) You can visit Ta Prohm at Angkor. You can easily recognize it because of the growing roots of massive trees through the building.
4) Try not to miss Phnom Penh’s gorgeous Royal Palace. This has a stunning and well-known Silver Pagoda. Pay some extra attention to the floor that contains nearly 5,000 silver tiles.
5) You have to hold your nose at Stung Meanchey Garbage Dump. This will be a shocking experience to you when you see that how many children spend their days just by sifting through rubbish for food and some other things to sell.
6) Pseudo-Khmer-style National Museum can be visited which was constructed by the French in the year 1917.
7) This is expected that you would like to explore the glorious temples of Angkor. This is the remains of the Khmer civilization. The well temple, Angkor Wat, can be visited. The surrounding areas are also worth visiting. Sunrise and sunset from this point is really unforgettable.
8) You can relax for sometime at Sihanoukville. This is Cambodia’s one and only beach resort. The offshore islands and sandy beaches provide excellent opportunity for scuba-diving.
9) You can also travel to the little-visited northeast province of Rattanakiri. You can find some of the hill tribes, unspoilt national parks and some gem mines there.
Some interesting things to do in Cambodia
While visiting Cambodia read something bout the country’s climate. The place has a tropical monsoon climate. The season of monsoon starts from the month of May to November. Dry season is the most pleasant in the country. It starts from November - December to April. Winters can be colder but throughout the year the country temperatures remain fairly constant. In Phnom Penh you can see seasonal flood. Travel may be disrupted in late July and early August in Cambodia.
While in Cambodia you should try to visit the following interesting places. Some of them are the adventurous trips but you would definitely enjoy most of them.
1) A river cruise can be taken along the Tonle Sap from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. This can be mentioned as a great way to relax through Cambodia’s wetlands.
2) You can watch a traditional Cambodian Apsara dance. A dance can be seen in Siem Reap. This is probably the best place to watch a dance. Travelers can rarely catch a spontaneous one in the villages.
3) An elephant ride can be enjoyed in Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri. You can hire a tour guide.
4) You can go to dolphin-spotting near Kratie. Cambodia’s fresh water dolphins can be viewed from that spot and I am telling you it is really exciting. Try to go early morning or late afternoon because these are the best time.
5) You can be a part of Water Festival. It takes place in October/November. At this time the Tonle Sap changes direction. Hundreds of brightly coloured boats can be seen in the city of Phnom Penh.
6) You can also fire an M-16 and rocket launcher in Phnom Penh. This is a unique experience as no place in this world offers you to do such things.
7) You can also swim in volcanic Yak Lom Lake situated near Banlung town. The water is cool and also clear.
While in Cambodia you should try to visit the following interesting places. Some of them are the adventurous trips but you would definitely enjoy most of them.
1) A river cruise can be taken along the Tonle Sap from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. This can be mentioned as a great way to relax through Cambodia’s wetlands.
2) You can watch a traditional Cambodian Apsara dance. A dance can be seen in Siem Reap. This is probably the best place to watch a dance. Travelers can rarely catch a spontaneous one in the villages.
3) An elephant ride can be enjoyed in Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri. You can hire a tour guide.
4) You can go to dolphin-spotting near Kratie. Cambodia’s fresh water dolphins can be viewed from that spot and I am telling you it is really exciting. Try to go early morning or late afternoon because these are the best time.
5) You can be a part of Water Festival. It takes place in October/November. At this time the Tonle Sap changes direction. Hundreds of brightly coloured boats can be seen in the city of Phnom Penh.
6) You can also fire an M-16 and rocket launcher in Phnom Penh. This is a unique experience as no place in this world offers you to do such things.
7) You can also swim in volcanic Yak Lom Lake situated near Banlung town. The water is cool and also clear.
Dancing with Cambodian weather
Wet season:
In Cambodia, the wet season can be enjoyed from the May to October. It comes from the southwest monsoon. Cambodia’s75% rainfall comes from this. Wet season is as usual characterized by rain. The peak of it starts from July to September. The rainy days tend to have a few hours of heavy rain. Sometimes you can also see all-day downpours and can enjoy your wet traveling. Besides getting drenched you can also face flood problem and also degraded road conditions. Many of the roads in Cambodia are dirt. In wet season they turn to heavily potholed with some mud-pits. Traveling in rural areas is somewhat different than the others. Particularly the northeast and north of the country can be slowed considerably.
Another problem is in Cambodia are bridges being out. But now a day the quality of bridgework is improving. Some of the main routes of Cambodia such as Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh to Battambang are always protected in rainy seasons.
The best time to visit Cambodia is the monsoon. Lush greenery and the ravishing Angkor Wat can be stunning in wet season.
Dry season:
The dry season runs from October to April in Cambodia. At that time the dusty northeast monsoon arrives. The northeast monsoon dries out the country fast just like the hair dryer. In the month of November and January the weather becomes cool. By the month of April the weather becomes scorching and also very dry. The weather is characterized by heat and also dust. The season can be marked as Cambodia’s peak tourist season. By the month of March traveling can be hot and that’s why uncomfortable while April can be torturous.
Cambodia’s beaches at Sihanoukville, Kep and Ko Kong bask in brilliant sunshine is awesome. Clear calm waters ill definitely attract you. If you are a beach lover try to visit Cambodia in dry season.
In Cambodia, the wet season can be enjoyed from the May to October. It comes from the southwest monsoon. Cambodia’s75% rainfall comes from this. Wet season is as usual characterized by rain. The peak of it starts from July to September. The rainy days tend to have a few hours of heavy rain. Sometimes you can also see all-day downpours and can enjoy your wet traveling. Besides getting drenched you can also face flood problem and also degraded road conditions. Many of the roads in Cambodia are dirt. In wet season they turn to heavily potholed with some mud-pits. Traveling in rural areas is somewhat different than the others. Particularly the northeast and north of the country can be slowed considerably.
Another problem is in Cambodia are bridges being out. But now a day the quality of bridgework is improving. Some of the main routes of Cambodia such as Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh to Battambang are always protected in rainy seasons.
The best time to visit Cambodia is the monsoon. Lush greenery and the ravishing Angkor Wat can be stunning in wet season.
Dry season:
The dry season runs from October to April in Cambodia. At that time the dusty northeast monsoon arrives. The northeast monsoon dries out the country fast just like the hair dryer. In the month of November and January the weather becomes cool. By the month of April the weather becomes scorching and also very dry. The weather is characterized by heat and also dust. The season can be marked as Cambodia’s peak tourist season. By the month of March traveling can be hot and that’s why uncomfortable while April can be torturous.
Cambodia’s beaches at Sihanoukville, Kep and Ko Kong bask in brilliant sunshine is awesome. Clear calm waters ill definitely attract you. If you are a beach lover try to visit Cambodia in dry season.
Where you can go for shopping in Cambodia
Cambodia is a nice place where you can buy various useful things at your comfortable rates. The people i.e. the shopkeepers are very friendly and they won’t allow you to think out of place even for a single second. The names of some of the places are mentioned below where you can shop your favorite things:
Boutiques, Silk Shops and Art Galleries: In Cambodia most of the boutiques and Art Gallerys offers a selection of contemporary Southeast and East Asian art. The places include Thai, Cambodian, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Some of the arts such as oils, paintings, watercolors, creations, posters, photographs and cards are very much available. Silk and handicraft Product for Cambodian products are there. Some of the boutiques also offer a unique Eurasian fashions designs, quilts, silks, soft furnishing, bags, pillows and exotic home wards. Some offer good gems and also imported diamonds. Both set and unset jewelry and gems are available. Some other includes Home Decoration, Cambodia Black Pepper, Bag and Others for traveler needs.
Psar O Russei: You can be confused that this market is named after Russia but it’s not like that. The market is located in a huge house i.e. yellow-bleached. It looks like a shopping mall from outside next to Capitol Tours. Situated at the east from the Olympic Stadium and closed to the Monivong Blvd this market is really good. The market features almost all kind of products starting from costume jewellery, imported toiletries, luxury foodstuffs, second-hand and new clothes, and some electrical devises. You can take anything according to your choice. While visiting this you can feel the tinge of older Khmer-style market.
Boutiques, Silk Shops and Art Galleries: In Cambodia most of the boutiques and Art Gallerys offers a selection of contemporary Southeast and East Asian art. The places include Thai, Cambodian, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Some of the arts such as oils, paintings, watercolors, creations, posters, photographs and cards are very much available. Silk and handicraft Product for Cambodian products are there. Some of the boutiques also offer a unique Eurasian fashions designs, quilts, silks, soft furnishing, bags, pillows and exotic home wards. Some offer good gems and also imported diamonds. Both set and unset jewelry and gems are available. Some other includes Home Decoration, Cambodia Black Pepper, Bag and Others for traveler needs.
Psar O Russei: You can be confused that this market is named after Russia but it’s not like that. The market is located in a huge house i.e. yellow-bleached. It looks like a shopping mall from outside next to Capitol Tours. Situated at the east from the Olympic Stadium and closed to the Monivong Blvd this market is really good. The market features almost all kind of products starting from costume jewellery, imported toiletries, luxury foodstuffs, second-hand and new clothes, and some electrical devises. You can take anything according to your choice. While visiting this you can feel the tinge of older Khmer-style market.
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