Cambodia

1

Destination Guide To Cambodia

Address: Transpo International (Cambodia) Ltd

Beton Street, Mol Village, Sangkat Dongkor, Khan Dongkor, Phnom Penh, Cambodia / PO

Box 2460 Phnom Penh 3, Cambodia

Telephone: +855 23 212070

Email: Cambodia@asiantigers-mobility.com

Cambodia

2

WELCOME TO CAMBODIA

Welcome to Phnom Penh! We are glad to have you here.

Asian Tigers Mobility is delighted to assist you during your relocation to Cambodia. We have

the ability to support you in every aspect of your transition. Be it City Orientation, Home

Finding, School Finding, Settling In (finding domestic help or opening a bank account, etc) or

any other relocation related need, a dedicated consultant will gladly assist you.

We understand that relocating is a stressful process, so we are here to help. Your Asian Tigers

Mobility Consultant will guide you through the process in order to minimize the stress for you

and your family. Asian Tigers Mobility has designed this guide to get you familiarized with

Cambodia. We want to avoid overwhelming you with too many pieces of information; hence we

have kept this guide short. You will find in this booklet: Useful contact numbers, Phnom Penh’s

facts and figures, information on culture and life style, sightseeing and information on expat

oriented services. You will also find a checklist on what to bring and not to bring to Phnom

Penh. Use this booklet in conjunction with the information in your AT Mobility Welcome Pack

and you will have all you need to plan your move to this great city.

Phnom Penh is changing by the day; entire neighborhoods may be demolished to give way to

new apartment blocks or industrial estates, so please use this guide as a reference only.

Your dedicated consultant will be happy to assist with any questions you may have. For

further Expat oriented services you may refer to the material provided as part of your

Asian Tigers Mobility Welcome Kit.

Cambodia

3

ABOUT ASIAN TIGERS MOBILITY

Moving to a new country is challenging and never one move is the same. Whether the

transition is smooth and hassle-free depends on how it is managed. Leaving these challenges

to professionals will ease your moving process.

Asian Tigers Mobility is glad to be of your service. We understand the problems that

newcomers face and we are here to assist you with our experience in the settling-in process

whilst accommodating your individual requirements.

SERVICES BY ASIAN TIGERS MOBILITY

Pre-Assignment Area Orientation

Not been to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap? Take a tour with our consultants to get a feel of the

country before you relocate. This orientation will fill you in on the ins and outs of Phnom Penh

and Siem Reap and the history of the country. Based on your needs, housing tour and school

tour are arranged to give you an idea of what to expect when you are living in Cambodia.

Immigration

We can assist in the application and processing of your employment pass and dependent

pass for your family members relocating with you. Subsequently, we can apply for

renewals and cancellations of those passes on your behalf.

Your arrival

Finding a base is the priority when you reach either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. We can

arrange for temporary short-term accommodation and recommend an experienced real

estate consultant with your home search for permanent accommodation. We will be

organizing your registrations of utilities or other applications that you need.

Cambodia

4

Settling in

If you have not, go for an orientation tour to know more about this city. Get to know where is

the nearest post office, bank facilities, have your telecommunications set up etc. Anything you

need to settle in. Not sure how to go about buying or leasing a car or furniture? Take

advantage of our links to good partners by engaging our assistance. To ease your transition

better, we can arrange language training or intercultural training or even assist in your search

for a domestic helper.

School Search

Have an overview of the education system in Cambodia and the international school options

available. Short list schools suitable for your children’s requirements and go through the

application process with our assistance.

Departure

Most expatriates love Cambodia so much they can’t bear to leave but when you do, we want to

be able to pack up your belongings and arrange for cancellations of your utilities,

telecommunications, hand-over of your property and be your point of contact for service

providers.

Cambodia

5

CONTACTS AT ASIAN TIGERS MOBILITY

Cambodia

Tel: (855) 23 885 634

Email: cambodia@at-

mobility.com

China

Tel: (86)10 6415 4155

Email: china@at-mobility.com

Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2863 5860

Email: hongkong@at-

mobility.com

Indonesia

Tel: (62) 21 756 1999

Email:

indonesia@at-mobility.com

Japan

Tel: (81) 3 6689 2771

Email: japan@at-mobility.com

Korea

Tel: (82) 2 598 9705

Email: korea@at-mobility.com

Macau

Tel: (852) 2863 5860

Email: macau@at-mobility.com

Malaysia

Tel: (60) 3 5518 4588

Email:

malaysia@at-mobility.com

Philippines

Tel: (63) 2 837 6022

Email:

philippines@at-mobility.com

Singapore

Tel: (65) 6261 8116

Email: singapore@at-

mobility.com

Taiwan

Tel: (886) 2 2597 7323

Email: taiwan@at-mobility.com

Thailand

Tel: (66) 2 687 7961

Email:thailand@at-mobility.com

Vietnam

Tel: (84) 83 914 6970

Email:vietnam@at-mobility.com

Cambodia

6

FACTS ABOUT CAMBODIA

Cambodia Flag The flag was designed around 1850 that has three

horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom) and red

(central) with a depiction of Angkor Watt in the center.

Capital Phnom Penh

Location Cambodia lies in South-East Asia and shares borders with Vietnam,

Laos, Thailand & the Gulf of Thailand.

Total Area 181,035 sq km (69,898 sq miles) : Water 2.5%

Population 14,805,358 (World Bank, 2009)

Population in Phnom Penh: 2,009,264 (wiki - 2008)

Government & Politics The signing of the Paris Peace Agreements in October 1991 launched

Cambodia in a process of reconstruction after two decades of conflict

and civil war. The process, which was backed by a United Nations

presence until the first national elections in May 1993, facilitated the

foundation of a constitutional monarchy with King Norodom Sihanouk

as head of State, and led to the establishment of a power-sharing

government.

Type: Constitutional monarchy, Parliamentary representative

democracy

Head of States: His Majesty Samdech Preah Baromneath Norodom

Sihamoni (elected October 29, 2004)

Head of Government: Prime Minister Hun Sen (appointed on January

14 1985, elected in 1998, 2003, and 2008) is in charge of overall

execution of national policies and programs, and is accountable to the

National Assembly.

Time Zone GMT +7 hours time zone

Climate Tropical humid climate: rainy (monsoon) season (May to November) and

dry season (December to April)

Cambodia

7

Language Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

Some useful words and phrases:

Hello (colloquial) - Suesday

Hello (formal) - Chum reap sour

Good bye - Lea hay

Sorry - Somtos

Thank you - Orkun

How much - Tlai punman

Yes (male) - Baht

Yes (female) - Jah

No - Teh

I don't understand - Knyom at yol teh

Where's the toilet? - Bontub tek nov ti na?

Numbers One – mooy,

Two – bpee,

Three – bay,

Four – boo-uhn,

Five – bpram,

Six – bpram-moi,

Seven – bpram-pii,

Eight – bpram-bay,

Nine – bpram-boun,

Ten – dohp

Religion Buddhist 96.4%, Muslim 2.1%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.2% (1998

census)

Currency Official currency: Cambodian riel (KHR), unofficial currency: US $

Ethnic group Khmer, Vietnamese and Chinese minorities

Coastline 443 km

Internet domain .kh

International dialing code +855

Cambodia

8

Electricity 220V AC 50 Hz

Driving Right hand side; International Driving Permit no longer accepted. Local

required.

Airport Phnom Penh International (PNH), Siem Reap International Airport, &

Sihanoukville International Airport

Typical Public Holidays - 01 January: International New Year Day

- 07 January: Victory over Genocidal Day

- 18 February: Meak Bochea Day

- 8 March: International Women Day

- 14 – 15 - 16 April: Khmer New Year Days

- 01 May: International Labor Day

- 13 – 14 - 15 May: King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday

- 17 May: Visak Bochea Day

- 21 May: Royal Plowing Ceremony

- 18 June : Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday

- 24 September: Constitutional Day

- 26-27-28 September: Pchum Ben Day

- 15 October – Commeration of the King Father Day

- 23 October : Paris Peace Accord Day

- 29 October: Coronation Day

- 09 November: Independence Day

- 10 - 11 November: Water Festival

- 10 December: International Human Rights Day

Note: Any holiday falling on Saturday or Sunday, the following day will

be automatically and officially extended one more day in order to

replace with the substitute day.

Major Exports Garments, Fisheries Products, Rubber

Major Export Trading

Countries

United States, Germany, UK, Singapore, Japan

Major Imports Petroleum products, construction materials, vehicles and motorcycles,

clothing

Trading Countries Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, South Korea

Cambodia

9

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s: Don’ts:

Ask before taking a photo. Cambodians tend to

smile when insecure, nervous, or

uncomfortable; this shouldn’t lead you to

believe they are smiling for your photograph.

Barter prices unnecessarily low. Bartering is

a way of life in Cambodian markets, however

be respectful to the seller by offering a fair

price for their goods, it can be offensive to

offer prices that are too low.

Dress modestly. Traditional garb is very

conservative so be sensitive and cover your

knees, shoulders, stomach, back and cleavage

especially when you are visiting sacred sites.

Lose your cool in public. Many Cambodians

get uncomfortable or embarrassed if you get

frustrated, it’s just not socially acceptable so

try to keep your cool in public.

Think twice about giving to children in the

streets. Saying no to a child is hard, but

encouraging them to continue to beg, as a way

to support themselves, can be destructive to

their future.

Touch anyone’s head. The head is the most

sacred part of the body and is considered

rude to touch. This goes for all people

including children, and is especially the case

for elders.

Think twice before visiting orphanages. Some

are created just to fill the tourist demand to

help orphans. 75% have living relatives and

live in the orphanage just to support

themselves with tourist’s money.

Eat before your host takes the first bite. If you

are the guest then you should always wait for

your host to make the first move at the dinner

table, it is gluttonous to start before your

host.

Take of hat and shoes when entering pagoda,

office, or someone’s home. Making small

donations while at pagodas is also acceptable.

Show the soles of your feet. Opposite of the

head, the soles of your feet are considered

dirty and not sacred, so try to keep them on

the floor.

Bow. When you meet someone, it is polite to

remove your hat, bow slightly, and put your

hands into a “praying” position.

Show public forms of affection such as

kissing or hugging. The conservative

population will feel uncomfortable.

Present and accept business cards with both

hands.

Females should never touch a male monk or

hand anything to him directly.

Cover yourself even more than normal when

entering a religious building or holy site. The

more clothes the better in these situations.

Be afraid to ask questions and meet locals.

Cambodians are a kind and accepting

people, so if you don’t understand something

or are confused just ask!

Bring a small gift to the host if you are a guest.

Fruit, desert, or flowers are always good

options when you are a guest in someone’s

home. For weddings cash is the preferred gift.

Use a toothpick at the table without covering

your mouth with the hand you are not using

the toothpick with.

Cambodia

10

Weather and Climate

Located only 10 degrees north of the

Equator, Cambodia is in the tropical

climate zone. Temperatures are

warm to hot year-round, with an

average temperature around 27° C

(80° F). The seasonal rotation is

driven by the monsoon cycle and

includes the rainy season and the

dry season. The dry season has two

different stages a cool phase and hot

phase.

Dry Season Phase 1 (Cool)

The monsoon cycle resets itself in the first phase of the dry season (November-February). In

early November the rains subside and temperatures start to fall to a more moderate level,

ranging between 17-27° C (60-80° F). This time of year is widely considered to be the best

time to visit as the days are warm, the evenings are cool, and the skies are clear. December

and January sport the most agreeable weather the country has to offer, but are short lived as

the hot weather begins to creep back during the month of February.

Dry Season Phase 2 (Hot)

The dry season continues into the months of March-May, however during this portion of the

year the temperatures begin to rise drastically. Temperatures tend to fall in the 29-38° C (84-

100° F) range peaking in April and May. Precipitation levels remain quite low and lakes and

rivers start to dry up. As April comes to a close, afternoon rainfall called “mango showers”

begin, they are hard to predict and can range from light showers to heavy thunderstorms. The

mango showers intensity begins to pick up towards the end of May signalling the beginning of

the rainy season.

http://www.canbypublications.com/cambodia/clima

te.htm

Cambodia

11

Rainy Season

The hot season continues into the summer months (JuneOctober), but is quickly moderated as

the pressure drops over central Asia drawing moist ocean air landward. With the ocean air

come the southwest monsoon rains and the beginning of the rainy season. Temperatures

during the rainy season range between 27-35°C (80-95° F). The rains are quite predictable and

therefore easy to plan around. The storms build during the warm day and then the rain usually

starts in the afternoon and evening lasting only a few hours. Around the coastal towns the rain

is much more frequent and at the height of the season storms can last for days at a time. As

the rainy season comes to an end the days start to become cooler and the rain becomes less

frequent as the cycle starts over.

A Brief History

Year Event

68-550 Reign of the Funan Kingdom: The beginning of international trading in the region.

Archaeologists have proven a connection to the Roman Empire, and to Indian

civilizations.

550-627 Funan – Chenla War: Chenla Kingdom, which was once a subordinate of the Funan

Kingdom, conquered its rival in over 100 years of civil war. The fall of the Roman

Empire is thought to have weaken Funan as their trading routes deteriorated

627-802 Reign of the Chenla Kingdom: King Ishanavarman established the new capital,

Ishanapura and called the conquered land Kambuja, from which the current name

Cambodia is derived.

802-1431 Reign of the Khmer Empire: The Golden Age. Jayavarman II established the Khmer

Empire deeming Angkor the capital city. His son Jayavarman commissioned many

of the temples you see today including Angkor Wat. This time period was the height

of cultural creativity and political power.

1431 The Thai captured Angkor and a gradual decline began

1432-1863 The dark ages of Cambodia: Cambodia continued its decline and lost most of its

territory as it found itself caught in between two powerful neighbours; Vietnam and

Siam (Thai).

1863 King Norodom agrees with the French to establish a protectorate over his kingdom,

becoming a part of French Indochina.

1941 The Franco-Thai War and WWII left the French Vichy government weak. They

signed an agreement allowing the Japanese military to occupy French Indochina.

1945-1953 After their defeat in WWII the Japanese had to relinquish their territories in

Indochina sending Cambodia into a chaotic state of governance.

Cambodia

12

1953 Cambodia officially gains its independence from France.

1953-1969 Cambodia was self-sufficient and prosperous under a neutral Prince Sihanouk.

1970 The Vietnam war spilled over the Cambodian borders and Prince Sihanouk was

overthrown by General Lon Nol, who established the Khmer republic of which he

was the self-proclaimed President.

1970-1975 The new republic sided with the United States and started to take an anticommunist

approach to the neighbouring Vietnam.

1975 The weak republic was overthrown by the Khmer Rouge, a group of Communist

minded Cambodians headed by Pol Pot. Creation of Democratic Kampuchea.

1975-1979 The Reign of Terror: All cities were evacuated and the residents were sent to work

in the country side trying to fulfil the communist vision of Pol Pot killing millions in

the process.

1979 Vietnamese troops captured Phnom Penh establishing the People’s Republic of

Kampuchea, ending the rule of Khmer Rouge

1989 The Vietnamese withdraw their troops and the government was renamed the State

of Cambodia

1993 Free elections were held, which were boycotted by the Khmer Rouge. The

constitution was ratified and the Cambodian Monarchy was restored as Norodum

Sihanouk returned to the throne.

2003 Riots began throughout Phnom Penh after a disagreement with Thailand over the

rights to Angkor Wat. The Thai embassy was destroyed.

2004 Norodom Sihanouk resigned and his son Norodom Sihamoni was crowned king.

2008 Cambodian-Thai Standoff: Clashes began with Thailand over another territorial

dispute.

2013-2014 Protests and riots started against Hun Sen’s government. Claiming electoral fraud,

political corruption, and human rights violations.

Cambodia

13

Top Ten Cambodian Tourist Destinations

10. Phnom Penh Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

A large dark yellow building in the centre of Phnom Penh is the host of a daily market where all

things domestic and foreign can be found. Household items, jewellery, silks, flowers, and fresh

fruit are among the wide array of offerings. Spending a whole afternoon here is almost too

easy.

9. Bamboo Island

If you are looking for a tropical getaway to just sit back and enjoy the sun and the beach,

Bamboo Island is the place for you. Located 10km of the coast of Sihanoukville in the Gulf of

Thailand, the island used to be a small naval outpost but today flaunts some of the clearest

waters in Cambodia.

8. Apsaras Dance Performance

This classical dance is recognized by UNESCO as a tradition of the Kingdom of Cambodia as it

is depicted in carvings dating back as far as the 7th century. You can catch a show all over the

country but the best dance troops are centred in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

7. Silk Island

Around 12km north of Phnom Penh is a group of small artisan villages locally known as, Koh

Dach. Getting to the villages takes just a short taxi ride, but you will feel worlds away from the

bustling city of Phnom Penh and you may find that you are the only westerner there. Most of

the residents of these villages make a living by weaving silk ware so you know it is a good

place to learn the process.

6. Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei is off of the beaten path, and many tourists wandering through Angkor won’t

venture far enough north to see this 10th century Hindu temple. The walls of the temple are

filled with delicately carved scenes from ancient Hindu tales.

Cambodia

14

5. The Killing Fields

Located outside of Phnom Penh the killing fields are one of the largest mass grave sites in

Cambodia. During the rule of the Khmer Rouge it is estimated around 1 million people were

executed and buried here. This is a great place to help you understand Cambodia’s dark past.

4. Angkor Thom (Bayon Temple)

Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. At the centre of the

city lies a magnificent golden Bayon tower surrounded by smaller towers and stone chambers

known as the Bayon Temple which is a must see.

3. Ta Prohm Ruins

A former Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman, Ta Prohm is unlike

most of restored Angkor temples. These ruins have been left to the clutches of jungle.

2. Lake Tonle Sap and the Floating Villages

Southwest of Siem Reap lies Southeast Asia’s largest and most spectacular freshwater lake.

There are many tourist traps around the lake but one you must visit is Chong Khneas, the

famous floating village. Also be on the lookout for large water birds like Ibis, Pelicans, and

Storks.

1. Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the popular choice to round out this list as it is raved about all over travel

websites. The reality is that this wonder of the world is truly the best that Cambodia has to

offer. The façade of Angkor Wat is featured on the country’s flag, and is the crown jewel of the

tourism industry.

Cambodia

15

Visas

Tourist Visas

Nationals of any country can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival as long as their passport is valid

for at least six months. These visas are good for up to 30 days, and can be renewed once

without leaving the country. Purchasing an EVisa ahead of time is possible at a cost of around

$25 USD at http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/. Applying for a visa ahead of time is advised as to avoid

over charging or lines upon arrival. However, it is possible to obtain a visa at your port of entry

for around $20.

Business Visas

Those seeking work in Cambodia should opt for the business visa. Business visas are also

good for 30 days but can be extended for long periods of time.

The documents required for a Business visa are as follows:

• Completed visa application form

• A passport with six months till expiration

• A recent passport photo (4x6 cm)

• Appropriate visa fee

• Any supporting documents

Visa Extensions

Visas can be extended by visiting the large immigration office located directly across the road

from Phnom Penh International Airport or by using the contact information listed at the bottom

of this section.

There are two ways to obtain a visa, the official way and a more expensive unofficial way. The

official way to get a one month extension costs around $35 USD. There is a large amount of

bureaucratic paperwork involved and it takes 25-30 days to finish the process, all the while

Cambodia

16

they are holding your passport. This system works fine if you have your employers handling it,

but if you are on your own the unofficial extension is much more convenient.

Unofficially, you can pay an inflated price of just over $45 USD and they will expedite the

process for you. This will allow you to have your passport back the next day, it may not be the

most ethical process that exists but on short notice extensions it is sometimes necessary.

Overstaying your visa will result in a fine of around $5 USD per day.

Work Visas

If you plan to work in Cambodia, you will need a work permit in addition to the Business visa.

Although many foreigners in Cambodia do work without obtaining a work permit and often the

law is not enforced, it is advisable to hold both just in case.

Most expats wishing to work in Cambodia on a long-term basis will need a temporary work

permit which is renewable annually. Temporary work permits are issued to those working as

management specialists, technical staff, skilled workers or service providers. Applications for

work permits should be made to the Ministry of the Interior, contact information listed below.

The documents required for work visas are as follows:

• Three sets of the official application form issued by the Ministry of the Interior

Passport, or equivalent, with valid visa.

• Three passport photos (4x6cm)

• A Certificate of Health from a doctor in your home country

• A contract of work

• An insurance policy (either from your employer or private insurance)

All related Visa fees

Disclaimer: Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change. Please check with the

relevant Cambodia government departments for the very latest requirements.

Cambodia

17

Cambodia National Immigration Department

Confederation de la Russie Blvd (110)

Phnom Penh, 12406, Cambodia

Phone: (855-23) 890 380

Fax: (855-23) 890 439

Email: visa@interior.gov.kh

Website: immigration.gov.kh/

Ministry of the Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia

275 Preah Norodom Blvd

Chamkarmon

Phnom Penh, 12301, Cambodia

Website: www.interior.gov.kh (in Khmer only)

Cambodia

18

Transportation

Cambodia’s transport infrastructure is basic to say the least. The country has no passenger

train service and even the capital, Phnom Penh, lacks most public transportation options. This

is due to the narrow roads, unreliable infrastructure, lack of traffic control and the pervasive

scooters that fill the roadways. In recent years, Cambodia has embarked on an extensive road-

building programme with financial aid from China, South Korea and other international

organisations to establish infrastructure for its rapidly developing economy. As a result the road

network is rapidly expanding and the quality of the roads is improving making it easier to travel

between the country’s major cities and to its borders, in particular Thailand. Even so, you

should beware when travelling cross country in the rainy season as roads in less accessible

areas may be unpassable.

Air Travel

Air travelers enter Cambodia through Phnom Penh’s

International Airport or Siem Reap Angkor International

Airport. Both airports are quite modern. The two-storey one

in Phnom Penh even offers a First/Business Class Lounge

on the first floor at the International Terminal, near to the

main boarding gates. Inside is an assortment of services and modern conveniences including

wireless internet.

The airport serves well over a million passengers

annually with a capacity for two million. There are 22

check-in counters and 6 gates, serving 10 international

and 3 domestic destinations with 20 airlines. There are

380 parking spaces with parking available for up to 4

hours.

Cambodia

19

Siem Reap Airport is equally impressive. It has

capacity to serve 1.5 million passengers and nearly

meets this capacity annually. Although tiny and with just

one floor, the airport is very pleasant and has a

bookstore and a charming boutique selling souvenirs

and other goods. There are less than 200 parking

spaces, most at the International Terminal.

Train Services

After decades of neglect and damage from wartime, Cambodia's rail network is currently being

reconstructed as part of the Trans-Asian Railway project.

Until recently there was just one train service remaining in Cambodia, from Battambang to

Phnom Penh. Previously running every second day, in 2006 it went down to once a week, and

in early 2009 it stopped running altogether. There are also currently NO trains on the Phnom

Penh - Kampot - Sihanoukville route or on the Battambang-Sisophon route. There are now no

regular passenger trains in Cambodia, only buses.

Bus Services

Inter-city and international buses are run by separate companies at different locations

throughout all major cites in Cambodia.. Luckily, most of the tuk tuk and motodop drivers are

well-acquainted with where to take you as long as you give them the name of the company and

address you are looking for.

Local buses can also provide an exciting means of travel and are good for those on a budget.

The popular Mekong Express provides a luxury bus ride for just US$7 between Phnom Penh

and Siem Reap every day. There are other companies offering the same route as well.

Cambodia

20

There is currently one public bus service offering Phnom Penh with limited buy affordable

service in the city.

Taxi Services

Meter taxis sometimes wait in tourist areas of all cities, especially late night. More common are

unmarked, unmetered taxis, which can be arranging through your hotel or travel agent and can

also be found waiting outside major hotels. Taxi/car with driver costs $25-$35/day. Short jaunts

around town run a minimum $4-$5.

Global Taxi Phnom Penh’s first meter taxi service. Meter taxi service. Available 24/7

Tuk-tuks

(Motorcycle trailers, ‘Tuk-tuks,’ moto-romauks) ‘Tuk-tuks’ have

become quite popular iambodia. Tuk-tuks for hire gather in

popular tourist areas and cost $1-$2 for short trips and $10-$15

for the whole day. Prices vary depending on the number of

passengers and where you pick up the tuk-tuk. Make sure to

keep your bag toward the middle of the tuk-tuk to protect against

bag snatching.

Motorcycle Taxi

(Motodup) The omnipresent ‘moto’ is the most common and

fastest form of public transportation, but not necessarily the

safest, being more prone to accidents and robberies than car

taxis. Motos can be found virtually everywhere in towns and

cities, and cost from 1500R-4000R for a trip in town and $6-$8

Cambodia

21

per day. Prices go up at night and for multiple passengers. To protect against bag snatching,

keep your bag between you and the driver or in front of the driver. DO NOT carry/wear your

bag on your back!

Cyclos

The humble bicycle rickshaw known locally as the ‘cyclo’ can be

a romantic, even practical form of transportation, especially if

time is not a factor. Cyclos are easier on the nerves than motos

and the canopy offers a drier, cooler ride. A cyclo ride should

cost about the same as a moto.

Boat Travel

Bus, taxi, and motorcycle are a good form of transport for the dry season especially in March-

May as water levels decrease making river ferry or boat rides more difficult. As the rain starts

to fall in the wet season the 1900 km of navigable waterways in Cambodia come alive and

have to be considered as a normal travel option.

There is a regular boat service across Tonlé Sap Lake from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

which takes around 5 hours. Boats are often very crowded and tourist rates are applied to

foreigners – these can be double what the local’s pay but are still reasonable. The boat ride

isn’t very scenic either so taking a bus is usually a smarter option.

There are more rewarding boat rides via the Mekong River between Siem Reap and

Battambang, but may take a long time. Rocket boats operate in the northern part of the

country and take passengers to the Lao and Thailand borders. These boats can be a bit

dangerous and should never be taken at night.

Cambodia

22

Driving

Cambodia’s road safety is notoriously bad and traffic laws are poorly enforced so extreme

care should be taken when driving here. There are a lot of new drivers are on the road and

many young Khmers drive recklessly. Driving in the cities can be especially challenging. The

rules of the road are habitually ignored and priority generally given to the biggest car.

Congestion is a major problem, particularly during rush hour when the city can get gridlocked,

and parking is also difficult. It is essential that you take out fully comprehensive insurance - if

you get in a crash and are uninsured you will most likely be the one paying, even if you were

not in the wrong. If your mode of transport is a motorbike, always wear a helmet, you will not

regret it when it ends up serving its purpose.

It is common practice for the police to accept cash bribes for minor offences such as not

wearing a helmet or not being registered. Usually you can pay $5 and be on your way. You’ll

notice most locals try and avoid being pulled over by driving off from the Police; this may work

but is not recommended.

Cambodia

23

Money and Banking

Tipping

Tipping is not a traditional custom in Cambodia, however tipping can make a big difference for

someone in a country this poor. The Khmer people are known for their outstanding service and

go out of their way to show hospitality so you can show your appreciation by tipping a small

amount. As little as $3 could be close to a whole days wages for some common laborers. At

hotels there is commonly a service charge that never sees its way into the pockets of those

actually performing the service, so try to tip the staff directly.

Dollars or Riel

You may have already heard that US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia and is

considered a common currency. However in order to stretch your money it is best to use both

currencies in conjunction with one another. Be a Rate Watcher. The Riel fluctuates around

the 4000r/$1 mark, and most restaurants and shops that accept both currencies base their

prices off of the 4000 to 1 conversion instead of changing the prices daily in accordance with

the spot rate. So if exchange rates become favourable then it makes sense to exchange your

Dollars and pay in Riel. However, if the rate falls below 4000 to 1 then just hold onto your

dollars, as exchanging them will diminish your buying power. When bartering in the streets it

makes sense to use Riel as arguing over $0.25 can be confusing with a language barrier.

Instead agreeing on prices in Riel will make it much easier as you will be arguing over 1000

Riel instead, which is a much more comprehensible number for everyone involved.

Insurance

There are several of types of insurance coverage plans to choose from as an expat in

Cambodia. The essentials include international and local medical health insurance, life and

critical illness insurance, accident and disability insurance, income protection and personal

indemnity insurance. You may also need to insure your home, car, and boat along with other

valuables, which can be done in Cambodia by purchasing general insurance.

Cambodia

24

Expats are often surprised to learn that even after a short period away from their home

country, many life insurance policies become invalid. This presents a real risk to the family’s

financial security and is an issue that demands urgent attention. As an expat in Cambodia,

you need to check that your life insurance obtained in your home country is still valid. A

change in lifestyle may affect the validity of any life insurance and it is therefore important to

notify the insurers of any significant changes in lifestyle and location. Premiums may need to

be adjusted or the policy may need to be changed to provide suitable cover. Upon arrival in

Cambodia it is necessary to have a full review of your current insurance plans done by a

financial advisor who understands the complexities of the global insurance market. Make sure

to choose an advisor that is not dictated by a parent company to make sure you are getting

unbiased advice. This will help you to make sure your family is secure once you are living in

Cambodia.

Taxes

Once you are considered a resident of Cambodia then you become eligible for taxation.

Residency is defined as a person who has their main home in Cambodia for at least 182 days

over the 12 month taxation period. Cambodia’s income tax rate for residents earning over

$3,120 per month is 20% and is payable on income earned within Cambodia. Those living in

Cambodia may also be liable for taxes such as capital gains tax, income tax on foreign

investments, sales tax and VAT. Be sure to take professional advice on your tax liabilities, as

the intricacies can be overwhelming and are certainly too numerous to be covered by this

guide.

If you plan on earning income in your home country while you live in Cambodia, for example

you are renting out your home, you may have to pay taxes in your home country as well as in

Cambodia. But depending on where you earn that supplementary income, you may qualify for

a double taxation agreement in which you are not liable to pay taxes in both countries. Taxes

issues are complicated and depend on the individual situation and the original country of

Cambodia

25

residence, so be sure to research what taxes will need to be paid at home and which will

need to be paid in Cambodia. American expats need to be especially aware of new FATCA

rules and regulations as they complicate tax issues even further.

Healthcare

Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have hospitals offering high quality, international standard

health facilities (see individual city section below for more detailed information). Conversely,

outside the larger cities it may be harder to find reputable care. Most towns will have either a

small hospital or a medical clinic for general care but may not be able to offer quality care

medical emergencies. Finding medical care of any kind in rural areas may be difficult.

It is highly advisable that expatriates take out an insurance policy in order to ensure that the

best healthcare Cambodia is available to them when they need it. Cambodia is still developing,

so some treatments are not available even at the best facilities. Keep this in mind when buying

travel insurance. Make sure that your policy includes medical evacuation coverage, which will

pay for you to be transported out of the country for appropriate healthcare, should this be

necessary. Also make sure your cover suits all unique requirements that you or your family

may encounter, such as maternity.

Schools

Most expats in Cambodia send their children to private school where they will be taught in

English or French and study internationally recognized curriculum. Standards are generally

high in the main international schools, which you can find more information on in the respective

city sections. Do bear in mind that education is always a polemic subject and debates on the

Cambodia expat forums reveal some wildly differing opinions on the international schools in

Cambodia. You are advised to do your research and choose a school according to your

expectations and the individual needs of your children.

Cambodia

26

Phnom Penh Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital city, and home to approximately 1.6 million people. Located

at the confluence of three rivers- The Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap- Phnom Penh is a

vibrant city with a unique mix of French colonial and traditional Khmer architecture. As a result,

the city retains a certain provincial charm, which combined with the energy of its rapidly

growing economy and the warmth of the local population makes this a city that many expats

fall in love with.

Accommodation

Most expats in Phnom Penh live in one of the following three Districts:

BKK 1 & 2 (the majority of expats live here)

Riverside

Toul Tom Pong (near the Russian Market)

Temporary Accommodation

Expats living in Cambodia sometimes choose the option of serviced apartment rental as a cost

effective solution and a good way to feel at home in Cambodia rapidly when landing in town.

For stays of a day, a week, a month or a year, serviced apartments offer a spacious, flexible

and cost effective solution.

Permanent Housing

Cambodia has 3 types of Properties to be rent or buy as a permanent home: stand-alone

house, town house and apartment/condo. Apartments are usually fully furnished while

houses/townhouses can be offered fully furnished or semi-furnished. Kitchen is usually

equipped with cooking set (stoves and exhaust hood), oven and refrigerator. Washing machine

and drying machine are usually provided in larger properties. A dishwasher is not a basic item

included in the provision.

Cambodia

27

The rental fee of serviced apartments is inclusive of utility charge and housekeeping service

while long-term leases do not provide those under the rent. Residents may directly pay

government utility and telephone bills or sometimes pay fixed rates issued by property

management.

Shopping

Most expats combine buying fresh local produce from the markets with supermarket shopping

for household goods and imported produce. There are many supermarkets which cater to

expat tastes. The supply of imported produce is inconsistent so if you see something that you

love, stock up as you never know when you will see it again, it could be a few months. It is

likely that you will need to go to a few different places to get everything you require. Below you

will find a short list of supermarkets that will be a good place to start when first settling in

Phnom Penh.

Super Markets

Lucky’s – (Shihanouk Boulevard, and Paragon Shopping Mall)

Bayon and Thai Houk Suppermarket- (Monivong Street, near Central Market)

Sydney’s – (Street 128, 500m from Monivong heading away from Central Market)

Pencil – (Norodom Boulevard, next door to KFC)

Veggy’s – (Street 240)

Specialty Stores

AusKhmer/The Pantry Shop – (Street 105, 125Z) Specialty meat, cheese, wines, and catering

Dan’s Meats – (Street 214, 51A) Butcher with fine meats and home delivery

Open Wine – (Street 19, near Street 240) Wide variety of wines and some food Red

Apron – (Street 240, close to junction with Street 19) Boutique wine shop

Cambodia

28

There is also a large quantity of local markets, which are a good place to go for fresh and

cheap fruit and vegetables and offer the chance to experience the real Cambodia. Markets can

be very crowded and hot so it is best to go in the mornings.

Other Shopping Areas

Central Market – Referred to as Psar Thmei, the Central Market is one of Phnom Penh’s main

landmarks and is hard to miss with its big yellow dome standing over the streets. You can find

everything here including fresh fruits and vegetables, household appliances, electronics,

crockery, souvenirs and clothes.

Sorya – This is a large air-conditioned shopping mall. A lot of Khmers come here to experience

their first escalator ride! Lucky’s Supermarket is on the ground floor, there is a quality

electronics store on the 3rd floor, and the 4th floor has an athletics shop with everything from

shoes and clothes, to board games and sports equipment. The shopping centre is located near

the central market

Russian Market – Most Khmers know the Russian Market as Psar Toul Tompong, keep that in

mind when trying to find your way here. The market is geared towards tourists so you will find

cheap clothes, souvenirs and pirated DVDs. However you can also pick up household items,

food, fresh produce and mechanical parts if you do a bit of searching.

Street 240 – A few designer boutique stores line this street between the streets of, 19th and

Norodom. Expect these shops to be more expensive than the other local markets.

Beautiful Shoes- located at #138B, Street 143. A great place to buy shoes is at ‘Beautiful

Shoes’ with prices around $15. For around $25 you can get a custom pair made to your

specifications on leather, colour, and size. This is a great place to get shoes for the whole

family as they are usually of very high quality.

Cambodia

29

Household Appliances and Accessories

Electrical goods can be bought in the shops along Monivong Street, in the Sorya shopping

centre, opposite the central market, and in other stores scattered around town. Water coolers

can be bought from most electrical shops near the Central Market for approximately $100.

Linens can be bought cheaply along Monivong Street. You can get expensive but good quality

linen at IChing (Sisowath quay/ www.ichingdecor.com) or at Elsewhere (Villa Lanka Hotel. St.

282). Elsewhere also has clothes and babies clothing. For wholesale fabric, check out Olympic

Market.

Medical Services The best known hospital for expats in the city is the Calmette Hospital.

Calmette Hospital

#03 Street 93 (Preah Monivong)

Sraas Chak

Daun Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phone: (855-23) 426 948

Fax: (855-23) 724 891

International SOS is the most highly regarded medical clinic in town. It provides emergency

care and evacuation if needed and employs both international and Khmer doctors including a

dermatologist, a paediatric nurse, general practitioners and dentists.

International SOS Cambodia Ltd

House 161, Street 51

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodia

30

Phone: (855-12) 816 911 or (855-23) 216 911

Fax: (855-23) 215 811

Website: https://www.internationalsos.com/en/about-our-clinics_cambodia_35.htm

Another option for 24 hour service in English is the Naga Clinic. General services are offered

as well are some specialized services.

Naga Clinic International Medical Centre

#11 Street 254

PO Box 1155

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phone: (855-23) 211 300 or (11-811) 175 (emergency, secretary)

Fax: (855-23)-361 225

Email: info@nagaclinic.com

Website: http://www.nagaclinic.com/

Pharmacies

UCare is a chain of pharmacies throughout Phnom Penh and Cambodia. Beware if you are

buying medicines at independent pharmacies – there have been reports of some expats

receiving fake medicines in some establishments. Almost any drugs can be bought over the

counter in Cambodia.

Cambodia

31

Veterinarian

If you have a sick pet, AgroVet is the best vet in town. They are the only service that complies

with European standards and they speak English.

AgroVet Clinic

#33B Street 360

Boeung Keng Kang 1

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phone: (855-23) 216 323

Schools

The most popular international schools in Phnom Penh are listed below:

The International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP)

Website: www.ispp.edu.kh

Generally considered to be the best secondary school in Cambodia, ISPP takes students from

ages 3 to 18 and teaches the International Baccalaureate, which is internationally recognised

by all further education establishments throughout the world. The facilities are modern and the

teaching of a very high standard. ISPP is a non-profit parent-owned association and fees are

reviewed annually but are around $15,000 per year.

Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC)

Website: www.nisc.edu.kh

Another excellent school working teaching an International Baccalaureate programme for ages

3-18. Fees depend on the age of the child, rising as the child gets older. Top fees for 2013/14

are $17,000 per year. NISC teachers are internationally qualified and recruited from all over the

world. The school has a spacious campus with plenty of playing fields for sports minded

children.

Cambodia

32

iCan British International School

Website: www.ican.edu.kh

An English teaching, co-ed school for children aged 18 months to 14 years. Fees range from

$3,500 for the nursery to $9,300 for years 7, 8 and 9. The teaching programme is based on the

English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).

Zaman International School

Website: www.zamanisc.com

Zaman is an independent international school with over 1,100 students from kindergarten up to

the end of secondary school. This is the best choice if you wish your child to be taught in

Khmer as well as English. The qualifications gained here are recognised by some, but not all,

colleges in Englishspeaking countries. Consequently, the cost is significantly less, at around

$3,500 per year. Also, boys and girls are taught separately.

There are plenty other schools where lessons are taught in English or French. Some options to

look into are listed below although this is by no means an exhaustive list:

EtonHouse International School – www.ehis.co

Lycée Française René Descartes de Phnom Penh – www.descartes-cambodge.com

Logos International School – www.logoscambodia.org

Entertainment & Leisure

Swimming pools

If your home or apartment complex does not have a pool, don’t worry, most hotels and guest

houses in the city will let you use theirs for a small fee, or an advertised minimum spend.

Villa Lanka – (Street 278, near Wat Lanka) Very popular weekend getaway for families.

Pavilion – (Street 19, near Sihanouk Blvd end) – Adults only with Wi-Fi.

Intercontinental Hote l – (296 Boulevard Mao Tse Toung) Family friendly, slightly expensive

Le Royal Hotel – (92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Pen) Family friendly, slightly expensive

Cambodia

33

Boat cruises

Boat cruises are very popular in Phnom Penh, especially at sunset when you can see the sun

go down against the backdrop of the Phnom Penh skyline and the Royal Palace. Boats line the

river near streets 136 and 130 and can be hired for $10-20 per hour, depending on the size of

the boat. An icebox is normally provided, with ice (for a small fee), and you can bring your own

food and drink to enjoy.

Casino Nagaworld – (End of Sihanouk Blvd near the riverfront)

Cambodia

34

Bowling Parkway – (#113, Mao Tse Toung Blvd)

Aeon Mall – Sotheros Boulevard

Cinema

MetaHouse – (#6, Street 264)

MetaHouse is a multimedia arts centre with a terrace bar and frequent film screenings, comedy shows,

and Karaoke.

The Flicks – #90, Street 136

Independent cinema with bookings available for parties.

Legend Cinema – 3rd Floor, City Mall, Street 217

Major Cineplex – Aeon Mall, Sotheros.

Sport

Gyms

There are plenty of gyms in Phnom Penh for whatever it is the suits your needs. A selection is

listed below. Prices vary widely so make sure to do some further research before signing up for

a membership.

Himawari – (Himawari Hotel, 313 Sisowath Quay) Fitness centre, pool and gym

The Place- (Sihanouk Blvd, near Street 51) Well-equipped gym, no pool

Phnom Penh Health Club – (53 Monivong Blvd) Gym, swimming pool and sauna.

VIP – (Off Norodom Blvd, south of Mao Tse Toung) Large swimming pool and tennis courts.

Parkway – (113 Mao Tse Toung Blvd) Gym and 25m swimming pool.

Open Palm Studios – (Street 101) Spinning, yoga and circuit training classes, also personal training.

Intercontinental Hotel – (296 Blvd Mao Tse Toung)

Yoga Kundalini Yoga House – (#42, Street 302) Nataraj Yoga Centre- (#52, Street 302)

Cambodia

35

Golf

18 Hole Courses

Garden City Golf Club – (#53, Monivong Blvd, Sangkat Srah Chok, Khan Duan Penh)

Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club – (National Route 4, 35km SW of Phnom Penh)

Cambodia Golf and Country Club – (#56A, Street Samdach, Songkreach Tieng (222), Daun Penh)

Ranges

Int Driving Range – (Street 2004) Standard Range

Parkway driving range – (113 Mao Tse Toung Blvd) Rooftop range

Aerobics

Classes are held at the Olympic Stadium every evening at dusk. For just 50 cents you can join

the local young Khmers as they dance and jive to loud Khmer music! Even if you don’t want to

join in with the dancing, it’s worth going along to watch this uniquely Khmer spectacle.

Beauty and Wellbeing

Hairdressers

There are plenty of hairdressers in Phnom Penh but it is usually best to get a recommendation

from a fellow expat before trying something out. Some good places to start are:

Lucky’s Salon – (Upstairs at Lucky’s on Sihanouk Boulevard) A very popular and reputable

salon.

Dollhouse Salon – (#46AE, Street 322) Make sure to ask for Ryan to get you fixed up.

Open Arms – (#87, Street 155) Reasonably priced haircuts along with shampoo and head

massages.

Spas

Amara Spa – (Sisowath Quay, corner of Street 110) A luxury spa facility set on the riverfront.

Dermologica Skin Lab- (#199, on the corner of Street 306 and Street 63) A wide range of

beauty treatments and products

Bliss – (House #29 St 240) Waxes, massages, manicures and pedicures.

Cambodia

36

Eating Out The restaurant scene in Phnom Penh, as in any large city, is vast and ever-changing. Below

you will find a selection of some recommended cafés and restaurants in the city. This is by no

means exhaustive and you will no doubt have fun exploring the restaurant scene for yourself

upon arrival.

FCC – (363 Sisowath Quay) A café serving international food, including delicious pizzas,

as well as some local food. It has great view and half price drinks at happy hour from 5 to

7pm.

Pho – (Street 178, opposite The Rising Sun) Named after the Vietnamese Noodle Soup

Lemongrass – (Street 130, near riverfront) Arguably the best Thai food in Phnom Penh.

Chiang Mai – (Riverfront) Delicious Thai food, less expensive than Lemongrass.

Origami – (88 Sothearos St) Quality Japanese, a bit pricier

The Shop – (Street 240) International café

Cambodia

37

Boat Noodle – (Street 294) Cheap and delicious Khmer food.

La Croisette – (riverfront) French and Khmer food, live acoustic music every Wednesday

night. Around 4:30pm every day the resident Phnom Penh elephant comes to get his fill.

Sher-E-Punjab – (Street 130) Authentic food from northern Indian.

Dosa Corner – (Street 19, near corner of Street 278) Inexpensive southern Indian restaurant.

Flavours – (#9 Street 51) A renowned expat hang out and a pleasant place to sit outside in the

wicker chairs and have a few beers over dinner. The menu is a mix of traditional and

international cuisines.

Metro – (#271 Street 148) Not the cheapest, but by far the best cocktails in town, and pretty

darn good food as well.

Pop Café – (very near FCC on the riverfront) A great location mixed with wonderful homemade

pasta and lasagne, it truly is a little Italy.

The Tamarind – (Street 240) French and international cuisine/tapas.

Anise Terrace – (#2C, Street 278) Something of a hidden gem, a lovely terrace setting in a

great area of town.

Raffles Hotel – (92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh) Similar to the Intercontinental Sunday brunch

but with free flowing Singapore Slings.

Gasolina – (near BKK Market) This restaurant/bar has a large grassy area for kids to run

around on and play.

Cambodia

38

Khmer Surin – (#11, street 57, BKK1) Traditional Khmer food.

Nightlife Most bars have a happy hour offering 2 for 1 drink specials, or discounts anywhere up to 50%.

There are lots of friendly expat bars and cafés at BKK1 around Street 278 and plenty of other

cafés and bars around the city.

Elephant Bar – (Raffles Hotel, 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh) A Swanky bar at Phnom Penh’s

most prestigious hotel.

Memphis Pub – (Street 118, not far from the riverfront) Late night live music, a favourite of the

expat crowd.

Pickled Parrot – (Street 104) – (Int pub, 24/7) Slate pool tables and a friendly Australian

owner.

Riverhouse Lounge – (110 Sisowath Quay) Wealthier Khmer kids and expats come to this

place for hip hop and R&B style music while they sip on drinks.

Gym Bar – (#42, Street 178) A great place to watch live sports.

Chinese House – (north end of Sisowath Quay near the port) A beautiful, old colonial French

building mixed with Chinese architecture, furniture and decorations. Happy hour is from 6pm

to 8pm.

Cambodia

39

Siem Reap

Siem Reap, meaning “The Defeat of Siam”, is Cambodia’s fastest growing city, the capital of

the Siem Reap Province, and home to around 175,000 people. Although Siem Reap is only the

country’s fifth most populous city, behind Ta Khmao, Sisophon, Battambang and of course

Phnom Penh, it serves as a gateway to the Angkor Region and the extraordinary wonders that

lie within. Therefore, it is a major tourist hub and the second most popular city for expats

moving to Cambodia.

Accommodation

Most expats in Phnom Penh live in one of the following three Districts:

Salakomreuk

Wat Bo

Mondul II

Cambodia

40

Temporary Accommodation

Expats living in Cambodia sometimes choose the option of serviced apartment rental as a cost

effective solution and a good way to feel at home in Cambodia rapidly when landing in town.

For stays of a day, a week, a month or a year, serviced apartments offer a spacious, flexible

and cost effective solution.

Permanent Housing

Cambodia has 3 types of Properties to be rent or buy as a permanent home: stand-alone

house, town house and apartment/condo. Apartments are usually fully furnished while

houses/townhouses can be offered fully furnished or semi-furnished. Kitchen is usually

equipped with cooking set (stoves and exhaust hood), oven and refrigerator. Washing machine

and drying machine are usually provided in larger properties. A dishwasher is not a basic item

included in the provision.

The rental fee of serviced apartments is inclusive of utility charge and housekeeping service

while long-term leases do not provide those under the rent. Residents may directly pay

government utility and telephone bills or sometimes pay fixed rates issued by property

management.

Shopping

Siem Reap is the art and creative capital of Cambodia, as you may then assume, it is also

home to spectacular shopping venues. If you are more conservative and enjoy a western

shopping experience, the city accommodates you as well.

Supermarkets

Lucky Market Shopping Centre – (Sivatha Road) Lucky’s is a general shopping centre where

you can find most of the things you need.

Angkor Shopping Centre – (National Route 6, Airport Road) A mall type shopping area that

has all sorts of shops including a supermarket.

Cambodia

41

Angkor Mini Markets – (Pub Street) Conveniently located, the Mini Marts offer most of the

essentials without the crowd of the Angkor Shopping Centre, if you goal is to find only

groceries, this is your place.

Specialty Stores

Samatoa – (Pithnou Street) Tailored designer clothing for a reasonable price

Mekong Quilts – (Street 5 Sivatha Street) Handmade linens and home accessories

Rajana – (Street Sivatha Street) Odd wooden and metal objects as well as jewellery

There is also a large quantity of local markets, which are a good place to go for fresh and

cheap fruit and vegetables and offer the chance to experience the real Cambodia. Markets can

be very crowded and hot so it is best to go in the mornings if possible.

Other Shopping Areas

Angkor Night Market – Angkor Night Market is a recently established market focusing on

handcrafts, souvenirs, and silks. It has a tourist twist and isn’t quite representative of the true

night markets of Cambodia, but is still worth checking out.

Psar Chaa – This marketplace is home to everything you can imagine, some things that you

want to buy and a lot that you don’t. One thing to avoid is stone carvings that the sellers will

claim are from ancient Angkor as they are just a fakery.

Cambodia

42

Medical Services

Medical Centres

Siem Reap has the international standard Royal Angkor International Hospital which is owned

and operated by Thailand’s Bangkok Hospital Group. The Royal Angkor offers a high level of

care including a 24 hour Accident and Emergency service.

Royal Angkor International Hospital

National Route #6

Phum Kasekam

Khum Sra Ngea Siem Reap,

Cambodia

Phone: (855-63) 761 888

Email: info@royalangkorhospital.com

Website: www.royalangkorhospital.com/

For more minor medical matters, visit the Naga Clinic on Hup Guan Street, behind Central

Market. The doctor is Dutch and speaks Dutch, English, French, and German. His fees start at

$10 for a consultation.

Dentistry

Dental procedures are quite cheap no matter where you are in Cambodia. The facilities are not

always what you are used to from back home but if you are in need of a quick clean or polish

try the Pachem Dental Clinic.

Pachem Dental Clinic

242 Mondul Street

Sieam Reap District

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Phone: (855-63) 965 333 or (855-13) 838 803

Website: www.pachemdental.com/

Cambodia

43

Pharmacies

As in Phnom Penh, there are concerns that come along with buying your medicine; therefore

Ucare is still your best choice when looking for a Pharmacy. One can be found in the Lucky

Mall Shopping Centre on Sivatha Boulevard and there are others dotted about town.

Schools

The two main international schools based in Siem Reap are ISSR and The French School.

The International School of Siem Reap (ISSR)

Website: www.issr-cambodia.com

Located in the centre of town close to the Old Market, the school accepts children from the age

of 3 to 16. ISSR pupils follow the British National Curriculum and sit for internationally

recognised IGCSEs at 16. The school is registered as a Cambridge International School and

accredited by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board. Annual fees start

at $1500 for half days at nursery and continue to rise to $5800 for the senior years.

Registration fees, enrolment fees and a charge for stationery are extra.

The French School of Siem Reap

Website: http://www.ecolefr-siemreap.org/html/

The school follows the French curriculum through maternelle (infant school), primaire, collège

and lycée. It is currently in the process of reapplying for recognition from the Ministry of

Education in France. French is not a requirement prior for children at maternelle level, but older

non-French speakers will only be admitted at the discretion of the teachers. The school

provides some teaching in English and Khmer. Fees start at $820 per term for kindergarten,

increasing annually up to $1280 for lycée students, there is also an additional enrolment fee to

pay of around $500, as well as insurance charges per student.

Cambodia

44

Sport

Football

A football group meets at 7 Sports (off Wat Bo Road) every Tuesday night at 7pm. Women can

play at the Siem Reap Sports Club Wednesdays at 6pm as well.

Cycling

A group of riders meet on Saturday mornings at 8am at Grasshoppers for cycle rides out to the

countryside. $5 will be enough to rent you a bike for the morning.

Boxing

Paddy’s Fight Club – (Bakeng Road) The club teaches beginner’s kickboxing classes as has

all the necessary training facilities.

Beauty and Wellbeing

Hairdressers

Psas Chas – (The Old Market) Stroll through the streets of Psas Chas and find all sorts of

small, busy salons offering a wash, cut and blow dry for under $2. The atmosphere is

something to appreciate even if you cannot understand the giggle and gossip going on around

you.

Soul Hair Design – (West alley entrance, Sivatha Blvd) A salon with a western feel and

English speaking stylists. This is the place to go if you have special requests or are picky about

your style.

Spas

Shiatsu Dyagaimo – (#486 Taphull village Svay Dangkun) The best place for Japanese

Shiatsu therapy, $25 for 60 minutes massage.

Lemongrass Garden Beauty & Massage – (7 Sivatha Boulevard) One of the more popular

mid-range beauty and massage specialists in Siem Reap.

Cambodia

45

Kaya Spa – (Old market area, close to Senteurs d’Angkor Shop and Kaya Café) A great place

for aromatherapy, manicures, and pedicures.

Eating Out

Genevieve’s – (Sok San Road, next to Chenda Pharmacy) Khmer and Western food items. A

few times a day you may be able to catch a singing waiter, who is quite famous for his beautiful

voice.

Jungle Junction – (Market Street, High school road 300m past Mekong University) A great

family atmosphere that serves traditional food along with burgers and pizza.

Terrazza Italian restaurant – (King’s Road Angkor) Authentic Italian restaurant that also has a

deli shop for imported Italian food, a good place to eat and shop at the same time.

Dakshin’s – (Old Market, opposite Siem Reap Referral Hospital) Indian cuisine that is famous

in Siem Reap.

Kanell – (7 Makara Street, Wat Damnak Area) A romantic place to grab dinner or lunch.

Belmiro’s Pizza and Subs – (Street 7, Building 7) A taste of New York on the streets of

Cambodia. You can order by the slice or have whole pizzas made for your group, the subs are

also delicious.

Sister Srey Café – (200 Pokambor Street, Riverside and Old Market area) If you are a coffee

lover this is your place. Sister Srey Café specialises in breakfast, brunch and lunch and have a

vast array of homemade treats.

Palate Angkor Restaurant & Bar – (Acha Sva Road, Watbo Village) A reservation only

restaurant serving barbeque and sandwiches, along with fine wines.

Cambodia

46

Nightlife

There may seem to be a lack of a formal night life in Siem Reap, which is in a way true. They

just tend to do it differently with an array of backpacker bars, and hole in the wall joints as well

as nicer restaurants with bars attached. Here are some places to check out:

Miss Wong Cocktail Bar – (The Lane, between Streets 7 & 8) A chinese themed restaurant

and bar with a great atmosphere and cheap cocktails.

Palate Angkor Restaurant & Bar – (Acha Sva Road, Watbo Village) An upper scale place to

grab a few drinks with a good dinner.

Under Construction Bar & Restaurant – (Wat Bo Road) A construction themed bar where

you can take your chances by rolling dice to determine the price of your cocktail.

Mezze – (Street 11 #13A, 1st Floor) An Asian fusion lounge with a upscale feel and higher

priced cocktails. Mezze is a good place to enjoy a Friday or Saturday night.