Apsara-Angkor
Angkor-Wat-morning-sunrise
Laos Colorful
Buddha Statue
Banteay-Srei
Laos City
Koh-Kong-Cambodia
Wonderful of Laos
Angkor-Wat-Front-Gate
Laos temple

Cambodia Useful Information:

Cambodia lies in the heart of South-East Asia bordering Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north and Thailand to the west. Despite being much smaller that the neighbors Cambodia’s unique Indian-influenced Khmer culture has remained very much intact.  For many of today’s travelers the incredible architectural legacy left from Angkorian period of history, the temples of Angkor are without doubt the main reason for visiting Cambodia. The base for discovering the temples of Angkor is the provincial capital, Siem Reap.

Cambodia when to go?

Being a tropical country, Cambodia is bathed in sunshine almost all year and has a medium to high average temperature. There are two distinct seasons, the dry season and the monsoon rains. The monsoon period lasts from May to October with south-westerly winds ushering in clouds that bring seventy five to eighty percent of the annual rainfall, often in spectacular intense bursts for an hour at a time illuminating the night sky with brilliant lightning displays. The dry season extends from November to April with average temperatures ranging from 27 to 35 degrees Celsius. The coolest and most comfortable climate is from October to January. 

Festivals and Events of Cambodia:

Cambodia has a wealth of traditional and international festivals. These are times of great rejoicing for the people; many of which flock to the capital to join in the celebrations and witness the organised fireworks displays. At these times the Nation unites with a shared common understanding of values and traditions. Even in times of hardship, the people try even harder to make these occasions special. All the traditional festivals are influenced by the concepts of Buddhism, Hinduism and Royal cultures. The following events are the most important celebrations organised throughout the year:

Water Festival (October or November)

This spectacular event is the most extravagant festival in the calendar, convened over a three-day period commencing with the last full moon in October or the beginning of November. Up to a million people from all walks of life and from all over the country flock to the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers in Phnom Penh, to watch hundreds of brightly colored boats with over 50 paddlers in each, battle it out for top honors. These boat races date back to ancient times, marking the strength of the powerful Khmer maritime forces during the Khmer Empire. In the evening, brightly decorated floats cruise along the river complementing the nightly fireworks display. There is often a parallel festival at Angkor Wat. Although smaller in scale, it is just as impressive due to the backdrop of Angkor.

The festival marks the changing flow of the Tonle Sap River and is seen as a thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land and an abundance of fish. What is remarkable about this phenomenon is that the Tonle Sap River flows upstream during the rainy season, and then changes direction, as the rains cease and the swollen Tonle Sap Lake empties back into the Mekong River, leaving behind vast quantities of fish. This is one of the only waterways in the world to experience this unique phenomenon.

Pchum Ben (September or October)

This is the most culturally and religiously significant event of the year. This "festival of souls" concentrates on blessing the souls of ancestors, relatives and friends who have passed away. All Buddhist temples, especially Wat Phnom in the heart of the city, are focal points for this festival. The majority of Cambodian people visit their family temples during this period to make traditional offerings and prayers.

Khmer New Year (Mid April)

Celebrated at the same time as the Thai and Laos New Year, this festival marks the turn of the year based on the ancient Khmer calendar and marks the end of the season's harvest. Cambodians decorate their homes to please the 'Heaven God' and many people can be seen on the streets armed with small bags of water and water pistols to 'bless' people passing by. This festival is one of the happiest times of the year with joyous smiling faces at every turn. 

Royal Ploughing Festival (May)

Cambodia has a deep connection with the earth and farming, and there is a strong astrological belief that the Ox plays an instrumental role in determining the fate of the agricultural harvest each year. Every year, in May, this cultural ceremony takes place in the large park next to the Royal Palace and in front of the National Museum. The King plays a key role in this celebration by driving an Ox and depicting real ploughing activities in the process of growing rice. The Ox is given a selection of foods and beverages to consume and the royal soothsayers interpret what the Ox has eaten as an omen for the coming year. For this festival both men and women can be seen wearing brightly coloured traditional Khmer costumes.

Independence Day (November 9)

This important ceremony takes place at the site of the Independence Monument, at the junction of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards. The ceremony celebrates Cambodia's gaining of independence from France in 1953. All over the city flags adorn shop fronts with banners signifying the national pride of the Khmer people stretched over main thoroughfares 

International Half Marathon (Late December)

This International Half Marathon is held at Angkor Wat and attracts competitors from all over the world. Thousands of people come to see this international event held in the spectacular setting surrounding Angkor Wat. 

Visa:

It is your responsibility to arrange visas before traveling. You can obtain visa on arrival in Cambodia at international airport, international border crossing and E-Visa can be asked from government website at  HYPERLINK "http://www.tourismcambodia.org" www.tourismcambodia.org 

Money:

The currency of Cambodia is the Reil. The exchange rate is around 4,000KHR/US$. Credit Cards are acceptable in most major cities (you will be charged 3% to get credit card advances) and there are ATM machines in Siem Reap or other available cities, however, they will dispense USD. If you bring Travellers cheques, please buy US$ cheques as they are much more acceptable in Cambodia. Travellers Cheques can be exchanged in most hotels and banks in major towns but you will find there is a significant advantage if you bring your spending money in cash USD. The hotel exchange rates are generally quite good, but charge more for travellers cheques. You will also find that it is often inconvenient to find a bank to change travellers cheques, except in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Spend your Riel before departing as no one will exchange them for you once you leave the country.

Food:

Cambodia’s cuisine is a wonderful discovery for most people. A combination of Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese dishes it comprises of curries, stir fries, soups and delicious salads.  Rice is the staple, although you will also try many noodle dishes. Food is a big feature of Asian Siganatures tours and we will try to introduce you to as many new dishes and flavors as we can. Most people thoroughly enjoy the food on this tour, but if you have a problem with Asian food there are opportunities to ‘go western’.  Usually breakfast will feature French style baguettes, omelettes and fruits. 

Health:

We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days. 

General safety:

Safety is our most important consideration when leading any adventure trip. All our guides have received first aid training and this is updated regularly. They are fully briefed about the risk associated with our adventurous activities and follow strict guidelines in the event of an emergency. On biking adventures helmets must be worn by the rider; however clients must ultimately be responsible for their own safety.

Biking:

Our bike are good quality lightweight trek 4500 27 speed mountain bike with shimano or shimano deore components, rock shock front suspension frame sizes available range from 13 to 23.5.

All biking tours are led by guides proficient in maintaining and repairing the bikes. All tools and spares will be provided. These will be carried by the support vehicle.

Transport and support: 

Depending on the nature of the biking tour, there will be a private air-condition bus, minibus or jeep that will support the riding throughout the tour. The support bus is there for clients who need a rest, to carry the spare bike parts, and often contain refreshments such as water, snacks and soft drinks to make riding enjoyable. The support bus will follow at a discreet distance all the time, or will leapfrog every 15-20km and wait for the group. During transfer sections, the bikes will be carried in the vehicle where necessary. When riding off road on single track trail support will sometimes be by motorbike. The guide will carry water and the first aid kit until the trail joins the main track where the vehicle will be waiting. On our more challenging trips bikers will be unsupported for some section.

Trekking:

Lightweight walking boots, water bottle, sunglasses, lightweight shirt and trousers, waterproof jacket, mosquito repellent, sunhat, shorts, sandals, sleeping bag, strong sun screen, torch, towel, fleece, small backpack for day use, biodegradable toiletries, swimming gear and penknife.

Transportation:

On treks, all equipment and luggage will be carried by porters or by the support vehicle. Try to keep baggage to a minimum weight. Often a cook will accompany the tour. Depending on the nature of the trekking tour, there will be private air-conditioned vehicles that will operate transfers between destinations. Some treks may require you to carry your own gear.

 Accommodation:

Two person tents with sewn-in ground sheets and mosquito net are used for treks in the more remote areas. Accommodation can also be provided in local village home stays. Here the family may supply a simple mattress, mosquito net, pillow, sheet and blanket or in the case of remote locations, bedding will be provided by Asian Signatures. The houses are usually on stilts with a bamboo wooden floor and are surprisingly comfortable. The facilities are clean but very basic.

 Family Adventures:

Every year countless families all around the world face the annual dilemma of where to go for their holidays. Children groan at the memory of the previous year’s disaster while adults think back to the stresses they experienced trying to please everyone but themselves, spending too much money and then gratefully returning to the relative calm and quiet of home! Is this what family holidays are all about, strained relationships and big headaches? 

It doesn’t have to be this way. Asian Siganatures is among the growing number of travel companies specializing in family adventures-holidays that are designed to keep children happy and stimulated, relieve the organizing burden from the parents and enable them to have a fulfilling and enjoyable holiday, too.

Our family tours are designed carefully and meticulously crafted to ensure a blend of outdoor activities, cultural discovery, great foods and standards of accommodation to suit all budgets. 

What to Bring:

The following list is a guide to what you should think about bringing. It is by no means the definitive or compulsory list; it is more of a memory jogger to remind yourself what you may need.

Cycle Gear: 

Gloves – Suggested if you like wearing them, plus they protect your hands from the sun. 

Shoes - stiff soled cycling shoes are recommended, very good qualily sandals work and give your feet some extra ventilation, whilst a decent pair of trainers will be fine. If you want to use SPDs you must bring your own shoes and pedals.

Bum bag – for carrying cameras, money and essential items while riding.

Clothing:

Cycle short-sleeve shirts - Coolmax shirts are great, baggy mountain bike tops or general bike shirts. Cycle Shorts - Well padded lycra will make your riding more comfortable. Guys, you might like to wear baggy shorts over the top to preserve some modesty whilst riding in Asia. Button down long-sleeved light-weight shirt – Useful to wear riding to protect your arms from the sun.  Avoid cotton shirts as they do not dry fast and will not keep you warm when wet. Sun hat - Wide brimmed and crushable is best but baseball style will do. 

Responsible Travel:

At Asian Signatures we believe that we must stay at the forefront of Responsible Tourism, not only for the company, but also for the local communities and environments that we visit. Tourism can be a real help to local communities providing income, positive cultural exchanges and an incentive to protect the natural environment. Recognizing that there is always room for improvement, we continually strive to narrow the gap between principle and practice. 

As a traveler, you can also play a role in this. Included in the information we provide here is advice on how to be a responsible traveler and you are welcome to talk to our guide or leaders about any specific queries you may have. Furthermore, it is important to us that we receive feedback from you. This will help us not only to find out your thoughts on our policy, but also to maintain and improve our high standards. So please complete the survey form we send you after your trip and return it to us. This is an integral part of our auditing procedure and, with our own internal and external reviews; we aim to ensure that we are leaders in Responsible Tourism. 

Please consider the following when preparing for your holiday: 

Where possible, remove wrapping from packaged goods before you leave: unwrap soaps and take bottles out of boxes etc. Take environmentally friendly detergents and shampoos, and use as little as possible. Try to use as little water as possible.

Although dress is generally quite casual, there may be times, particularly when in a village or visiting temples, when we ask you to dress reasonably smartly or modestly. Please follow the guide's advice in these places.

Please be sensitive to local customs. In Southeast Asia it is offensive to touch people’s head, or point with your feet. Please show respect in holy places, and do not do anything showing lack of respect for the national flag or leader. Women should be very careful not touch Buddhist monks or even sit next to them. Try to keep your head lower than monks or older men. 

Please also take note of your leaders instructions regarding photographing people. Cambodian’s are very spiritual people and believe spirits and ghosts can wander in and out of our bodies causing no end of mischief. Some people will not want to be photographed and it may be particularly disturbing or even frightening, so if you are in doubt ask, if you may take a photograph. If people seem reluctant or look away, do not take a picture; in country areas please do not be too intrusive with your camera. It is also advisable not to photograph soldiers, military barracks, bridges or military vehicles. It is possible they might confiscate your camera or film.

Souvenirs are available everywhere. We encourage buying items that benefit the local economy, and avoiding expensive shopping malls where most of the money will go abroad or to large businesses. Bargaining is very often the norm for much souvenir buying; don't accept the first price offered unless the shop or stall clearly works on fixed prices, but also remember that you are probably much better off than most local people, so please do not generate ill-feeling by bargaining too hard. Similarly, you should not bargain for items which you have no intention of buying. Local standards of living are usually very different to our own so there is a need to understand that our economic power is great and we should not be abuse it. Never buy products that exploit wildlife or aid the destruction of species or habitats. Do not visit prostitutes. Do not buy souvenirs made from endangered species. It is illegal to import the majority of animal artifacts into Britain and other western countries, e.g. ivory, skins etc. 

Ask your guide for advice on how to respond to begging and about appropriate gifts. It is usually better, for example, to give school materials, or local food treats as a group, through the leader, to the school head or village head; please do not hand out sweets, money or pens to children - it rots their teeth, encourages begging, unbalances the local income patterns. 

Specific cultural issues regarding responsible tourism will be discussed in more detail during the first tour briefing.

Tipping:

Tipping is entirely voluntary and although it is customary to tip the local tour leader and staff, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. 

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