Arrival by Air : When arriving in Cambodia by air it is no longer necessary to get a visa in advance. At Pochentong Airport in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airport visas are easily obtained upon arrival (bring at least one passport photo). The visa is valid for one month and the fee for the visa is US $20 cash (subject to change).
Land Border Crossings : Visas are available at the border crossings from Thailand at Poipet, Koh Kong and the O’smach; from Vietnam at Bavet and Kham Samnor.
Make sure you have at least one passport photo. Application forms are available at the permitted border crossings. The fee for a standard tourist visa is US$20 (subject to change). For all other land crossings you must apply for a visa at the embassy beforehand.
Visa Extensions : Visa extensions are easy to secure in Phnom Penh through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Office at Boulevard Pokambor, General Direction of Tourism on Monivong Street, Phnom Penh Tourism, or any travel agency in Phnom Penh.
Getting Around
Air : As a result of the Open Skies Policy, numerous airlines have added services to Cambodia, with direct flights to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It is also possible to fly between the major towns within Cambodia.
Train : Cambodia has two rail lines and if you want to travel around by train it is possible to do so. However the trains are extremely slow and in questionable condition, so travelers are not currently advised to use them. The north-west line goes as far as Battambang, while the south-west line links Phnom Penh with Sihanoukville. Much of the rail network was destroyed during the civil war and at present service is irregular.
Bus : There is a basic road network, but bridges and roads are in a poor state of repair. Travel should be undertaken during daylight hours, and visitors should make sure to obtain reliable, up-to-date information about security before embarking on extensive road journeys. Please take the monsoon season into account when planning overland travel.
Boat : The most popular route is between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. On an express boat this takes four hours. Additionally, fast boats may be taken to Kompong Cham, Kratie and Stung Streng.
Car Hire : Cars may be hired with driver at rates that are only slightly more expensive than hiring a car by itself. Although it is possible to hire a car without a driver, it is not generally recommended.
City Transport : Taxis can be hired in main cities. However, cyclos (tricycles) or motodops (motorcycles) are an inexpensive alternative and provide a slower but charming method of exploring the cities.
Walking : Phnom Penh is safe for walking during the day and it can be one of the best ways of getting to know the city unless you visit during summer when it is simply too hot.
Accommodation
Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap boast a wide variety of hotels. Many luxury hotels have opened in both cities, bringing international standards of service and a range of recreational facilities. Hotels and guesthouses are also widespread throughout the country, although at more basic standards. |