The Phnom Penh Visitors Guide 62nd

Phnom Penh

September September 27-29 Bonn Pchum Ben

VISA & ENTRY A passport with at least 6-month validity is required. A visa is required formost nationalities. one-month visas are AVAILABLE ON ARRIVAL at the airports in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, through Cambodian embassies and at most border crossings. Tourist visa(T): US$30. Business/Ordinary visa(E): US$35 Tourist visas can be extended for one month, but only one time. Business/Ordinary visas can be renewed for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 1 year. Renew visas through a travel agent or the Immigration office located opposite the airport. Tel: 012-581558 ARRIVAL Phnom Penh International Airport The Phnom Penh International Airport sits about 9km (40-60minutes) from city center. Transportation into the city can be hired just outside the lobby for set prices: Car Taxi: $9 to the nearby city; $12 for city center; $15 to distant parts of the city. Tuk-tuk (moto-remorque): $7-$9 into the city. Motorcycle taxi: Motodups can be found just outside of the airport and hired for $2-$5. Also available at arrival:dutyfree,currency exchange, international calling and inexpensive, ready-to-use SIM cards (see page 76 for more.). Arrival by Bus: There is currently no centralized bus station in Phnom Penh. Buses from different companies depart different stations, though there is a cluster of stations on the riverfront at Street 106, and another (Vietnam bound buses) on Sihanouk Blvd and Street 179. Tuk-tuks are always available. Phnom Penh Ferry Port: River ferries arriving from Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City dock at the Phnom Penh Port on Sisowath Quay (the riverfront road) near Street 82. Tuk-tuks are always available. Several restaurants and hotels are within easy walking distance. CLIMATE & WEATHER Practically speaking, Cambodia has four season: 1)November-February, cool/dry; 2) March-May, hot/dry, 3) June-August, hot/rainy; 4) September- October, cool/rainy. CURRENTLY... as we go to print in October, it is nearing the end of the monsoon season and the nicest weather of the year is just about to begin - the cool, dry season - 3-4 months of mild temperatures, light breezes, blue skies and rainless days stretching through January. These months are the most comfortable (and popular) time of the year to visit the country, ideal for touring Angkor Wat and serving up consistently excellent beach weather on the coast.

Pchum Ben generates an air of spiritual reverence and holiday expectation throughout the country. Along with Khmer New Year and Water Festival, Pchum Benh is one of the most important Khmer holidays of the year. It is a holiday to honor and care for the spirits and ancestors, said to return to earth during this period. People travel to pagodas to make offerings to help ease spirits’ burden. In addition to government offices, many businesses are closed. October October 15 Late King Norodom Sihanouk Commemoration Day October 23 Paris Peace Agreement October 29 Coronation Day Holiday honoring the coronation of King Sihamoni. The Palace is lighted at nights and always looking its best at this holiday. November November 09 Independence Day Colorful ceremonies held at the Independent Monument in the morning. Fireworks on the riverfront in the evening. November 10-12 Bonn Om Touk , also known as the Water Festival, celebrates the reversing of the current in the Tonle Sap River and marks the beginning of the fishing season. Traditional longboat races are sometimes held on the Tonle Sap River. Dozens of colorful dug-out row boats compete for prizes and honors. Fireworks and a waterborne paraded of lighted barges cap events in the evening. Riverfront restaurants with balconies such as K-West offer some of the best viewing. December December 10 Human Rights Day . Climate this time of year offers the very best weather of the year across the country - comfortably warm days, clear skies, no rain, light breeze, cool evenings.

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