WHEN TO GO

Cambodia can be visited at any time of year. The ideal time to Visit is December and January, when humidity levels are relatively low, there is little rainfall and a cooling breeze whips across the land.

From early February temperatures start to rise until the killer month, April, when temperatures often exceed 40°C. Some time in May or June, the southwestern monsoon brings rain and high humidity, cooking up a sweat for all but the hardiest of visitors. The wet season, which lasts until October, isn't such a bad time to visit, as the rain tends to come in short, sharp downpours. Angkor is surrounded by lush foliage and the moats are full of water at this time of year. If you are planning to visit isolated areas, however, the wet season makes for tough travel.

Some visitors like to coordinate their trip with one of the annual festi­vals, such as Bon Om Tuk, the water festival in Phnom Penh, or Khmer New Year. Means a lot at the end of a long, wet day.

VISAS

Most nationalities receive a one-month visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports. The cost is US$20 for a tourist visa and US$25 for a business visa. One passport photo is required and you'll be 'fined' US$1 to 100B if you don't have one. Those seeking work in Cambodia should opt for the business visa as, officially, it is easily extended for long periods and, unofficially, can be extended indefinitely, including mul¬tiple entries and exits. A tourist visa can be extended only once and only for one month, and does not allow for re-entry.
Visas are now available at most of the land borders. Entering from Thailand, visas are available on arrival at the land cross¬ings at Anlong Veng, Krong Koh Kong, O Smach, Pailin and Poipet. Travellers plan¬ning a day trip to Prasat Preah Vihear from Thailand do not require visas, but may be asked to leave their passport on the Thai side of the border to ensure they don't continue on into Cambodia. Travellers are sometimes overcharged when crossing at land borders with Thailand, as immigra¬tion officials demand payment in baht and round up the figure considerably. Arrang¬ing a visa in advance in Bangkok avoids this potential problem.
Travellers arriving overland from Viet¬nam can get a visa on arrival at the popular Bavet and Kaam Samnor crossings on NH1 and the Mekong River respectively. How¬ever, if crossing by the obscure border at Phnom Den, arrange a visa in advance in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
The land border with Laos is now an es¬tablished classing, but it is still necessary to arrange a Cambodian visa in advance. The can be done in Bangkok or Vientiane.
Overstaying your visa currently costs, whopping US$5 a day.

Visa Extensions

Visa extensions are issued by a new in migration office located directly across the road from Phnom Penh International Air port (pi06). Tourist visas can be extends only once for one month, whereas basins visas can be extended indefinitely, as lot] as you come with a bulging wallet. You a probably even arrange citizenship if you bring enough greenbacks._
There are two ways of getting an extension - one official and one unofficial - am unsurprisingly the time and money involve differ greatly. Officially, a one-month as tension costs US$30, three months US$6! Six months US$100, and one year US$1511 using the official route your passport ml be held for 25 days and there will be mot paperwork than a communist bureaucn could dream up. This is* fine for expert antes with an employer to make the arrangements, but those on their own really nee to go unofficial. They don't call it corruption in Cambodia but 'under the table', an you can have your passport back the next day for inflated prices of US$39 for OB month, US$69 for three months, US$1* for six months and US$275 for one year Once you are one of the 'unofficial', it i pretty straightforward to extend the visa ad tnfinitum. Recommended travel agencies and some motorbike rental shops ii Phnom Penh can help with arrangement! Sometimes at a discounted price.
One passport photograph is required for visa extensions and there is a US$1 charge for the application form.

HOLIDAYS

 Public Holidays

During public holidays and festivals, banks, ministries and embassies close down, so plan ahead if visiting Cambodia during these times. Cambodians also roll over holidays if they fall on a weekend and take a day or two extra during major festivals . Add this to the fact that they take a holiday for international days here and there and it soon becomes apparent that Cambodia has more public holidays than any other nation on earth!

International New Year's Day 1 January

Victory Over the Genocide 7 January

International Women's Day 8 March

International Workers' Day 1 May

International Children's Day 1 May

Constitution Day 24 September

Paris Peace Accords 23 October

 King's Birthday 30 October to 1 November

 Independence Day 9 November

International Human Rights Day 10 December

ACTIVITIES

Tourism in Cambodia is catching up fast, but there are still fewer activities on offer than elsewhere in the region. Phnom Penh is an exception-the large population of foreigners has led to a boom in leisure activities, such as go-carting, jet-skiing, tenpin bowling and a variety of conventional sports like swimming and tennis.

Bird-watching is set to be a big draw for Cambodia, as it is home to some of the region's rarest large water birds including adjutants, storks and pelicans.

Boat Trips

With so much water around the country, it is hardly surprising that boat trips are popular with tourists. Some of these are functional yet fun, such as travelling up the Tonle Sap river to Siem Reap, or up the Mekong River to Kratie. But others are the trad-itional tourist trips, such as those available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

Cycling

With a reputation for some of the worst roads in Asia, it is hardly surprising that cycling hasn't been a huge hit here so far. However, those who do cycle will experience an adrenaline-packed adventure and get much closer to the local people. Some of the main roads are getting busier and others remain dusty, but there are some great routes for those willing to put in the effort. The south coast of Cambodia remains a rewarding region for cyclists, while the northeast holds future promise for serious mountain bikers. The most popular place for cycling is around the majestic temples of Angkor where the roads are paved and the forest thick. Bikes are available for hire in most towns in Cambodia for US$1 a day, but serious tourers need to bring their own machine.

For some inspired insights into surviv¬ing the crazy world that is cycling through Cambodia, visit Biking Southeast Asia with Mr Pumpy (www.mrpumpy.net).

Dirt Biking

For experienced riders, Cambodia is one of the most rewarding off-road biking destina-tions in the world. The roads are generally considered some of the worst in Asia–read that as the best in Asia for die-hard biking enthusiasts. There are incredible rides all over the country, particularly the north and northeast, but it is best to stay away from the main highways as traffic and dust make it a choking experience. for something more organised, have a look at Hidden Cambodia (www.hiddenc3mbodia.com).

Diving & Snorkelling

Snorkelling and diving are available off the coast of Sihanoukville. The jury is still out about the quality of the dive sites, but while it may not be as spectacular as Thailand or Indonesia, there is still plenty in the deep blue yonder. It is best to venture further afield to dive sites such as Koh Tang and Koh Prins , staying overnight on a boat. There are many unexplored areas off the coast between Koh Kong and Sihanoukville that could one day put Cambodia on the dive map of Asia.

Golf

Cambodia is definitely not the golfing capital of Asia with just two full courses. However, as one of the more obscure golfing destinations, it might earn brownie points during a schmoozing tournament back home. Both courses are near Phnom Penh, but plans are afoot to develop a golf course near Siem Reap in the near future.

Trekking & Walking

Trekking is not the first thing you associate with Cambodia due to the presence of land mines, but there are several relatively safe areas of the country, including the nascent national parks. The northeastern provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri were never mined and with their wild, natural scenery, abundant waterfalls and ethnic minority populations, they are emerging as the country's leading trekking destinations. Always take a guide, however, as there are some unexploded bombs in these areas from the American bombing campaign of the early 1970s. Elephant treks are also possible in these northeastern provinces.

Cambodia is steadily establishing a network of national parks with visitor facilities, and Bokor National Park, Kirirom National Park and Ream National Park all promise trekking potential Finally, Angkor is emerging as a good place for gentle walks between the temples; this is one way to experience and solitude as visitor numbers skyrocket.