If you have little knowledge of Cambodia and/or wish to prepare your Cambodian journey under the best conditions, discover below our FAQ with a wealth of frequently asked questions about the land of smiles!

How long is the flight from Paris to Phnom Penh?

The flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle to the Cambodian capital typically takes between 18 and 25 hours, depending largely on the duration of the stopover. While many airlines offer CDG–PHN flights, it's advisable to choose one of these 3 routes to optimize your travel time:

• Thai Airways, with a stopover in Bangkok
• Singapore Airlines, with a stopover in Singapore
• Cathay Pacific/Dragon Air with a stopover in Hong Kong

However, if you have more flexibility and wish to enjoy a brief stay in Thailand, 3 airlines offer regular flights from Bangkok:

• Thai AirAsia
• Bangkok Airways
• Thai Airways

We recommend booking your tickets well in advance, as flights fill quickly during high season—November and December.

How long is the flight from Thailand to Cambodia?

Flights depart primarily from Bangkok and take approximately one hour.

What is Cambodia's climate?

The country has a tropical climate with a mild, dry winter from November to March, and a hot, humid summer from May to October. During winter, temperatures range between 25 and 30°C with very little rain, while they can exceed 35°C during the summer monsoon and be accompanied by brief, violent downpours with considerable flooding. Symbolically marked by the Water Festival, the end of the rainy season occurs around mid-November, with a gradual warming trend from November to March—undoubtedly the best time to visit the country.

When was Cambodia founded and who was its founder?

Cambodia's history can be traced back to the Khmer Empire, which dominated the entire Indochinese peninsula during its apex in the 12th century. Jayavarman II is recognized as the founder of the empire as the first sovereign of the Angkorian period. He introduced the cult of the god-king by elevating his status to that of Shiva's representative, the supreme god of the Brahmanical trinity (Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu). He established the foundations of the first Angkorian city, present-day Roluos, and established it as the empire's capital. His successors continued developing other royal cities at the Angkor site, notably with the construction of the Angkor Vat temple by Suryavarman II and the city of Angkor Thom by Jayavarman VII. From the 14th century onward, the Khmer Empire entered a long decline and progressive weakening against its neighbors, lasting until the country came under French protectorate rule in 1863. Cambodia declared its independence in 1953, and following a devastating civil war, the 1993 Constitution established the country's borders as we know them today.

Where is Cambodia?

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, between Thailand to the west, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east.

What is Cambodia's capital?

Phnom Penh takes its name from Wat Phnom (Temple Hill), a religious building constructed on elevated ground to house 5 Buddha statues, and from Daun Penh (Grandmother Penh), said to be its patron. Today, the city is home to more than 1.5 million inhabitants, representing 10% of the total population.

Can I use my phone?

The telephone network has expanded considerably throughout the country. You'll be pleasantly surprised to find 3G or 4G coverage in many cities and provinces. However, more remote areas and certain rural roads may offer only very limited reception. The two main providers are Cellcard and Smart. There are no subscription plans as such: a SIM card will cost you less than $5, and you simply need to load it with the amount you wish. "Top-up" recharges from $1 to $20 are available at every street corner. You'll find that mobile communications and data are very affordable. You can visit Cellcard or Smart's websites for more details on available offers:

https://www.cellcard.com.kh/en/ https://www.smart.com.kh

What is the most widely practiced religion in Cambodia?

Buddhism remains the most popular at 97% and coexists without persecution alongside a Muslim minority (Cham ethnicity – 2%) and Christian and animist minorities.

What is the traditional dress of Cambodians?

In daily life, Cambodians wear the same clothing as Westerners. However, at wedding ceremonies or official events, traditional costumes are worn. These are often elegant garments handcrafted, frequently from silk, often in vibrant colors and adorned with golden ornaments depending on the occasion.

Who is the head of state of Cambodia?

The head of state is officially King Norodom Sihamoni, but his role remains limited to symbolic representation. Real power lies with Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been in office since 1984.

How many inhabitants does Cambodia have?

In 2015, Cambodia had approximately 16 million inhabitants.

What is the largest lake in the country?

The country's largest lake is Tonlé Sap, formed by the flooding of a vast plain during the rainy season (approximately 300 km² during the dry season, and up to 10,000 km² during the high water season).

What type of government does Cambodia have?

The Kingdom of Cambodia is an elective constitutional monarchy.

What is Cambodia's agriculture?

The cultivation of rice, corn, and tobacco, as well as the production of meat and fish, dairy products, sugar, and flour. Coffee is also produced in the provinces of Mondolkiri and Ratanakiri. The agricultural sector represented 33.5% of GDP in 2005 and employed 58% of the population.

What made Cambodia famous?

The power and extent of the Khmer Empire in the 12th century during the Angkorian period.

What is Cambodia's currency?

The Riel is available exclusively in banknote form in denominations ranging from 100 to 100,000. For €1, expect approximately 4,500 riels. The standard exchange rate is 4,000 riels per $1 USD.

How do you write Hello in Khmer?

Suor sdei (the most common form) សួស្

Which language is most similar to Khmer?

Khmer belongs to the Mon-Khmer language family within the Austroasiatic language group. The other major Mon-Khmer language is Vietnamese. That said, Thai and Lao, derived from the Tai-Kadai language family, can also have similarities with Khmer in that all 3 languages are heavily influenced by Sanskrit and Pali.

What is Cambodia's unemployment rate?

According to World Bank figures, the unemployment rate hovered around 0.3% in 2014. However, it should be noted that the average monthly salary was $107 in 2016.

What is Cambodia's national anthem?

The Cambodian anthem Nokor Reach (in Khmer: នគររាជ) was adopted in 1941 and then suppressed during the Khmer Rouge period. The anthem was restored by the 1993 Constitution when Cambodia became a constitutional monarchy. The lyrics were written by Buddhist monk Chuon Nat and the music was composed by F. Perruchot and J. Jekyll.