5th CamTESOL Conference on English Language Teaching
“The Globalisation of ELT: Emerging Directions”
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 21-22 February 2009
Information for Visitors
General Information
Currency: The official currency in Cambodia is the Riel however US dollars are widely accepted. It is advisable to carry US dollars for larger expenses such as hotel accommodation, car hire, air fares and meals in international standard cafes and restaurants. Riels are usually necessary for smaller purchases such as local motorbike and cyclo journeys.
The exchange rate is US$ 1 to approximately 4000 Riels.
Credit cards are accepted by hotels and some shops however cash is also necessary.
There are very few ATMs accepting international cards. Reliability of ATMs is also an issue in Cambodia.
Language: Khmer is the official language. English is spoken in major tourist areas.
English newspapers: The Cambodia Daily and The Phnom Penh Post are widely available.
Food: Cambodian food is popular with foreigners. Sample Cambodian dishes are offered in most international hotels and restaurants. A popular dish is amok which is curried fish in coconut cream (not spicy). There are many ethnic cuisines available including Indian, Thai, Japanese and French.
Weather: The weather tends to be humid and hot throughout the year. February is officially the last month of the “cool season” with temperatures around 30C.
Useful websites:
The Ministry of Tourism’s website is www.mot.gov.kh
Another useful website for tourists is www.canbypublications.com
To and From Phnom Penh
Visa: Visas are required for most foreign nationals. Online visa applications can be lodged via the Ministry of Tourism’s website: www.mot.gov.kh
A tourist visa costs US$ 20 and is valid for 30 days. There is an additional application fee of US$ 5 for electronic visas purchased online.
Alternatively, you can apply for a visa in person on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airport. This costs US$ 20 and one passport size photo is required.
By plane: Phnom Penh International Airport (Pochentong) offers international flights to a number of destinations including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Hong Kong and Singapore among others. Air Asia, a budget airline, sometimes offers good deals from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on their website www.airasia.com
There are daily flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap International Airport. This route is often heavily booked so if you are visiting Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), or arriving in Phnom Penh via Siem Reap, please book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
By bus: Overland travel is possible from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
From the airport: There is a private taxi service available outside the arrival hall at Phnom Penh International Airport. The trip costs US$ 7. It takes up to 30 minutes to reach the heart of Phnom Penh, depending on traffic.
Departure tax: Cambodia has an international departure tax of US$ 25.
Public Transport
Transportation around Phnom Penh and to and from the conference venue is the responsibility of participants. Options include:
Tuk tuks: These three-wheeled open air taxis are relatively recent to Phnom Penh and can accommodate up to four people. Tuk tuks are preferred as they are safer than motodups. Fares should always be negotiated before proceeding. It will cost US$ 2 - 3 from city hotels to the conference venue, depending on the number of passengers.
Motorcycle taxis (motodups): This is the most common form of transport. Motodups provide faster transportation during traffic jams. Most mododup drivers speak basic English. Fares should always be negotiated before proceeding. Be prepared for an adventurous ride as safety is not the primary concern of most motodup drivers! It is likely to cost 3,000 – 4,000 Riels from city hotels to the conference venue.
Cyclos: Cyclos are a slow but safe option. Most cyclo drivers do not speak English. Negotiate the fare before you proceed. Due to the long distances involved, cyclos are not recommended for transport to the conference venue.
Car hire: A car and driver can be hired for US$ 20 - 30 per day. International car hire firms do not yet operate in Cambodia.
Buses and trains: There is no public bus or train service operating within the city of Phnom Penh.
Sights in Phnom Penh: Popular tourist destinations include the Royal Palace, National Museum, Tuol Sleng Museum (S 21), a sunset boat trip on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers and a visit to the Russian market (Toul Tom Poung).
Visiting Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)
Some conference participants may like to take advantage of being in Cambodia and visit surrounding areas. Siem Reap, which is home to the nearby ancient temples including Angkor Wat and Bayon, is the most popular tourist destination.
Getting to Siem Reap is relatively easy. Bus journeys usually take five to six hours.
Siem Reap Airlines is the only domestic airline that flies to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh so advance bookings are required. International flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Vietnam, and Laos are also available.
Ferries also go between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap every day. The journey costs US$ 20 - 25 one way and takes approximately five to six hours. The ferry does not meet international safety standards.
Accommodation in Siem Reap: Accommodation is plentiful ranging from guesthouses through to five star hotels. Refer to www.canbypublications.com for up to date information.
Visiting the Temples: All international tourists need an admission ticket to visit the temples. It costs US$ 20 for a one day pass, US$ 40 for three days and US$ 60 for a seven day pass.
It is advisable to wear light, airy clothing. Carry a bottle of water and protect yourself from the sun with a sun hat, sun glasses and sun block.
A tuk tuk can be hired for US$ 10 - 15 per day, a car and driver for US$ 20 - 25 per day and an English speaking, accredited guide for approximately US$ 20 per day.
Enjoy!