Geographical Position and Climate of Cambodia
Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. It spans a total area of 181,035 square kilometers and features a landscape comprised of central plains, the Mekong Delta, coastal regions, and mountainous areas in the northeast.
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons:
- Rainy Season: From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings heavy rains and high humidity. This period accounts for about 75% of the annual rainfall.
- Dry Season: Divided into two sub-seasons, the cool dry season from November to February with moderate temperatures, and the hot dry season from March to April where temperatures can rise above 40°C (104°F).
The climate contributes to Cambodia’s rich biodiversity as well as its agricultural patterns, which are vital to the country’s economy.
Brief history of Cambodia
Cambodia’s history is marked by both grandeur and struggle. The region was once the seat of the Khmer Empire, one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The empire’s zenith is epitomized by the construction of the iconic temple complex Angkor Wat in the 12th century.
Following the decline of the Khmer Empire, Cambodia faced periods of Siamese (Thai) and Vietnamese dominance before becoming a French protectorate in the 19th century. It gained independence in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk.
The country was drawn into the Vietnam War, leading to the rise of the Khmer Rouge, a brutal regime that ruled from 1975 to 1979 and was responsible for the deaths of an estimated two million Cambodians. After years of conflict, peace was restored in the 1990s, and Cambodia has since been working towards economic growth and political stability.
Religion of Cambodia
The predominant religion in Cambodia is Buddhism, specifically Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by approximately 95% of the Cambodian population. It plays a central role in the cultural and spiritual life of the country. The country is dotted with monasteries and pagodas, which serve as centers of learning and community gatherings.
Language of Cambodia
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. Khmer belongs to the Austroasiatic language family and has its own unique script, which evolved from the Indian Brahmi script.
While Khmer is the lingua franca, various ethnic groups in Cambodia may speak indigenous languages. Additionally, due to historical influences and tourism, French and English are also spoken within the country. French is more common among the older generation and in certain professional sectors due to the colonial past, while English is increasingly popular among the younger population and is the primary foreign language taught in schools.
Places to visit in Cambodia
- Phnom Penh
- Battambang
- Sihanoukville
- Angkor Archaeological Park
- Bokor National Park
- Ream National Park
- Virachey National Park
- Kirirom National Park
Before you visit Cambodia
Travel to Cambodia
By Air:
The most common and convenient way to enter Cambodia is by air. The country has three major international airports:
- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): Located in the capital, it’s the largest airport and serves as the main gateway for international flights.
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS): Serves the coastal city of Sihanoukville and is an entry point for visitors heading to the beaches and islands.
Major airlines from Asia, Europe, and other continents operate flights to these airports.
By Land:
Cambodia shares borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, and there are several overland crossing points:
- From Thailand: The most popular border crossings are at Poipet/Aranyaprathet and Cham Yeam/Hat Lek.
- From Laos: The main crossing is at Veun Kham/Dom Kralor.
- From Vietnam: There are multiple crossing points, with Bavet/Moc Bai and Phnom Den/Tinh Bien being among the commonly used ones.
Overland travel can be done via bus, taxi, or private vehicle. It’s essential to check visa requirements and border opening hours beforehand.
By Water:
There are also options to enter Cambodia by water:
- From Vietnam: A popular route is taking a boat along the Mekong River from Chau Doc in Vietnam to Phnom Penh.
- From Thailand: There are ferry services that connect the Thai border with the Cambodian coastal town of Koh Kong.
When planning your trip, consider visa requirements, which vary depending on your nationality. Many travelers can obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa online before departure.