The Best of Cambodia & Laos

Bonn Pchum Ben. During this period,
Khmer people make offerings to the
monks in order to gain merit. It is a
time to honor the spirits of ancestors.
People travel to pagodas to make offerings
of food, incense, and money to
help ease the burden of the spirits. Late
September to early October.
OCTOBER
Coronation Day. Anniversary of the
coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni.
The palace is lit up beautifully at
night. October 29.
Birthday of the King Father, Holiday
for His Majesty King Father Norodom
Sihanouk. October 31.
NOVEMBER
November Water Festival. This celebrates
the reversing of the current in the
Tonle Sap River and marks the beginning
of the fishing season. Dramatic
longboat races are held in Phnom Penh
with teams coming from all around the
country. The city fills up with droves of
visitors from the provinces. Dates are
subject to change. November 19 to
November 21, 2010.
Independence Day. Marking independence
from France, on this day the king
makes a visit to the Independence
Monument on Norodom Boulevard.
November 9.
DECEMBER
Human Rights Day. In a country
where human rights abuse has been an
issue, this day observes the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. Cultural
events are held at the National Stadium
in Phnom Penh. December 10.
2 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
PASSPORTS
A passport valid for at least 6 months is
necessary for entry to Cambodia.
VISAS
All non-Cambodian citizens (except citizens
of Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore,
and Vietnam) require a visa. Visas
can be obtained at any Cambodian
embassy or consulate overseas. Visas are
also available on arrival by either land or
air. Two photos, a valid passport, and $20
are required for a month-long single-entry
tourist visa. This can be extended within
the country, and is most easily done
through travel agents. Business visas are
also available. They cost $25, and can be
extended for up to a year, with multiple
entry.
The simplest way to apply for a visa is
online, using the e-visa scheme launched
by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation in
2006. Instead of applying through a Cambodian
embassy, you simply complete the
online application form and pay with your
credit card. After receiving your visa
through e-mail, print it out and bring it
with you for your arrival. To apply for an
e-visa, applicants need to have a passport
valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport-size
photo (JPEG/PNG format), and
a valid credit card (Visa/MasterCard). The
visa costs $20 and there is a $5 processing
fee. It is important to note this visa is only
good for arrival at Siem Reap and Phnom
Penh international airports and by land
from Thailand at Poipet/Aranyaprathet
and Koh Kong/Had Lek, and Vietnam at
Bavet/Svay Rieng. It is not valid for any
other border crossings. To apply for an
e-visa, go to www.mfaic.gov.kh.
If traveling overland, be aware that
some border posts are run very much as
income-producing concerns by those staffing
them. There are often superfluous
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PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO CAMBODIA 3
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS