Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the Angkor, an Empire which extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Attacks by both the Thais and the Chams (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline. The king placed the country under French protection in 1863; and in 1887, Cambodia became a part of French Indochina. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953. In April 1975, after a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from forced hardships, starvation, or execution during the Khmer Rouge regime under Pol Pot. A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and initiated almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy under a coalition government. Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another coalition government and renewed political stability. The remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999. Some of the surviving Khmer Rouge leaders have been tried, or are awaiting trial (by a hybrid UN-Cambodian tribunal that receives international assistance), for crimes against humanity. Elections in July 2003 were relatively peaceful; however it took one year of negotiations between contending political parties before a coalition government was formed. In October 2004, King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the throne, and it was decided that his son, Prince Norodom Sihamoni, would succeed him. Local elections were held in Cambodia in April 2007, with little of the pre-election violence that accompanied prior elections. National elections in July 2008 were relatively peaceful.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria.

Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

Exercise a High Degree of Caution

On January 2, 2009, three small explosive devices were found near the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense on Russian Boulevard in Phnom Penh. The devices were destroyed without damage. Foreigners traveling throughout Cambodia should exercise caution, avoid political rallies, protests, and large gatherings, and monitor local developments.

Avoid All Travel

It is advised to avoid all travel to the Preah Vihear temple area (between Preah Vihear province in Cambodia and Sisaket province in Thailand) due to a border dispute. Armed forces from both countries have been involved in this ongoing dispute, which has included the exchange of gunfire and artillery between troops, resulting in several deaths. Tensions are high, and military hostilities could escalate without warning. The area is known to have landmines.

General Safety

Tourist facilities are well developed in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, but are limited elsewhere.

Violence in Phnom Penh and other cities occurs occasionally. Travelers should avoid military buildings or compounds in Phnom Penh as well as in the provincial capitals.

Street crime, where foreigners are the target, has been occurring with increasing frequency in urban areas, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville - even during daylight hours. There are reports of armed assaults along the riverfront in Phnom Penh and on isolated beaches in Sihanoukville. Travelers have been injured due to physical assaults and armed robberies. Thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, motorcycle drivers, and their passengers. Banditry continues, largely at night, in rural areas and on routes between Snoul, Kratie, and Stung Treng in the northeastern provinces. Sexual assaults have been reported. There have also been reports of foreigners encountering difficulties with ill-disciplined police or military personnel. Travelers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution at all times, avoid traveling alone (especially at night), and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Landmines can be found in rural areas, especially in Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap (except in the town of Siem Reap and at the Angkor temples, both of which are safe), Battambang, Kampong Thom, and the Pursat provinces. The area that shares a border with Thailand is especially dangerous. Do not walk in forested areas or in dry rice paddies without a local guide. Secondary roads and areas located around small bridges are considered dangerous. Do not visit outlying temples, particularly in the areas of Phnom Kulen and the River of a Thousand Lingas, as they are heavily mined. Strictly observe warning signs, and do not handle any unknown objects. Anything resembling a landmine or unexploded ordnance should be reported to the Cambodia Mine Action Centre at (855) 23 981 083 or (855) 23 981 084.