Family Wellness Romance Navutu
About Cambodia
Cambodia, affectionately known as the “Kingdom of Wonder” is a beautiful country. It’s home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temples, some stunning scenery, beautiful islands and more. Learn more about Cambodia and love it as you stay at Navutu Dreams Resort!
Culture
The magical Kingdom of Cambodia casts a spell on travelers and locals alike. The always charming, sometimes confounding country puts a wide smile on everyone’s face. Ascend to the realm of the gods at the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat, a spectacular fusion of symbolism, symmetry and spirituality. Descend into the hellish Toul Sleng genocide museum to face the lingering effects of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Welcome to the mystifying yet charming country of Cambodia, an intoxicating place full of inspiration and struggle, with a tumultuous recent history and a resilient and delightful population. It is a rare and special treat to experience a country whose future is still waiting to be shaped.
Music
There are about two kinds of traditional music in the Kingdom of Cambodia. One is Pin Peath, which features both stringed and percussion instruments. Pin Peath is comprised of a group of instruments: the Roneath is a metal or bamboo xylophone, the Kong is a percussion instrument that encircles the musician playing it, a big drum with two faces called Skor Thom, an oversized recorder called Sro Lai, and the percussive Chhoeng used to keep rhythm.
The second type of traditional Cambodian music is called Mohory and utilizes a simple harmony of stringed instruments. Today it is most commonly heard during feast days.
Dance
The epic poem of Rama, Ramayana is believed to have been revealed to the Hindu holy man named Valmiki by Brahma, the god of creation. The classical dance of Cambodia, Apsara, depicts these epic tales. Dancers are dressed in silk tunics and wear golden headdresses that accentuate their slow, elegant movements. Sometimes the women dance alone, and sometimes they share the stage with men who keep the beat by clapping two halves of a coconut together.
The second type of traditional Cambodian music is called Mohory and utilizes a simple harmony of stringed instruments. Today it is most commonly heard during feast days.
People
Approximately 14 million people live in Cambodia and 90% of the population is ethnic Khmer, having lived on these lands for thousands of years. The remaining 10% are comprised of Cham Khmer Muslims, minority hill tribes, Chinese and Vietnamese.
Religion
Theravada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia and has been prevalent for over a thousand years. The great majority of the population is Buddhist while 5% are Muslim or Christian.
Khmer Art
Khmer artisans have been honing their crafts for centuries. Their skills in stone sculpting, wood carving, silver work and the weaving of textiles are among the unique handicrafts produced by Khmer artisans.
Cuisine
Cambodian cuisine is one of the world’s oldest living cuisines, and is regarded by many as one of the healthiest and most balanced diet on the planet. With an emphasis on simplicity, freshness, seasonality and regionalism Cambodian food has won praise for its elegant and understated use of spice, along with a harmonious arrangement of contrasting flavours, textures and temperatures within the overall meal rather than a single dish. The intoxicating aromas of lemongrass, coconut milk and tamarind are ever-present in most Cambodian meals.
Cambodians’ thoughtful and, at times extravagant presentation of dishes showcases plenty of herbs, leaves, pickled vegetables, dipping sauces, edible flowers and other garnishes and condiments. Cambodian, or Khmer, cuisine is known for its rich flavours and is often compared to Thai cuisine, but is notably less hot and spicy – and therefore makes it more palatable to foreigners.
Curries and stir fries are served alongside rice, the country’s staple food. Noodles are also popular, and are mostly served in a soup for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Immigration Requirements
For most visitors to the Kingdom, visas are obtainable upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports.
Visas are available at these land crossings along the Thai border: Poipet Banteay Meanchey and Cham Yeam in Koh Kong. Visitors coming from Vietnam through Bavet (VN: Moc Bai) or Ka-Om Samnor (VN: Chao Doc) will need to obtain their visas through a Cambodian Embassy or overseas Consulate prior to their arrival.
A border crossing from Laos is also possible through the Voeun Kham border checkpoint, but travelers are advised to obtain their visas prior to arrival at the border.
Please note that border crossings not mentioned above are not classified as international checkpoints, and therefore we suggest that you secure confirmation before commencing your trip.
Visa Fee: US$30 for tourist visas & US$35 for business visas. The fee is payable only in cash.
Various visa extension options are also available.
Travel Tips
Cambodia is +7 hours GMT. The country is in the same time zone as neighbouring Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
Loose, light clothing is recommended. In the dry season a light sweater may be needed in the evening. A comfortable pair of walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are all recommended.
Bargaining is customary in the local markets.
Climate
Cambodia’s dry season extends from November until May, during which time temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C.
The monsoon season prevails from June through October with stronger breezes and higher humidity. Rainfall is usually limited to the afternoons and is sporadic. Temperatures are warmer during this time, varying from 26°C to 38°C.