Due to Cambodia’s tumultuous history and the recent revival of this amazing country there is an abundance of volunteer opportunities. Give back to the community while you travel and know that you have done something to make a difference. After viewing the atrocities at the Killing Fields and museums you can contribute positively to the re growth of this country. The education of children is important and there are many places needing people to teach English. English is a universal language and it is beneficial for children to learn English from a young age. There is a plentitude of orphanages where children can benefit from some extra attention and care. Share your skills as any skills you have can be put to use. Even manual tasks such as building, fixing and painting can be useful.

HIV/AIDS is a problem that faces Cambodian people and there are organizations fighting this disease that can use your help. Help is needed in both prevention of this disease and helping people that have been infected. Some places are happy for any amount of time you can contribute to their cause and others may ask for a certain period of commitment. Volunteering at a museum can be a good way to learn more about Cambodian history as well as contribute to tourism in Cambodia. Volunteer work will also allow you to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture and learn more about the people around you. If you love nature there are projects to help protect the forest and local elephants. Volunteer and know that you have had a meaningful adventure in this extraordinary country.

The Killing Fields are important to visit in Cambodia to learn more about the history of this country and the atrocities that occurred. The Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia from 1975 until 1979 and during this time it is estimated that 1.7 million people were killed through execution, starvation and disease. The Killing fields are where dead bodies were mass buried by the Khmer Rouge. The fields are full of shallow ditches where hundreds of bodies were thrown and covered up with thin layers of dirt.

The Killing Fields of Choeung are approximately 15kms from Phnom Penh and have become well visited by tourists. This killing field is well known by tourists but there are millions of other killing fields all over the country and more are still being discovered. The Killing Field is the size of a soccer field and is located amongst farms. Here lie the mass graves of approximately 20 000 people. Visiting this site where horrendous atrocities occurred will give travelers valuable insight into what Cambodian people have endured and the need to revive a nation that has suffered so much.

In the middle of the Killing Fields is a shrine that displays 8000 skulls which have been unearthed from the surrounding area. These are the remains of some of the people who were buried here. Men, women, children and even members of the Khmer Rough were executed and buried. The trees surrounding the fields are sites of more violence. Many of the prisoners sent to the S-21 security prison now labeled the Tuol Sleng Museum were sent here.

Local tour guides can be hired to give you insight into the area and to show you around. The route to the Killing Fields is scenic and allows you to see more of Cambodia as you pass shacks, rice paddies and farm animals. Tuk tuk drivers offer transport and many tours incorporate this site into their itinerary.

Bokator is a Khmer martial art which dates back to a form of combat that the armies of Angkor used. The ancient use of Bokator can be seen depicted in carvings on the walls of the Angkor Wat Temple. It therefore differs from other marshal arts in the fact that it was designed to be used in battle. Translated to English Bokator means pounding a lion and the legend goes that the tradition started from a brave warrior protecting his town from a man eating lion.

This type of fighting is diverse as it uses a variety of body parts and weapons as well as fighting on the ground. The knees, hands, shins, jaw, shoulder, elbows and head are all used while fighting. Warriors can fight on their knees, sitting or lying down. Traditional Khmer outfits are worn while fighting and ceremonies are performed to bless the warriors and give them strength.

Bokatar roots itself in nature and the different moves and techniques are named after animals such as the duck. There are more than 10 000 techniques in Bokator and after a student has mastered a certain level they a awarded different colored kramas. Kramas are colorful scarves that are a part of traditional Cambodian life. A gold Krama is a great honor and is only given to grandmasters who have greatly contributed to the practice of Bokator and have dedicated their life to the techniques.

Bokator was banned from1975 till 1979 and many of the grandmasters were persecuted. Bokator has recently been revived and is being taught again. Sam Kin Saen is a grand master who has contributed greatly to the growth of Bokator and he helped gather other teachers after the persecution and hardships they had faced. Foreign students are welcome to help promote international recognition of Bokatar and to take the knowledge of techniques back to their own countries.

After a busy day site seeing and exploring Cambodia there are many places to relax and enjoy a drink. Cambodia boasts a vibrant nightlife. Siem Reap offers many bars, restaurants and clubs to be explored. For those avid party people who like to stay out till the sun comes up there are places that are open 24 hours a day. So be assured that anytime of day there will be a place to have fun.

The nightlife is more local than places like Thailand but foreigners are easily accommodated. In Siem Reap the liveliest bars are situated near the Old Market on Pub Street. Two places that are worth a visit are The Angkor What? and The Temple Club. Here you can dance the night away to the club’s noisy music so don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes. Enjoy meeting locals as well as sharing travel stories and tips on this cosmopolitan street. Mingle with expats who can give you more information on being a foreigner in Cambodia.

The variety of places to chose from means that there is something for everyone when planning a night out. Enjoy some music to remind you of home at Molly Malone’s where expats provide live cover versions of famous songs. At many restaurants you can enjoy food as well as drinks and music until late. Tourist offices in Cambodia can offer information on any special events. Go Go bars are not acceptable in Cambodia and hostesses are more respectably dressed. This however is not to say that there is not a naughtier side to the nightlife in Cambodia.

The past political problems in Cambodia attempted to destroy many of the Khmer people’s traditions. However financial aid and NGO projects have contributed to the revival and growth of many traditions such as silk weaving. Learning more about silk weaving is not only a fascinating experience for those who want to know about the creation of silk but more than that it is a glimpse into the life of Cambodian people. The tradition of silk weaving has been passed down from generation to generation and therefore is embraced by a rich cultural history. Silk produced in Cambodia is respected and coveted by silk collectors around the world.

The National Silk Farm is a worth while part of any trip to Cambodia. It is situated 16kms from Siem Reap and the journey offers spectacular scenery which tourists can enjoy. There are many young Cambodian people that are working here contributing to the continuation of age old Cambodian traditions. There are free guided tours so that tourists can be educated in the production of silk.

Amongst the many fascinating things you can expect to see is the process of growing mulberry trees to provide food for the silk worms, how to breed silk worms and how to remove the silk from the cocoons. You can also see the artisans at work preparing silk threads for weaving, using traditional ikat dying techniques and weaving the thread into magnificent pieces of silk. There is a shop where visitors can view the variety of silk products. The National Arts Center opens in the morning and closes at 5pm. Visitors should allow at least one hour for a tour.

Shopping in Cambodia offers an abundance of treasures to be discovered. As well as the many traditional markets the last few years has seen a growth in boutiques and art galleries scattered around Siem Reap. Choose from a variety of spectacular artwork and fine textiles. There is a growth of contemporary artwork in Cambodia creating art that expresses the experiences of Cambodian people over the last few decades. Statues and carvings also offer interesting purchases. Many of the crafts that you can buy in Cambodia are created from years of history and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Religious crafts are available in plentitude amongst the markets of Cambodia.

Gem stones are an important part of Cambodia’s trade but it is wise only to make big purchases if you have knowledge of gems. This is important to avoid scams where fake gems are presented with authentic paper work. Silver wear that is created in traditional Khmer design can be bought from main markets and hotels. The karma which is a colored, chequed scarf that is traditionally worn by Khmer people, is a popular souvenir amongst tourists. This is also a practical item as it can be used to protect your neck from the sun.

Silk collectors around the world covert Cambodian silk which is predominately hand loomed with expertise that has been passed down from generation to generation. The National Silk Centre offers fascinating insight into the production of silk products. Phsar Chas otherwise known as “The Old Market” is a large traditional market that is a must see in Siem Reap. It offers a wide selection of products as well as a vibrant shopping experience.

Cambodia is open for international business, but as yet has not attracted a huge amount of large scale international investment.

Opportunities exist however for those wishing to export Cambodian goods for sale in other countries with products such as silverware, fabrics and handmade goods among the more popular items available. Those wishing to do business officially will need a business visa which is available from Cambodian embassies in the applicant’s home country or from embassies in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam.

Typical business hours:

• Government departments: 07:30 – 16:30 (with a break at midday), Monday to Friday.
• Retail: 07:00 – 18:00, Monday to Saturday (many shops open on Sunday)
• Banking: 0800 – 15:00, Monday to Friday.

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia and is part of the Mon-Khmer family of languages. Khmer has origins in both the Sanskrit and Pali languages of India and has been influenced by Thai and to a small extent, French since its adoption. Unlike, Thai and the language of Laos, Khmer is not a tonal language and the written form is derived from the South-Indian alphabet.

The majority of Cambodian’s speak Khmer although a small number of older citizens may also speak French as a result of the days of French colonisation of the country. Ethnic minorities (hill tribes) speak their own dialects, which may or may not bare some resemblance to Khmer depending on the tribe in question.

Cambodia is open to tourism and has a growing tourist industry with a slowly improving infrastructure, which is gradually becoming capable of supporting package tourists as well as backpackers. The majority of visitors require a visa to enter Cambodia, which is now available on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports and at the land entry points Bavet, Poipet and Koh Kong.

Visitors to Cambodia need to have a passport that is valid for at least six months as well as a passport photograph and the visa fee which is payable in US dollars. On arrival, visas permit visitors to stay for up to 30 days. Extensions are however permitted and may be applied for at the immigration office opposite Phnom Penh Pochentong Airport. Citizens of Laos and Malaysia may enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days while citizens of the Philippines may enter for 21 days without a visa.