Cambodia is situated in the Indochina peninsula and has a land area of 181,035 sq km, about 20% of which is used for agriculture. It lies within the tropics with its southern most point about 10° north of the Equator. The country shares borders with Thailand and the Laos to the west and north, Vietnam to the east and southeast, and is bounded on the southeast by the Gulf of Thailand. It has a coastline of 435 km with extensive mangrove swamps.

The landscape is dominated by the Tonle Sap (Great Lake) and the Bassac and Mekong rivers. The Central Plains with an elevation of less than 11 meters cover three quarters of the country. Surrounding the plains are densely forested and sparsely populated highlands, including the Dangrek Mountains in the North and Rattanakiri Plateau and Chhlong highlands in the east. The Cardamom Mountains in the southwest rise to more than 1,500 meters. The highest mountain, Phnom Aural (1,771meters), is in this mountain range.

Mekong flows from China through Myanmar, Laos and Thailand before entering Cambodia. The Tonle Sap lake acts as a basin for absorbing the Mekong River floods. The Mekong swells during the monsoon and usually by June, the waters from Mekong and the Bassak rivers increase to a point where their outlets through the delta cannot handle the enormous volume of water, flooding the surrounding plains for several months. At this point, instead of continuing to overflow its banks, floodwaters reverse the flow and enter the Grate Lake, the largest natural lake in Southeast Asia, increasing the size of the lake from about 2,600 sq km to 10,000 sq km and at times to 13,000 sq km and raising the water level by an average 7m at the height of the flood. After the Mekong’s water crests, the flow reverses and water flows out of the lake.

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Last edited Dec 6, 08 11:38 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.

Cambodia Climate

Cambodia has a tropical climate, being hot and humid (even if not rainy) for most of the year. The section of Mekong River passing through Cambodia lies within the tropical wet and dry zone. About 80 percent of the annual rainfall occurs during the southwest monsoon in May-October, with temperatures in the range of 27 to 35 degrees celsius.

The dry season is from November to April, but the first three months to January are cooler (about 17 to 27 degrees) as they coincide with the cooler temperatures in the northern hemisphere. The next three months from February to April are much hotter (about 29 to 38 degrees).

On the mountains and in higher altitudes the weather is somewhat cooler.

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Last edited Dec 7, 08 11:29 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.

1. Debbie's Tip on Siemreab

Siemreab, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia is a land of wonder and of tragedy. It is inspiring, heart wrenching and unique. Come to Siem Reap with an open mind and you'll enjoy every minute of your stay there. The only reason most people travel into Siem Reap is to see with their own eyes the magnificent Khmer temple ruins of Angkor, a World Heritage Site. To arrange your visit to the Angkor temple complexes, you will need to decide how long you're going to stay, purchase an admission pass (USD20 for one day, USD40 for a three-day and USD60 for a 7-day visit), arrange your transportation to the temples (transportation options include moto-romauk-USD10-13; car taxis USD20-25/day; motodup USD6-9/day; bicycles for USD2-3/day), obtain a tour guide (you'll be thankful for having a guide..they're useful when it comes to explaining the temple history as well as the many bas reliefs and designs in the temples. The charge between USD20-25 per day) and then plan out your temple itinerary. You'll also be well off traveling in Siem Reap if you have purchased yourself a guidebook prior to planning your trip. I highly recommend either the Rough Guide to Cambodia or the Lonely Planet version. These two guide books are almost very accurate. A one-day visit allows you to see the highlights of the most famous temples but very little more. Three days is sufficient to visit all of the major temples once, a few of the minor ones and have a little extra time at your favorites. Seven days is enough time to really explore some of your favorite ruins and visit many of the minor structures as well. If you are on a limited traveling time, you will really need to plan a temple itinerary. If you're only spending two or three days in Siem Reap, i recommend you to cover Ta Phrom (the temple famed for the scene in "tomb raider"), Ta Keo, Victory Gate, Angkor Thom (Bayon, Terrace of the Leper King, Terrace of the Elephants, South Gate), Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakheng the first day, second day, go north of the Angkor complex and visit Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, Banteay Srei and Pre Rup. Third day you may have it easy and go back and visit your favorite temples and do the Tonle Sap Lake in the later part of the day. Weather - as the sun can be very intense, bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The de facto currency used in Siem Reap is in USD. Local currency (Riel) are also used. Riels would come in handy when you pay for small items.

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2. Ali's Tip on Siemreab

Siemreab, Cambodia

In December, the Raffles Hotel hosts a Silk Market that features high quality handmade products by local artisans.

The weather is also great this time of year!

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3. Hollie's Tip on Phumi Spean Angkor

Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia

Neak Pean

Neak Pean is an unique Angkor site because it was actually a series of swimming pools built in the late 12th century for Jayavarman VII. We visited in February, during the dry season, so the pools were completely dry allowing full access to all areas for exploration. I have heard that it is best viewed during the wet season when the pools accumulate water, but I wouldn’t know firsthand. Just a word of caution on your visit, since this site is a large pool, rather than a temple, there aren’t any trees to provide shade from the intense heat of the sun so be prepared; wear sunblock and a hat or come in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is cooler.

Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-neakpean.htm

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4. Reamx a.k.a Lil Man's Tip on Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

You might want to bring a hat because the weather is too hot. You will also need to bring sunscreen when you come. Come and visit the ruin of Angkor Wat, where Buddhists monk pray. The Mekong river flow through Cambodia to Thailand and will most part of Southeast Asia. Some sale food or accessorie

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