FUDCon Phnom Penh 2016

Phnom Penh - November 4 - 6, 2016

Location

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh, at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap Rivers, is the capital of Cambodia and its largest city. The beauty that made it a 'Paris of the East' before 1970 is unfortunately well hidden, though there are a few French colonial buildings remaining. The wide boulevards and promenades envisaged by the French have become parking spaces and market stalls: pedestrians are not in favour. The most pleasant strolling is to be done along the park-like river frontage, which hosts cafés and restaurants aplenty. Phnom Penh is on its best ways to become again the Pearl of South East Asia.

Useful info:

• Cambodia uses three kind of currency, the Riel its own currency, which is mainly used to pay smaller sums (under 1 US$), the US$ which is mainly used (1 US$ = 4.000~4.500 Riel) and also in the nothern part the Bath from Thailand is used. Credit cards are not widely used, mainly in the good hotels and restaurant but you can use them in banks to get cash in advance for a small fee. ATM from ANZ and Canadia bank are widely spreaded and pay out in US$. Fee for withdraw with credit card is between 3-4$
• Time zone: GMT/UTC + 07:00 hour
• Voltage: 230 V; Plugs A and C* (Sa lot of outlets are a combination of type A and C and can accept either type plug. Plug G may be found in some hotels.) You will need a voltage converter, and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Getting to Phnom Penh

Cambodian Visa application

All visitors, except citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam need a visa to enter Cambodia. Visas can be obtained at Cambodian embassies or consulates. Visas are also available "on arrival" at both international airports, all six international border crossings with Thailand, some international border crossings with Vietnam, and at the main border crossing with Laos.

You will need a visa type T, which will cost 30 US$. Visa are also available as so called e-visa - https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ which you can get via internet in advance.

Only citizens of the following countries have to apply for a visa in advance: Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab Saudi, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Nigeria.

for more information consult the pages of the Cambodian Tourism Ministery

Getting around

Eat

Phnom Penh offers some interesting culinary treats not found elsewhere in the country. These include French-influenced dining and Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes. Khmer street restaurant are also found throughout the city, where a typical meal costs 2-4 Dollars. Pizzas, banana pancakes and fried rice are always easy to find. The riverfront hosts everything from stand-up stalls to fine French bistros. If you have time try an tradional khmer BBQ, its available for around 5 US$ all-you-can-eat.

Weather

Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. The climate is hot year-round with only minor variations. Temperatures typically range from 22 to 35 °C (72 to 95 °F) and weather is subject to the tropical monsoons. The southwest monsoon blows inland bringing moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and Indian Ocean from May to October. The northeast monsoon ushers in the dry season, which lasts from November to March. The city experiences the heaviest precipitation from September to October with the driest period in January and February.

The city has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, sees high temperatures accompanied by high humidity. The dry season lasts from November to April when temperatures can drop to 22 °C (72 °F). But temperatures can approach 40 °C (104 °F) in April. The best months to visit the city are November to February when temperatures, humidity and rainfall are lower.

More Info