When visiting a foreign country it is helpful to get to know more about that country’s culture. Understanding the culture will help you to fit in and help you to avoid embarrassing moments and culture clashes. Cambodia culture is a bit different than what you may be used to, so when you are planning a trip to Cambodia some helpful information can ensure you ease into the culture and have a nice visit.
Overview of Cambodia Culture
Cambodia culture is very rich in history and influenced greatly by India and China. The culture is largely based on religious influences of Khmer beliefs, Buddhism and Hinduism. This is why Cambodian culture is often referred to as Khmer culture.
Children are cherished and well taught. Up to about age four children are showered with physical affection and allowed a lot of freedom. Once they reach age five, though, they are given more responsibilities and social skills are emphasized. Age is something that is well respected in Khmer culture.
Most of the traditions and cultural views in Cambodia culture are based upon these basic views of respecting age and religious roots.…
The most memorable vacations do not always involve jet skis and a cruise ship. Often, the unforgettable places we’ve traveled to offered us something a bit more thought-provoking, something that encompassed a powerful and spiritual history for a culture we previously knew little about.
This tends to be the experience for travelers who visit the beautiful temples in Angkor, Cambodia. Every year, thousands of people take in the peaceful yet powerful presence of nearly 100 stone temples, some dating back to the 9th century. The temples stand as astonishing remains of what was once a majestic, religious and social city. With its wooden homes long since decayed and with little preserved historical artifacts, the temples serve as the ultimate sign of Cambodia’s past. It has now become an important national symbol for Cambodia, appearing on the national flag. If you wish to peak into the rich history of a culture typically undervalued in school textbooks, buy a ticket to Cambodia. Then visit a travel doctor for the needed Cambodia travel vaccinations, and you’re set to enjoy this beautiful country and its incredible temples.
Its most famous temple is the Angkor Wat, and for a good reason. At this great site of temples, Angkor Wat is the best preserved and is actually still in use as a religious site for Buddhism. Its enormous structure symbolizes the mythic Mount Meru, or, the house of the gods. Walking in you will notice five rectangular walls, depicting the five peaks of the great mountain. Before the temple began serving a Buddhist community, it was founded in praise of Hinduism. King Suryavaram II had it built in the 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu, the supreme god of the universe.
The second temple of note is the Ta Prohm, the only structure that holds almost all of its original architecture and material. Without constant manicuring by human hands, over centuries Ta Prohm has become engulfed by the tropical rainforest’s trees. These ancient yet powerful plants have proven their strength against human constructs, having pried their thick roots in between heavy stones, cracking the framework. In the past couple of decades, Ta Prohm’s infrastructure has been repaired to prevent any more damage (including collapsing ceilings). Thus you can feel safe within these walls, or, perhaps we should say, under these trees.
Before you visit Cambodia, however, you need to be wary of the health risks present in this very humid country. Luckily, if you count on only visiting major cities such as Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh, you may not need antimalarial medication, as the Center for Disease Control lists these two cities as the only parts of the country with no cases of malaria. Yet nobody wants to be stuck in the city when there is beautiful countryside to see, so you may want to get some medicine for malaria just in case.…
Sihanoukville is on Cambodia’s southern coast which hosts Cambodias only SeaPort on the gulf of Thailand. Founded relatively recently in 1964 specifically for the deep water port. Now popular as a tourist destination because of its many beaches and tropical weather.
Named after Cambodia’s retired king, Norodom Sihanouk, Sihanoukville has developed as a premier attraction for tourists visiting Cambodia, as well as residents looking for a holiday. This was stifled in 1994 when three western backpackers were kidnapped by the Khmer Rouge, and later murders. Sihanoukville has since recovered and now entertains almost 1,000,000 tourists every year.
Sihanoukville also supports an international airport with a troubled history – following a crash in the Cardamom Mountains in 2007 the airport remains ready for service but no flights are scheduled. The plan was for the airport to encourage visitors to other major attractions like the Angkor temples in Siem Reap, to enjoy a beach vacation on Cambodia’s southern coast.
The commercial deep water sea port is located on Sihanoukville’s northern peninsula, with a number of tropical islands and beaches to the west and south. The other beaches lie on the western and southern edges of the peninsula.
The most popular beach in Sihanoukville is Occheuteal beach which is lined with casuarina trees, sporting many grass roofed huts with lazy chairs which offer cold drinks and refreshments. The northern tip of Occheuteal beach, which naturally part of the same beach, has been dubbed serendipity beach where you can find many of the same grass roofed huts, as well as backpacker accommodations and some mid-range bungalows.
The Southern end of Occheuteal beach is mainly deserted, awaiting the development of a large resort, the progress of which has been very slow following the failed attempt to build a golf course on this land. Around the headland on the Southern end of Occheuteal beach is a similar and primarily deserted Otres beach – While formerly devoid of visitors, Otres beach is now home to some backpacker accommodations and is being touted as a location for adventure sports including sailing and paragliding.
The premier beach in Sihanoukville is the privately owned Sokha beach, a beautiful stretch of well maintained beach belonging to the Sokha Hotel chain which belongs to Cambodian oil mogul Kem Sokha. Non-Guests may be disappointed if they would like to visit Sokha Beach as the hotel guards may deny access however visitors could park in the hotel car park and walk to the beach unnoticed.…
As the capital of Egypt, its distinctiveness is based on history that goes back thousands of years. This amazing city is full of life and its lively personality is all its own. With crowded streets and non-stop activity, Cairo offers both a modern feel as well as a quaintness in which the city was built upon. Spanning the banks of the Nile River, you won’t find a more colorful place than Cairo. There is so much to do in Cairo. It is a wonderful city that suits just about every lifestyle.
Upon arrival, newcomers find Cairo to be an exciting city bursting with energy, color and adventure. They also enjoy the immediate and overt friendliness of the locals. The official language in Cairo is Arabic. However, English and French are widely spoken. For visitors who are not familiar with Arabic or French, adjusting to the culture will be easier if they take the initiative to learn some of the common phrases.
There are some things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city. Pointing and using your index finger, showing the bottom of your feet, using the “thumbs up” sign, gesturing with your left hand (which is considered to be unclean), taking photographs without getting permission are all considered offensive and should be avoided. It is against the law to photograph bridges, railway stations, anything military, airports and other public works.
Tipping (called “baksheesh” in Egypt) is a common practice for most services, regardless of how inconsequential. In hotels and restaurants, a service charge of about 12% is added to the bill, but an extra 5% is customary. Taxi fares often include a tip, but if the driver has given especially good service, 10% is expected. Modest tips for porters and bellhops are also expected. Many people rely on tipping to supplement their incomes and it is part of the Cairo culture, so it is important to be aware of the practice and to remember to carry small change.
People who like dry weather will like Cairo. Cairo experiences dry weather year-round. Winter, spring and fall are fairly mild times of the year. However, in April, it is very hot and there are sandy “Khamsin” (hot, violent winds) desert winds, followed by scorching summers. The average summer temperature is 98° F (37° C) and the average winter temperature is 47° F (8° C). Most buildings and homes have air conditioning.
Cairo is as ancient as history itself, but also showcases a modern flare. Its uniqueness is unexplainable until seen with monuments dating back to four different historical periods: the Pharaonic, the Roman, the Christian and the Islamic. People who enjoy history will love Cairo!…
Situated on the Nile River, Cairo straddles two principal areas, Africa and the Middle East. It is one of the oldest civilizations that exist and one of the largest cities in the world as one will find out on your way to the city center from the airport.
Only advice for those who want to drive in Cairo – DO NOT! One will soon find out that more driving involves the horn than the steering wheel.
With these caveats, Cairo is an exciting and ancient city, full of enchanting sights and containing one of the Eight Wonders of the World. One should take advantage of a tour company, or at least a licensed, private guide who has transportation.
Here are the “Must See” sights and not all can be done in one day. If one only has one day, one simply has to choose what is most beneficial.
· Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
· Egypt Museum
· The Khan Bazaar
· The Citadel
· Northern Cemetery
· Luxor
· Alexandria
1. Giza with its Pyramids & Sphinx can easily take up an entire day. One can look inside the ancient Pyramid; however, if one suffers from claustrophobia, it is not advisable. A camel drive is needed; however, one must be prepared to negotiate before and after the ride as the driver will ask for more money. The Sphinx, as well as the Pyramids, is a mystery as to how they were built.
2. Egypt Museum is the home of the sarcophagus of King Tut, dating thousands of years. One should not seek a visit on their own as the markings of the exhibits are not visible, and some are more valuable than others are.
3. The Khan Bazaar is another must see. Like the Bazaar in Istanbul, this is a city on its own. One can find anything from a spice to a camel for sale here, and one can easily spend hours in.
4. The Citadel, crowned by the Mohammed Ali Mosque, built by Mohammad Ali Pasha during the Ottoman Period. One will have a spectacular view of Cairo from this spot.
5. Northern Cemetery or better known as The City of the Dead, or the Necropolis, is a fascinating sight. One will find not only the dead here, but also the living. Many poorer families have set up their homes here. Not morbid, but fascinating.
6. Luxor is a terrific plane or train ride and is well worth the trip. There one can see Karnak and Thebes as well as the Valley of the Kings, burial place of many of the Pharaohs.
7. Alexandria is a fantastic day trip, noted as being the learning center of the world in ancient times. It contained the most popular library of its time and today contains the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a wonderful attempt to restore it to its former glory.
As one can see, there is so much to see and do in this great city of the world. There are many superb hotels and restaurants that one can enjoy. It is well worth spending a week in if possible.…
I used to think Cairo was a dump. A noisy, dusty, congested cesspit; where the touts, the traffic, and the tower blocks blend into one seething unremarkable mass around the river Nile. Those were the days when I didn’t really know Cairo. Now I go there every year. To relax, to contemplate, and to surround myself with history. To walk along the banks of the Nile, photograph its many mosques, admire the night time skyline, and to absorb the unmistakable buzz of Africa’s largest city.
Although there are some elements of truth to my early objections. It is overpopulated (17million people) and the number of dent ridden, clapped out cars that occupy the streets often reduce traffic to a standstill. Everything is dusty, and what should take “just five minutes sir”, will for no apparent reason, take much, much longer. The poverty is obvious, and ugly tower blocks are constantly springing up to accommodate Egypt’s ever increasing population. With one million news mouths to feed every year, and no sign of slowing down, the city grows and the desert shrinks as the government desperately tries to keep up.
Most tourists who pass through this huge city make a B-line straight for the Giza plateau. Home of course to the great Pyramid, not to mention several thousand postcard vendors, men touting camels, pizza hut and KFC. And, having taken in this architectural feat that defies the imagination, the Egyptian museum is next on any classical itinerary. Together perhaps with a brief shopping/toilet stop at one of the many papyrus institutes, this completes the common perception of Cairo’s “must see” sights. And indeed, they should not be missed. But if you get past these, and take the time to look a little harder, this clumsy giant of a city will touch your heart.
Most visitors to Egypt will allocate one or two days in Cairo. After that, the majority will head south to Luxor (the former capital of the pharonic world) or the more adventurous may head east to Sinai, in search of the best hiking or diving spots. But if you find yourself with a free afternoon in Cairo and you have already visited the Giza plateau and the museum, this is how you should spend your time.
First find some lunch, something Egyption. A good falafel sandwich alone can be a reason enough to visit this part of the world. Unlike its neighbours, who use chickpeas, the Egyptian falafel is made from broad beans, pressed into small round balls and deep fried. Put into pita bread and add a little salad and tahini, and you have you have yourself a very tasty lunch for about 20pence (45 cents). Try the “Falfella” chain, which has a good reputation, and makes tasty sandwiches which are easy on our western stomachs, A lesser known, and more filling snack is Kosheri. A vegetarians’ complete delight. Consecutive layers of pasta, rice, noodles, lentils, macaroni, and chickpeas are served in a round metal dish with a tomato sauce, chilli and lemon. Simple, healthy, and very, very tasty, at first it’s hard to believe you have never made this yourself.
Cairo is littered with literally thousands of these Kosheri dens who’s menu has just three choices, small, medium, or large. Whilst most tour groups find an upmarket air conditioned restaurant in which to dine, I find sitting amongst the locals at the often communal tables is a real treat, and warm smiles are exchanged as we scoff down our food merrily.
Another sensory treat is the market of Khan El Khalili. Here you can find anything from spices to jewelry to belly dancing costumes, to stuffed rabbits smoking sheesha pipes. They say if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’ll find somebody that does. And if you like to buy ‘tatt’, then this is definitely the place. Glittery key rings, false mustaches, and Arab headdresses are dangled in front of you as you make your way through the crowded streets. But cross the bridge and head away from the mosque and you’ll find yourself in the market of old Islamic Cairo, a section less commonly visited by the western tourists. The stalls sell nothing special, fabrics, clothes and underwear, but here you can catch a glimpse of real Egyptians going about their business. You’ll be left alone by the shopkeepers who don’t speak English, and be transported back in time, free to wander and enjoy the surrounding Islamic architecture.
The ancient Egyptians are a civilization that fascinates us still today. Cairo, the capital of Egypt, was at the core of civilization. Founded in 969 C.E., it has evolved into a religious and cultural hot spot for Africa and the Middle East. Cairo is the largest city in Egypt and boasts many resort hotels and tourist attractions. A trip to Cairo offers the best of the modern world as well as a peek into life in ancient Egypt. The first step towards planning your Cairo trip is getting your United States passport.
Passports For Travel
Obtaining a passport used to be quite the ordeal, however, now with online passport services, it’s a cinch. Anything you need done regarding your passport is just clicks away. A name change, a renewal, a replacement, it’s all done online now. No more waiting in lines or waiting for weeks on end for your passport to arrive. Because these services are expedited, as passport is easily obtained in time for any trip, no matter the deadline.
World Heritage Sites
Cairo features two notable World Heritage Sites. The first site is Coptic Cairo, once known as Babylon and has roots in ancient history. This site is of great importance religious, cultural, and historically, it is featured in many religious texts and much cultural lore. Coptic Cairo features five original churches as well as the first mosque and synagogue built in Egypt.
Muslim Landmarks
Another World Heritage Site in Cairo is, Islamic Cairo. This is the medieval core of Cairo. Those who visit Cairo are witnesses to the most grand and beautiful monuments to Islamic culture in Cairo. Impressive monuments include the Al-Hakim Mosque, the Qalawun complex, Midan Hussein and Sayyidna al-Hussein Mosque. The Syyidna al-Hussein Mosque is one of the most sacred sites in all of Egypt.
Pyramids
Another must see site is the Saqqara Pyramids. This complex contains an ancient necropolis where many important ancient Egyptian figures are buried. Important structures include the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Pyramid of Teti, the Tomb of Ankhmahor, and much more. These are some of the oldest excavated sites in Egypt.
Giza
Dahshur is another ancient site that features large pyramids. These pyramids include the famous Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid of Sneferu, which is believed to be Egypt’s oldest”true”pyramid” and the Black Pyramid.. These pyramids are often compared to the pyramids of Giza, most prefer the pyramids at Dahshur though as they are not as laden with tourists as those at Giza.
Antiquity
Cairo is rich in ancient history, because of this the museums feature amazing artifacts and exhibits. The most famous is the Egyptian Antiquities Museum. The museum built in 1902 contains the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world, over 120,000. The museum has seven sections, some sections are dedicated to Tutankhamen’s treasures, monuments of the Old World, sarcophagi and much more.…
Egypt is a Middle Eastern, mostly Muslim country. Westerners might find this reason to stay away. However, the Egyptians are welcoming to tourists. The thing to be really scared of is not the country’s location or politics: it has to be one of the worst countries in the world for hygiene. Lack of handwashing and general hygiene standards can be life-threatening. Many people report having contracted Cairo Belly or worse during their visit.
Intestinal infections can be severe enough to require hospitalization, something to be avoided while on vacation. Perhaps the poor hygiene comes from a lack of fresh water. The plumbing in Egypt is stone-age at best. To improve your chances of staying healthy, take lots of alcohol, hand wash, toilet paper, and be very careful about what you eat there. Make sure when you go that you do not skimp on your travel and accommodation.
Spending more is no guarantee you will have better plumbing or food. But, it might reduce the chance of getting ill. The only real way to ensure you do not get sick is: do not drink the water, do not put ice in your drinks, and do not eat uncooked food. And be prepared to eat some poor quality food. Often it can be gritty from desert sand blown into it during preparation. Really, the only way you can be absolutely certain you will not get sick is to take your own food.
So why bother to visit Egypt?
It is a place filled with ancient history. Its buildings and monuments offer insight into who we were 5,000 years ago. The Pyramids of the Giza Plateau are astounding. From an architectural point of view they rival many modern buildings in their ability to enlist a response of awe. And when you think about what it took to build them. You cannot help but be stunned by the tyranny within our human nature. They stand next to the amazing and inscrutable Sphinx, which gazes intently out into the desert. Archeologists still do not know exactly who built it or when.
The Cairo museum is stuffed with artifacts. All of the contents of Tutankhamen’s tomb are there, including gorgeous jewelry, incredible furniture, and beautiful stone carving and sculpture. Much of the displays seem uncared for and dusty, as if they had not been looked at since first placed there by a Victorian era curator. Apparently, a new museum is being built.
There are countless temples and remains everywhere in the desert along the banks of the Nile; it could take a lifetime to visit it all. Read my next article to experience some of them.
There is no place else in the world where you will experience all of these things. This is why it is worth taking on all the risks to visit Cairo in the desert land of Egypt.…
Cairo is a very interesting city not just because the river Nile is located there, it’s also quite popular for its shops but there are other reasons why people pick Cairo to go on holiday. The city is most popular for having the oldest preserved empire buildings such as The Three Pyramids or the Sphinx. It’s most popular because of its ancient features and it’s also very well known for the three mystery Pyramids. There are thousands of tourists who visit Cairo every week.
If you would like to relax then of course there is lots of restaurants and they all include the evening entertainment, its quite fun watching people dance their own traditional movements. There is a huge number of shops, beaches, hotels and even spa treatments so if you’re one of the people who would love to treat themselves then you know who to ask for more information about this. Many people love the sunshine so as soon as they get to the country they use swimming pools. Swimming pools? Why swimming pools? Well here’s an answer, quite a few hotels in Cairo now include sea water in their swimming pools instead of the smelly chlorine and I think that’s a great idea.
Also as you might already know that Egypt is a Muslim religious country and starting at six o’clock every morning people who believe in their religion pray five times a day. Therefore there is a Mohamed Ali Mosque which is the emblem of Cairo. It’s called that because there was a man called Mohamed Ali (1769 – 1849) who was born in Cavalia, Greece and was of Albanian origin. He was a soldier in the troops that were sent to Egypt to free the country from Napoleon’s occupation. So in the end he helped to free the country and now people pray for him.…
Cairo is a very appealing city not only as the Nile is centrally located there, it’s also extremely popular due to its shops nevertheless there are other reasons why folks choose Cairo to go on holiday.
The metropolis is most famous for having the oldest preserved empire architectural structures including the Three Pyramids or the Sphinx. It is sought after due to its age-old features and particularly the Pyramids. There are numerous holidaymakers that visit Cairo every week.
If you’d like to chill out then needless to say there are lots of places to eat and they often include the evening entertainment, it is quite interesting seeing people dance their customary movements. There are a significant variety of shops, hotels and even spa treatments consequently should you be amongst the people who want to treat themselves then you know who to ask for more information concerning this.
A lot of people love the sunshine therefore as quickly as they reach the country they use pools. Why swimming pools? Well here’s a reason, plenty of hotels in Cairo now use salt water in their swimming pools rather than the stinky chlorine and I believe that’s a remarkable concept.
Furthermore as you might already know that Egypt is a Muslim country and starting at six o’clock every morning those that believe in their faith pray five times daily. As a result there is a Mohamed Ali Mosque that is the symbol of Cairo
It’s called that due to the fact there was a person named Mohamed Ali (1769 – 1849) who was born in Cavalia, Greece and was of Albanian origins. He had been a soldier in the army that was sent to The Red Sea to liberate the place from Napoleon’s occupation. Consequently in the end he helped to free the country and today people pray for him.…