VITAL STATISTICS

Capital: Phnom Penh Population: 15.75 million Language: Khmer, but most young people speak English these days. Time: GMT+7 International dialling code: +855 Visas: Required by UK nationals, and can be purchased at international airports or land border crossings on arrival, or online (evisa.gov.kh) for US$30 (£22) in advance. Money: Cambodian riel (KHR), currently around KHR5,365 to the UK£. However, US dollars (US$) are widely accepted.

When to go Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

The Cardamom Tented Camp is open year-round; conditions are hot and humid. ■ Monsoon season – heavy rains (particularly Sept and Oct) and flooding may curtail some activities. Of the activities identified thus far, staff can take guests to stork nesting sites. ■ Dry season – hot and sunny, with firefly-watching boat trips from Nov to Jan, when temperatures are also ideal.

Health & safety

Tropical climates present health issues that need to be protected against. Visit your GP or travel clinic to see what is required. Be warned: Cambodia has very poor medical facilities for travellers. It would be ill-advised to wander off into the jungle alone due to the potential danger of wartime UXB and venomous snakes. Carry a sterile dressing for leech bites; they can be messy, if painless.

Further reading & Information

Cambodia (Lonely Planet, 2016) www.wildlifealliance.org – NGO https://yaana-ventures.com – YAANA Ventures, tour operator, http://helpingelephants.org – Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation