Just ask Google? Your Vietnam and Cambodia questions answered
When in doubt, 9 times out of 10 we’ll Google it, but there are gazillions of pages, often with contradictory information. Our Social Media Co-Ordinator, Brock, has been busy fact-checking Google's most frequently asked questions about Vietnam and Cambodia so you can call off the search!
Vietnam and Cambodia most Googled questions
Does Vietnam/Cambodia celebrate Christmas?
Vietnam: Technically, no. There are no official Christmas celebrations, but it is gaining popularity as a ‘fun festival from the West’. There are places that will give you a taste of Christmas spirit if you are visiting over the festive period.
Learn More: Christmas in Vietnam
Cambodia: No. Cambodia is a predominantly Buddhist country and so Christmas is just an ordinary day. The only difference you might see is Christmas trees in hotels and office buildings that have international ties.
Does Vietnam/Cambodia celebrate Chinese New Year?
Like the Chinese, Vietnam does celebrate the Lunar New Year, but the festivities are called Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán (Feast of the First Morning of the First Day) and are the biggest and most important celebration in the Vietnamese calendar.
Learn more: Tet: A Survival Guide
Cambodia: Yes, a large proportion of Khmers will participate in the celebrations, particularly as many have Chinese ancestry - that being said, it’s not a public vacation and officially it’s business as usual.
Does Vietnam/Cambodia require a visa?
Vietnam: Yes. There are four ways to get a visa for UK, US, AU and most EU nationals. Apply for a e-visa, check conditions for Visa exemption, get an on-arrival visa or go through your local Vietnamese embassy.
Cambodia: Yes. There are two options: apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or get an on-arrival visa.
Does Vietnam/Cambodia accept US Dollars?
Vietnam: US Dollars are accepted in areas that receive a lot of tourists, however most transactions are conducted in the local currency, Dong (VND). In places where dollars are accepted, you will often find that you’ll pay a higher price than you would do in Dong – the vendor decides the rate of exchange, and usually rounds the price up to the nearest dollar.
Learn more: Money matters: Vietnam
Cambodia: Yes. US Dollars are more popular in Cambodia than the local currency Riel. The Cambodian Riel is even set at 4000 to 1 USD, which means it will always be a stable currency. You can even get US dollars from ATMs!
Vietnam
Does Vietnam have winter?
If by winter you mean cold weather, then it depends on where in Vietnam you are. In Southern Vietnam, ‘winter’ is still above 20°C whereas December/January in Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay) can get down to 10°C – bring a jumper.
Does Vietnam have earthquakes?
Vietnam isn’t a major earthquake location, so not something that travelers will need to worry about.
Cambodia
Does Cambodia have a King?
Yes. King Norodom Sihamoni is the king of Cambodia and has been since 14th October 2004. He has a passion for the arts and trained in Prague as a ballet dancer!
Does Cambodia have beaches?
There are some AMAZING beaches in Cambodia; head to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, check into the Song Saa Private Island or the new Six Senses on Koh Krabey.
Learn More: 5 best beaches in Cambodia
Still have some burning questions about Vietnam and Cambodia? For reliable answers, get in touch with our Southeast Asia boffins experts and start planning your trip.
