The Best of Cambodia
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Cambodia, The Kingdom of Wonder
Yes, Cambodia or Kampuchea as it is popularly referred to in the local language, has a glorious past. For centuries, the Khmer Empire ruled much of Southeast Asia. And this power is very much evident in the ruins of the Angkor Wat and the other ancient temples dotting not only the province of Siem Reap but also other parts of Cambodia.
But Cambodia is not just Angkor. There are many pre-Angkorian ruins you can visit. And of course, another world heritage site, Preah Vihear, a contested area with Thailand. If you are an adventurous history buff Preah Vihear is the place not to miss.
It is also home to the biggest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia, Tonle Sap. This is one of the richest freshwater fishing grounds. In your visit, take a boat in Tonle Sap and see for yourself the Floating Village and have a first hand experience of how the fishermen in this area live.
Of course, you can't miss the charm of the mystical Mekong River which graces not only Cambodia but several other countries including China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
There are also the beaches of Sihanoukville and Kep. And close by is Kampot which grows the famous Kampot pepper favored by the chefs of France. Kampot still shows much of Cambodia's French colonial past in its architecture and riverside cafes.
Move towards the hills of Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, and Pailin where you will meet some of Cambodia's tribal communities, swim in a volcanic lake, bathe at the water falls and buy some semi-precious stones.
Shopping is great as Cambodian silk is not as expensive as in other countries and mostly hand woven. With the proliferation of garment factories, T-shirts and children's clothes abound in the market. Silver jewelry is made right in the shop and you can design your own or just get one of those uniquely Cambodian traditional jewelry design. Make sure you dump some of those extra weight, though, so you can get into some of those shirts.
There are other provinces worth visiting but the best of Cambodia are not just places. In fact, what visitors enjoy most are the simplicity of life here and the goodness of its peoples.
Anyway, if you haven't been to Cambodia, book your holiday now. And, remember, Cambodia is not just Angkor Wat.
You need a Visa to enter Cambodia
Visas can easily be obtained at the two major airports of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Visas may also be available in some of the land border crossing with Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. You need a 4x6 photo (they will take your photo at the visa counter for a fee), and a valid passport with 6 months validity. This will cost you $20 for a tourist visa which you can extend for a month once or a business visa for $25 which you can extend indefinitely.
Major celebration
In this module, I will feature some of Cambodia's meaningful ceremonies that show the inner spirit and core of Cambodia's culture. Celebrated on the day of the full moon of the third lunar month in Buddhist Calendar, this ceremony of Meak Bochea Day is highly significant for the Khmer Buddhists as the day to honor and venerate Buddha and his teachings. For 2012, this day is indicated as follows.
Countdown to Meak Bochea Day or Magha Puja Day
Traditional Cultural Performances for Culture Week in Cambodia
Traditional Apsara Dancer
Cambodia Takes the Chair
Cambodia is chair of 2012 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for the year and has been taking the lead in the association with the recent meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers. This is a triumph for Cambodia and will enhance tourism and investment in the country.
Map of Cambodia
Mark your itinerary for your trip to Cambodia
Interesting Facts on Cambodia
Population: 14.2 Million
Currency: Riel but US$ are commonly used and accepted in almost all stores
Country Calling Code: 855
Time: GMT+ 7 hours
Religion: Theravada Buddhism (95%); Christianity, Islam and Animism
Language: Khmer with some French and English
Cambodia Celebrates Independence
November 9, 2011
Cambodia celebrates Independence Day today, November 9. The people of Phnom Penh together with their King and are gathered around the Independence Monument. The people waved pictures of the King, the King Father who helped in gaining this Independence and the King Mother.
Today, also marks the start of the water festival celebration. The stage is ready for the concerts and the booths are all selling wares from all over the country. Although the colorful boat races have been cancelled this year due to the flooding, this has not really dampened the spirit of the Cambodians. They are in full celebratory mood as these next 3 days are major holidays here.
Pictures of the Independence Day Celebration
November 9, 2011
Read about Cambodia before you visit
Here are some guides on Cambodia
Lonely Planet Cambodia (Country Travel Guide) by Nick Ray, Greg Bloom, Daniel Robinson
Lonely Planet's 7th edition of Cambodia will take more...0 points
Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Handbook, 3rd: Travel guide to Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos (Footprint - Handbooks) by Claire Boobbyer, Andrew Spooner
Whether you want to experience the hustle and bustle more...0 points
Cambodia Handbook, 6th: Travel Guide to Cambodia (Footprint - Handbooks) by Andrew Spooner
Enticing, exotic and energetic, Cambodia will get under more...0 points
Guide to Cambodia: The Temples of Angkor by Approach Guides, David Raezer, Jennifer Raezer
Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire in more...0 points
Ultimate Cambodia Travel Guide by Matt Jacobson
Hundreds of brilliant color photographs. The most extensive more...0 points
Travel Cambodia 2012 - Illustrated Guide, Phrasebook & Maps. Angkor Archaeological Park (with Angkor Wat, Bayon, and 30+ sites) Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang, Sihanoukville & more. (Mobi Travel) by MobileReference
This guide is designed for optimal navigation on e more...0 points
The Rough Guide to Cambodia 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides) by Steven Martin, Rough Guides
Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to more...0 points
Angkor Wat & Siem Reap Encounter by Nick Ray
What Will Your Angkor Wat & Siem Reap Encounter more...0 points
The Rough Guide to Cambodia (Rough Guide Cambodia) by Beverley Palmer
"The Rough Guide to Cambodia" is the ult more...0 points
Cambodia: The Bradt Travel Guide (Bradt Guides) by Anita Sach
A guide to the cultural attractions of this emergi more...0 points
National Geographic Traveler: Cambodia by Trevor Ranges
National Geographic Traveler: Cambodia is another new more...0 points
Cambodia - Culture Smart!: the essential guide to customs & culture by Graham Saunders
Culture Smart! provides essential information on a more...0 points
The Best of Cambodia's Heritage
The Temples of Angkor
The Temples in Cambodia date back even to pre-Angkorian times and some of these pre-Angkorian ruins are now easy to reach. Most visitors go to Angkor which is definitely worth a visit but some of the ruins tell much more of the history of Cambodia.
Visit Cambodia's Famous Heritage, The Temples of Angkor
And Other Things Siem Reap Has to Offer
Angkor , Cambodia's most popular destination is in the province of Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is only one of the numerous temples built in this area between the 9th to the 13th century AD. So when you have a chance, visit the other temples, too. One of my favorites is Banteay Srey with its more intricate designs and the thiry five or so kilometer drive is a peek at what rural Cambodia largely is with its farmers in their rice paddies still growing rice in the traditional way and water buffaloes wallowing in ponds of water with egrets cleaning bugs out of their backs.
Siem Reap has grown as a tourist destination and now offers some of the best restaurants and hotels in Cambodia. Shops are everywhere now with a few night markets competing with each other. There is no lack for places to stay from budget to luxury. During the non-peak tourist months, you can really grab a stay at some of the luxury hotels for less than a hundred bucks a night. These months are more or less from April - to August.
Temple burn-out comes soon for many of us. But not to worry as now Siem Reap offers many other things to see and do. You can visit the Cambodia Cultural Village where they have shows depicting Cambodian traditional practices, ceremonies like traditional Khmer wedding, music and plays, models of typical Cambodian houses and other things about Cambodian culture.You can also take a boat to where the fishermen live in Tonle Sap Lake. What they often refer to as the Floating Village. If you like silk, go to the Artisans d'Angkor silk farm. Or the Artisans d'Angkor in town where you can watch trainees learn how to carve stone and wood, do lacquerware, paint on silk and do other crafts.You can watch birds in the Prek Toal Sanctuary or arrange one of the countryside tours and have a better glimpse of how 80% of people in Cambodia live. And don't forget to ask your hotel to book you in one of the restaurants offering the Apsara show.
The Best Draw to Cambodia
The Temples of Angkor
One of the entrances to Bayon Temple
A Short Guide on Angkor Wat Visit
Read before you go
- How to Enjoy Angkor Wat in Cambodia
- Read this guide so you will enjoy your visit. This is short but informative, an easy read.
Know Siem Reap Better
The City of Angkor
Cambodia Designs you might want to look at
Take a peek and get one for yourself
Cambodia Angkor Journal
Price: 
Cambodia's Pre-Angkorian Ruins
Gems of Cambodian History Still to be Explored
Alhough these ruins are not as impressive as the Angkor Wat and the other temples in Siem Reap, they tell more about Cambodian history and more studies are needed to understand its significance. Some of these temples are within easy reach from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, the usual international gateways for tourists flying into Cambodia. A detour can also sometimes bring you to some of these ruins. Others, though, can only be reached during the dry season.
Recently, on a work trip to Kampong Thom, it so happened that the school I was visiting was right in the vicinity of the ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk so we had a lunch meeting in the area and enjoyed looking at the ruins of what was before known as Isanapura, one of the centers of the Chenla Kingdom which flourished around sixth century. In fact, the school organizes some of the tourist activities to train their students and making them earn a bit of money to support themselves. I have included here the picture of the ruins. This trip took me about two and a half hours drive from Phnom Penh, one way.
The Royal City of Oudong
An Ancient Cambodian Capital
Oudong was one of the ancient capitals of Cambodia and its imposing presence on top of a hill can hardly be missed when you travel by road out of Phnom Penh. Just about an hour from Phnom Penh, it is worth a visit as it offers one of the most breath taking views of Cambodia's landscape, temples sprouting out of rice fields and palm trees. It is an easy trip out of Phnom Penh and a good escape from the hustle of the city. When we brought our grand daughter there she had so much fun with the local children who are earning a living but spent some time for a good exchange with her.
The Other Faces of Cambodia
Not Just the Temples of Angkor
Wat Botum one of the oldest wat in Phnom Penh
Cambodia, Host to the 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum
ATF 2011
Cambodia just finished hosting the 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2011). This forum also includes 3 non-ASEAN countries namely, Australia, India and Russia. Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of ATF 2011 Inter- Ministerial Organizing Committee Sok An said that the 2011 ATF is a great event for the ASEAN +3 (Russia, India and Australia) and other partners to have more exchange and help to promote the development of the tourism industry. The theme is "ASEAN - A World of Wonders and Diversity". This reflects ASEAN's rich regional culture, abundant natural resources and high quality services in the tourism industry.
The forum was held at the newly built Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Over 1,600 delegates which include 400 international buyers and 100 international media were here to take part and cover the event.
2011 Tourist Arrival in Cambodia
Ministry of Tourism data shows that the first quarter of 2011 registered a significant increase of 13.9 percent in tourist arrivals. Visitors from Vietnam, South Korea and China represent the largest proportion of arrivals.
Which of these Cambodian provinces did you visit first?
Or you plan to visit first?
Places in Cambodia Best not to Miss
The Capital City of Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a city you will come to love. At present, most roads in Cambodia lead to Phnom Penh so it is hard to miss. Unless you are one of those tourists who just think of Cambodia as the temples of Angkor so they just go straight to Siem Reap, look at the Angkor temples and leave. Today, more roads are being built to connect the other provinces with each other and offer tourists with limited time more options to visit beyond Angkor.
Sitting at the confluence of three rivers, the great Mekong, the Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers, the Penh as local expats affectionately call it is home to about 2 million people. It is the country's political, economic and cultural capital as well. Galleries, world-class restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars abound. Its French colonial past is not only seen in some of its colonial mansions but in its tasty baguettes, boutique hotels. al fresco cafes, and excellent French food. But the local cuisine just can't be outdone. Try the fish amok in the many restaurants around town and you will ask for more.
The Royal Palace dominates the Phnom Penh scene close to the river. Remember when you visit this place, dress appropriately. No sleeveless top, shorts or short skirts for women. Some places here are temples. It is quite a big place. You will be going up and down stairs and taking off your shoes, so wear socks. Remember your hat, too.
Cambodia's capital city in pictures
The Best of Phnom Penh
The National Museum of Cambodia
More Information on Phnom Penh
Interesting Articles
- How To Plan a Trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Cambodia recently passed the 2 million tourist arrivals threshold and the boom is just beginning. Get here soon, or you will miss one of Asia's great bargains as it moves up the cost stairway and becomes another Thailand.
- Phnom Penh's Phsars
- When in Phnom Penh, you just have to head for the phsars. What are they? Just click the link if you are an avid shopper. If not, you can enjoy the local color.
- How To Enjoy Day Trips from Phnom Penh
- There are many interesting places to see just outside Phnom Penh and many of these are cultural experiences your will truly cherish.
An interesting read on Cambodia's capital city
Phnom Penh
A Cambodian Tells her Story
A Cambodian family's journey during the Pol Pot Regime
This book deserves to be featured on a lens on Cambodia. Loung Ung tells her own story as a girl growing up in the most difficult years of Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge period. You can follow her trip out of Phnom Penh with her family and her well educated father. They tried very hard to hide their educated background under the Khmer Rouge, living in constant fear of being discovered. Her story is the story of many Cambodian families especially those from Phnom Penh where most of Cambodia's elite then lived. These families were all marched out of Phnom Penh to the villages to be re-educated, to learn once more the traditional values of rural Cambodia.
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
Amazon Price: $5.90 (as of 02/15/2012)
This story will give you a good background of the Khmer Rouge period as this is the story of many families in Cambodia. The scars are still strongly felt today. As the UN Tribunal investigations are still going on, the revelations continue.
Koh Kong, the Best in Mangrove Development Program in Cambodia
The Passage Town To and From Thailand
Koh Kong, located on the southwest of Cambodia, is a large forested area connected by bridges and ferries. As the passage town to and from Thailand, or a convenient stop-over for a visa run from Thailand, it has seen some development in recent years. Though there seems to be a lull in construction at the moment, Koh Kong has started the development of a free trade zone and real estate areas targeting resort oriented investors. As a coastal town, it is beginning to get noticed as a tourist destination. Its population based on the 2008 census is about 139,722 compared to about 132,106 in 1998. Due to its proximity to Thailand, it also attracts some migrant workers from Thailand. In fact, the Thai baht is the local currency of choice even if Cambodian riel and US dollars are also accepted.
The Best Rice in Cambodia
Battambang, Cambodia's Rice Granary
Battambang is the second biggest city in Cambodia, a destination for those who want to experience unique traditional Cambodian cuisine. This province is the top rice producing center in the country. It has a beautiful countryside that offers more authentic rural experience. So go and visit some of the farms that stretch out to the horizon and smaller markets close by. You will experience the good will of the rural folks and also have a taste of the local products such as rice cooked in bamboo tubes, coconut that tastes like milk, noodles and fish paste wrapped in edible leaf. For traditional food, try the White Rose Restaurant in the center of the city. It is the favourite of Cambodian visitors as the food is fresh and varied. Moreover, you can get a coconut smoothie made from the milk coconuts that grow only in Battambang.
Sitting on the Sangker River, this city boasts of its river banks' parks where one can enjoy a leisurely promenade. Recently, this river bank was the scene of the first Battambang art festival encouraging local artists and gallery owners as well as attracting art collectors and buyers. This festival was so successful that they will again have this next year and hopefully make this an annual celebration of the art.
The town center has many French colonial buildings and close by are Angkorian ruins such as Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan, old pagodas, and Khmer Rouge killing cave, Phnom Sapeou, where the skeletal remains of victims are still kept.
Battambang is a five hour ride from the capital, Phnom Penh. It has now a growing vibrant dining life and hotels and guesthouses have upgraded their services.
Battambang in Pictures
The Rice Grower in Cambodia
Cambodia, a Major Rice Exporter
Cambodia is also becoming a major rice exporter. And its largest rice producing province, Battambang, is built on a river and it is quite charming. It has the best oranges and some of Cambodia's unique dishes and products can only be sampled here like the milky sweet coconut.
The Best Beaches of Cambodia
Kep and Sihanoukville
Cambodia's pristine beaches dotting the Gulf of Thailand can be enjoyed in Kep, Koh Kong and Sihanoukville. Kep used to be the beach town of Cambodia during the colonial times so colonial houses still line the city but now Sihanoukville has become the beach destination. Koh Kong is on the sea but its beaches have not really been developed.
Sihanoukville has several beaches to boast about: Oucheutel, Serendipity, Victory, Otres, Independent, Sokha and the beaches in the surrounding islands. You can go kayaking, snorkeling and diving. Oucheutel, Victory and Serendipity are very alive with all the restaurants, bars, hawkers selling all kinds of food and trinkets. Otres beach is more quiet. The best are the beaches at Sokha and Independent hotel where one can enjoy privacy and luxury. Worth the price.
The Beaches of Sihanoukville
Check out all the beaches
Sarongs for your trip to Cambodia's beaches
Beautiful beach wear
The Cambodian Beach City of Kep
Kep is also the Crab City
As you enter Kep, you see old villas lining the coastline road leading to the center. In May, the flowers of the flame tree shoot up like fire in the sky. Kep, during holidays, is full of people from Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, having fun in the beach. The other draw to this city are the fresh seafood especially crabs. Crab lovers just head straight to the crab market where they have cauldrons of crabs cooking. What a great feast it is not only for the stomach but for the eyes as vendors clad in bright colors attract visitors to part with their money not only for crabs but for fruits in season.
Beyond the crab market is the long coastline where people park and lay mats on the sidewalk and enjoy their newly bought crabs. A great picnic for everyone.
Kep is only about two hours drive from Phnom Penh so it has always been a great get away for city folks even during the French colonial period when it had its heyday as villas sprouted in the coastline. Some have been rebuilt but many have been abandoned and destroyed.
Images of Kep, Cambodia
The Crab City of Cambodia
News on Kep
The French Weekend Getaway in Cambodia
This place was very popular during the French colonial period. As it is only a couple of hours from Phnom Penh, many French and Cambodian elites had their weekend home here in Kep to enjoy the sea breeze and the swim in the ocean. The fresh sea food is also a major attraction. Today, many families come for a picnic and enjoy the crabs of which Kep is famous for.
- Cambodia: More Arrests Follow Land Clash
- Some 50 villagers from Borei Keila gathered in front of City Hall to demand that Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Kep Chuktema order developer Phanimex Co. to compensate them for the demolition of their homes and to demand the firm honor an agreement to ...
- Cambodia Bay looming larger
- Covering four provinces of Cambodia ? Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep ? it's a region of beaches, appealing scenery and economic development, attracting strong international investment which in itself is driving business traffic.
- Travel Indochina unveils new 'Cambodia Revealed' Itinerary
- ... the 11-day Cambodia Revealed journey incorporates exotic parts of Cambodia not often visited by tourists. New destinations include visiting the colonial port town of Kampot in the south, and stretches of uncrowded beaches at Kep and Sihanoukville, ...
- Net gains in malaria battle
- Steven Bjorge, director of malaria, vector-borne and parasitic diseases at WHO in Cambodia, said that malaria infections in Cambodia had decreased by 38 per cent last year compared with 2010. ?In 2010, there were 103000 cases of malaria in Cambodia ...
For your trip to Cambodia
Make sure you have your hat
Tilley Endurables TH5 Hemp Hat- Mocha, 7 1/8
The Tilley Endurables TH5 Hemp Sun Protection Hat- more...1 point
Tilley Endurables TWP1 Waterproof Nylon Hat- Khaki, Medium
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T2 Tilley's Widest-Brimmed Hat (Natural with Green 7-1/4 or 22-3/4in.)
T2 widest-brimmed Tilley Hat. Most protection from more...0 points
Tilley Lightweight Medium Brim Sun Hat
This down-sloping medium brim Tilley has a slightl more...0 points
Tilley TH8 Hemp Hat
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Tilley Endurables LT6B Breathable Nylon Hat- Taupe, 7 5/8
The Tilley LT6B Breathable Nylon Hat- made of 93% more...0 points
Cambodia: Best Performer in the UN Millenium Development Goals
Cambodia Among the Top 5
Cambodia ties with Laos and Vietnam in terms of progress towards Millienium Development Goals. This is reported by the Centre for Global Development, a United States based independent policy research organization. The eight goals were adopted by 189 countries in 2000 and are supposed to be achieved by 2015. Cambodia is on track in targets related to poverty reduction, education, gender equality, nutrition and water access. It is also reaching 50% of targets related to maternal health and child mortality.
Best Festivals or Celebrations in Cambodia
Chol Chnam Thmey: Khmer New Year
The Khmers (mostly Buddhist Cambodians) celebrate New Year around mid-April. At this time, the Khmers acknowledge the achievements of the past year and welcome the future. Moreover, this is the time to show gratitude to their parents, grandparents, and the spirits of deceased relatives. This is also the time to wash away all negative thoughts of jealousy, malice and revenge and promise to live the five Buddhist rules of conduct: do good deeds of mercy, compassion, sympathy, fairness and wisdom.
The Khmer New Year is a 3-day celebration. The first day is referred to as Songkran. This is the day when Khmers clean their homes to welcome the New Year Angels who come to bless them. The second day called Vireak Wanbat, the day that separates the old year from the new, is the day when the Khmers offer their parents, grandparents and elders delicious food and other gifts and also donations for the poor. The third day, Thngay Laeang Sak is the start of the New Year when the Khmers celebrate Srang Preah, pouring holy water to statues of Buddha. They also pour water on monks, their parents and elders to show their gratitude and ask for pardon for all the sins of the past year.
There are offerings of candles, incense sticks, fruits, flowers, banana tree trunk with layers of banana leaves, coconut and water to the New Year Angel and also food to monks to receive blessings and gain merit. It is believed that the New Year Angel will bring good luck, prosperity, good health and happiness to those who prepare well. This year, the Khmer astrology says the New Year Angel wants fresh milk.
Another event worth watching is the Ploughing Ceremony. This is the Cambodian traditional way of predicting weather, farming conditions and possible calamities. After the Royal Ploughing procession the oxens are led to seven golden trays containing rice, corn, sesame seeds, beans, grass, water and wine. The fortune of the year ahead depends on which tray the oxen choose. Cambodians await the predictions resulting from this annual ritual and still hold strong faith in these.
There is also the Full Moon and Water Festival when Khmers celebrate the change in the flow of the river and thank the river for a good harvest. And there is the Pchum Ben when all Khmers go to the temple and bring offerings for their dead relatives.
The Best of Cambodian festivals and celebrations
Know more about its rituals
Know more about Cambodia's Culture
Founded on Theravada Buddhism
The Best Trekking Destinations in Cambodia
Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri
Another trekking and hiking destination in Cambodia
Bokor Mountains
Another destination that offers one of the best trekking and hiking in Cambodia is Bokor Mountains. Only about two hours from the capital city, Phnom Penh or a trek from Kampot Province, this used to be another favourite for the French as on top of Bokor, the breeze is cool, a respite from the heat of Phnom Penh or Kep. This is an easy drive from Kep for those who want to have a break from the ocean. The road leading up is now very good and development is going on for hotels. As you go up, you can stop at various places to see ruins of old royal cabins. old Catholic Church and an old French hotel which is now being renovated. My favourite is the Buddhist temple there where one can get blessing from the monks and worship with the others as they light up their sticks and offer prayers.
Cambodia's River Systems
Know the best environmental practices in these river systems
The Mekong spans several countries other than Cambodia including China, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand. Each of these is interested in harnessing the river's potential in development especially electricity generation. There is a major effort in making studies on how these can be done without jeopardizing the livelihood of those living along the river banks as well as the impact of these dams in the future of these countries. Myanmar just stopped the dam that China wants to build but more plans for other dams are still going on. These dams are important in enhancing the development climate in the region but many are asking: at what cost?
Buddhism, the Center of Khmer Life in Cambodia
Cambodian tradition is founded on Buddhism
Cambodia adheres to Theravada Buddhism
Bargains on Buddhism
The Best of Cambodian Cuisine
Try Cambodia's exotic delights
Enjoy savouring the varied flavours, both familiar and "what is that?" of the local cuisine. Everyone knows Thai food and Pad Thai is now on almost every menu in the world. What about Cambodian food? Many think that because Cambodia is close to Thailand, Laos or Vietnam, the cuisine will be the same as these. Or, some think that by being part of the old French IndoChina, Khmer cheffery is closer to French cooking. These are partly true but Cambodian cuisine is truly unique unto itself. They have crafted their own cuisine from all these influences including in the far distant past the hints of India. But the biggest single cuisine driver is the abundance of fresh and sea food and the fresh produce.
The flavour is derived from spices and aromatic herbs such as galangal, tamarind leaf, turmeric, kaffir lime and lemon grass which they pound into a paste. They usually garnish generously with coriander, chives, heartleaf, basil or mint which they grow or purchase fresh from the market. The ingredients they use are usually cultivated around their homes or foraged in the fields or the wild which include rice paddy herbs, wild roots or sour leaves and of course, their favorite snacks such as field roaches, spiders, sparrows and locusts. As there is an abundance of both fresh and salt water fish which the Cambodians salt, dry, and ferment, their favourite ingredient is prahok, a fermented fish paste added to almost anything. Their use of this, though, is more sparing, just enough to give the dish a distinct flavour, uniquely Cambodian. In addition, as most grow their own vegetables, the local Cambodians add generous portions of vegetables to their cooking including banana and squash flowers, chive flowers, morning glory, bamboo shoots, lotus flowers, indigenous green leaf vegetables.
Cambodian cuisine seems to be a delicate balance in sweetness, sourness, bitterness, spiciness and saltiness and the taste of aromatic herbs put it all together into a delight for the palate. By the way, pepper from Kampot, one of Cambodia's provinces, has graced Parisian restaurants since the 1900s.
You can try Cambodian food in many restaurants but go to the local eateries as well to taste the more authentic flavor. One dish you just have to try is Fisk Amok.
Fish Amok, Uniquely Cambodian
The Unique Taste of Khmer Food
The Best in Cambodian Cooking
Learn how to prepare Cambodian dishes
Cambodian cooking is akin to that of its neighbors, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. Prahok or fish sauce is what gives the dishes in this area a distinctive taste. Cambodian food is not as hot as the Thai ones though. With the French influence, good bread such as baguette and croissant are readily available and have become part of the daily food of Cambodians. Try cooking some.
More on Cambodian Food
Interesting cuisine
- Eat Fit in Cambodia
- When you are on holidays, how easy is "eating fit"? More than just having a break from your dreary winter days, perhaps, you also enjoy eating...REAL food, too. Yes.... you can enjoy savouring the varied flavours, both familiar and "what is that?" of the local cuisine.
- 10 delicious Cambodian dishes | CNNGo.com
- For years Khmer cuisine has languished in the shadows of its Thai and Vietnamese cousins. Time to change that.
Other cookbooks on Cambodian cuisine
Give one of these a try
Cambodian Cooking: A humanitarian project in collaboration with Act for Cambodia by Joannes Riviere, Dominique De Bourgknecht, David Lallemand, Maja Smend
New cookbooks on Asian cuisines are much easier to more...0 points
Angkor Culinaire by Van M. Touch
This book offers everyone the opportunity to enjoy more...0 points
Cooking the Cambodian Way: The Intertwined Story of Cooking and Culture in Cambodia by Narin Seng Jameson
So much more than a cookbook, Narin Seng Jameson takes more...0 points
The Elephant Walk Cookbook: The Exciting World of Cambodian Cuisine from the Nationally Acclaimed Restaurant by Longteine de Monteiro, Katherine Neustadt
Written by the chef-owner of Boston's renowned The more...0 points
The Cambodian Cookbook of H.r.h. Princess Rasmi Sobhana by H.R.H Princess Rasmi Sobhana
"The Princesss Rasmi Sobhana is the sister of more...0 points
A Guide to Cambodian Cuisine: History, Ingredients, Spices, and Popular Dishes by Dakota Stevens
The book is an overview of Cambodian cuisine. Learn more...0 points
What people are saying about Cambodian food
Interesting?
- Kiwi volunteers change Cambodian lives
- The children used to scramble through the dump site scrounging for items to sell, but now they run, barefoot and giggling, through their new neighbourhood in Cambodia. They struggle to make enough money, or make sure there is enough food, ...
- DAIL Community of Cambodia Shares Hope
- [Interview : ] "DAIL Community is where we raise our children." Everyday, DAIL provides for those in need with free food and helps them regain hope. Let's learn more about DAIL, which has crossed borders to help low-income families in Cambodia.
- Local Rotary clubs deliver bikes to Cambodian kids
- SOUTH MUSKOKA - Members of the Rotary clubs of Bracebridge and Gravenhurst recently returned from an exhausting but rewarding mission abroad, assembling and distributing 1097 bicycles to children across rural Cambodia, who were in need of ...
- Comment: Stop children dying of malnutrition
- Governments should target aid towards individual households threatened with poverty because of soaring food costs rather than intervene in the markets to try to lower prices, according to research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council ...
More Tips and Information on Cambodia's Best
Blogs on Cambodia worth reading
Here are some sites you might want to check out before you visit Cambodia. It is better to be informed before you plunge yourself into the reality.
GMS - Phnom Penh Plan for Development Management - ADB.org
The Phnom Penh Plan (PPP) is a unique program that more...0 points
Cambodian Information Center (CIC) Homepage
Cambodian Information Center, non-profit and neutr more...0 points
The Official Tourism website of Cambodia | Tourism Cambodia
Official travel guide about Cambodia tourism. Best more...0 points
For your trip
Bring one of these
Visit the Artists and Artisans of Cambodia
Artisans of Stone and the Woven Cloth
Cambodians are fine artisans both of wood, stone, silver, precious stones and the woven cloth. To see a fine example of this, head to Street 178 in Phnom Penh where artists and artisans work in their galleries as well as on the sidewalks. You can watch them paint or do some carvings and ask them to sign their work if you buy one. Once, I got talking with Mr. Asassax, one of Cambodia's prominent artists who own the Asassax Gallery. After a few minutes of animated conversation, I had the painting I had chosen packed at the counter. Unexpectedly, he took one of his paintings on the wall and presented it to me as a present. It is a treasure I will always keep.
In Siem Reap, visit the Artisans d'Angkor where you will see trainees learning traditional arts and crafts from carving to lacquerware, to weaving and making silk fibers.
Art in Cambodia
What's on auction?
Cambodia's Heritage List
Traditional Objects and Practices
Cambodia has already achieved listing for some of its traditional heritage with the inclusion of Sbek Thom, shadow puppet theatre in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. But they want included in this list other traditional practices such as "ayai", a traditional art form in which two people pitch their wits at each other through song often performed at weddings or Khmer New Year. Another of these traditional practices is the "kbach kun boran Khmer", a traditional way of Khmer boxing.
As well, the Khmers want included their "chapei dong veng", a two stringed instrument with a wooden body and long neck and "hol phamuong, their traditional dress made from silk.
The Best Fashion in Cambodia
Cambodia's First Fashion Week
This year's Cambodia Fashion Week has certainly taken off and has captured the imagination of Cambodia ending October and beginning November of 2011. Sentosa Silk premiered its creation in the long abandoned Phnom Penh railway station used. Jean-Benoit of Colourblind and Christine Gauthier of Water Lily also showed off men's casual wear and fashion jewelry respectively. Although this year, only two Cambodian designers took part, Cambodia runway shows went extremely well and will encourage more designers to take part next year. To cap the week, international Cambodian designer, Remy Hou, will show his Heist Collection at the closing party in Canadiana Tower.
Sapor Modeling Agency supplied up to twenty models a night to showcase the designs of participating fashion designers. It was a learning experience for many of the models.
Best Designs on Cambodia
Get one for yourself
The Spirit of Cambodia
Wine Made from Sugar Palm
Not only are wines cheap in Cambodia, it also boasts of its own traditional product, the Palm Wine. This is made from palm sap with alcohol content of 8% to 35% for some varieties. Palm juice is touted as a healthy drink. From the palm tree, other products are also made such as palm sugar, natural palm vinegar,and natural palm juice. These products have been certified as organic by ECOCERT International and have been recognized to have met international standards.
The Latest News on Cambodia
Flooding has recently devastated the place
- Kiwi volunteers change Cambodian lives
- The house Habitat for Humanity built for Praychhean and his family is the first house the Cambodian says he can call his own. New Zealander Kelvin Au, left, and Cambodian Taonnak Em outside houses 300 volunteers, including 160 New Zealanders, ...
- Cambodian war crimes tribunal at risk of failure
- ONE OF the first impressions of Cambodia is the gentle and courteous nature of the Khmer people. It seems at odds with its recent history under the murderous regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. More than a quarter of a century ago Brother Number One ...
- Saigon Hanoi Bank, Vietnam Selects Polaris' Intellect GUB to Launch Operations ...
- The banking industry in Cambodia is emerging, providing the banks a tremendous business opportunity to capture the market. By starting operations in Cambodia, SHB is expanding its business beyond Vietnam for the first time.
- Local Rotary clubs deliver bikes to Cambodian kids
- SOUTH MUSKOKA - Members of the Rotary clubs of Bracebridge and Gravenhurst recently returned from an exhausting but rewarding mission abroad, assembling and distributing 1097 bicycles to children across rural Cambodia, who were in need of ...
Things You Need for your Travel
Try these Out
Which of these should you bring with you?
Check these books and maps
Mind you, you can also get maps and books here but if you want to plan your travel ahead of time or get some background information for your trip, check these out:
Cambodia (Country Guide) by Nick Ray, Daniel Robinson
Discover CambodiaSunrise or sunset? Discover the perfect more...0 points
A History of Cambodia by David Chandler
Author David Chandler covers two thousand years of more...0 points
Cambodia Travel Map Third Edition (Comprehensive Country Maps) by Periplus Editors
Excellent clear and comprehensive mapping for the country more...0 points
Frommer's Cambodia & Laos (Frommer's Complete) by Daniel White
This new first edition guide introduces two exotic more...0 points
When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge by Chanrithy Him
Chanrithy Him felt compelled to tell of surviving life more...0 points
Cambodia: Uncensored by Alvin Kim
Ever wonder what Cambodia is truly like? Author Al more...0 points
Guide to Cambodia: The Temples of Angkor by Approach Guides, David Raezer, Jennifer Raezer
Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire in more...0 points
Cambodia Now: Life In the Wake of War by Karen J. Coates
Cambodia has never recovered from its Khmer Rouge more...0 points
Temples of Cambodia: The Heart of Angkor by Helen Ibbitson Jessup, Barry Brukoff
The temples of Cambodia are among the most complex more...0 points
A Record of Cambodia: The Land and Its People by Zhou Daguan
Only one person has given us a first-hand account more...0 points
The angels who blessed this lens
Thank you so much
More angel blessing
More thank you
Cambodia Antiques
What's on auction?
What Else Do You Want to Know About Cambodia?
Leave Me a Message
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sousababy
Feb 2, 2012 @ 9:12 pm | delete
- Wow, I feel like I just visited Cambodia. Thank you for such a thorough introduction and also for the helpful items to travel with. Take good care, Rose
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Lindrus
Jan 19, 2012 @ 1:41 am | delete
- Awesome lens! I've been to Cambodia and was very impressed by the temples around Angkor. And Phnom Penh was such a fun city. I love Cambodia and the people there are so nice.
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aesta1
Jan 30, 2012 @ 7:15 am | delete
- Am glad you love this place.
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sheezie77
Jan 18, 2012 @ 1:19 pm | delete
- Another great lens from you! Amazing lens, thumbs up!
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aesta1
Jan 30, 2012 @ 7:16 am | delete
- Thanks for the visit.
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KonaGirl
Jan 12, 2012 @ 9:34 pm | delete
- Another fascinating lens by an expert lensmaster. It was difficult deciding what to vote on in the poll because even though I want to visit Cambodia, I don't know the best places to go to on a first visit. Maybe "all of the above" would be the best answer for me because I want to see it all. LOL. I think if I ever do get to go I am making notes from this lens as a guide to follow. I watched the video on how to make amok. This really sounds delicious to me. My friend, another *Squid Angel Blessing* for well done! I have alkso added it to My Squid Angel Blessings 2012 in the "Travel & Places » South Asia Countries" neighborhood.
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aesta1
Jan 15, 2012 @ 3:33 am | delete
- Thank you so much KonaGirl. It is delicious especially the first time I tried it.
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kathysart
Jan 7, 2012 @ 10:17 am | delete
- Gosh I think you covered it all.. great lens with lots of good info and pics. Thumbs up and blessed.
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aesta1
Jan 15, 2012 @ 3:34 am | delete
- Thank you so much for the blessing. Truly appreciated.
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LaraineRose
Jan 2, 2012 @ 6:39 am | delete
- Once again I have toured with you, this time to Cambodia. You are truly a gifted lensmaster and I need to leave my blessings.
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aesta1
Jan 15, 2012 @ 3:34 am | delete
- Thank you Laraine for the support.
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Janiece
Dec 30, 2011 @ 8:07 am | delete
- Thanks so much for this beautiful lens on Cambodia! Blessed!
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aesta1
Jan 1, 2012 @ 4:41 am | delete
- Thank you for the blessing.
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tincredibleindia
Nov 29, 2011 @ 6:45 am | delete
- your lens I had read 4 times before this.....your collection of information on Cambodia is amazing. With the help of lens you has explore the whole combodia.......
If you want to know about India and its beauty, you can read my first lens on India Tourism
http://www.squidoo.com/india-tour-packages2
Thanks & regards
Incredible India
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aesta1
Jan 1, 2012 @ 4:41 am | delete
- Will certainly visit.
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blackspanielgallery
Nov 7, 2011 @ 3:19 pm | delete
- Beautiful imagfes
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aesta1
Jan 1, 2012 @ 4:42 am | delete
- Thanks.
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hamshi5433
Nov 5, 2011 @ 12:44 pm | delete
- Treat for my eyes every time i visit your cambodia lenses! This is an amazing tourist guide for those wanting to visit Cambodia! I would also love to visit it someday if god wills.
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aesta1
Dec 5, 2011 @ 9:22 am | delete
- Please come and visit.
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DinosaurEgg
Nov 3, 2011 @ 3:19 pm | delete
- What gorgeous pictures and fascinating information. I knew a little about Cambodia, but I learned a lot. I'd love to hear some more personal stories.
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Make Sure You Have this One
Travelon Worldwide Adapter and USB Charger, White, One Size
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 02/15/2012)
Many times you will have to s cour the market to find the right gadget to plug your electronics. This wastes time and stresses you out. Be prepared.
