Cambodia is a country full of mysteries yet to be explored, ranging from ancient architectural wonders to the social culture of its people. There are many distinctive features that contribute to the charm of this land.
The Only National Flag in the World Featuring Architecture
The Cambodian flag consists of three horizontal stripes in blue, red, and blue, with a white image of Angkor Wat in the center. The depiction of Angkor Wat at the heart of the flag symbolizes the integrity and justice of the people, as well as being a cultural heritage of Cambodia. It also represents Theravada Buddhism, the predominant religion in the country.
This is not surprising as Angkor Wat was built during the Khmer Empire and has existed since the 12th century!
The Massive Ancient Ruins of Angkor
The Angkor complex is the largest religious monument in the world, covering an area of 162.6 hectares—about 50 times larger than Machu Picchu in South America.
In 1992, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Originally, Angkor Wat was built as a Hindu temple and later transformed into a Buddhist sanctuary by the late 12th century. It embodies the typical Khmer architecture of Cambodia. Although it was initially dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, after becoming a Buddhist temple, it played a crucial role in the transformation of Cambodia into a Buddhist nation.
Today, Angkor Wat is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide and a major tourist attraction, welcoming over 2.6 million visitors each year!
Currently, there are more than 4,000 temples discovered in Cambodia, and this number seems to be continuously growing. The country still harbors many hidden temples that have yet to be documented.
Cambodia Gained Fame with the Release of Tomb Raider
When the film Tomb Raider premiered in 2001, many Western audiences were captivated by the seemingly otherworldly film settings. The location used in the film was Ta Prohm, which is now one of the most visited temples in the country.
The film’s success had a profound impact on Cambodia’s tourism, with thousands of people from around the world flocking to this destination to admire the famous temples. Here, tourism ranks second after the textile industry in Cambodia’s economy.
Khmer is the Sole Official Language of Cambodia
Although there are about 19 indigenous languages spoken in Cambodia, Khmer is the only official language and script. The name Cambodia is derived from the French word “Cambodge”, which comes from the Khmer term Kampuchea.
Even today, Westerners tend to refer to the country as Cambodia, while Cambodians refer to it as “the land of Kampuchea.”
Tonle Sap: A Water Wonder of the World
This is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
Tonle Sap, or the Great Lake of Cambodia, is a unique system combining a lake and river that is of immense importance to Cambodia. It is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997.
Depending on the seasons, the lake’s flow direction changes twice a year. Around the lake, you can also explore the floating village of Chong Khneas, which features a market, fishing activities, a health station, and more.
The Official Religion is Buddhism
It is estimated that up to 95% of Cambodia’s population adheres to Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism has been present in this country since the 5th century AD and has been the state religion since the 13th century until today—except during the Khmer Rouge regime when it was prohibited.
Most holidays celebrated in Cambodia are related to Buddhism, such as the New Year festival celebrated in April (which is coming soon!) and Pchum Ben, where Cambodians pay respect to their deceased ancestors.
Tuk-tuks are the Main Mode of Transportation
Cambodian tuk-tuks consist of a motorcycle pulling a trailer designed for passengers. These vehicles have been around since the French colonial era and are also referred to as remorques, a French term meaning trailer.
Similar to Thailand, traveling by tuk-tuk is an exciting and safe way to explore destinations.
Tuk-tuks are very popular in Cambodia.
Weddings and Funerals are the Two Most Expensive Events Here
The average funeral in Cambodia often costs over 200 million riel. This is a substantial amount in a country where the average monthly wage is under 100 dollars. Families often have to pool their life savings and sell significant assets to arrange a funeral for their loved ones.
Traditional Cambodian weddings are filled with rituals, intertwined with attractive costumes and a non-stop celebration that can last up to three days and nights!
USD is the Second Unofficial Currency Used
For those who have never been to Cambodia, you may be surprised to find that locals accept payments in USD. Some shops even price their goods in USD, and all ATMs dispense US dollars. However, small change is typically given in the local currency.
Traditional Attire
Women wear the sarong, a long, wide skirt wrapped around. Men wear the “sangput,” a very wide skirt wrapped in the middle to form trousers. The K’mar scarf is multifunctional, used for wrapping around the neck, head dressing, making shorts for men, tying food, carrying babies, or making a hammock. Bright, warm colors are preferred.
Electricity
Cambodia does not yet have a national electricity grid. It often has to purchase electricity from Vietnam, Laos, or Thailand. The supply is inadequate and weak, frequently facing outages, so large companies, restaurants, and hotels use their generators. In the evenings, except for a few shopping centers in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, most streets are pitch dark. Rural areas rely on generators or batteries. Firewood remains a common fuel source in the countryside.
Healthcare
Healthcare is concentrated in urban areas. The sign “Red Cross” indicates state healthcare, which is very scarce; most services are provided by “Blue Cross,” which represents private healthcare, including pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, etc. Many Cambodians seek medical treatment in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. They pay for consultations and medications just like the Vietnamese. Patients and caregivers are prioritized for entry into Vietnam.
Food and Dining
Khmer people primarily eat grilled and dried food, followed by stir-fried dishes. Since meals are eaten with hands, there is always a pantuol (small bowl) containing water. Poor households use coconut shells, while wealthier families use metal bowls, and the richest use silver, while the king uses gold. The taste preferences include sweet, fatty, sour, spicy, and bitter. On the dining table, especially at breakfast, there is always a jar of sugar and a cup of boiling water to rinse spoons and chopsticks. Food is not pre-cooked but always prepared on-site.
