Cambodia’s Rich Cultural History — 8 Excursions That Will Leave You Breathless
By: David Geithner
Tags: Vacation, Cambodia, Adventure, Holiday, Tourism

No trip to Southeast Asia is complete without a stop in beautiful Cambodia. Although this tiny country is only slightly bigger than the state of Missouri, it offers enough to do to justify a trip all on its own. Located in the southern portion of the Indochinese peninsula, its lush tropical vegetation and beautiful beaches offer holidaymakers a slice of paradise.

For those interested in past civilizations, Cambodia was home to the Khmer Empire for six centuries. It was a period of incredible artistry and technical achievements, of which there is still much evidence. UNESCO has recognized three extensive sites as World Heritage Sites. Additionally, the organization has inscribed five elements of Cambodian culture as Intangible Human Heritage to be safeguarded.

Here is more information about eight excursions you can take in Cambodia that will amaze you:

1. The Angkor Complex

The Angkor Complex houses 259 temples in a forested area of 400 square kilometers near Siem Reap in the north of Cambodia. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site in1992.

Photo by Paul Szewczyk on Unsplash

The complex was the former capital of the Khmer empire, and the temples demonstrate how the culture blended local heritage with early Indian influences from Buddhist and Hindu religions. The site encompasses the entire range of Khmer art from the 9th to the 14th centuries.

The temples are built of brick and stone intricately carved with faces and scenes. The carvings depict religious and mythological elements, as well as the everyday life of the times. The most notable of the temples is Angkor Wat, the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom, and the Ta Prohm temple, which is overgrown by jungle.

2. Preah Vihear Temple

Preah Vihear Temple was built in the 9th century to honor Shiva, but most of the structures were built later in the 11th and 12th centuries. The temple’s markings include images of Suryavarman II performing religious rituals. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2008.

The temple is located on the top of Dindrik Mountain, near the Thai-Cambodian border. Visitors must enter from Thailand as the Cambodian side consists of an inaccessible cliff face. Visitors should check that borders between the countries are open.

3. Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk

The Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, also known as “the shrine in the jungle,” dates to the 6th and 7th centuries. The ruins are the former capital of the ancient Chenla empire. The site is Cambodia’s most recent World Heritage Site and was recognized in 2017.

The site is located in Phnom Penh in Kampong Thom Province about 109 miles east of Angkor. The structures making up the complex were built at different times using brick and sandstone. There are some unusual features such as octagonal towers and ponds, animal sculptures, and more.

4. Royal Ballet

UNESCO recognized the Cambodian Royal Ballet as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. Also referred to as Khmer classical dance, it originated with this civilization and has been in existence for over a millennium. It is ideally performed with the accompaniment of an orchestra. Routines were performed during royal celebrations such as marriages and coronations.

Traditional dances feature four characters representing Neayrong (Man), Woman (Neang), Giant (Yeak), and Monkey (Sva). Costumes are a spectacular display of gold and silver, and the performances cover every range of emotion. The Royal Cambodian Dance Company travels extensively, but a home performance is all the more magical.

5. Sbek Thom, Khmer Shadow Theatre

Sbek Thom is a shadow puppet theater tradition featuring giant “cut-out-patterned” leather puppets. The puppets are controlled by bamboo sticks moved by dancers to traditional music and stories told by two narrators. The shadows, or silhouettes, are projected onto the white screen.

The ancient tradition is regarded as sacred and only performed on specific occasions such as the Khmer New Year or the King’s birthday. The practice was almost eradicated completely under the repressive Khmer Rouge regime. But fortunately, some puppets and performers survived, and three theatres have been revived. Performances take place outdoors at night and can last several nights. Sbek Thom was also recognized in 2008 as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage.

6. Tugging Rituals and Games

Traditional “tug-o-war” games emphasize the need for cooperation and social unity. They celebrate the start of agricultural seasons and symbolize the power of nature, and are held in front of village temples. The tradition involves the entire community and was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015.

7. Chapei Dang Veng

Chapei Dang Veng is Cambodia’s traditional music. It centers around the chapei (a form of lute) combined with song. The lyrics involve poetry and folk tales but also satire. So, to become an accomplished chapei player requires wit and storytelling capabilities in addition to musicality.

Chapei players tend to be men, but there’s no impediment to women who wish to play. It was a tradition passed between generations within families, but was almost wiped out by the Khmer Rouge regime. It was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.

8. Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet

Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet was recognized by UNESCO in 2018 and is the most recently inscribed Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cambodia. It is practiced only by the Wat Svay Andet Buddhist monastery community near Phnom Penh on the Mekong River.

Photo by Taylor Simpson on Unsplash

The traditional performance by masked men is accompanied by an orchestra and melodious recitation. It facilitates interactions between the community and the Neak Ta (guardian spirits). The practice is designed to bring prosperity to the community, its lands, and harvest. The tradition is threatened by economic migration, lack of resources, and the breaks caused by war and the Khmer Rouge regime.

An Opportunity to Contribute to Continuity

Observations of historical architectural sites are undoubtedly enriched by the experience of live performances dating back to the civilizations they represent. Visitors to Cambodia have the unique privilege of contributing to the maintenance of treasured cultural traditions through their patronage.