Arts, heritage and the long story of the Khmer people. · 89 articles
When most people think of Cambodia, their mind jumps to Angkor Wat or the rich heritage of the Khmer Empire. But beneath the surface lies a much older story—hundreds of millions of years old. It’s a story told not through stone temples, but through the fossils embedded in ancient rock formations, waiting to be discovered.…
The Khmer script, used to write the Cambodian language, is one of the most beautiful and complex writing systems in the world. With over 70 characters and a unique structure that blends consonants, vowels, and subscripts, learning to read Khmer can feel daunting at first. But with a structured approach, you can unlock this elegant…
A traditional Khmer wedding is much more than a personal celebration; it is a deeply symbolic cultural institution. Couples reenact the ancient myth of Preah Thong and Neang Neak (the Naga Princess) during the ceremony, symbolizing the founding of Cambodia and the unity between families. Khmer wedding rites date back to ancient times and are…
Jayavarman II (c. 770–850 CE) is revered as the founder of the Khmer Empire, a dominant force in Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century. His reign marked the political unification of Cambodia and the ideological foundation of what would become one of the world’s greatest civilizations, centered around Angkor. Through military conquest,…
Queen Jayarajadevi, the first consort of the great Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII, holds a deeply respected place in Cambodian history. Flourishing in the late 12th century, her life, though brief, was marked by extraordinary compassion, spiritual dedication, and pioneering efforts in education and social welfare. Her contributions, alongside those of her sister and successor Queen…
Situated near present-day Siem Reap in Cambodia’s Roluos region, the ancient city of Hariharalaya (Khmer: ហរិហរាល័យ) stands as a cornerstone in the early development of the Khmer Empire. Recognized as one of its earliest capitals, Hariharalaya played a pivotal role in shaping the empire’s religious traditions, architectural innovations, and political structures—serving as the birthplace of…
Oddar Meanchey – June 24, 2025: Ta Moan Thom Temple, an ancient historical site nestled in Banteay Ampil District of Oddar Meanchey Province, welcomed a significant number of visitors this week, marking a renewed national appreciation for Cambodia’s cultural heritage. The influx included Buddhist monks and laypeople from provinces such as Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey,…
The Angkor Sangkranta 2025 celebrations were officially inaugurated on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Siem Reap, under the patronage of Prime Minister Hun Manet. The vibrant opening ceremony brought together a distinguished gathering of nearly 3,000 participants, including members of the Senate, the National Assembly, and the Royal Government. Diplomats, civil servants, international guests, youth…
Renowned pop artist and cultural ambassador Tep Boprek will represent the Kingdom of Cambodia at the upcoming ROUND Festival 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, taking place on June 21–22. Her performance will bring Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage to life through a dynamic fusion of classical Khmer dance and contemporary stagecraft. As part of the ASEAN-Korea…
All Dreams Cambodia (ADC) and Interkultur are working together to revitalize the vocal arts in Cambodia, strengthening the country’s soft power through cultural initiatives. This collaboration took shape after an enriching experience at an international choir competition in Chiang Mai. Despite delays caused by the pandemic, the two organizations continue to work together to revive…
The Ministry of Tourism (MoT), in collaboration with the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, organized the ‘Siem Reap-Angkor International Arts Performance’ on Saturday to showcase Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and strengthen its position as a global tourism destination. The event brought together artists from five countries—Cambodia, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and India—offering a vibrant display of…
As Siem Reap’s Angkor Songkran Festival is officially recognized as a major annual event, Cambodia is advancing efforts to have its traditional Khmer New Year celebrations inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed the government’s commitment to this initiative during the Solidarity Dinner with Artists on March 5. “The Royal Government…
Experts from the Ministry of Environment and their international research partners have identified 67 fossil sites across 13 provinces since launching their investigation in 2019. The Ministry plans to conduct further in-depth research on some of these remarkable discoveries, which provide a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia’s ancient past. The Department of Heritage Sites, under the…
