Cambodia has a number of public holidays; this is a guide to these holidays for 2021. 1st January – New Year’s Day As for the rest of the world, New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Cambodia also. 7th January- Victory Day During the Vietnam War, Cambodia was a base for communist forces and at the end of that conflict, an offshoot from the Vietnam People's Army called the Khmer Rouge...

Constitutional framework In 1981 the Vietnam-backed communist government in Phnom Penh established a government based on a new constitution. That government was opposed by three factions that in 1982 formed a coalition government-in-exile. Though that coalition was unable to rule in Cambodia, it gained international recognition, held on to Cambodia’s seat at the United Nations (UN), and was...

The province Kampong Chhnang is located at the heart of Cambodia. It’s bordering Kampong Thom to the North, Kampong Cham to the East, Kampong Speu to the South and Pursat to the West. This province is not only at the fertile and almost ever-wet heart of Cambodia, but also just a 91km ride from Phnom Penh, so it's a quick jaunt up.Due to its location next to the Tonle Sap Lake Kampong Chhnang's...

From the early 20th century, Kep became the St.Tropez of South-East Asia while Kampot turned into a beautiful port town. Sihanoukville on the contrary was established in 1955 along with the independence of Cambodia. Originally a port city, Sihanoukville developed over the last 2 decades into a major tourist town with party, booze, beaches, etc. Though, since 2017 a huge boom in casinos and high-rise...

World War II and its aftermath When Monivong died in 1941, Japanese forces had already occupied the component states of French Indochina, while leaving the French in administrative control. In those difficult circumstances, the French governor-general, Jean Decoux, placed Monivong’s grandson, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, on the Cambodian throne. Decoux was guided by the expectation that...

The historical importance of Cambodia in mainland Southeast Asia is out of proportion to its present reduced territory and limited political power. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Khmer (Cambodian) state included much of the Indochinese mainland, incorporating large parts of present-day southern Vietnam, Laos, and eastern Thailand. Early history It is not known for certain how...

Cambodia is a country on the Indochinese mainland of Southeast Asia. Cambodia is largely a land of plains and great rivers and lies amid important overland and river trade routes linking China to India and Southeast Asia. For 2,000 years Cambodia’s civilization absorbed influences from India and China and, in turn, transferred them to other Southeast Asian...

Koh Kong is the capital of Koh Kong Province, which is roughly 10 km from the Thai border. The Kah Bpow River flows through the town and Smach Meanchey district by the Gulf of Thailand. Travelling to Koh Kong is made easy by the Thai-Cambodian Bridge, and you can easily reach the casinos close to the border post. Koh Kong is the most southwestern province of Cambodia. It is one of the biggest...

Modulkiri For those looking to experience the rainforests and highlands of Cambodia, the Mondulkiri Province is a must-see place to include in your itinerary. Located an approximately 6 hours’ drive to the northeast of Phnom Penh, it also offers respite from the tropical heat, and the nights can actually be quite chilly, so pack some warmer clothing. Mondulkiri, tucked up against the border...

Siem Reap is a beautiful city that embraces travelers like old acquaintances. This region was the site of successive capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The ruins, collectively known as the Angkor Wat Temples, are located about 6.5km north of the city center. The 390km² complexes, which also includes the famous Angkor Wat Temple, is the biggest tourist draw for the city....