CAMBODIA PAVILION

Cambodia’s fishery sector has evolved from traditional practices to modern sustainability efforts, deeply rooted in the Tonlé Sap Lake (1,483,339.00 ha), one of the world’s most productive freshwater ecosystems. Historically, communities relied on seasonal flooding and traditional methods like bamboo traps. During the French colonial period, modernization began, but traditional practices persisted. Post-independence, political instability and the Khmer Rouge regime disrupted the sector, but recovery began in the 1990s with community-based fisheries management (CBFM) and government policies.

Today, Cambodia’s fishery faces challenges like climate change, overfishing, and habitat loss, but innovations in sustainable aquaculture, conservation, and technology are driving progress. Fisheries contribute significantly to the economy, supporting over 2 million livelihoods and providing 52 kg of fish per person annually, making fish a primary protein source. The future focuses on balancing growth with sustainability, ensuring the sector’s resilience.

Kouprey, the original Khmer name that means ‘wild ox’, with the scientific name Bos Sauveli, is a type of quadruped that lives in the forest, and it's about the size of a wild buffalo. They are found mostly in the fields and mountain forests of northern Cambodia and are also believed to live in southern Laos, western Vietnam, and eastern Thailand. They were first spotted in 1937.

During the 1960s, the King of the Kingdom of Cambodia designated and declared Kouprey as a symbol of Cambodia's natural heritage.

It is estimated that there are fewer than 250 wild oxen left in the world. The world considers the Kouprey to be a critically endangered species, listed in the IUCN Red List.

On 21 March 2005, the Kouprey was designated as the national animal of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
 

Standing Vishnu

Lord Vishnu is a Hindu deity who preserves and sustains the universe. He represents the aspect of the Supreme Reality and is occasionally called upon to save the world from some great calamity.

His raised left hand holds a mace, and his raised right hand a war discus. His lower left hand holds a conch, and his lower right, a round object symbolizing the fruit of knowledge. The two front arms indicate Vishnu's activities in the physical world, and the two back arms signify his activity in the spiritual world. The four arms are the signs of Vishnu's omnipresence and omnipotence.

It took 500 hours for our artisans to carve this piece in wood, 144 hours for plastering and 40 hours for the polychrome process and gilding.

Dimensions: H170cm*L45cm*D64cm

Weight: 67 Kg

Made in Cambodia by Artisans Angkor

HEAD OF JAYAVARMAN VII

This sandstone masterpiece, portraying the head of King Jayavarman VII, is inspired by a piece from Angkor Thom, Bayon style, which is now located at the National Museum of Phnom Penh.

Jayavarman VII is considered the greatest king of Cambodia for unifying the country. His legacy lives on today, as he was responsible for the construction of several Angkor temples, including the stunning Bayon temple with its enigmatic face towers.

Ref.: 1711

Dimensions: Wide 25cm, High 52cm, Long 33cm

Made in Artisans Angkor workshops

This peaceful Head of Buddha was inspired by a piece located at Preah Khan temple in Angkor site. A Buddha refers to a person who has reached a perfect level of consciousness and knowledge, an enlightened being.

The finely carved shape of the sandstone statue is rendered with simplicity and softness. Buddhism was introduced in Cambodia during the 5th century and is the state religion since the 13th century.

Ref.: 1713

Dimensions: Wide 60cm, High 24cm, Long 27cm

Made in Artisans Angkor workshops

Head of Indradevi Recycled handmade from Sawdust, Total Weight: 5Kg

was a queen of the Khmer Empire through her marriage to King Jayavarman VII (r. 1181–1219).

Reportedly, she influenced affairs of state through her spouse, particularly in favor of Buddhism. She was also active as a poet and as a professor.

Standing Shiva

Lord Shiva is a major Hindu deity who continuously dissolves to recreate in the cyclic process of creation, preservation, dissolution and recreation of the universe. He represents the aspect of the Supreme Being and is the destroyer god or transformer among the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine.

It took 500 hours for our artisans to carve this piece in wood, 208 hours for plastering and 40 hours for the polychrome process and gilding.

Dimensions: H187cm*L40cm*D64cm

Weight: 79 Kgs

Made in Cambodia by Artisans Angkor

Bas-Reliefs of Angkor Wat: A Masterpiece of Khmer Art

The bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat, carved in the 12th century, are among the most stunning achievements of Khmer art. Covering over 1,000 square meters of the temple’s walls, these intricate carvings depict scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as historical events and celestial imagery.

The most famous relief, the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, illustrates the creation of the universe, showcasing the Khmer Empire’s deep spiritual and artistic vision. Each panel is a testament to the skill and dedication of Khmer artisans, who transformed sandstone into timeless stories.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat’s bas-reliefs continue to inspire awe and admiration, offering a window into Cambodia’s glorious past.

Angkor Wat - Heritage of Humanity and World Wonder

The Angkor Wat Temple is the most famous of all Angkorian temples. Back in the 12th century, it was built by King Suryavarman II, which took an estimated 30 years to build and covered over 162.6 hectares (400 acres). It was initially dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu but was later dedicated to Buddhism, and this temple is the only one of the Angkorian temples to remain in religious use throughout the centuries. Its iconic five towers symbolize Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.

The temple is renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs, stretching over 1,000 square meters, depicting scenes from Hindu epics like the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor Wat attracts over 2.6 million visitors annually, making it Cambodia’s most treasured landmark.

Sbek Thom: The Epic Tale of Hanuman, Preah Ream, and Seta

Sbek Thom, or Khmer shadow theater, is a centuries-old art form that brings to life the epic Reamker, Cambodia’s adaptation of the Indian Ramayana. Using intricately carved leather puppets, performers narrate the adventures of Preah Ream (Rama), Seta (Sita), and the loyal monkey warrior Hanuman.

The puppets, often over 2 meters tall, are crafted from a single piece of leather and depict scenes of love, bravery, and divine intervention. Performances are accompanied by traditional music and chanting, creating a mesmerizing experience. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008, Sbek Thom is a treasured part of Cambodia’s cultural identity.

The Kouprey, derived from the original Khmer name meaning "Wild Ox," is a rare and distinctive species scientifically known as Bos sauveli. Comparable in size to a wild buffalo, this quadruped inhabits dense forests and open fields, primarily in northern Cambodia.

In the 1960s, the King of Cambodia officially proclaimed the Kouprey as a symbol of the nation’s natural heritage. On March 21, 2005, it was officially designated as the national animal of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

-------

Cambodia is endowed with abundant water resources, including the Great Lake Tonle Sap, the Mekong River, the Tonle Sap River, and the Bassac River.

The fisheries sector is vital to Cambodia’s economy and food security which supports millions of livelihoods. In 2021, fisheries contributed 7-8% to the national GDP, with per capita fish consumption reaching 52.4 kg.

Cambodian Rice: The Golden Grain of Life

Rice is the heart of Cambodia’s culture, cuisine, and economy. Known for its fragrant and high-quality varieties, such as Phka Malis (Jasmine Rice), Cambodian rice is cultivated in the fertile plains of the Mekong River Basin.

Cambodia’s rice farming traditions date back over 2,000 years, with techniques passed down through generations. The country’s rice is celebrated for its organic farming practices and has won the World’s Best Rice Award multiple times, including in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2024.

Rice is not just a staple food but also a symbol of prosperity and life in Cambodian culture. It is central to festivals, rituals, and daily meals, reflecting the deep connection between the people and their land.

The Kong Ey Mong (KEOM) is a traditional Cambodian xylophone, uniquely shaped like a butterfly. This elegant instrument is made from bamboo or wood, with precisely tuned keys that produce a melodic and resonant sound. It is often used in Khmer classical music ensembles, accompanying traditional dances, ceremonies, and storytelling performances.

The KEOM’s design reflects Cambodia’s deep connection to nature and artistry. Its soothing tones are integral to the Pinpeat orchestra, which performs at royal events and religious rituals. The instrument symbolizes the harmony between music, culture, and spirituality in Cambodian tradition.

Kuong Thom: The Circular Xylophone of Cambodia

The Kuong Thom is a traditional Cambodian xylophone, uniquely shaped in a circle to symbolize unity and harmony. Crafted from bamboo or wood, its carefully tuned keys produce rich, melodic tones that are central to Khmer classical music.

The Kuong Thom is often played in the Pinpeat orchestra, accompanying traditional dances, royal ceremonies, and religious rituals. Its circular design reflects the Cambodian belief in the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things.

This instrument is a testament to Cambodia’s artistic ingenuity and cultural depth.

The Ro Neat is a traditional Cambodian xylophone, crafted from bamboo or wood, known for its warm and resonant tones. It is a key instrument in the Pinpeat orchestra, which accompanies classical dance, royal ceremonies, and religious rituals.

The Ro Neat’s design features carefully tuned keys, often arranged in a rectangular frame, and is played with mallets wrapped in soft material to produce its distinctive sound. This instrument reflects Cambodia’s rich musical heritage and the skill of its artisans.

Cambodia’s Traditional Drum: The Heartbeat of Khmer Culture

The traditional Cambodian drum, known as Skor or Skor Thom, is a vital instrument in Khmer music and ceremonies. Made from wood and animal hide, these drums produce deep, resonant tones that set the rhythm for traditional performances.

The Skor is often used in the Pinpeat orchestra, accompanying classical dance, religious rituals, and festive celebrations. Its powerful beats symbolize the heartbeat of Cambodia’s cultural identity, connecting the past to the present.

Crafted by skilled artisans, each drum is a work of art, reflecting the harmony between craftsmanship and tradition.

Cambodian Cashew Nuts: A Treasure of the Kingdom

Cambodia’s cashew nuts are celebrated for their rich flavor, creamy texture, and premium quality. Grown primarily in the northeastern provinces like Kampong Thom and Ratanakiri, Cambodian cashews are a cornerstone of the country’s agriculture.

Multiple locally developed cashew nuts varieties are M23, H09, M1, M10, IM4 and SAN1. Cambodia’s Cashew nuts are popular when roasted and salted, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to dishes like stir-fries, curries, salads and desserts.

The cashew industry supports over 15,000 farming families, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods. Notably, 90% of Cambodia’s cashew harvest is exported to international markets, including Vietnam, and also to some other countries like China, Korea, Europe, Thailand, Japan, India, and the United Kingdom, to name a few, of which the total export reached $503.79 million in 2024. Many farms use eco-friendly practices, ensuring sustainable production.

In Cambodian culture, cashews are enjoyed as a snack, in desserts, or as a key ingredient in traditional dishes. They symbolize prosperity and the bounty of the land.

Kampong Speu Palm Sugar, produced in the Kampong Speu province of Cambodia, is a traditional sweetener known for its rich flavor and natural, caramel-like taste. It is made by extracting the sap from the flowers of sugar palm trees, which is then boiled down to create the sugar. The production process, which has been passed down through generations, is completely organic, with no artificial additives, making it a popular choice for both local cooking and international markets.

In 2019, Kampong Speu Palm Sugar was awarded the prestigious Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the European Union, recognizing its distinctive quality and connection to the Kampong Speu region. On April 2, 2010, it also received the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate in Cambodia from the Ministry of Commerce, ensuring that only palm sugar produced in Kampong Speu can be marketed under the Kampong Speu Palm Sugar name.

Kampong Speu Palm Sugar is a true reflection of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to sustainable agriculture.