EXPLORE CAMBODIA

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.
 

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.

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

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.

Cambodian traditional carved sculpture is a testament to the country’s rich artistic heritage, dating back to the Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries). Skilled artisans use materials like sandstone, wood, and bronze to create intricate statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities, such as Vishnu, Shiva, and the Buddha, as well as mythological figures like Apsaras (celestial dancers).

The sculptures are renowned for their graceful poses, detailed ornamentation, and spiritual symbolism. Techniques have been passed down through generations, preserving the artistry seen in iconic sites like Angkor Wat and the National Museum of Cambodia.

Recognized globally for their beauty and craftsmanship, these sculptures reflect Cambodia’s deep connection to religion, history, and culture.

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.

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 Mango: The Golden Fruit of the Kingdom

Cambodia’s mangoes are celebrated for their sweet flavor, vibrant color, and juicy texture. Grown in the fertile plains of the Mekong River Basin, Cambodian mangoes are a staple of the country’s agriculture and cuisine. Popular varieties include the Keo Romiet and Keo Ktis, which are enjoyed fresh, dried, or in traditional dishes like green mango salad or dry mango.

Mango farming is a vital part of Cambodia’s economy, with the country being one of the top mango exporters in Southeast Asia; as in 2024 Cambodia exported mangoes worth about $145.79 million. The fruit is also deeply rooted in Cambodian culture, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

Cambodian Durian: The King of Fruits

Durian, often called the "king of fruits", is a prized fruit in Cambodia, known for its distinctive strong aroma and rich, creamy texture. Key durian-producing provinces include Battambang, Kampot, Pursat, Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Koh Kong, and Ratanakiri. The climate provides ideal conditions for this tropical fruit. The durian harvesting season in Cambodia typically spans from April to July, making it a popular fruit during the country's summer months.

Cambodian durians are renowned for their sweet, less pungent flavor compared to varieties from other countries, making them highly sought after in international markets. The industry supports numerous smallholder farmers and plays a vital role in rural economic development.

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.

Mondulkiri Wild Honey, harvested from the Apis dorsata bee, a giant honeybee, in the forests of Mondulkiri province in eastern Cambodia, is renowned for its unique taste and natural purity. Produced by wild bees foraging on diverse flowers from the untouched forests, the honey boasts a rich, floral aroma and smooth texture, prized for its distinctive flavor and health benefits. The region’s diverse ecosystem, with its mix of tropical flowers and herbs, contributes to the honey’s exceptional qualities, making it highly sought after both locally and internationally.

On January 29, 2021, it received the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate in Cambodia from the Ministry of Commerce, ensuring that only honey produced in Mondulkiri can be marketed as Mondulkiri Wild Honey. This certification further assures its premium quality. The Mondulkiri wild honey industry comprises approximately 300 honey harvesters, with 73 registered members in the Mondulkiri Wild Bee Conservation Association (MWBCA). It is primarily exported to markets in Europe.

Cambodia Kampot-Kep Salt: A Premium Salt from Cambodia’s Coastal Region

Kampot-Kep Salt, harvested in the Kampot and Kep provinces of southern Cambodia, is famous for its high mineral content and distinctive, clean taste. The salt is produced through traditional methods, where seawater is evaporated under the hot sun in salt ponds along the coast. The unique combination of tropical climate, clean seawater, and hand-harvesting techniques contributes to the premium quality of Kampot-Kep Salt, which has made it a sought-after product both locally and internationally.

In 2023, it received the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate in Cambodia from the Ministry of Commerce, ensuring that only salt produced in these regions can be marketed as Kampot-Kep Salt. The salt industry provides income for local farmers, with over 200 families involved in production.

Kampot-Kep Salt has become a symbol of Cambodia’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and authentic, high-quality products.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Koh Ker archaeological site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 17th September 2023. This site was the ancient capital city of the Khmer empire in the 10th century, between 928 to 941 C.E., during the reign of king Jayavarman IV. The city named in the ancient Khmer as ‘Chok Garyar’ meaning pond of ‘Koki tree’ or Sanskrit name ‘Lingapura’. The city of Koh Ker was composed of 169 archaeological sites, which include 76 temples and ancient civil infrastructure remains such as communities’ settlement, road structure, hydraulic structure, ponds and dykes, etc.

Prasat Prang (pyramid temple) is state temple installed at the top of Shiva Linga dedicated to ‘Tribhuvaneshvara’ with four meters high. Prasat Prang is a prominent architecture structure at the Koh Ker archaeological site. Other temples were built to install the Shiva Linga and the beautiful and animated giant size sculptures such as Dancing Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu and statues of Pandava and Kuru in Mahabharata myth.

Through civil war and insecurity in the area of Koh Ker, most of temples were looted and destroyed by natural and the theft with stealing statues to sell or traffic abroad. When Cambodia achieved full of peace under the win win policy of Samdach Techo Hun Sen, the Koh Ker archaeological site opened to the tourist in 1999. Then the government established and institution for management, conservation and development, as well as has opportunities to repatriate may statues back to Cambodia.