10 Fun & Interesting Cambodia Facts

A place with mystique, sorcery, and cultural richness, the very heartbeat of Cambodia, gently captivates tourists from across the globe. Be it the ancient temples, paradisiacal beaches, or freest souls on this Earth, Cambodia has everything to give to every traveler who just wants an experience to be never forgotten. Angkor Wat, being one of the most famous landmarks in the world, has drawn millions of visitors to its ancient temples for centuries and is the largest religious monument in the world. Apart from historical tours, Cambodia also has great food, entertainment, traditions, and green countryside. Tourists with set-in-stone dates may book a Cambodia Tour Package and enjoy the mixture of attractions laid out for them in the culturally rich country.

For Indian travelers, the Cambodia tour package from India helps raise the entire comfort level of traveling, so they can enjoy discovering the wonders of this Southeast Asian land with ease. From the bustling markets of Phnom Penh to the tranquil floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake, Cambodia has something hidden waiting to be explored. The weather in Cambodia is gorgeously tropical, with warming hospitality extended by the locals to everyone, filling the hearts of adventure seekers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike. Be it a short trip or a long vacation; a Cambodia Tour Package gets you the best of this beautiful land.

Here are the fun & interesting Cambodia facts.

1. World’s Largest Religious Monument

Angkor Wat is of huge pride to Cambodia because it is the biggest religious monument among many other things in the world. Originally built in the 12th century during the Khmers, for the Vodu, it turned into a Buddhist temple after it became an architectural masterpiece. Spread over 162 hectares or 400 acres, Angkor Wat is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and a national symbol imprinted in the Cambodian flag. Many tourists come to visit the marvelous sunrise views and complicated carvings.

2. Its Capital City Is Among the Least Populated

Phnom Penh, which is the capital city of Cambodia, is actually less populous in comparison to all the other Southeast Asia capitals. This city has around 2.3 million people, which is way less than that of Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, or even Jakarta. However, Phnom Penh cannot be denied as a lively and busy city for the marvellous colonial architectural design, vibrant riverside, and important historical constructions, namely, the Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

3. Dual Currency in Cambodia

There is a dual-currency but not merely one for other countries, which uses currency for the whole nation as Cambodia. Cambodian Riel or KHR is the main currency, but US Dollars worth USD is widely accepted and used in most of the daily transactions. Charges in restaurants, hotels, and at tourist attractions are often in dollars for entries, while ATMs usually dispense both kinds of notes. Interestingly, Riel is usually used for smaller transactions such as street food and tuk-tuk rides.

4. The Khmer Empire: Naidsome Time a Superpower

Cambodia, from the 9th century until the 15th, was the heart of the Khmer empire, which became one of the greatest politically and geographically powerful empires in Southeast Asia. The ancient Khmer empire extended into present-day Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. During its prime, Angkor became one of the largest cities on earth, housing almost a million inhabitants. The great civilization was well known for its engineering ingenuity in irrigation systems along with numerous grand temples and else impressive urban planning, much of what is up to today seen in Angkor.

5. Once Every Year, Tonlé Sap Reverses Its Flow 

Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest fresh lake in Southeast Asia, has one of the most bizarre natural phenomena: it changes its direction twice a year! During the rainy season, which runs from May to October, the pressure of the Mekong River forced water into this lake, causing it to expand up to five times that of the dry season. During the dry season, water drains into the Mekong River, which runs from November to April. This unique ecosystem harbors floating villages and fish in their hundreds, thus making it essential for both the local economy and community.

6. Khmers New Year Celebrations: Water Fights

Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey), held in mid-April, is the major and most exciting festivity of Cambodia. The festivities begin for three days of traditional games, temple visits, and family reunions. One of the liveliest parts of this festival is the water fights, in which the people blissfully drench each other with water, a symbolic act of cleansing and forging renewal. Just like Thailand’s Songkran festival, these joyous splashes of water run riot on the streets, turning into a fun and unforgettable experience. 

7. Rich Tradition of Apsara Dance

Apsara Dance is a beautiful, ancient classical dance of Cambodia dating back more than a thousand years. Since the classical period, the traditions associated with Apsara have been instructed, imparted, and preserved in the royal courts and temples, depicting events from mythology and history. The dance is characterized by graceful movements, elaborate hand gestures, and lavish silk costumes. Today, Apsara shows are presented for visitors at cultural performances across Cambodia, particularly in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. 

8. The Cambodian Flag Is an Oddity

Make a note: The flag of Cambodia is different! It is the only national flag in the world with a building on it-Angkor Wat. It consists of three horizontal stripes: blue at the top and bottom, and red in the center with a white temple of Angkor Wat. The blue color symbolizes the monarchy, the red represents the nation, and the white signifies the purity and virtue of heaven and earth, from which the hope for a prosperous Cambodia arises. The design used today was approved in 1993-a year marking the end of the Khmer Rouge reign. 

9. A Gloomy History Set Against a Persistent Spirit

One of Cambodia’s deepest sorrows occurred between 1975 and 1979, a time during which the Khmer Rouge, under Pol Pot, exercised its rule over the country. During these years, millions upon millions of Cambodians died under forced labor, starvation, and execution. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) and the Killing Fields are reminders of this agonizing memory. Overcoming many odds, Cambodia has shown amazing grit to rebuild itself towards peace and economic growth. Today, it remains a thriving tourist spot filled with friendly souls and colorful culture.

10. Cambodia Is One of the Cheapest Travel Destinations

For travelers, Cambodia is a paradise when it comes to affordability. It is one of the cheapest places to visit in Southeast Asia, with cheap hostels, delicious street food, and inexpensive transport. You can fill your belly for just a few dollars or whereas entrance fees to famous attractions like Angkor Wat compare favourably to other historical sites around the globe. Whether a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Cambodia gives an unforgettable experience without pinching the pocket.

Conclusion

Cambodia is more than just a tourist destination; it is a land of wonders, mysteries, and cultural richness. Contrary to the notion, this country’s history is intimately tied to the Khmer Empire, while a landscape stretches from green forests to ivory-white beaches. Whatever you do-walking through ancient temples, sampling unknown street food, or cruising down the mighty Mekong-rather anything one does in Cambodia is unforgettable. An easier way for Indian travelers to enjoy a hassle-free trip whereby everything is set up from guided tours to comfortable hotels with inside information is to book a Cambodia tour package from India. 

With its affordability and infinite range of attractions, Cambodia has become the dreamland for those relatively on the go for a relaxing or adventurous holiday. A well-tailored Cambodia Travel Package makes sure that the best attractions from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville are never missed. Individual travelers, newly-wedded couples, or a clan will find special treasures in Cambodia for everyone. So, if a one-of-a-kind adventure should be on your travel itinerary, Cambodia should make the top of the list by miles!