5 Cool Facts You Didn't Know About Cambodia - Discovering Cambodia

One of the world's most magnificent religious sites is the sprawling complex of Angkor Wat, covering over 500 acres and was constructed during the Khmer Empire. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts incredible architectural wonders, including bas-relief passages with stories of myth and history. Originally built as the earthly abode of the Hindu god Vishnu, it later became a centre for Theravada Buddhism practice. The site is so significant that it even features the Cambodian national flag. Some of the best hotels in Siem Reap can be found close to Angkor Wat; the likes of FCC Angkor by Avani are some of the best nearby.

Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, the Tonle Sap, is a vital source of irrigation for half of Cambodia's major crops and sustains many livelihoods through fishing. What sets it apart is its ability to regenerate, with the lake expanding and flooding during the monsoon season. It ultimately connects to the mighty Mekong River after a 100 km journey.

When you're in Cambodia, you'll find the iconic three-wheeled tuk-tuks everywhere, making them a popular mode of transportation. These nimble vehicles are an exciting way to navigate the bustling streets but be prepared to throw road rules out the window! Bargaining for the price of each ride is essential.

The Cambodian New Year, Choul Chnam Thmey in Khmer, is celebrated in mid-April to mark the end of the harvest season. It's a vital festival for Cambodians, and you can witness the colourful festivities firsthand during this time. During Khmer New Year, people engage in various activities, including visiting their loved ones, cleaning, and decorating their homes, and offering food to monks. The festival lasts for three days, and the main highlight is the lively water festival, where people splash water at each other to symbolise washing away bad luck and starting afresh. You'll also get to try delicious traditional dishes and watch mesmerising cultural performances during this festive time.

Cambodia's population of 16 million people is the youngest in Southeast Asia, with one-third of the population under 15 years old and over 63% under 30. However, this is a stark contrast to the dark period of the Khmer Rouge regime under Pol Pot, which resulted in the massacre of at least 2-3 million people from the country's then 8 million inhabitants. The Killing Fields near Phnom Penh serve as a sobering reminder of this tragic time in Cambodia's history.