Advice for Travelers to Cambodia: KINGDOM OF WONDER

The eagerly awaited “Smile of Cambodia” event will return to Angkor Wat on October 29-30, as part of the Visit Siem Reap 2024 initiative.

This annual celebration honors Khmer heritage through captivating performances, vibrant exhibitions, and culinary experiences, drawing both local and international visitors. The event aims to reinvigorate post-pandemic tourism while showcasing the country’s cultural wealth.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, with the support of the Khmer Artists Association (KAA) and other key partners, it serves as a homage to Khmer art and culture.

Seth Kimsoeun, advisor to the KAA, explained that this year’s event is spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, which is acting as the primary organizer, producer, and manager, in collaboration with the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia [UYFC] in Siem Reap.

The festival promises a spectacular celebration with over 500 artists bringing to life the grandeur of the Angkorian Empire, particularly focusing on the royal deeds of King Jayavarman VII.

Opening with a formal ceremony at 7:30am on October 29, the event will include a full day of traditional Khmer performances, exhibitions, and a majestic parade honoring the past kings of the Khmer Empire, all set against the iconic backdrop of Angkor Wat.

Attendees will be treated to live reenactments depicting key moments from Cambodia’s ancient history, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural legacy.

In addition to the performances, visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing Khmer cuisine, traditional attire, and art. These exhibitions aim to preserve ancient artistic traditions while creating a lively, festive atmosphere. A special feature of the celebration will be the Ting Mong tournament, a traditional puppet performance unique to Cambodia.

A major attraction of the event is the focus on Khmer cuisine. Attendees will have the chance to enjoy a variety of authentic Cambodian dishes, with international guests wearing traditional Khmer attire receiving complimentary food as a gesture of hospitality.

The event will also feature influencers and content creators who will help promote Cambodian heritage on social media, broadening awareness of the country’s rich cultural offerings.

As part of broader efforts to revive tourism in Siem Reap, home to the legendary Angkor Wat temple, the “Smile of Cambodia” plays a crucial role in promoting cultural tourism.

Seth Kimsoeun noted that the event highlights two major activities: performances by more than 500 artists celebrating the Angkorian Empire, and the “Smile of Cambodia” program, which showcases Khmer arts, food, fashion, and culture, all while creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

The event aims to draw international attention to Cambodia’s cultural tourism sites and help boost tourism through the end of 2024 and beyond into 2025.

Running from 9am to 6pm on both days, the event promises an entire day of dynamic cultural experiences against the magnificent backdrop of Angkor Wat.

For visitors, the festivities offer a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of Khmer art, culture, and cuisine, while contributing to the revival of Cambodia’s tourism industry.

The event is expected to provide an unforgettable blend of ancient history and modern cultural celebration, all in one exceptional experience.

If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, getting a visa no longer has to be a hassle. Thanks to the Cambodia e-Visa system, travelers can now apply for a tourist visa entirely online, saving both time and effort.

The Cambodia e-Visa is available to citizens of most countries and is intended strictly for tourism purposes. If you’re traveling for business, work, or any other reason, you’ll need to apply through a Cambodian embassy instead. The e-Visa is valid for three months from the date of issue and allows for a single entry into Cambodia, with a maximum stay of 30 days.

One of the great benefits of the e-Visa is that it can be used at several key points of entry. You can enter Cambodia through Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville International Airports. If you’re arriving by land, the e-Visa is accepted at Bavet (from Vietnam), Poipet (from Thailand), and Cham Yeam (also from Thailand).

The application process is quick and simple. It usually takes about three business days for approval. All you need is a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a recent passport-style photo (digital format), a valid email address, and a credit or debit card for payment. The cost is typically around $36 USD, which includes a small processing fee.

To apply, just visit the official Cambodia e-Visa website at https://www.evisa.gov.kh. Fill out the online form, upload your photo, and pay the fee. Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent to your email. Be sure to print a copy and bring it with you when you travel.

The Cambodia e-Visa makes visiting this beautiful and culturally rich country easier than ever. Whether you’re planning to explore Angkor Wat, relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville, or discover the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, getting your visa is now one less thing to worry about.

As of 2024, travelers visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia, have multiple official options for purchasing the mandatory Angkor Ticket Pass. The primary and longest-standing sales point is the Angkor Enterprise Main Ticket Office, located approximately 4 km from downtown Siem Reap along Road 60. This office operates from 5:00 AM until 5:30 PM daily, catering to early visitors heading for sunrise at Angkor Wat. However, in a move to improve convenience for tourists, authorities have introduced a second official ticket counter at Heritage Walk Mall, a modern shopping and dining complex situated just minutes away from the popular Pub Street area. This secondary outlet, open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, provides the same services as the main office but in a more central, air-conditioned environment with generally shorter queues—making it an excellent choice for those staying in the city center who wish to avoid the morning rush at the primary location.

For tech-savvy travelers, the official online ticket portal https://www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh allows advance purchase of passes, which can be presented as QR codes at temple entrances. This digital option is particularly useful for avoiding lines entirely. Pricing remains consistent across all sales channels: $37 for a 1-day pass, $62 for a 3-day pass (valid for 10 days, with any three days of entry), and $72 for a 7-day pass (valid for a month, with any seven days of entry). Children under 12 enter free but must present a passport or ID for verification.

A critical requirement for all pass purchases is the on-the-spot photograph taken at the time of issuance, which is embedded into the ticket to prevent transferability. Visitors should also note that passes are non-refundable and must be kept intact throughout their stay, as frequent checks occur at temple entrances. For those planning to witness the iconic Angkor Wat sunrise (with gates opening at 5:00 AM), purchasing the pass the day before is strongly advised to bypass morning ticket office delays. Additionally, while the Heritage Walk Mall offers extended accessibility, it’s worth confirming its hours during holidays or special events, as adjustments may occur.

With these options, travelers can choose the most suitable method based on their itinerary—whether prioritizing convenience, avoiding crowds, or securing tickets in advance for a seamless experience at one of the world’s most magnificent heritage sites.