Smile of Cambodia to Angkor Wat for cultural celebration

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.

Related Blog

Discover the Enchanting World of Kampong Phluk: A Journey into Cambodia’s Floating Village and Nature’s Embrace

Nestled on the mighty Tonle Sap Lake, just a short journey from the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, lies Kampong Phluk, a captivating floating village that offers a unique glimpse into a way of life intrinsically tied to the rhythm of the water. For anyone seeking an authentic cultural experience blended with breathtaking natural beauty, a visit to Kampong Phluk is an absolute must. Kampong Phluk is approximately 32.3 km from Sokchea Angkor Hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Than Just a Village: A Harmony with Nature

Kampong Phluk is not merely a collection of houses; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and adaptation. Imagine an entire community built on towering stilts, rising majestically from the water as the lake expands during the wet season, and then resting on exposed ground during the dry months. This remarkable architecture is a direct response to the dramatic seasonal fluctuations of the Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and a vital ecological heartland.

The village’s pulse beats in harmony with its surroundings. The primary livelihood here is fishing, a tradition passed down through generations. Visitors can witness the daily routines of the villagers as they expertly navigate their boats, cast their nets, and bring in the day’s catch. It’s a vibrant, living ecosystem where every aspect of life is intertwined with the water.

The Lifeblood of Kampong Phluk: The Flooded Forests

One of the most enchanting and ecologically significant features of Kampong Phluk is its surrounding flooded mangrove forests. These unique forests are not just picturesque; they are the lungs and nurseries of the Tonle Sap. During the wet season, the forests become submerged, creating an ethereal landscape where trees grow directly out of the water.

A serene boat ride through these submerged forests is an unforgettable experience. The quiet calm, broken only by the gentle dip of paddles, allows you to appreciate the sheer biodiversity these mangroves support. They serve as crucial breeding grounds and shelters for countless species of fish, birds, and other wildlife, playing a pivotal role in maintaining the lake’s rich ecosystem. Many tours offer the chance to explore these areas in smaller, traditional rowboats, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature.

Community-Based Eco-Tourism: A Sustainable Future

What makes Kampong Phluk truly special, beyond its visual appeal, is its commitment to community-based eco-tourism. Initiatives like the Kampong Phluk Community Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) project are at the forefront of ensuring that tourism directly benefits the local people while simultaneously protecting the environment.

When you visit Kampong Phluk, your presence supports the community’s efforts to:
* Protect the delicate ecosystem: Funds from tourism contribute to conservation efforts, helping to preserve the flooded forests and the lake’s abundant fish populations.
* Promote sustainable livelihoods: By providing alternative income streams, tourism helps reduce over-reliance on fishing, fostering a more sustainable economy for the villagers.
* Educate and raise awareness: Visitors learn about the unique challenges and beauty of life on the Tonle Sap, becoming advocates for its preservation.

This approach means your visit is not just a sightseeing trip; it’s an investment in the future of Kampong Phluk and the precious Tonle Sap ecosystem. Organizations, often in partnership with the local community, also work on crucial issues like waste management and environmental education, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for generations to come.

Planning Your Visit

Kampong Phluk is easily accessible from Siem Reap, with numerous tour operators offering half-day or full-day excursions. Most tours include transportation to the village, a boat ride through the stilted houses, and often an opportunity to explore the magical flooded forests.

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.

Preparing for the Khmer New Year Celebration in Siem Reap Province

As Khmer New Year 2025 approaches, Siem Reap Province is being transformed into a vibrant showcase of Cambodian tradition and culture. Across the city and within the Angkor Wat area, streets are being decorated with elements that celebrate the Khmer way of life, both past and present.

Among the highlights are traditional hats and other items made from palm leaves—meticulously handcrafted to represent the tools and accessories once used in daily life. These handmade decorations connect the modern celebration with the wisdom and artistry of Cambodia’s ancestors.

Adding to the atmosphere are displays of Khmer old-style houses, built using palm wood and palm leaves, echoing the traditional architecture once found across the countryside. Nearby, palm tree boats**—symbolizing life along Cambodia’s rivers—are placed along walkways, and **handmade ox carts, a symbol of rural Khmer livelihood, are proudly exhibited, drawing smiles and nostalgia from visitors.

Large ceramic jars filled with water are stationed, inviting everyone to join in the playful water-splashing tradition that brings joy, blessings, and cool relief during the festive heat. As people walk or ride through Siem Reap, they are immersed in a lively cultural celebration that honors Khmer heritage while welcoming the New Year with warmth and fun.

This blend of tradition, creativity, and community spirit makes Siem Reap’s preparations for Khmer New Year 2025 a truly memorable and meaningful experience for all.