What no one tells you about Cambodia

Cambodia is a country that, over the years we have been visiting it, we allow ourselves to call our second home. Nevertheless, it never ceases to amaze us with its diversity and variety, as well as some amusing facts we have learned about it.

Angkor Wat on the flag

The Angkor Wat temple located in Siem Reap province is probably the most famous place in Cambodia, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Besides being the largest religious complex in the world, Angkor is also the only building in the world that has been featured on a national flag.

No Happy Meal

Although Cambodian – or traditional Khmer cuisine – is not very well known to us, it is truly excellent. However, Europeans staying in the country for a longer time might miss proper “junk food” – Western fast food. The problem is that there is not a single McDonald's in the country. The most famous fast food chain simply failed to take root here. But there is no need to despair; Burger King succeeded. 

For those who want to forget about “fast food” and try authentic Cambodia, we recommend visiting locals and tasting true Khmer cuisine, based on more than 2,000 varieties of rice, freshwater fish, and various types of vegetables and fruits. You might even find the real Kampot pepper in it, which you will truly grow fond of. :-)

Geckos predict marriage

The giant gecko is one of many animals you can encounter in the country. Locals actually keep them and even believe they can predict the future. Just as we pick daisy petals, Cambodians count gecko chirps to find out if they will be lucky or when they will get married. By the way, weddings usually last three days, which would be quite a celebration here.

Funerals are a true ceremony

Even bigger events than weddings for Cambodians are funerals. Although the average monthly income is about 100 dollars, funerals here cost on average 9,000 dollars. Moreover, the ceremony can last up to 49 days, during which the extended family gathers, usually contributing all their savings to make the final farewell as dignified as possible.

Mines at every step

Cambodia is still one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, and unfortunately, large funeral ceremonies often take place due to people stepping on mines. There are between 8 and 10 million mines scattered across the country. These are mainly in rural areas where tourists often do not venture – traveling in Cambodia is safe, and the Khmer themselves welcome every visitor with open arms. This is just one part of the bloody legacy of the Khmer Rouge, whose wounds Cambodia has not yet fully healed.

Until this year, Cambodia’s gradual demining was aided by a brave male rat named Magawa, whose important work we ourselves supported. During his life, he detected more than a hundred mines in rural Cambodian areas. He died earlier this year, and although a new trained rat rescuer will eventually take his place, Magawa will remain in our hearts, and we are rightly proud of his work.