A traditional Khmer wedding is one of the most joyous occasions for a Khmer family and typically lasts from three days to an entire week. It is a grand affair, full of color and festivity, as well as steeped in tradition. Family, friends, and other members of the community come together to share in the celebration. Musicians play throughout the day on traditional instruments, and the couple is dressed like royalty. The bride may change her outfit several times in one day. If the wedding were a weeklong affair, she could declare the color of her dress each day and the guests would dress only in that color.
Unlike most Western weddings, guests are usually highly animated during the ceremonies, with elders typically explaining the significance of the various customs to the younger generation. Please feel free to turn to a neighbor if you should have questions or comments about what is occurring. You may also stand up and leave the room if you need to stretch your legs. Guests freely move in and out during ceremonies, which is not considered rude.
At the beginning of the day, the bride customarily waits at her parent’s house while the groom gathers a procession of his family and friends. The procession symbolizes the journey of the prince Preah Thong to meet his bride the princess Neang Neak. The groom’s procession approaches the bride’s home bearing wrapped platters of gifts, usually fruits and Khmer desserts, and is led by a band of musicians and singers.
Traditionally, the mai ba (a well-respected member of the bride’s family who serves as its representative) comes out to greet the procession. The different number of fruits and desserts are counted – the more, the better. If found to be satisfactory, the mai ba and ma ha (representative for the groom’s party) run through a humorous verbal parlay which ends with the groom and the rest of the procession being invited into the bride’s home.
Sien Doan Taa – Call to Ancestors
Today is a beautiful day
And the arrangements are ready.
We offer these gifts
Inviting you to join us And shower us with your blessings
In Khmer culture, family bonds are the ones that are the most important, and a marriage is the inclusion of the couple into their new families. At all important events, family and friends are called upon to share in the celebrations and offer their blessings. This ceremony calls forth for those who have passed away, both family and friends, to offer their blessings and observe the wedding, if not in body, in spirit. It is a time to reflect on those near and dear to our hearts and remember to include them in our happiness.
Soat Mun – Blessings from the Monks
Out of respect and reverence for the monks, we ask that you remain silent while the bride and groom receive their blessings during this ceremony. Traditionally, three to five monks or as many as seven will invoke blessings which have been specifically chosen for the couple by the monks.
Gaat Sah – Cleansing Ceremony
beautiful lovebirds, let us look at your faces perfect shapes, all aligned.
Teeth as white and bright as ivory.
Before the bride and groom are officially married in the Khmer tradition, they must be properly prepared through an elaborate cleansing ceremony. The singers, representing visiting devada (deities who watch over the mortal realms), dance around the bride and groom. Their songs represent their enchantment with the beauty of the new couple, and they agree to personally cleanse and purify the bride and groom to bring them good fortune, beauty, and grace for the rest of their lives. The devada cut the hair of the couple and shave the groom, throwing away any excesses and misfortune that may have lingered. The new couple is also perfumed. At the conclusion of this ceremony, the visiting devada return to the realm of tansuor, the home of the gods and deceased ancestors.
According to the legend of Preah Tong and Neang Neak, they married without the naga king’s knowledge. Neang Neak prayed to the devada to witness her hair being cut, after which they then carried locks of hair to her father. When he received her locks, he rejoiced in the knowledge that his daughter was being married.
Bang Chhat Madaiy – Honoring of the Parents
“Rumleuk kun madaiy oeupuk.”
“Remember your obligations to your parents.”
“Honor your parents as you do the gods.”
This common Khmer sentiment is rooted in a Buddhist parable about not forgetting “kun” – a kind act or deed for which one owes repayment (a debt of gratitude). A monk explains to a temple visitor that without parents, one cannot be brought into the world to honor the gods in the first place. The traditional song that is performed is a reminder to the bride of the hardships of raising a child. It is a song of parental duty and fulfillment, which the bride and groom will one day experience for themselves. During this ceremony, the bride holds an umbrella over her mother, a gesture that symbolizes the reversal of the protective role of her parents.
Bongvul Pbopul – Passing of Blessings
“Mun ouy laing leah, mun ouy prort preah.”
“Do not separate, do not part ways.”
In this ceremony, currently married couples are asked to gather in a circle around the bride and groom. Three candles are lit and handed from person to person. Each participant passes his or her right hand over it in a sweeping motion towards the couple, sending or throwing a silent blessing to them. Only married couples are asked to participate, as it is believed that they will pass along the special quality or essence which has preserved their union. The candles are passed around the circle clockwise seven times to complete the ceremony.
Sompeas Ptem – Knot Tying Ceremony
Khmer weddings traditionally have a knot tying ceremony, but unlike what the name implies, it is the guests who tie the knots, not the bride and groom. Close family and friends are invited to come forward to bring their best wishes and blessings to the new couple by individually tying ribbons around each of their wrists. These knots are tied on both the bride and groom, who were traditionally required to wear them for three days afterwards to preserve the good luck. This ceremony has customarily been considered an ideal opportunity to take a picture of each guest in attendance with the new couple.
In the former Cambodian society, people have gone through many experience f life, and they want to guide and advise the next generations with some insights and directions, which later on known as lessons learned from the informal society. For any particular life experience, situation or circumstance, there was a lesson learned drawn from it. Those lessons learned were formed and transformed into good and beautiful sentences (often with rhyme words) to make people easy to say and remember, and finally become “sayings”. For me, Khmer sayings and Cambodian lessons learned from the former Khmer society are the same.
During the course of time, while some sayings still useful and powerful for the current Cambodian society, some others become irrelevant or even hindering forces to the positive social changes. In other words, there are sayings that influence Cambodian behaviors positively and sayings that influence people’s behaviors negatively. Some old Khmer sayings are not relevant at all for the current society (meaningless). Below are some sayings that still have powerful influences on Cambodian attitudes and practices:
A.Khmer sayings that facilitate learning and change
Tork Tork Penh Bampong (Drop by drop fills the(bamboo) container): Do thing step by step; small things (saving) will be accumulated to a big one.
Ches min chhnah chorng (Knowing is not better than willingness): Willingness get more successes than knowledge. It gives values to person’s attitudes rather than his or her knowledge.
Ches mok pi rean,mean mok pi rork(Knowledge come from learning, wealth from business): This saying encourages people to learn and to work hard (not lazy), if s/he wishes to become knowledgeable and rich.
Ches dob min smoeuning prasab mouy (Know 10 is not equalthan 1 skillfulness): Being skillful is far better than just having knowledge. This saying gives more values to people’s talent and their creativity in achieving the goal.
Damrey choeung bourn kung mean ploat, nek prach ches stoat kung mean phlek (4-feet elephant will surely trip, professional wise man will surely forget): Everyone makes mistakes. No one can avoid mistakes. Making mistakes is human natural.
Kmas lngung toeb ches,Kmas kror toeb mean(Feeling shame of being ignorant leads to be knowledgeable, feeling shame of poor leads to be rich.): Being sensitive to your weaknesses so that you can overcome them. If you don’t care about them, nothing will be improved.
Khoeng koch, khoeng khat(Anger is damage,anger is waste): We need to control our temper (anger) so that everything will go smooth without disasters.
B.Khmer sayings that hinder learning and change
Strey bangvel changkran min chum(Women cannot manage around stove): Women has limited ability to do thing. The prioritized work for women is around household (such as cooking, cleaning, children etc.)
Kloun tirp kom toung dey kley kom choung sra war aub phnom(Do not try to grasp the mountain with your short body and short arms
): Do not try to do anything beyond your abilities and available resources.
Kom Kit dochchao chak smok(Do not think like the man, who makes palm leave box): This is a saying from a Cambodian folk story. A man sat on the top of a palm tree, and was making a box from the palm leaves. While he was doing, he started to dream with a logical steps, i.e. when I have produced so many boxes, I will get a lot of money, and when I get a lot of money I will do this, then this …, finally I can hire a housemaid to work for me, and if the housemaid does not work and behave appropriately for me, I will kick him. While dreaming to this stage, the man has made a real kicks down the palm tree, and unfortunately he fell down from the palm tree .
Num min thomcheang neal(Cake is not biggerthan its basket): Parents have power / control over their children.Parents can make decision on behalf of their children. What the children have to do is to comply the parents’ decision.
Khoenh damrey chuh, kom chuh tam damrey(See elephant defecates, do not defecate as it does): Do not try to do anything beyond your capacity and ability. Do not be ambitious!
Kom put Sralao,kom pradao srey koch (Do not bend Sralao, do not educate prostitute): Sralao is a kind of tree.The saying means that you cannot change anything from its nature. Prostitutes are not be able to be educated to change their attitude.
Khmer sayings about power
Pong moan kom chul ning thmor(Egg not to hit stone): Weak (powerless) people not to challenge powerful people.
Phnom mouy min del mean kla pi(A mountain neverhas two tigers): There is only one powerful person, who has the control over one area (location).
Changkes mouy bach kach min bak(A bunch of sticks cannot be broken): Represents the power of solidarity or being together.
Tek loeng trey sisra-mauch, tek hauch sra-mauch si trey(when water raises,fish eats ant, when water decreases, ant eats fish): A powerful person will certainly powerless in some circumstance, and the powerless person will be powerful in another circumstance. Circumstances can change people’s power status.
Pchum Ben, the ancestors’ festival, is a Cambodian religious festival celebrated by Buddhists. It is one of the longest festivals in Cambodia, lasting for 15 days. A Ben is an offering. The first 14 days are called Kan Ben, where villages take turns making offerings, and the last day is Ben Thom, great offering, where all families make offerings. Pchum Ben is celebrated every year in the beginning of the 10th month, Phutrobot, of the Khmer calendar. (Around October in the western calendar.)
During the fourteen days of Kan Ben villages take turns bringing food to the temples and the pagodas.
The last four days of Pchum Ben are public holidays in Cambodia and most Khmer people will visit the province where they were born for family reunions.
The fifteen day, Ben Thom, is the special day when all families bring overflowing baskets of flowers, and children offer food, sticky rice cake and presents to the monks.
It is a colorful festival and everyone is dressed in their best clothes, women wear bright colored silk scarves, blouses and dresses. During the festival special rice offerings are made that are called ‘Bay Bens’. Bay Bens are balls of sticky rice cooked in coconut milk with various ingredients depending on local customs.
Cambodians celebrate Pchum Ben because they believe that after death they become ghosts whose earthly actions shape their appearance and that they walk the earth at this time. Everyone prays to help their ancestors pass on to a better life. According to Khmer belief, people who do not follow the practices of Pchum Ben will be cursed by angry ancestors. The living relatives ease their sufferings by offering them food. People also make offerings of money, dresses and other items to the monks in the temples. The offerings made are shared by the poor and the disabled during Pchum Ben and the donors acquire merit to cancel out past sins.
Khmer New Year, or ‘Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei’ in the Khmer language, is the greatest traditional festival and national holiday in Cambodia, and the celebration last for three days. Khmer New year starts on April the 14th, 15th or 16th depending on the ancient horoscope “Maha Sangkran”, 2017 it starts on 14th of April. The majority of the Cambodians are still farmers and Khmer New Year marks the end of the harvest season when farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor and relax before the start of the rainy season.
Most of the Phnom Penh residents will pack their bags and get ready to head out to the countryside to celebrate Khmer New Year. Phnom Penh will be left seemingly pretty quite during these days so if you want to experience the celebration you should also pack your bag and head out to any of the villages on the country side.
In the villages the people engage in traditional Khmer games, they play games such as the Bas Angkunh ‘seed throwing’, Chaol Chhoung ‘twisted-scarf throwing’, Leak Kanséng ‘twisted-scarf hide’ and dance to traditional Khmer songs.
The first day of Khmer new year is called “Maha Sangkran”, Sangkran means movement and refers to that the sun is moving into a new Zodiac sign and Maha means great. Some say that Maha Sangkran means welcome to the new spirits. In the morning the Cambodians will go to the temple and offer food to the monks and receive blessings. During this time the Cambodians clean and decorate their homes and prepare fruits and drinks on a table or in their spirit house to welcome the new spirits. Elderly people like to meditate or pray the Dharma because they believe that any spirit that comes to their home will stay with them throughout the whole year and take care of their family.
The second day is called “Wanabot” and it is the day that they offer gifts to parents, grandparents and elders. In the evening of this day many Cambodians will go to the temple and build a mountain of sand to remember their ancestors who have passed away and have the monks give them blessings of happiness and peace.
The third day is called “Leung Sakk” and this is the first day of the new year. In the morning the Cambodians go to the temple and perform a ceremony where the mountain of sand gets blessed. The last ceremony is called “Pithi Srang Preah” and the purpose of this ceremony is to honor and to give a special cleansing to Buddha Statues, the monks, elders, grandparents and parents. During this ceremony the participators apologize for any mistakes they have made during the last year.
The Khmer New Year is not only a great festival it is also an opportunity to pass on the Cambodian traditions to the next generation.
The sampot (pronounced sahm-pots) or Cambodian sarong - a loose-fitting wraparound lower garment - is the national dress of Cambodia. The traditional fabric used is silk and/or cotton combination. There are many variations of the sampot for different social strata of people.
A krama (pronounced krah-mah) is a checked cotton scarf-like head-wrapping almost universally worn by rural Cambodians - both men and women. It is like a turban ... a sign of Cambodia's ancient ties with India. Kramas have a multitude of uses - protection from the sun, dust and wind. It can also be used as a towel or as a carrier for children.
The monk is the disciple that belong to Buddhism, play importantly in Cambodia's society since Khmer ancient period due to his power and he has prestige over Cambodian daily life for behavior, opinion and implement of living also. Nowadays we can see many monks in Cambodia is joining to help developing by teaching in the communities and preaching to educate them by the law of dharma , especially moral by advertising on Radio, television and internet as well. He donates everything to serve the Buddhism, making conservation to protect the Dharma of Buddhism, More ever he takes care of cultivation of mind, Khmer civilization, cling tightly with four kinds of divined states of the mind of king , there are Loving Kindness, Compassion, Sympathy and Equanimity that is respecting of the Buddha's disciple and Buddhist, Obviously in Cambodian civil war, knowledge source and Khmer civilization was destroyed everywhere but except in the pagoda that many priests stayed in, because the Buddhism is the government's religion so the knowledge and civilization has stayed with the priests. After Khmer civil war , there was no school for Cambodian students, at that time Pagoda was very important that Cambodian students could study with monk at the pagoda. Cambodian society and Buddhism connect together to make every Cambodian believe strongly on Buddhism by taking the priests to be represented. Monks respond to lead Buddhist or human to do a good deed or good thing in their life follow Khmer traditional and avoid bad deed.
For nowadays in the power of Buddha monk studied and learned to pray the law of dharma that is the words of Buddha and he studied general knowledge include Literature, Mathematics and Biography as well. All of his activities is charity and help and develop the country follow by strategy of government. After civil war, Cambodia has tried to develop and improve all of sectors, of course, Education sector is reinforced by monks of Buddhism. He helped to teach Cambodian children and adults about moral, charity, generosity and give up the bad deed, especially he take care and protect environment for our people. Obviously he grows the small tree and spray the seed on the our earth. More ever he is the leader of infrastructure's construction as pagoda, Buddhist association, road and bridge also. Anyway, he always give advice and tell the people that all of the human always Born, Old and Die, this is natural. Especially monks generally get invitation to pray and play dharma toward as a moral force and console consciousness of patients to be cured. In fact, monks are the doctor as well because he cure Cambodian poor people and children.
By the way, monk is very important person in Buddhism because of helping and charity from him so Cambodia get improve and development on Economy, social work, health administration and get peace in living that all of the human need it.
The Khmer empire had started from the 8th century until the 14th century.Reliefs carved in stone at the temple depicted :something about what the people ate, what clothes they wore, their domesticated animals,the games they played, the vessels they used for cooking, and the houses they lived in. The life in the countryside is probably quite similar to the past with little change in the basic methods and means of agrarian life.
The ancient Khmers had physical characteristics similar to the modern Cambodians. They were of medium height with black, often curly hair and had square-shaped faces with a broad forehead, a long straight nose with wide nostrils, and deep-set eyes: characteristics that can be seen in the faces of the warriors in the bas-reliefs around the Bayon.
Similarities in dress between the ancient and modern Cambodians are also apparent. A single, rectangular piece of cloth, about two metres in length and one metre wide, is worn by both men and women today in the same manner as is depicted on the reliefs. The practical and versatile garment( a sampot) is of woven cotton, although a sampot worn by royalty in the Angkor period was made of embroidered silk woven with gold and imported from China, Champa (Central Vietnam), or Siam. A woman wraps a cloth around her body in a manner that looks like a floor-length skirt and ties it gracefully in front or secures it with a belt at the waist. A man, on the other hand, draws the ends of the cloth up between his legs to form a pant-like garment. Today the male sampat is checked or striped whereas a woman wears a patterned one, often in a brightly coloured floral design.
In ancient times, both sexes wore elaborate jewellery consisting of necklaces, bracelets, and arm and ankle bands. The quantity and material of the jewellery depended on the status of the person wearing it.
During wet and dry seasons and the waxing and waning of the moon set the pattern for harvesting rice and catching fish, the two staples of the economy. To help natures provide the right balance of rain and to ensure abundant and fruitful harvests, the spirits had to be propitiated. Rites and festivals coinciding with the full moon were held in ancient times just as today. The year begins in April with a New Year Festival. This raucous event drives away evil spirits and concurrently invokes good ones with parades, boat-races, dances, and, above-all, merit-making, offering food, lustral water, and other beneficient things to the spirits, the gods, and the Buddha.
Although the Khmers never adopted the caste system of India they did have classes of society. The king was at the top of the echelon. A successful king ensured the prosperity of the kingdom and passed it on to his ancestors. His protective power was omnipotent and encompassed the people, state, law and soil. This factor was so important [hat the reign-names of successive kings included the honorary suffix varman (‘armour') which was later extended to mean 'protection' or 'protector'. Each king built a state temple, other monuments dedicated to his ancestors, a palace, and a baray-all as physical expressions of his power and protection over his people and his kingdom.
Most people are aware of their tendency to overload on work or
information but simply don’t know what to do to get their life back to a
healthy balance.
Being successful isn’t only about your career and your possessions, it’s
about waking up every day and feeling good about the person you are and the
life that you have created.
Many people are searching for ways to achieve positive and lasting change
both in and out of work.
So what are the secrets to a healthy work life balance in a busy and
demanding world? Here are the Top 5 ways you can get the life you deserve.
1. WORK AT BEING AN OPTIMIST AND TAKE ACTION.
Take a positive attitude to life, get out and do things. Make things happen
and take action.
2. HAVE A STRONG SELF BELIEF.
Believe in your potential to create the life you really want for you and
your family.
3. EXERCISE REGULARLY AND EAT WELL.
Your physiology directly influences the quality of your life.
4. VISUALISE HAPPY ENDINGS, SCHEDULE FUN AND KEEP LIFE SIMPLE.
Make time to enjoy life. To laugh. To take time out.
5. FIND PERSPECTIVE.
Take the helicopter view to see the big picture and delegate if you can’t do
it all yourself.
1. "War ends only when people love each other." -Buddha.
2. " Our life is the creation of our mind." -Buddha.
3. "Our body is precious. It is a vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care." -Buddha.
4. "To stop suffering, stop greediness. Greediness is a source of suffering."-Buddha.
5. "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them,humanity cannot survive."-Buddha
6. " Three things cannot be long hidden: The Sun, The Moon and The Truth." -Buddha
7. " May all that have life be delivered from suffering."- Buddha.
8. "Wherever you live is your temple, if you treat it like one."- Buddha
9. "If the mind be fixed on the acquirement of any object, that object will be attained." - Buddha
10. "If a man's mind becomes pure, his surroundings will also become pure." - Buddha
11. "Not to do any evil; to cultivate good; to purify one's heart" - Buddha
12. "You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." - Buddha
13. "If you want to know the past, look at your present life. If you want to know the future, look at your present." - Buddha
14. "Your suffering is my suffering and your happiness is my happiness."-Buddha.
15. "To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance."- Buddha
16. "What you are now is what you have been, what you will be is what you do now." -Buddha.
17. "Do not think lightly of good, that nothing will come of it. A whole water pot will fill up from dripping drops of water."- Buddha.
18. In this world, hate never dispelled hate. Only love dispels hate. This is the law,ancient and inexhaustible.You too shall pass away.Knowing this, how can you quarrel?" -Buddha
19. "Let your diet be spare, your wants moderate, your needs few. So, living modestly, with no distracting desires, you will find content."-Buddha
20. "Long is the night to the sleepless; long is the mile to the tired; long is life to the foolish, who know not Truths."-Buddha
21. "Better than chanting a thousand words in a dead language is one soothing word spoken in the vernacular."-Buddha
22. "He who wrongs the innocent must bear the fruit of his act, like dust flung against the wind."-Buddha
23. "Like a beautiful flower, full of colour but without scent, are the empty words of him who does not act accordingly.- "Buddha
24. "It is impossible for a man who is bogged to extricate another who is bogged."-Buddha
25. "Offensive acts come back upon the evil doer, like dust that is thrown against the wind."-Buddha
26. "Wisdom makes light the darkness of ignorance."-Buddha
27. "As solid rock remains unmoved by the wind, so the wise remain unmoved by blame and praise."-Buddha
28. "The holy man is beyond time, he does not depend on any view nor subscribe to any sect; all current theories he understands, but he remains unattached to any of them. "-Buddha
29. "Overcome anger by love, ill-will by good will; overcome the greedy with liberality, the liar with truth. "-Buddha
30. "When a man speaks or acts with ill-will suffering follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the bullock that draws the wagon."-Buddha
31. "They who imagine truth in untruth and see untruth in truth will never arrive at the truth."-Buddha
32. "Unkind people spread malicious tales, and well-intentioned people also censure; but in either case the tranquil sage remains unconcerned. Nowhere is there to be found a disconcerted sage."-Buddha
33. "If you can keep as silent as a broken gong, then you have attained, when you know no anger."-Buddha
34. "He who, calm and clear as the moon, hankers no more for continuity-he is holy."-Buddha
35. "Better than a long speech is a single quietening word."-Buddha
36. "Men give up one thing to take up another, but in spite of numerous changes they do not find peace. They are no better than monkeys who let go one bough to take hold of another, only to let it go again."-Buddha
37. "The man who conquers himself is superior to him who conquers a thousand men in battle."-Buddha
38. "You speak or act with a corrupted heart then suffering follows; like the wheel follows the track of the ox."-Buddha
39. "Silence is an empty space, space is the home of the awakened mind."-Buddha
40. "Flower and thorn are in the same stem."-Buddha
41. "He who slings mud loses ground."- Buddha
42. "He who lives by the sword eats with bloody hands"-Buddha
43. "What's done to the children is done to society."- Buddha
44. "A truly wise man does not play leapfrog with a unicorn."- Buddha
45. " One who is unrestrained in life-delusion overcomes; as the wind a weak tree."-Buddha
46. "Decay is inherent in all compounded things. Work out your salvation with diligence."-Buddha
47. "He who forsees calamities suffers them twice over."-Buddha
48. "To light a candle is to cast a shadow."-Buddha
49. " If a string has one end, it has another." - Buddha
50. "Sound health is the greatest of gifts, contentedness the greatest of riches, trust the greatest of qualities, cessation (of continuity) the highest goal."-Buddha
51. "Thoughtfulness is the way to deathlessness, thoughtlessness the way to death. The thoughtful do not die: the thoughtless are as if dead already."-Buddha
52. "We will be thankful and grateful. Not even the last thing that is done for us shall be forgotten." - Buddha
53. " All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else."-Buddha
54. " Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace." -Buddha
55. " A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker."- Buddha
56. " Never see what has been done; only see what remains to be done."- Buddha
57. " All wrong-doing arises because of unstable mind."- Buddha.
58. " To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent."- Buddha
59. " Ambition is like love, impatient both of delays and rivals."- Buddha
60. " To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance."-Buddha
61. " Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind."- Buddha
62. " In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true."- Buddha
63. " The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground." - Buddha
64. " Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loves by the good."- Buddha
65. " Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill." - Buddha
66. " When you plays with fire with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." - Buddha
67. " An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind."- Buddha
68. " However many holy words you read. However many holy words you speak. What good will they do you if you do not act on upon them? " -Buddha
69. " The tongue like a sharp knife, kills without drawing blood."- Buddha
70. " There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting."- Buddha
71. " Every human being is the author of his own health or disease." - Buddha
72. " Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others." - Buddha
73. " Life is suffering." - Buddha.
74. " It is easy to see the faults of others, but difficult to see one own faults. One shows the faults of other like chaff winnowed in the win, but one conceals one's own faults as a cunning gambler conceals his dice." - Buddha.
75. "No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path."- Buddha.
76. "Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others."-Buddha.
77. "Inflamed by greed, incensed by hate, confused by delusion, overcome by them, obsessed by mind, a man chooses for his own affliction, for others' affliction, for the affliction of both and experiences pain and grief."- Buddha.
78. "Keeping away for all evil deeds, cultivation of life by doing good deeds and purification of mind from mental impunities."- Buddha.
79. " There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills." - Buddha
80. " To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightement, and all wisdom and virture will naturally come to him." - Budda
81. " It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles."- Buddha
82. " In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves."- Buddha
83. Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."- Buddha
84. " A generous heart, kind speech, and compassion are the things which renew humanity."- Buddha
85. " Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace."-Buddha
86. " Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."-Buddha
87. " If a man lives a pure life nothing can destroy him/her." -Buddha
88. " There are five things which no one is able to accomplish in this world: First, to cease growing old when he is growing old. Second, to cease being sick. Third, to cease dying. Fourth, to deny dissolution when there is dissolution. Fifth, to deny non-being." - Buddha
89. " It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways."- Buddha
90. " Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life."- Buddha
91. " This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness, And who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, Straightforward and gentle in speech. Humble and not conceited, Contented and easily satisfied. Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways. Peaceful and calm, and wise and skillful, Not proud and demanding in nature. Let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove."-Buddha.
92. "Meditate. Live purely. Be humble. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine!"
- Buddha, 568-488 BC, Founder of Buddhism.
93. "Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk."-Dalai Lama
94. "When you lose, don't lose lesson."-Dalai Lama
95. "Follow the three Rs. Respect for self, respect for others responsibility for all your actions."-Dalai Lama
96. "Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck."-Dalai Lama
97. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly."-Dalai Lama
98. "Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship."-Dalai Lama
99. "When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it."-Dalai Lama
100. "Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values."-Dalai Lama
101. "Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer."-Dalai Lama
102. "Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back you'll be able to enjoy it a second time."-Dalai Lama
103. "A Loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life."-Dalai Lama
104. "In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past."-Dalai Lama
105. "Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality."-Dalai Lama
106. "Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other."-Dalai Lama
107. "Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it."-Dalai Lama
108. "Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon."-Dalai Lama
109. "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." - Dalai Lama.
Kindness is the basic building block that binds people together. Read these 27 Kindness Quotes to inspire you to express kindness to others.
1.A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.-William Arthur Ward
2.Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.-Lao Tzu
3.Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.-Samuel Johnson
4.Kindness and a generous spirit go a long way. And a sense of humour. It’s like medicine – very healing.-Max Irons
5.Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.-Franklin D. Roosevelt
6.My religious philosophy is kindness. Try to be kind. That’s something worth achieving.-Perce Brosnan
7.Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.-Lucius Annaeus Seneca
8.A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.-Joseph Joubert
9.The catch phrase for the day is ‘Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.’-Harvey Ball
10.Kindness and faithfulness keep a king safe, through kindness his throne is made secure.-King Solomon
11.Kindness is the sunshine in which virtue grows.-Robert Green Ingersoll
12.The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.-Charles Kuralt
13.There’s nothing so kingly as kindness, and nothing so roll as truth.-Alice Cary
14.Remember there’s no such things as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.-Scott Adams
15.A word of kindness is seldom spoken in vain, while witty sayings are as easily lost as the pearls slipping from a broken string.-George Dennison Prentice
16.What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?-Jean-Jacques Rousseau
17.Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.-Eric Hoffer
18.Kindness is ever the begetter of kindness.-Sophocles
19.A kindness received should be returned with a freer hand.-Saint Ambrose
20.Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.-Albert Schweitzer
21.Ask yourself: Have you been kind today? Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world.-Annie Lennox
22.I like kindness. Who doesn’t? Life is definitely too short for self-centered, abusive people.-Ellen Greene
23.Kindness is always fashionable, and always welcome.-Amelia Barr
24.Try to exercise gentleness, kindness and humour, and you cannot go far wrong.-Sophie Winkleman
25.The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.-Sarah Fielding
26.Kindness in ourselves is the honey that blunts the sting of unkindness in another.-Walter Savage Landor
27.Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.-Mark Twain
Do you believe in yourself? Remind yourself of what true confidence means with these 25 Confidence Quotes.
1. Confidence is like “Show up in every single moment like you’re meant to be there.”
2. Confidence is not ‘they will like me’. Confidence is ‘I’ll be fine if they don’t’.
3. Self confidence is a super power. Once you start to believe in yourself, magic starts happening.
4. I am who I am. Not who you think I am. Not who you want me to be. I am me.
5. Coffee in one hand. Confidence in the other.
6. Your energy introduces you before you even speak.
7. Stop doubting yourself. Work hard, and make it happen.
8. Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.
9. Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.
10. People who repeatedly attack your confidence and self-esteem are quite aware of your potential, even if you are not.
11. Be yourself. People don’t have to like you and you don’t have to care.
12. I am confident because I can admit who I am, what I’ve done, and love myself for who I’ve become.
13. Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.-Helen Keller
14. The most beautiful things you can wear is confidence.-Blake Lively
15. When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.-Joe Namath
16. If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.
17. Confidence comes from discipline and training.
18. Girl power is about loving yourself and having confidence and strength from within, so even if you’re not wearing a sexy outfit, you feel sexy.
19. I have a confidence about my life that comes from standing tall on my own two feet.-Jane Fonda
20. It’s all about confidence and how you feel about yourself. There’s no such thing as a perfect woman, I like imperfections – that’s what makes you unique.-Hayley Hasselhoff
21. With confidence, you have won before you have started.-Marcus Garvey
22. Have confidence in everything. No matter what it is that you’re doing, know that you can do it better than anyone.
23. Confidence isn’t walking into a room with your nose in the air, and thinking you are better than everyone else. It’s walking in to a room and not having to compare yourself to anyone else in the first place.
24. No one is you and that is your power.
25. It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.
I think that most of us know by now that water is essential to our survival. We’ve probably also all heard doctors say that drinking roughly eight glasses a day is ideal. However, what most people don’t know is that warm water and hot water have some exclusive benefits of their own that you just can’t get when you drink water cold. Here are 12 benefits of drinking hot water:
1. Weight Loss
Hot water is great for maintaining a healthy metabolism, which is what you want if you’re trying to shed a few kilos. The best way to do this is to kick start your metabolism early in the morning with a glass of hot water and lemon. As an added bonus, hot water will help to break down the adipose tissue (aka body fat) in your body.
2. Assists with Nasal and Throat Congestion
Drinking hot water is an excellent natural remedy for colds, coughs and a sore throat. It dissolves phlegm and also helps to remove it from your respiratory tract. As such, it can provide relief from a sore throat. It also helps in clearing nasal congestion.
3. Menstrual Cramps
Hot water can also aid in diminishing menstrual cramps. The heat of the water has a calming and soothing effect on the abdominal muscles, which eventually can help to cure cramps and spasms.
4. Body Detoxification
Hot water is fantastic for helping your body to detox. When you drink hot water, your body temperature begins to rise, which results in sweat. You want this to happen because it helps to release toxins from your body and cleanse it properly. For optimal results, add a squeeze of lemon before drinking.
5. Prevents Premature Aging
There’s a reason you should want to clear your body of toxins: they make you age faster. Also, drinking hot water helps to repair the skin cells that increase the elasticity of your skin and are affected by harmful free radicals. Subsequently, your damaged skin becomes smoother.
6. Prevents Acne and Pimples
The benefits for your skin just keep on coming. Hot water deep cleanses your body and eliminates the root causes of acne-related infections.
7. Hair Health and Vitality
Drinking hot water is also good for obtaining soft, shiny hair. It energizes the nerve endings in your hair roots and makes them active. This is beneficial for getting back the natural vitality of your hair and keeping it healthy.
8. Promotes Hair Growth
Activating the roots of your hair has another added benefit—growth! The hot water promotes the regular activity of the roots and subsequently accelerates the growth of your hair.
9. Prevents Dandruff
Hot water keeps your scalp hydrated and helps fight against dry scalp or dandruff.
10. Enhances Blood Circulation and Promotes A Healthy Nervous System
Another important benefit of drinking hot water is that it enhances your blood circulation, which is important for proper muscle and nerve activity. In addition, it keeps your nervous system healthy by breaking down the fat deposits around it.
11. Digestion
Hot water is particularly beneficial for digestion. Studies have shown that drinking cold water during or after a meal can harden the oil present in the consumed foods. This can create a fat deposit on the inner wall of your intestine, which can eventually result in intestinal cancer. However, if you replace the glass of cold water with hot, you can avoid this problem. In addition, hot water is beneficial to digestion, which is what you want after a meal.
12. Bowel Movements
Speaking of digestion, hot water can help to keep you regular, as well as make your bowel movements healthy and pain free. Dehydration can result in chronic problems with constipation. As the stool gets accumulated inside your intestine, the movement of the bowel becomes slower. It is always recommended that you consume a glassful of hot or warm water every morning when your stomach is empty. It decomposes any remnant foodstuffs and makes the movement of the particles smooth and less painful through the intestine.
His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is the son of His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, former King of Cambodia and of Her Majesty Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk of Cambodia.
King Sihamoni's selection was endorsed by Prime Minister Hun Sen and National Assembly Speaker Prince Norodom Ranariddh (the new king's brother), both members of the throne council.
He was crowned in Phnom Penh on October 29. Born on Thursday 14 May 1953, in Phnom Penh, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is the son of His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, King of Cambodia and of Her Majesty Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk of Cambodia. Sihamoni remains a bachelor and has no children, which means he does not have a direct successor if one were to be required.
However, this should not be a problem as the King in Cambodia is selected by the throne council. Norodom Sihamoni speaks Khmer, French, Czech, English and Russian. He is the first Czech speaking monarch after Ferdinand I of Austria.
1.Education Background
1959-1962: Primary schooling at the Norodom school and then at the Descartes high school in Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
1962-1967: Primary and Secondary schooling at Prague's high school (Czechoslovakia)
1967-1971: Dance, music and theatre courses at the National Conservatory of Prague
1970: High school certificate -Prague (with "very good" marks)
1971: First prize course of classical dance of the National Conservatory of Prague
1971-1975: Higher dance, music and theatre courses, Academy of Musical Art of Prague
1975: Graduated from the Academy of Musical Art of Prague
1975: Author of a thesis on the conception and administration of artistic schools in Cambodia
1975-1976: Higher studies of Cinematography in the D.P.R. of Korea
1976-1979: Prisoner of the Khmer Rouge along with his parents and his younger brother, H.R.H Prince Norodom NarinDrapong
1979-1980: Served his father in exile abroad as his Private Secretary
1981-2000: Professor of classical dance and artistic pedagogy at the Marius Petipa conservatory, the Gabriel Faure conservatory and the W.A. Mozart conservatory of the city of Paris
1984-1988: President of the Khmer dance association in France and director general and artistic director of the ballet group "Deva"
1988-1993: Director general and artistic director of the Khmer cinematographic corporation "Khemara Pictures". H.M. Norodom Sihamoni, then Prince, has produced two creations (Ballet-Films): Dream and the 4 Elements
1992-1993: Chosen unanimously by the members of the Supreme National Council of Cambodia to be permanent representative of Cambodia to the United Nations
1993-2004: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Unesco
2004: Member of the High Council of French-Speaking Countries (Francophonie)
1st Feb 1994: Elevated by H.M. the King to the rank of Sdech Krom Khun (Great Prince)
17 Oct 2003: Appointed high privy Councillor to His Majesty the King
31 Aug 2004:Elevated by H.M the King to the Rank of SAMDECH PREAH BAROMNEATH
14 Oct 2004: Elected unanimously by the members of the throne council as King of Cambodia to succeed his august father who has decided to retire
2.Languages:
Khmer, fluent in French and Czech, good English and Russian
3.Decorations:
- Grand cross of the Royal order of Cambodia
- Grand cross of the Royal order of Monisaraphon (Cambodia)
Thearavada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia which is practiced by 95 percent of the population-- just like that of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka. However, Christianity and Cham Muslim are being active and popular among a large number of population as well in the capital and provinces, showing a sign of growth. Daoism and Confuism are also commonly practiced among the Chinese people.
Buddhist monks are highly disciplined and must follow 227 rules in addition to the ten basic precepts of being a good Buddhist. Monks cannot take part in entertainment. They lead simple lives dedicated to Buddhism and the temple.
Buddhists see the universe and all life as part of a cycle of eternal change. They follow the teaching of Buddha, an Indian prince born in the sixth century B.C. Buddhists believe that a person is continually reborn, in human or nonhuman form, depending on his or her actions in a previous life. They are released from this cycle only when thy reach nirvana, which may be attained by achieving good karma through earning merit and following the Buddhist path of correct living.
Earning merit is an important of Buddhist life. Buddhists in Cambodia earn merit by giving money, goods, and labor to the temples, or by providing one of the two daily meals of the monks.
Children often look after the fruits trees and vegetable gardens inside their local wat, or temple. Boys can earn merit by becoming temple servants or novice monks for a short time. Most young men remain monks for less than a year.
Traveling in Cambodia is easy and there are many different ways to go from A to B. Both, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are famous for their oversupply on Remok’s and motorbikes. When leaving the hotel or restaurant most of the time there a driver will already be waiting for you. In the smaller cities where not so many tourists can be found Remok’s are rather rare. Still, supposedly any other Cambodian owns a motorbike so there will always be the possibility to go around the cities.
A visit to Cambodia wouldn’t be complete if you hadn’t done an overland through the country and to do this there are a lot of possibilities. Today there are operated flights from Phnom to Siem Reap almost every 4 hours and for those who like an airfare can also charter a helicopter from either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap to Sihanoukville or any other destination in Cambodia. Frankly the more interesting way of traveling throughout the country is overland by car or bus.
For tourists who would like to try the public local transport – which is an opportunity to get to know the country from a different perspective - it is always being advised to book two seats in a bus or even a taxi in order to get the least bit of comfort as the front seat in a taxi for example would have to be shared if not booked exclusively.
For those who are really looking for an adventure a train rides through the country it is. The railway network has been installed by the French almost 100 years ago and hasn’t probably been renovated yet. A ride therefore is really bumpy and trains often have a lot of delay facing problems like cows, people, or smaller bamboo trains on the road.
A.TRAVEL TIPS
- Where to go in Cambodia?
Most visitors fly in to Siem Reap, visit the Temples of Angkor, and then leave the country. This is a real shame as the rest of the country is filled with fantastic natural beauty and historic temples. So, depending on how long you have and where your interests like, the guide below can help you plan your trip.
To truly experience Cambodia, you need to spend a few weeks traveling around. Natural attractions range from the northeastern jungles, to the lovely beaches of Sihanoukville, and the mighty rivers that cut across the country. Our staff and guides are enthusiastic about their country of residence and are more than happy to help you plan a journey perfectly suited to your needs. Whether you seek luxury travel, an adventurous journey, or a classic tour of Cambodia’s main sites Global Travel & Tours knows the best program for your holiday.
- When to go in Cambodia?
The winter months (October to February) are the best time to travel to Cambodia as the air is cool and the skies are clear. However, the dust at this time of year can be irritating and the crowds at the Angkor temples are at their highest numbers. March to May sees hotter temperatures and dry skies, and the heat continues in to June through August when the monsoon season starts. The rains, however, do not usually cause a major problem for travelers as they tend to be short- but hard- afternoon showers.
The Cambodian water festival in October is a lively affair with 3 days of dragon boat racing taking place in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and Buddhist New Year in April sees families gathering at temples to celebrate. Although both are spectacular events, several restaurants and shops are closed meaning slight disruptions may occur in your travel plans.
B.General Advice on Travelling in Cambodia
- Official name: Kingdom of Cambodia
- Area: 181,035 square kilometers
- Monarch: HM Preah Borom Moneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia
- Religion: Theravada Buddhism: official religion; Islam (500,000); Christianity (125,000)
- Provinces: 23 provinces
- Currency & Exchange
- The local currency is the Riel; however, in Phnom Penh and most major tourist destinations, almost all goods and services are calculated and paid for in the US currency. The rate of exchange (at time of printing) is approximately 4,000.- Riels to one U.S. Dollar. Credit cards, traveler’s checks and currencies other than U.S. Dollars are accepted only at a few places such as major hotels, at some foreigner-owned restaurants and at some souvenir shops. It is best to carry U.S. Dollars in small denominations. Automatic Teller Machine Service (ATM) is offered by ANZ Royal Bank, Cambodian Public Bank, SBC Bank and Canadia Bank. ATMs accept all major credit cards and can be found at various places in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang and Sihanoukville.
C.Customs and Formalities
Regulations are relaxed and simple formalities should be observed when entering the country. Every traveler has to complete a customs declaration form during the arrival flight and must submit it on arrival.
Any amount of foreign currency can be brought into Cambodia, but the amount of Cambodian currency must not exceed 100.000 Riels per person.
Tourist and non-resident carrying over USD 10.000 in cash or its equivalent must declare so in order to ensure they will be allowed to exit the country with that amount.
A Global Travel & Tours will meet travelers at the exit of the airport building, after airport immigration and customs control points have been passed. For easy recognition, our representative will display a sign with the names of the guests or group. It also will be this representative who will be in possession of tickets for ongoing flights of the clients. Should clients have bought international tickets with us they will receive them on their departure day.
D.Domestic Flights
Cambodia has a domestic service to some provincial towns in the country; with the focus on Cambodia Angkor Air and Siem Reap Airway operate continuous air services between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with up to six flights in each direction during the high season between November and February.
During the quieter months of June-September scheduled services drops to four in each direction. ATR 72s & Boeing 717s are currently in service on these routes.
E.Festivals, Ceremonies & Public Holidays
- Mid April: Bonn Chaul Chhnam (Khmer New Year)The New Year’s festival spans three days following the end of the harvest season. Khmers clean and decorate their houses with altars for offerings. Then they play traditional games such as Angkunh, Chaol Chhoung, Leak Kansaeng and tug of war.
- 13 - 15 May: HM the King’s birthdayThe newly appointed King His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodaom Sihamoni celbrates his birthday with a three day public holiday.
- May: Bonn Chroat Preah NongkoalThe Royal Plowing Ceremony is the inauguration of the planting season. The plowing ceremony is performed by a man. King of Meakh, who leads the yoke and plough, followed by a woman, Queen Me Hour, who sows seeds. After thrice circling the rice field, the procession stops at a chapel where Brahmins invoke the protection of the Gods. The sacred cows are unharnessed and guided to seven silver trays containing rice, corn and other foods. Based on their choice, predictions are made for the coming year.
End of September/early October: Bonn Dacca Ben & Bonn Pchoum Ben The Spirits Commemoration Festival is held for the spirits of the dead. Bonn Dak Ben – the offering of food to the monks – lasts for 15 days. The 15 day of the ceremony – the full moon – is called Bonn Phchoum Ben, the collection of the bens (offerings). During this celebration, if departed souls do not find their family making offering at a Wat, it is believed that the soul is cursed and will bother the descendent throughout the year.
- October: Bonn KathenThe 29-day religious festival is marked by town and country folks marching in procession to the Wat where the Monks are waiting to change their old saffron robes for new ones offered during the festival. The ceremony brings spiritual merit to both lay people and the monks.
- 31 October - 1 November: HM the retired King’s birthdayHis Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Norodom Sihanouk Varman, the retired King of Cambodia, was born on 31 October 1922 in Phnom Penh. Every year his birthday is celebrated in regal fashion and the entire nation joins in to honour their King.
- 9 November: Independence Day Independence Day, the date Cambodia achieved independence from France in 1953, is marked by a parade with floats and spectacles highlighting the nation’s achievements.
Early November: Bonn Om Touk (Water Festival)The Water Festival, which ushers in the fishing season and marks the reversing of the current in the Tonle Sap River, is a spectacle to behold. At the height of the rainy season, the water in the Mekong River flows with such power that it backs up into the Tonle Sap River, forcing the Tonle Sap to reverse its current and begin flowing northward to the Great Lake. As the water level begins to subside, the current reserves again. The festival draws tens of thousands of people to the river banks to watch longboat races, fireworks and a lighted flotilla of boats under the full moon.
F.Food/Cuisine
Khmer cuisine is closely related to those in neighboring Thailand and Laos, although it is not as spicy. Curries, stir-fried vegetables, rice, noodles and soups are staples of the Khmer diet. Fresh river fish and shellfish are both abundant and delicious. Western food is provided only in the major cities although other Asian dishes are widely available. Cambodia is well known in the region for its Prahoc, a strong, fermented fish paste used in a variety of traditional dishes. Tap water should never be drunk. Bottled mineral water and bottled drinking water are available in all reputable hotels and restaurants. Similarly, salad and fruit served at these establishments are safe.
G.General Advice
Drink lots of water. Purified, bottled water is available everywhere. Never drink tap water. Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes. It is the only way to be sure of protection against mosquito-borne diseases.
Since Cambodia has a hot and humid tropical climate, casual and lightweight clothing is best. Clothing made from natural fibers is the best option. A jacket might be needed on cool winter evenings or in hotels and restaurants using excessive air-conditioning.
A hat and high-factor sun block is advisable as protection against the hot sun when sightseeing outdoors.
When visiting temples or pagodas, including those of the Angkor complex, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes (as well as hats) are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. For visits to the Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds, visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts.
Color standard film (such as Kodak, Konica or Fuji), slide film, video film and camera batteries are widely available. Photos are inexpensive to process in the country. Any specialized photo or video equipment should be brought with you. Photography and video in airports, railway stations and near any military installations is forbidden and discretion should be used when photographing people, particularly monks and those in hill tribes.
H.Health
Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee that they will be available in Cambodia.
I.International Flights
Direct flights to Phnom Penh are available from Bangkok, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Nanning, Pakse, Seoul-Incheon, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei and Vientiane. Airlines currently serving Phnom Penh are Air Asia, Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, China Airlines,
China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Dragon Air, Eva Air, Jetstar Asia, Korean Air, Lao Aviation, Malaysia Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Silk Air, Air France, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines.
Direct flights to Siem Reap are available from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Danang, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Pusan, Seoul-Incheon, Singapore, Taipei and Vientiane. Airlines currently serving Siem Reap are Air Asia, Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Jetstar Asia, Korean Air, Lao Aviation, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Air and Vietnam Airlines.
J.Language
Khmer is the official language. It is inherited from the Mon-Khmer family and enriched by the Indian Pali and the Sanskrit languages. There are various dialects spoken in areas outside Phnom Penh. English is the second language, followed by French, even though they are not widely spoken except in the capital.
K.Passport and Visas
Immigration formalities are quicker when travelers already possess their visa. However, Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. For USD 20 all travelers can obtain a tourist visa valid for 30 days upon arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, in Aranyaprathet (Poipet border crossing), at the Bavet / Moc Bai border crossing coming from Ho Chi Minh City, at Kaom Samnor Mekong River, at Phnom Den (Takeo) / Tinh Bien (Chau Doc), at Trapeang Plong (Kampong Cham) / Xa Mat (Tay Ninh) crossing points between Vietnam and Cambodia at Prek Chaak (Kampot province) / Xa Xia (Ha Tien province), at O-Ya Dao (Rattanakiri) / Le Thanh (Pleiku) visa up on arrival is available on Cambodian side. At Cham Yeam (Koh Kong) / Hat Lek (Trat) coming from Thailand, at the border crossing of Chrok Prom (Pailin), at Poipet (Battambang province), also in the Battambang province at the border crossing opposite Ban Laem and at O’Smach in the Anlong Veng district in Odor Mean Chey province as well as coming overland from Laos (Dông Kralor land border crossing) visa on arrival can be obtained.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the visit and one passport photo are needed. For travelers joining a Diethelm Cambodia tour departing from Bangkok, visas can be arranged there within two working days. Every traveler has to complete an immigration and a customs form during the arrival flight or upon arrival.
Visitors can also apply for a tourist visa on the internet. Valid ports of entry and exit for e-Visa holders are:
All ports are equipped with the latest version of terminal system and there will be a special e-Visa lane in each port. For more information and to apply for e-Visa, please log on to www.mfaic.gov.kh
L.Safety
After years of political and social upheaval, Cambodia now enjoys relative stability. Continuing efforts are made to reconstruct the country from decades of war, to upgrade the infrastructure (roads, bridges, airports etc) and to ensure security. Cambodia is now once again safe for travel.
M.Shopping
There is a wide variety of items available for purchase in Cambodia.
The country was once well known for its superior silk weaving, metal work and woodcarving. After decades of neglect, many of these arts are being revived. Visitors can find silver items, jewelry, gems, colorful cloth for sarong and hols (variegated silks), wood carving, paper maché masks, stone copies of ancient Khmer art, brass and bronze figurines and oil paintings in the different markets and shops on main avenues. The traditional clothing for both men and women is the krama, a long, narrow checked silk or cotton cloth available in most markets and shops.
Jewelry is generally not up to international standards for design and workmanship and buyers should use caution when purchasing gold and gems, many gems are fake and we recommend not following anybody’s recommendations. The export of antiques is subject to approval of the Ministry of Culture. Bargaining is essential for all souvenirs shopping, if travelers are to obtain reasonable prices.
N.Tipping
Tipping for service is not expected in Cambodia but is most certainly appreciated. A tip of one or two dollars for a meal or $US1 to a cyclo driver can be a substantial bonus in a country where the annual average income is less than $US300! You should tip at your own discretion however we recommend you allow $US15 per day for your guide and $US10 for your driver.
The Kingdom of Cambodia has seen some turbulent times in the latter half of the 20th century but now, once again it is at peace and is set to take its place as one of South East Asia’s most fascinating and rewarding destinations.
Cambodia lies in the heart of South-East Asia bordering Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north and Thailand in the west. Despite being much smaller than its neighbors Cambodia’s unique Indian-influenced Khmer culture has remained very much intact. The once mighty Khmer Empire flourished during the Angkorian period between the 9th and 14th centuries when it was the cultural centre of the region and exerted its influence over Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. For many of today’s travellers the incredible architectural legacy left from this period of history, the temples of Angkor are without doubt the main reason for visiting Cambodia. The base for exploring the temples of Angkor is the provincial capital, Siem Reap.
The modern day capital of Cambodia is Phnom Penh, once considered one of the most beautiful cities of the Orient; it still retains much of its original charm with the exotic roof lines of Khmer temples contrasting with some classic European architecture from the French colonial years. Sihanoukville, also known as Kompong Som, is a beach resort on the Gulf of Thailand that is now beginning to attract visitors in increasing numbers.
Nobody leaves Cambodia disappointed. The exotic land of the Angkor Kings lies waiting to be explored.
A.Location and Geography
Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, on the Indochinese peninsula. It is bordered in the north-west by Thailand, in the southeast by Vietnam and in the north by Laos. The coastline of about 450 km in the south borders the gulf of Thailand. The terrain is mostly low and flat plains with mountains in the southwest and north, partly being natural borders to Thailand and Laos.
With a total landmass of about 180,000 square kilometers Cambodia’s size can be compared to the size of Switzerland being one of the smaller countries in Southeast Asia with a population of around 14 million. The Mekong River, one of the largest rivers in the world is flowing all the way from the Himalaya through Cambodia and Vietnam into the South Chinese Sea.
Lake Tonle Sap located almost in the middle of the country is the largest freshwater floodplain lake in the world, increasing and decreasing in size annually from 3000 square km in the dry season to 12,000 square km in the wet season, creating a very productive environment for both wildlife and people.
B.Khmer History
There are barely nations to find in the world which are so closely connected to their history as the Khmer. Despite their sad and destructive history of war and terror regimes the Khmer haven’t lost their self confidence regarding themselves as the descendants of the artificers of Angkor.
From the high ruling royal culture of the Angkorian times to the riots and wars with Vietnam, Thailand and the US, Cambodia has gone through a lot of different phases in their history.
The bloom of Cambodia, the time of Angkor from the late 9th century until the middle of the 15th century, with its amazing temples and cities like Angkor Thom, a royal metropolis with more than a million inhabitants, Cambodia used to be one of the early high powers in Southeast Asia, a proud and free country.
Successful and capable emperors were ruling over metropolis with more than a million inhabitants, unique dimensions all over the world for the ancient era. Not to mention Angkor Wat a stunning temple and tomb for king Suryavarman II, builder of many of the ancient temples and masterpieces of that time, which are even today popular all over the world.
After the fall of the Angkorian empire Cambodia has always been endangered to be conquered and taken over by either Vietnam or Thailand. Due to this one could almost speak of a historical period regarding the still continuing tensions between these countries.
If the French hadn’t declared Cambodia their protectorate in 1863 surely Cambodia would be split among Thailand and Vietnam nowadays.
The almost 100 years of French reign over Cambodia helped the country to gain peace and blossom out again. Not only typical art-deco houses and villas were built, but also a complete railroad network throughout Cambodia linking the east to the west and the north to the south.
Sihanoukville at the coastline was discovered to become “the Riviera of the east” being a sophisticated retreat for the French and rich Khmer.
The capital of Phnom Penh developed and became one the most ambitious metropolis in Southeast Asia.
Followed by the upcoming communism in the 1950’s in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia sadly the country opened another dark chapter of history. However, communism wasn’t actually following the ideas of Marx’s or Lenin but can be regarded as nationalism against the colonial powers to loosen the chains.
Cambodia now even went through more problems and queries with their neighboring countries and the ruling of the Khmer Rouge.
Hopefully the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, which tried to wipe out the knowledge and the elite of the country by killing more than 2,000,000 innocents, was the last chapter hindering the proud nation of the Khmer to fully develop and regain the benefits of the past to be led into a new and bride future.
C.Art and Culture from Cambodia
Several generations share the same roof, the same rice and the same religion as life in Cambodia is mainly centered on family, food and faith.
Belonging to a family is more than we know in the western world; everyone from 3rd cousins to obscure aunts, as long as there is a bloodline there is a bond.
In Cambodia the people are very friendly and welcoming.
Religion is another very important column in the life of the Cambodians. Almost every house would have its own little shrine and everyone is very spiritual and praying not only at the shrines but also the temples and pagodas.
Therefore, the monks collecting donations in the street from the people – bowing in order to show their respect to the monks – is a very common picture all over the country.
D.Religion and Beliefs
To understand Cambodia one has to understand its religion.
Ninety five percent of the very religious and traditional population belongs to the Buddhism, affecting everyday life. Buddhist monks belong to the landscape in the big cities like Phnom Penh as much as they do to the countryside where they often fulfill the extra duty of being teacher and doctor besides being the spiritual guide.
In the mornings it is a common procedure that the monks will go from house to house to collect offers for the temples in order for the population to find spiritual healing.
The two main religious streams of Buddhism (Theravada & Mahayana) are both established in Cambodia where as the more popular Theravada-Buddhism is mainly spread among the Khmer.
Former practiced forms like natural religions and Brahmanism are still an important element of today’s beliefs of the Khmer. Deeply rooted ancestor worship and the belief in spirits are relics from the turn of the millennium more than a thousand years ago.
Also the Devaraya cult, belief in the god king, gives the king of Cambodia even today especially spiritual power and status.
Some people think of “being alone” as a bad thing. It either means you’re anti-social, or unwanted, neither of which are a good position to be in.But actually, being alone isn’t’ necessarily a bad thing, as there are a handful of benefits that emerge once you learn to embrace solitude.I’m not advocating you go all Tom Hanks in Cast Away, because no one can argue the benefits, and the joys, that come along with fulfilling relationships with other people.But I am saying that once you learn to enjoy being alone, you’re going to grow as a person.Below are ten amazing things that will happen in your life when you start to enjoy being alone.
1. You’ll get to recharge.
Often times when we’re surrounded by other people, we’re expending a lot of energy. Trying to keep others happy, make them laugh, soothe their egos, read their emotions, and all of the other rigors that come along with regular interaction.It can be mentally draining if you’re constantly connected to other people. A little alone time lets you recharge and take a break from the emotionally and mentally taxing job of constant interaction.
2. You’ll reflect more often.
Your life is always moving at a crazy fast pace. So fast in fact, that it’s probably rare when you have a moment alone to sit and reflect on your life.Being alone gives you the perfect opportunity for a little self reflection. Since you aren’t spending so much time processing the thoughts and feelings of others, it’s the best time to turn your focus inwards. Solitude provides the perfect environment for reflection.
3. You’ll get in touch with your own emotions.
Again, when you’re surrounded by other people all the time, you’re constantly trying to read, and cater to, the other persons’s emotions. So much so, that you could end up losing touch with your own.When you start to enjoy being alone, you’ll gain a greater perspective for your own emotions. You’ll create a deeper understanding of what makes you happy, what upsets you, and what saddens you.With that knowledge, it’s then easier to regulate your emotions. But it all starts with understanding how you feel, and that comes from a little bit of solitude.
4. You’ll start doing things you actually enjoy.
When you’re constantly in the company of other people, you’re always making compromises in order to find solutions that the entire group can enjoy. And unfortunately, the things you want most, may not always line up with what the group wants.So it’s easy to enjoy being alone once you realize that doing so gives you more freedom to do the things you actually want to do.
5. You’ll become more productive
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Being in the company of other people can be fun and entertaining, but it can also seriously affect your productivity. There are times when the company of other people acts as nothing more than a distraction from getting your work done.Time spent alone can be some of the most productive time in your life—mostly because there are less distractions, and you can just put your head down and get to work.
6. You’ll enjoy your relationships even more.
When you spend time alone on a regular basis, and eventually start to enjoy being alone, you’ll come to find that you also enjoy your relationships with other people even more.And that’s because the time spent alone gives you a greater appreciation for yourself.But it also let’s you appreciate all the great things that come from your relationships with other people, most of which you were oblivious to before.
7. You’ll feel more independent.
Once you enjoy being alone, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to actually be alone. And that naturally leads to you feeling more independent.You’ll no longer feel that anxiety, or burning desire for company, once you learn to enjoy being alone. You won’t feel the need for constant interaction with other people, or the anxiety associated with looking around and seeing no one but yourself.
8. You’ll get a break from constantly trying to keep other people happy.
Life is filled with relationships, and most relationships only last when both people are kept happy. And that can turn into a draining job depending who that relationship is with. Now, this does’t only apply to personal relationships, but every kind of relationship.Once you’re alone, the only person’s happiness you have to worry about in that moment, is your own. You can treat yourself to thing that makes you happy, but may have upset someone else.
9. You won’t have to apologize for anything.
When you start to enjoy being alone, you’ll quickly see that solitude means you don’t have to keep apologizing for what you’ve done. So often, we do things that end up upsetting other people, or hurting someone else’s feelings, and then have to quickly apologize for it.
But when you’re alone, you don’t have to apologize for anything. And that takes a lot of pressure out of most situations. You get to stop second guessing everything you say, or every move you make because you’re afraid someone is going to be offended, or saddened, and angered.
10. You’ll stop looking for validation.
So often we feel we the need to get the “OK” from our friends and family before we take action. We constantly look to other people for advice on what we should do next.Of course, there are times where it’s not only perfectly acceptable to ask for advice, but downright necessary. But there are also times where we’re perfectly capable of acting on our own, be we instead of looking to others for an answer.When you start to spend more time alone, you’ll learn to trust your instincts and make decisions without any third party validation.
