Cambodian Cultural Village: The Photos of Villages April 22, 2009

ភូមិខ្មែរ

Khmer Village

There are many types of houses in Khmer village such as house Peth, house Kantaing, house Raungdoeung, Sala Chan as a small pagoda… etc which are the main model houses of Khmer people, they make their living by farming, making palm sugar, rice storage, carving, weaving, crafting farm, making clay pot, fishing and popular games.

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ផ្ទះសេដ្ឋី

Millionaire House

Millionaire House, where for the ancient rich man stay, is an old style of Khmer construction that remains from OUDONG period up to now. The hold building of this house is using with very good quality equipment and wood. At here you will see the traditional Khmer style wedding ceremony.

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ភូមិអ្នកនេសាទ

Floating and Fishing Village

In the Southern of Siem Reap Province, there is Chong Khneas Village, Kampong Pluk located along the riverbank of Tonle Sap Lake. They make their living by fishing in normal form with the small boat or work for the farming in the floating field. They believe in Buddhism and before they went for fishing they like to pray for happiness and yielding as much of fish from the guardian spirit.

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ភូមិភ្នង

Phnorng Village

Phnorng people live in the Northeast of Mondulkiri Province where a lot of natural resources. Their houses are look Oval sharp with the roof droop close the land similar to the house in Africa. The principle in their life is growing crops, farming, and hunting. They believe in animism.

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សមាគមខ្មែរឯនាយសមុទ្រ

Khmer Association Oversea

Khmer people leave their country to live abroad especially in Califonia in USA.We show about life style, there are houses and Church and….

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ភូមិចិន

Chinese Village

Chinese people have been moved to live in Cambodia more than thousand years ago. Most of them are dealing small business, crop and vegetable; some of them are successful businessman. They believe in Buddhism.

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ភូមិក្រឺង

Kroeung Village

Kroeung people live in the Northeast of Cambodia in Rattanakiri province where plenty of natural resource. They make their living by hunting, husbandry, farming. They believe in animism. The girl has own right to choose the fiancé by herself.

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ភូមិចាម

Cham Village

Cham people live almost everywhere in Cambodia.They make their living by fishing, blacksmithing, the principle religion in Islam (Preah Allah).

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More beauty of these villages and culture, Go to Siem Reap, CAMBODIA

Wax Museum of Cultural Village in Cambodia April 21, 2009

Cambodian Cultural Villages has two museums that exhibit the well-know persons of Cambodia since the century until the present such as queen, king, general army, ambassador, monk, ethnic minority, movie star, Apsara dance and the way of how Angkor Wat temple was built by ancient Khmer, Khmer lifestyle during the Angkorian period and the breath-taking human figures with various paints. There are more than thirty wax statues that show about the development of Cambodian Cultural from the first century up to 20th century.

Lieou ye

First queen leaded in the period of Nokor Funan in the 1 st century.

King Jayavaraman VII and His Princess Indradevy

He restored Angkor Wat temple, and built Bayon Temple and many more.

Krola Hom

General Army in 16th Century, and fighting against Siam Army.

Zhou Da Guan

Chinese Ambassador in 13th Century. He wrote a lot of documents about Khmer tradition and history ( Chenla Period ).

King Ang Doung

He was throne from 1845 to 1860. He was good at writing Khmer poems and novels.

King Norodom Suramarith and Queen Sisowat

Kossamak

King Norodom Suramarith and Queen Sisowat KossamakThe parents of King Norodom Sihanouk (King of Cambodia in present time). King Norodom Suramarith was throne from 1955 to 1960.

Samdach Penn Nouth

(1906-1985), who was the advisor to king Norodom Sihanouk.

Chon nath

(1883-1969), who was Khmer patriarch in Cambodia. He was well know at Khmer history, tradition,

literature and religion.

Phirum Ngoy

He was famous in classical singer during 1865 to 1936 (71 years).

Khmer Nationality

Tribal group lives in Mondulkiri Province (Northeast of Cambodia). They do farming and hunting for their living life.

Kroeung Nationality

Minority group lives in Ratanakiri province and does farming and hunting.

Sin Sisamuth and Ros Serysothea

The most popular singers in 1960 and died in Khmer Rouge period.

Happiness family

Happiness family shows the prosperous Khmer family.

Movie star 1960s

Movie star 1960s, such as Mr. Kong Somounh and Mrs. Dy Saveth.

Uniform of Military

Uniform of Military Commander at present time.

Apsara Sampeah

Khmer Style to say goodbye and thanks to all of guests when go. SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Cambodian Currency April 21, 2009

I need help with my blog April 21, 2009

Is this blog allowed to upload audio? I can’t upload the audio to this blog. Please anyone help giving me the instruction how to put the audio in this blog. Thank you in advance!!!

Khmer Beauty April 20, 2009

When you are viewing this picture , you can dream about them but just only dream ! ha

អូនស្អាតអស់ទាស់!

Khmer Alphabet April 20, 2009

Khmer alphabet   

Origin

The Khmer alphabet is descended from the Brahmi script of ancient India by way of the Pallava script, which was used in southern India and South East Asia during the 5th and 6th Centuries AD. The oldest dated inscription in Khmer, found at Angkor Borei in Takev Province south of Phnom Penh, dates from 611 AD.

The Khmer alphabet closely resembles the Thai and Lao alphabets, which were developed from it.

Notable features

• This is syllabic alphabet in which each consonant has two forms, one with an inherent /a/ (first series) and one with an inherent /o/ (second series)
• Vowels are indicated using either separate letters or diacritics, which written above, below, in front of, after or around consonants. The pronunciation of the vowels depends on whether a consonant they are attached to is of the first or second series.
• All consonants have a subscript form which is used to write the second consonant of a cluster.
• In a Khmer text there are no spaces between words, instead spaces indicate the end of a clause or sentence.
• Inspite of efforts to standardise written Khmer, many words have more than one accepted spelling.

Used to write:

Khmer (Cambodian), a member of the Mon-Khmer group of Austro-Asiatic languages, spoken by about 8 million people in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, China, France and the USA. Khmer shares many features and much vocabulary with Thai as a result of centuries of two-way borrowing. There are also borrowings from Sanskrit, Pali, French and Chinese in Khmer.

Khmer alphabet

Consonants

Subscript consonants

Inpedendent vowels

Numerals

Sample text

Translation

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
(Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Cambodian language courses, dictionaries, etc.

Links

Information about the Khmer language
http://www.khmerlanguage.com

Information about the Khmer language and culture (includes Khmer fonts and lessons)
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/khmer/

Online Khmer lessons
http://www.bongthom.com/AKOnline/selectchapterek.asp

Cambodian System of Writing and Beginning Reader with Drills and Glossary (a PDF of this textbook in available here) http://www.pratyeka.org/csw/

Language Learning Companion for Cambodian/Khmer<
http://www.wsslanguage.com

Free Khmer fonts
http://www.camboday.com/fonts/
http://www.cambodia.org/fonts
http://www.wazu.jp/gallery/Fonts_Khmer.html
http://www.magma.ca/~sary/fonts.htm
http://www.sil.org/computing/fonts/Lang/Khmer.html
http://selapa.net/khmerfonts/

Information about Khmer Unicode
http://www.khmeros.info/khmeros_workingsoft.html

Online Khmer news and radio
http://www.rfa.org/khmer/

Source: www.omniglot.com

Customs and Lifestyle April 20, 2009

Diet and Eating

Soup and rice are the main components of the Cambodian diet. A bowl of soup may have any combination of fish, eggs, vegetables, meat, and spices. More than 20 years ago, Cambodia was known as “the cradle of rice”, and many different varieties were grown in the various regions. Today, Cambodia is less productive, and fewer varieties are grown. Rice is prepared in many ways and is eaten at every meal. Vegetables and a wide variety of fruit are available throughout the year. Seafood and fish are also common.

Cambodians eat with chopsticks, spoons, or their fingers, depending on the food and family custom. Food that has been influenced by Indian, Chinese, and European cuisine is also enjoyed. In general, Cambodian food is less spicy than in neighbouring countries such as Thailand.

Recreation

Most of Cambodia’s recreational facilities were destroyed or fell into disrepair during the late 1970s and the 1980s. Today, however, the people enjoy football, table tennis, volleyball, and badminton. They also dance, play music, and sing. Video cassette recorders (VCRs) are becoming more accessible and are used to create small village cinemas. Other leisure activities include picnics, card playing, and Sunday rides on bicycles or motorcycles. Festivals and weddings provide other recreational high points.

Among friends and relatives, visiting is frequent and usually unannounced. People remove their shoes when entering a home or wat (a temple for worship and religious education). A houseguest may be greeted with a bouquet of jasmine flowers placed on his or her desk or table. In general, Cambodians are extremely hospitable, although they may be cautious about inviting strangers into the home. If a meal is provided, guests are given the best place to sit and the best portion of food.

Holidays and Celebrations

Cambodia’s national holidays include Liberation Day (7 January), Victory Over American Imperialism Day (17 April), and The Front Day (2 December). Both the Chinese and Buddhist new years are celebrated. The Buddhist New Year is in April and is celebrated for three days.

Vassa, the Buddhist Rains Retreat, is the period when monks halt their usual peregrinations during the monsoons and stay inside to meditate and pray. It is also known as the Buddhist Lent. During these months, restraint and abstinence must prevail. During this time, weddings are not held as a rule and moving house is avoided.

In the last week of September, near the end of the rainy season, an important Buddhist festival, Pchum Ben, takes place. It is a celebration on behalf of the dead and for one’s own salvation. Before it begins, people are supposed to accomplish a seven-wat duty to please their ancestors. This involves worshipping at seven wat or performing seven moral good deeds (or a combination of both). Six weeks after Pchum Ben, large or wealthy families raise money to pay for the living expenses of the monks.

The Festival of the Reversing Current, which occurs between late October and late November, celebrates the return to normal direction of a river that reverses its current during the rainy season. When the flow of the river, the Tônlé Sab, returns to its original direction, fireworks, canoe racing, and general merrymaking erupt in Phnom Penh.

Funerals are also an occasion for gathering. White clothes are worn to funerals, and music is an integral part of the event.

Source: Encarta Interactive World Atlas

Events and Festivals for Year 2009 April 20, 2009

January 01: International New Year’s Day January 07: Victory Day Over Genocide Regime February 09: Meak Bochea Day – Buddha’s preachingMarch 08: International Women’s Day
April 14-16: Cambodian New Year A three-day celebration after the end of harvest to mark the turn of The New Year according to the Khmer lunar calendar. Every home is seen with attractive decorations. shrines are full of food and beverages given as offerings to God.. Other people attend Buddhist temples where traditional games are also performed. Click here for more details about Khmer New Year. May 01: International Labor Day May 08: Visaka Bochea Day – Birthday of Buddha
May 12: Royal Ploughing Ceremony It is culturally celebrated to alert the nation of the commencement of rainy season, and farmers to be ready for farming rice by starting to plough. The venue is a field at a wing of Royal Palace, Phnom Penh. The scene is interesting as it depicts real ploughing activities where cows are given a variety of crops to eat. Based on the choices of crops eaten by the cows, prediction are made for the coming year. Click here for more details about Ploughing Ceremony. May 13-15: Birthday of King Sihamony During king’s birthday, a giant firework display is held close to the riverbanks in front of the Royal Palace. June 18: Royal Birthday of H.M Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk
September 24: Constitution’s Day September 18-20: Pchum Ben Day – The Soul Day A religious festival to bless the souls of ancestors, relatives and friends alike who have passed away. Household members attend Buddhist temples. October 29: Royal Coronation of King Sihamoni October 31: Birthday of King Father Norodom Sihanouk November 09: Independence Day
November 01-03: Water Festival Not only it marks the reversing flow of Tonle Sap River but also ushers in the fishing season. The Highlight of the event is boat races over three days. As night falls, fireworks light the sky and a lighted flotilla of boats sail under full moon to whom household worships. Some analysts say the celebration is also a thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land. People from all walks of life gather on the bank of the Mekong River for days and nights. Click here for more details about Water Festival. December 02: Angkor Half Marathon International Half marathon. Held at the world renowned Angkor Wat an event which attracts competitors from all over the world. With thousands of spectators and the wonder of Angkor Wat, it is a spectacular setting. Click here for more details about Angkor Half Marathon.
December 10: International Human Right’s Day Mid December: Angkor Festival This festival is a showcase of performing arts with Angkor Wat as a backdrop. Performers from all over Asia attend this festival performing great epic stories from myths and legends, including the Ramayana, with their own national dance costumes and musical and rhythmic interpretations. Former King Sihanouk often attends when he is in residence in Siem Reap and other dignitaries come to witness this wonderful spectacle.

Cambodia’s Photos April 20, 2009

Beyond Angkor Wat: Cambodia’s Hidden Coast April 20, 2009

Serendipity Beach in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Most visits to Cambodia begin with the ancient temples of Angkor Wat or the Khmer Rouge’s infamous killing fields just outside Phnom Penh. I’m not saying they’re not worth seeing, but on our recent 10-day journey through Cambodia, we visited neither. My husband had already hiked Angkor Wat a couple of months back, and frankly, it just felt too depressing to center an entire vacation on mass murder. So we headed instead to southwestern Cambodia, to the developing coastline, in search of waterfalls and beaches. And we found that the people there were just as welcoming as the landscape.

We flew into Phnom Penh International Airport and took a tuk-tuk (a motorized rickshaw) into town. It was a $5, 45-min., open-air trip on the highway, which probably did bad things to our lungs but helped ease my motion sickness from our wobbly descent to the airport. It also gave us a nice visual primer of the capital, which we were using only as a way station. Looking back, I would have liked at least another day in Phnom Penh to take in the culture — the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, for example — and the laid-back, late-going bar scene. As it was, we had time only for dinner at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (363 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh; +855-23-210-142), where we stayed the night, and to hit up a couple of bars, including Love Orange — a disco packed with teenagers cheering on the drag-queen lip-synching show.

The next day, it was on to Koh Kong, a coastal frontier town on the Thai border, which until a couple of years ago was best accessed by boat. It is separated from the rest of Cambodia by the Cardamom Mountain range, a dense forest that houses endangered species like the Indochinese tiger and the Malayan sun bear, and used to be a Khmer Rouge stronghold. But a national highway built with help from the Thais, which includes four bridges spanning rivers once crossable only by ferry, has cut the drive to Koh Kong from the capital in half — to four hours.

Koh Kong has one paved road, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it dock and an inordinate number of Germans. The main activity for travelers in this border town is meeting other travelers. Most of the guesthouses and hostels in Koh Kong are run by Europeans and Australians (the proprietor and family usually live on-site) and are good for getting a drink, sitting in a hammock and chatting up your neighbor. They’re also good for a cheap ($7 per night) room, if you can endure using a shared toilet. If not, I suggest you stay at the $35-per-night Koh Kong City Hotel (Street 1, Koh Kong; +85…) on the waterfront, which is sparse and basic but has decadent, memory-foam-style mattresses and private, Western-style bathrooms. The front-desk service here is lacking, but you’ll sleep the sleep of the dead.

The tour outfits in Koh Kong aren’t well advertised, but you can get yourself a seat on an organized excursion if you know whom to ask and don’t mind surprises. We stumbled randomly on Otto, owner of a guesthouse called Otto’s, on our first night in town. We went to his place for dinner (fantastic fried potatoes), and when we asked for advice on local tours, he pulled out his cell phone, dialed his friend Thomas and booked us instantly on a boat excursion for the following morning. His method was efficient if mysterious. Even as we boarded the boat the next morning, we had no idea where we were going or what we would see.

There were eight other travelers aboard our long-tail motorboat, seven of whom were German and most of whom were staying at Thomas’ guesthouse, Neptune. Thomas, also German, did the entertaining while our Khmer captain steered with his foot and drank an Angkor beer. The first two hours took us south past islands dotted with stilted fishing villages painted in blues and greens and oranges, then through a mangrove forest, into the Gulf of Thailand. There we hit the jackpot: a school of dolphins jumping in the waves.

We stopped for lunch in a fishing village where Thomas had once stayed a night after being stranded at sea. He made friends with the villagers and now returns often to introduce his tour groups. In general, as tourists, we try not to gawk at the poverty around us, but this was impossible at such close range. About 15 people lined up on the “dock” (really, a front porch) and helped us clamber from our boat over theirs and into their one-room home. There wasn’t much dialogue between the groups, given that none of the tourists spoke Khmer and our hosts didn’t know English, but there was much smiling and cooing at the babies, one of whom was cooling off in a pot of water. We ate stir-fried veggies and tofu with a cabbage salad, sitting cross-legged on the floor. Through the slats, you could see the water a few feet below. The hospitality was free: Thomas brought our lunch and gave our hosts a case of beer as a token of friendship.

Another sail took us to Koh Kong Island, a lush national forest where recreational exploration is forbidden. We dropped anchor off a deserted white-sand beach and hopped overboard into the clear, warm sea. The water was probably 70° and not more than 5 ft. deep, with gentle waves that glimmered in the late-afternoon sun. Then, sated and relaxed, we motored home.