Eric and his wife My Hanh live between France and Vietnam, Cambodia's neighboring country.
"Passionate about travel and Asian culture, I discovered Cambodia about ten years ago when I first visited Siem Reap (the tourist capital of Cambodia) and the temples of Angkor Wat.
Despite a recent painful past and difficult living conditions, the Cambodian people are welcoming and open, they like to share their culture and traditions with their visitors. I was offered my first krama, I fell in love with this scarf and the Khmer culture that is associated with it.
Since then, I wear a krama daily, but I wanted to do more to help these women, who weave by hand on ancient wooden looms, to make a decent living from their work.”
Cambodia has a rich culture and history that sets it apart, and every aspect of its unique charm contributes to my affection for this fascinating nation. First of all, Cambodia's history, though sometimes tragic, is deeply captivating. The remains of the Angkor temples, particularly Angkor Wat, bear witness to the ancient grandeur of the Khmer Empire. Walking through these majestic temples transports me to a glorious past, where the elaborate architecture and refined carvings tell stories of deities, kings and epic battles. The way these structures have survived the centuries is a constant source of wonder and invites me to reflect on human perseverance throughout history. Secondly, the warmth and hospitality of the Cambodian people is second to none. No matter where you go in the country, you are greeted with genuine smiles and selfless kindness. Cambodians are often quick to share their customs, personal stories and worldviews, creating an immersive and authentic cultural experience. This human connection often left me with lasting memories and made me feel part of the local community. Khmer cuisine is also a major aspect of my love for Cambodia. Complex flavours and fresh ingredients are omnipresent in traditional dishes such as amok, lok lak and delicious tropical fruit. The local markets offer a visual and gustatory feast, where I can discover new flavours and textures around every corner. Cambodian cuisine is a way of understanding the country's culture and identity through tasting dishes prepared with love and tradition. Cambodia's landscapes are also a major attraction. From lush rice paddies to picturesque beaches and floating villages on the Tonle Sap, the Cambodian landscape offers a striking diversity. Each region has its own unique beauty, which means that my trips to Cambodia are always punctuated by surprising discoveries and breathtaking panoramas. Finally, Cambodia's art and culture are simply captivating. Whether it's traditional Apsara dance, colourful textiles or delicate handicrafts, every form of artistic expression is steeped in history and meaning. Attending an Apsara dance performance or visiting artisan workshops reminds me of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural traditions, while enabling future generations to appreciate them.
In short, my love for Cambodia is based on its rich and fascinating past, its welcoming people, its delicious cuisine, its varied landscapes and its spellbinding artistic culture. Each trip to this country leaves me with precious memories and an ongoing desire to explore and understand more about this wonderful nation.
