Cambopedia

Author: Editor

  • Top international English schools in Phnom Penh

    Phnom Penh offers a wealth of educational options, but with over 50 private English schools, selecting the perfect fit for your child can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies the process by highlighting some of the top international English schools in the city.

    Each school website offers detailed information about their curriculum, admissions process, and facilities. Consider scheduling visits to explore your top choices and get a feel for the school environment.

    By understanding your priorities and exploring these well-regarded institutions, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect international English school for your child’s thriving future in Phnom Penh!

    Choosing the right international English school in Phnom Penh: a guide for parents

    Factors to Consider:

    Before diving in, consider your child’s age, learning style, and your educational priorities. Do you prioritize a curriculum aligned with a specific country (e.g., US, UK), a focus on play-based learning, or a well-rounded program with extracurricular activities?

    The American School of Phnom Penh (ASPP)

    This school is known for its strong academic program and its American-style curriculum. It has a pre-school, elementary and secondary school.

    International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP)

    ISPP is an accredited international school that offers an English language-based education for students from pre-school to grade 12. It follows an American curriculum and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

    Paragon International School

    is a private school which offers an American-style education with an emphasis on the Khmer language and culture. It offers classes from pre-school to high school.

    Phnom Penh International School (PPIS)

    PPIS is a private school which offers an American-style education for students from pre-school to high school.

    Aii Language Center

    Aii Language Center is a private institution that focuses on teaching English as a second language. It offers classes for students of all ages and levels of proficiency.

    The British International School Phnom Penh

    The British International School Phnom Penh (BISPP) provides an education based on the National Curriculum of England, with additional elements that are designed to reflect the local culture.

    The landscape of Phnom Penh is changing dramatically, and international schools offering English language education are now more prevalent than ever before. In fact, there are more than 50 private English schools in the Cambodian capital city. I am writing this review of international English schools in Phnom Penh because I live and raise two kids in the city.

    Before enrolling them, I had to do some research and talk with friends who have sent their kids to school. As you can see, I’ve written more details about some schools than others because my kids have studied there.

    If you’re looking for the best English school for your children, this mini guide is written for you. When searching for an international English school for my children, I spent days on my research and compiled this list of the top international English schools in Phnom Penh. So, you don’t have to.

    In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, there are many international English schools. Parents now have more choices for kindergarten or pre-school education than ever before. Most of these schools are well-established, reputable, and internationally recognized. I have also included links to the schools’ websites for more details and the latest updates.

    The Giving Tree School, an English school in the heart of Phnom Penh

    Nursery: $2,380 A play-based English school in Phnom Penh, The Giving Tree School has opened since 2008. The international preschool is open to little and growing learners, from the age of 1 year to 10 years old. Although it’s not affiliated with the Montessori education, the Giving Tree’s approach to nurturing young children is play.

    This Giving Tree school offers children a playground to grow and learn about the world through their discovery. It is a preschool where children have the space to imagine and express themselves. So that they can gain confidence and understanding. When the morning starts, children can enjoy arts, music, gym, yoga, swimming, and cooking. We all know how important it is to give our kids time and space to explore and experience the world around them.

    In addition to play-based learning approach to nurture young kids to learn, it’s the space, the setup, and the environment for the kids to become more self-independent. From changing their clothes for water-play to eating, the boys and girls learn to be on their own. Most of the time, children tend to rely on their the adults to side with them and support them. But the teachers and the assistants know their way very well.

    You’d also have a chance to meet with your child’s teacher and the parents of your child’s classmates. It’s called Monday Night, when you can get a better understanding of your child in the classroom. This is when you’d feel excited about asking the teacher about your young learner. You’ll have a chance to get to know other parents as well. While this is a chance to have a chat with the teacher in person, it’s not the end.

    The teacher communicates with the parents regularly, which gives you daily mini report about your child. It’s like a debrief of the activity and behavior of your son or daughter day in day out. The teacher also shares with us parents weekly updates through a blog with notes, photos, and announcements. Every week, you also receive email newsletter from the school principal.

    The Giving Tree School engages with parents through community events. This would allow everyone to take part, share, and enjoy the school space. The community here also means diversity. You’d be surprised to learn that the teachers and the pupils come from many many parts of the world. They share one thing in common: educating and learning with joy and fun.

    The Giving Tree School teachers also take the pupils out for field trips.

    Strong Spirit of Community

    The Giving Tree School tends to engage with the parents and form a community. The school has worked to organize the After School Activities. The school space is more open and accessible to everyone in the community and the public.

    The Giving Tree School open to us parents during non-school hours. There are times when you want to spend quality time with your children during the weekend. So you may have to take your kids to the swimming pool or to mega mall AEON or Kids City Edutainment Center. But the school is an ideal outdoor place to take your kids to. Unlike other schools, The Giving Tree School had dedicated space for outdoor activities. In short, the school is the open space playground.

    What’s the IPC?

    The school’s primary program follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). It’s a curriculum with a clear process of learning and with learning goals for every subject. It’s an educational system for 3-12 year olds. Until now, the IPC is being used by schools in more than 90 countries around the world.

    School fee

    The nursery class’s annual fee is about $2,380. The kindergarten has classes such as Monkeys (3-4 years), Owls (4-5 years), and Elephants (5-6 years): the fee starts from $2792 to $4040.

    Locations

    One of the most important things about choosing a school for children is the school location. For those living in the Cambodian capital, in BKK 1, you may notice a few of The Giving Tree School branches in the area. The main branch is close to Chea Sim Boeung Keng Kang High School or a few walk from City Villa Hotel Phnom Penh. Its two other branches (pre-school and nursery) are also in this area. Also to the location in BKK 1, The Giving Tree also has a more spacious school branch in Toul Kork.

    The Giving Tree School Toul Kork branch: sand, swing, and swimming pool among other kid friendly stuff in a spacious playground-like environment.

    Footprints International Schools (FIS) in Phnom Penh: Review

    Footprints International School offers both English and Khmer to the pupils. The primary 4 disciplines are mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. FIS also includes basic technology, health, arts, music, swimming, and physical education. The school believes that “children learn better when new skills and ideas are taught to them using a theme or a topic to help them learn.”

    The school was first started out in 2007. It is an example of how a small school has grown to become internationally-recognized. In 2016, FIS has 4 branches in major parts of Cambodia’s Phnom Penh: Tumnub Teuk I & II, Toul Tom Poung, Beoung Keng Kang, and Tuol Kork district.

    Licensed by the Cambodian Ministry, FIS was accredited with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. For its primary and secondary programs, the school is registered with Cambridge International Examinations.

    FIS has more than 200 personnel. Foreign teachers come from The United States of America, England, Australia, and Indonesia. While the majority of the students is Cambodian, the rest comes from Japan, Canada, and France. This is very remarkable for a locally-run school that has grown over the past years.

    The Footprints International School’s Toul Kork campus is very spacious. It has a swimming pool, an outdoor playground, a technology lab, and a library. The Tuol Kork branch serves from nursery to grade 5.

    One important thing to note, though, is that the FIS increases its tuition fee by 10% annually. Which frustrates most parents.

    Footprints International School’s official website: [http://www.footprintsschool.edu.kh/](http://www.footprintsschool.edu.kh/)

    How to find the right private English school or kindergarten in Phnom Penh for your kids

    – All schools have their website. You can learn more about the school, its location, tuition fees, and more. This saves much of your busy time before making direct contact with the school for details.
    – Compare locations and travel time from school to your home.
    – Visit each of the choices for kindergarten schools during an open house.
    – Find a kindergarten with a low child-to-teacher ratio.
    – Ask the teachers what the children learn every day.
    – Talk to parents whose children either attended the school in the past or attend the school now.
    – The annual tuition fee is very important. Find out before hand how the school increases its annual fee.

    A List of the best international English schools & kindergartens in Phnom Penh

    [Acacia](https://www.centre-acacia.com/)

    $2700

    [Bluebird British International School in Phnom Penh](https://www.bluebirdcambodia.com/school-fees/)

    $3600

    [Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)](http://cisp.edu.kh/) $4,000

    Cambridge Child Development Center or Cambridge CDC (Cambodia) $2850

    [CIA First International School](http://ciaschool.edu.kh/) $2,230

    [DK Schoolhouse](http://dkschoolhouse.com/) $3,640

    [Footprints International School (FIS)](http://www.footprintsschool.edu.kh/) Nursery: $1,660

    [Golden Gate American School](http://ggas.edu.kh/) $1,950

    [Gecko Garden Pre-School](http://www.geckogarden-preschool.org/) $2320

    [Home of English](http://www.homeofenglish.edu.kh/) Not available

    [HOPE International School](https://www.hope.edu.kh/)

    Preschool: starting from $5,040; Kindergarten – Year 5: $10,020

    Phone: +855 12 550 522

    [iCAN British International School](https://www.ican.edu.kh/home) $7,800

    [Kinderland International Preschool](http://kinderlandcambodia.com/)

    [Logos International School](https://logoscambodia.org/) $4,100

    [International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP)](http://www.ispp.edu.kh/) KG-G5 14,600

    [Liberty International School](http://www.libertycambodia.com/) $1800

    [Northbridge International School of Cambodia (NISC)](http://www.nisc.edu.kh/) Kindergarten & Grade 1: $12495

    Ocarina School: French language Nursery: 2610

    [Sambo’s Tots Playhouse & Playschool](http://www.sambostots.com/)

    Tchou Tchou Daycare and Kindergarten $1,800

    [Paragon International School Cambodia (formerly Zaman International School)](https://www.paragonisc.edu.kh/) Grade I: $4,400

    Southbridge International School Cambodia

    Shrewsbury International School (signed agreements with Tutor Impact to establish a state-of-the-art premium international school in Phnom Penh, working closely with Meridian International.)

    [Zion International School](http://zispp.org/) Prek-Prep: $2550

  • Cambodian cookbooks

    Cambodian cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors, incorporating ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, shrimp paste, and coconut milk. Here are some award-winning cookbooks to explore the wonders of Cambodian cuisine:

    There could be more, and some of the books may not be available in all countries.

    NHUM – Recipes from a Cambodian Kitchen

    is a cookbook that features traditional and authentic recipes from Cambodia. The book showcases the unique flavors and ingredients of Cambodian cuisine, including dishes such as kuy teav (rice noodle soup), bai sach chrouk (pork and rice), and pho (rice porridge). The recipes are easy to follow and include a mixture of staple dishes and lesser-known specialties. The book also provides a glimpse into the cultural and historical background of Cambodian cuisine, offering a deeper understanding of the country’s food and its place in the world of gastronomy.

    The Cambodian Cookbook: Authentic Recipes from the Kingdom of Wonder

    by Joannes Riviere and Jacqueline Saulnier-Chavet

    Khmer Cuisine: A Collection of Traditional and Modern Cambodian Recipes by Pheap Aim

    is a collection of authentic recipes from the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia. It features traditional dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation, as well as new twists on classic recipes. The book offers a comprehensive guide to the ingredients, techniques, and cooking styles used in Cambodian cuisine, making it accessible to both novice and experienced cooks. Recipes include soups, curries, stir-fries, salads, and desserts, all using fresh, flavorful ingredients and bold spices. With step-by-step instructions and mouth-watering photography, The Cambodian Cookbook provides a delicious and authentic taste of the Kingdom of Wonder.

    “Real Cambodian Cookbook: A Living Legacy of Traditional Recipes” by Nadsa De Monteiro

    “Cambodian Food and Cooking: Discover the Rich and Varied Cuisine of Cambodia” by Rosalin Uy

    Khmer cuisine is the traditional cuisine of the Cambodian people. It is similar to Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, with a heavy emphasis on rice, seafood, and a variety of herbs and spices. Some popular dishes include Amok, a traditional fish curry, and Lok lak, a dish of marinated beef or pork served with vegetables and rice. Visitors to Cambodia should also try the street food, which offers a wide variety of delicious and inexpensive options. When eating out in Cambodia, it’s important to be aware that many restaurants use a lot of MSG in their cooking, so if you’re sensitive to it, it’s best to ask that it not be used.

    Books about Khmer Food Cooking

    If you love cooking and want to start your first Khmer dish, these recommended books are the best to start.

    – [A Taste of Cambodian Cuisine](https://amzn.to/2AMYJbm) by Demaz Baker
    – [The Elephant Walk Cookbook: The Exciting World of Cambodian Cuisine from the Nationally Acclaimed Restaurant](https://amzn.to/2F1aZqM)
    – [Royal Khmer Cuisine](https://amzn.to/2AJ6gpu)
    – [Chicken in the Mango Tree: Food and Life in a Thai-Khmer Village](https://amzn.to/2OneGGK)
    – [The Recipes of Life: Cambodian Cookbook (Chapter 1) Kindle Edition](https://amzn.to/2Djz2zn)

    Also good read:

    – [How to cook homemade Khmer food](https://dinewiththelocals.com/how-to-cook-homemade-khmer-food/)

  • Books about Cambodia

    Welcome to the wonderful world of Cambodia! If you’re planning a visit to this fascinating country, or just have a deep interest in its history and culture, you’ve come to the right place. From the grandeur of Angkor Wat to the tragedy of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia is a nation with a rich and complex history that is ripe for exploration. Whether you’re a history buff, a traveler, or simply someone who wants to learn more about this incredible country, these recommended books about Cambodia and its people are the perfect way to deepen your understanding.

    With a focus on the country’s history, culture, language, cuisine, and politics, these books offer a comprehensive look at Cambodia’s past, present, and future. From learning about the resilience of the Khmer people to discovering the secrets of traditional Cambodian cooking, you’ll be able to delve deeper into this amazing country and its unique culture. Whether you’re interested in the country’s dark history of the Cambodian genocide or its current political landscape, these books have something for everyone. So why wait? Start exploring the world of Cambodia today!

    Five must-read books about Cambodia

    All of this books provide a deep understanding of the Cambodian recent history, specifically the Khmer Rouge period, the impact it had on the society and the country’s political, social and economic situation.

    “First They Killed My Father” by Loung Ung

    is a memoir that describes the author’s childhood during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The book provides a powerful and personal perspective on the atrocities committed by the regime and its impact on ordinary Cambodians.

    “When the War Was Over” by Elizabeth Becker

    is an in-depth look at the history of Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge era and its aftermath. Becker, an American journalist, covered the conflict and provides a historical context to the Cambodian war.

    “Cambodia’s Curse” by Joel Brinkley

    is a book that examines the political and economic factors that have contributed to the country’s ongoing struggles, including the legacy of the Khmer Rouge.

    “The Gate” by Francois Bizot

    is an account of the author’s imprisonment by the Khmer Rouge and his subsequent release. Bizot, a French anthropologist, provides unique insight into the workings of the regime and its leadership.

    “Stay Alive, My Son” by Pin Yathay

    is a memoir of a Cambodian civil servant who survived the Khmer Rouge genocide. Yathay’s account is a first-hand witness of the atrocities committed by the regime and how he and his family struggled to survive during that period.

    A List of Must-Read Books about Cambodia

    Books about starting/doing business and investing in Cambodia

    Essential Cambodia: A Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs, Investors and Managers Cambodian American entrepreneur Allen Dodgson Tan’s book is a good read for foreign businesspeople and investors. It’s a work of his more than a decade doing business in Cambodia. Not surprisingly, Michael Hayes praised that “This book is an absolute must-read for any and all foreigners interested in investing in Cambodia.” [Check it on Amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09TMVRWC1/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)

    Recommended Books about Cambodian History

    The first step to understand this beautiful country is by starting to learn more about Khmer history, culture, and arts. From the glorious Angkor era to the year zero or genocide, these selected English-language books about the history of Cambodia will help you grasp a sense of the people, culture, and politics through the chronicled timeline. If you’re passionate about Cambodian history, here’s a list of selected books to get an in-depth understanding of beauty and darkness of Cambodian past.

    Cambodian Wooden Houses (1500 years of Khmer Heritage) by Darryl Collins & Hok Sokol (not yet available on Amazon)

    A New Sun Rises Over the Old Land: A Novel of Sihanouk’s Cambodia by Suon Sorin and Roger Nelson The title and story is a translation from the original Khmer book (popular among Cambodian scholars). David P. Chandler, author of A History of Cambodia, praised this new book saying that “Reading this passionate, absorbing novel, it’s poignant to re-enter a period that was filled for many Cambodians with optimism.” [Buy it on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9813250771/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)

    First They Killed My Father

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2kaIklZ)

    Top of the list is the Loung Ung’s First They Killed My Father. The Cambodian-born American author wrote this non-book that was later adopted as a film, directed by filmmaker Angelina Jolie.

    This personal story of the author touches the heart and soul of most readers, while also guides us through what it’s like to survive the Khmer Rouge period as a little.

    A History of Cambodia

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2IuEkHu)

    David P. Chandler is one of the most regarded historians of Cambodia. This well-researched book examines the death of Pol Pot, the fall of the Khmer Rouge, and the Vietnamese invasion of 1979. However, it’s his remarkable analysis of the country and its politics that resonates with most of Cambodia’s scholars and researchers.

    When The War Was Over: Cambodia And The Khmer Rouge Revolution

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2KBIs8Z)

    Veteran journalist Elizabeth Becker covered Cambodia and Southeast Asia for the Washington Post back in the 1970s. This book about a modern history of Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge gives you an insight into the country during the internal conflicts as witnessed by a foreign correspondent.

    Traumatic Pasts in Asia: History, Psychiatry, and Trauma from the 1930s to the Present Included in this book, there is a chapter ‘Haunting and Recovery in Post-Khmer Rouge Cambodia by Caroline Bennett. The auhtor explored how relations with the dead as well as the experience of haunting opened way for Cambodian people to rebuild their modern society.

    A Short History of Cambodia: From Empire to Survival (A Short History of Asia series)

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2KCIv4A)

    This is one of the most readable history books about the strange tragedy of Cambodia. Through this book, by John Tully, you’ll get the balance of ancient and modern history. The author’s coverage of the post-World War II is helpful.

    It helps most people to understand the importance of Southeast Asia in the Cold War apart from the U.S. War in Vietnam. John Tully’s observations and impressions are compelling.

    Cambodia’s Curse: The Modern History of a Troubled Land

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2KBEEog)

    When this Joel Brinkley’s book was first released, it’s often criticized for factual errors. However, if you’re fascinated by the modern history of Cambodia, you cannot really skip this book with an interesting, catchy title.

    Pol Pot: Anatomy of a Nightmare

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2mwep8T)

    Philip Short the author offers readers through the lens of French. Well written and researched into a horrible period of Cambodia’s history, the book Pol Pol: Anatomy of a Nightmare is a good read with historical background. You’d gain insight of Saloth Sar, his childhood, youth years and his final way to total power.

    Haing Ngor: A Cambodian Odyssey

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2KySyHi)

    The Cambodian author Haing Ngor (also know as Dith Pran in the ‘Killing Fields’ movie tells the world about struggling story of surviving the Khmer Rouge. Haing Ngor’s personal story is human survival (from the genocide) and triumph. [Haing Ngor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haing_S._Ngor) was murdered in LA in 1996.

    – by Haing Ngor (Author), Roger Warner (Author)
    – Hardcover – February 2, 1988

    The Khmer Kings and the History of Cambodia: BOOK I – 1st Century to 1595: Funan, Chenla, Angkor and Longvek Periods

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2yGIqJu)

    This is one of several books about Cambodian kings.

    Before this book, The Khmer Kings and History of Cambodia, the author’s work has appeared online: “The Last Khmer God-King” (Phnom Penh Post, October 2012); “Yuon: What’s in a Xenonym” (Phnom Penh Post, February 2010); Preah Khan Reach and the Genealogy of Khmer Kings (2008).

    – by Kenneth T. So (Author)
    – Paperback – November 1, 2017

    9 The Khmer Rouge: The Notorious History and Legacy of the Communist Regime that Ruled Cambodia in the 1970s

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2Q2VoI6)

    – Charles River Editors (Author)
    – Kindle edition – October 1, 2018

    Soul Survivors – Stories of Women and Children in Cambodia

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2Q2jYcd)

    The most fascinating read in this book is the personal stories of a dozen of Cambodian survivors who told how they survived and thrived after the Khmer Rouge regime.

    – Bhavia C. Wagner (Author), Valentina DuBasky (Photographer)
    – Paperback – July 20, 2008

    Why Vietnam Invaded Cambodia: Political Culture and the Causes of War

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0975395106/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)

    This book is the first comprehensive, scholarly analysis of the causes of the Vietnamese invasion. At its core are two separate but related histories covering the years 1930 to 1978.

    All My Silent Years

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1733493107/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)

    This is the story of a young girl dragged across the jagged edge of history who must learn to forgive herself for the law she broke to stay alive.

    Must-Read Books about Angkor Wat History

    Are you planning to spend a great time in Siem Reap? What’s a better way to delve deep into the ancient time of Angkor? Built in the 12th century, the grand, complex architecture is an expression of Khmer civilization and one of the planet’s largest religious monuments.

    Many centuries later, Angkor Wat temple and its rich history still and will continue to amaze the travelers, tourists, historians, and researchers from all over the world. This is a list of recommended books about Angkor Wat you should read before visiting Cambodia. Get one of the books from our list of 10 best Angkor Wat History books. You should read some of these Angkor Wat history and guide books.

    Angkor Wat: The History and Legacy of the World’s Largest Hindu Temple

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2r0f3xS)

    Did not realize that the Angkor Wat Temple complex was Hindu? This book centers around the architecture of the temples that were influenced by Hindu and Buddhist religion.

    What elaborated about the architecture and building may be hard to follow. But the featured photographs make this book very worthwhile.

    – Published: December 19, 2017
    – Charles River Editors (Author)

    Angkor: Cambodia’s Wondrous Khmer Temples

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2qZ1hLi)

    If you’re interested in detailed monument-by-monument itineraries and maps to the temple sites, this is one of the few books you should read.

    In some way, this book is like the bible for any visit to the temples, including the best restaurant tips. This book is the must-have guide to Angkor Wat!

    – by Dawn Rooney (Author), Magnus Bartlett (Photographer), Peter Danford (Photographer)
    – Fifth edition (July 29, 2005)

    Angkor Wat: Time, Space, and Kingship

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2KerVbT)

    This is one of the most insightful, scholarly, unorthodox, and well written books about ancient Angkor for most people.

    The 360 pages detailed the principles of 12th-century Khmer temple architecture. Therefore, it’s not highly recommended for the travelers and backpackers because it is dauntingly technical.

    – Published: 2000
    – by Eleanor Mannikka

    Khmer Mythology: Secrets of Angkor

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2r33HIL)

    This books explains the mixed Hindu and Khmer myths that lie behind the carved reliefs at Angkor Wat. The Khmer Mythology: Secrets of Angkor is one of a few excellent books on Khmer mythology.

    The book discusses the rulers, Buddhist and Hindu interplay, and outstanding description of individual ruins. You’d find it quite helpful if you are traveling to Siem Reap and want to read up on what you will be seeing.

    – Published: May 1, 1998
    – Vittorio Roveda (Author)

    Sacred Angkor: The Carved Reliefs of Angkor Wat

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2Jumt3n)

    For those who are fascinated by the magnificent carvings of the long galleries, the corner pavilions, pediments, lintels, this is another excellent book on this particular subject.

    – Published: 2007
    – Vittorio Roveda (Author)

    A Dragon Apparent: Travels in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2KgtcPI)

    This is one of the must-read books for those who enjoys travel writing or anyone interested in anthropology or in the recent history of South-East Asia.

    Overall, this book is both informative and entertaining for most readers.

    – Published: December 19, 2003
    – Norman Lewis (Author)

    Ancient Angkor (River Books Guides)

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2uV9X8g)

    The book provides an excellent overview of the Angkor temples. If you’re heading to Cambodia and visiting the ancient Angkor, you should get this book with you.

    It’s as if you’ve got a historian and a photographer as your personal guide while visiting the wonder temple of the world.

    – Published: January 16, 2009
    – by Michael Freeman (photographer) and Claude Jacques (historian)

    A Woman of Angkor

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2uYKHhn)

    A Woman of Angkor book? What’s in a book title? Well, this book is wonderful work of historical fiction by John Burgess, an American author and journalist.

    If you’re looking for the best way to learn about Khmer culture, then you should get this book.

    – Published: January 21, 2013
    – by John Burgess

    Temple of a Thousand Faces

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2LK5Q8t)

    The author wrote that “a story set nearly a thousand years ago, an empire is lost, a royal love is tested, and heroism is reborn.”

    The 544 pages gives most readers a wonderful historical fiction. A good metaphor is reading this book is like really living in Ancient Cambodia.

    – February 5, 2013
    – John Shors (Author)

    The Map of Lost Memories: A Novel

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/2OqAJ0o)

    This fiction is the author’s “quest to make the greatest archaeological discovery of the century soon becomes a quest for her family’s secrets.”

    This novel about Angkor has these three elements in one: adventure, romance, and history.

    – June 18, 2013
    – Kim Fay (Author)

    The Angkor Guidebook: Your Essential Companion to the Temples

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/999637274X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tbun27_cambodia-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=999637274X&linkId=e98982b598858029ae7f8b8684220069)

    First time to visit Angkor Wat temple? If you’re prepping for a trip to see the real Angkor, you should consider getting this book. It’s an insider’s guide to the history of the ancient Angkor.

    – 3rd edition (2016)
    – Andrew Booth (Author)

    Focusing on the Angkor Temples: The Guidebook

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6164235316/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tbun27_cambodia-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=6164235316&linkId=e53ead02eafad226923f55972f1a9157)

    In addition to texts, you’ll find the illustrations and detailed maps useful to guide you through the temples of Angkor. The book focuses on more than 80 ancient temples in Siem Reap.

    – 2017
    – Michel Petrotchenko (Author)

    Angkor the Magnificent – Wonder City of Ancient Cambodia

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934431028/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tbun27_cambodia-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1934431028&linkId=2a391f94b9257d918b0daafff261df3a)

    Incredibly, Helen Churchill Candee is a survivor of the Titanic. In 1922, she traveled to Cambodia and explored the mysterious jungle capital of the ancient Khmers before writing the book.

    – Paperback – October 1, 2010
    – by Helen Churchill Candee (Author), Kent Davis (Editor), Randy Bryan Bigham (Afterword)

    Fictions About Cambodia

    – [The Governor’s Daughter](https://amzn.to/2L7XPG8) (The Mysteries of Colonial Cambodia Book 1) by Khmer American author Sambath Meas
    – Samantha Sutton and the Temple of Traitors This 320 page novel is about mystery-adventures of a teenage heroine (Samantha Sutton), who joins her archeologist uncle in excavations at the Preah Vihear temple’s clifftop.
    – [The King’s Last Song](https://amzn.to/2N0D5C6) by Geoff Ryman (Author)
    – [In the Shadow of the Banyan: A Novel](https://amzn.to/2L7FWaw) by [Vaddey Ratner](https://vaddeyratner.com/) (Author)
    – [Khmer Legends](https://amzn.to/2DmtsfC) by Demaz Tep Baker

    Travel Guide Books

    Troubling the Water: A Dying Lake and a Vanishing World in Cambodia book by Abby Seiff, a foreign journalist who has covered Cambodia, Thailand, and Nepal. She announced her book relase on Twitter: “So! After years of work, my book is due out in two months which is pretty surreal and extremely terrifying. If you’re at all interested, I hope you’ll consider preordering it – which is apparently very helpful.” [Buy it on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1640124764/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)

    – [Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand](https://amzn.to/2Oggwt8) (Travel Guide) Paperback – August 15, 2017
    – [Lonely Planet Cambodia](https://amzn.to/2OQAWu6) (Travel Guide) Paperback – August 21, 2018
    – [Moon Angkor Wat: With Siem Reap & Phnom Penh](https://amzn.to/2Mrmasc) (Travel Guide) Paperback – October 2, 2018

    Kindling the love of reading among Khmer children in Cambodia

    As a busy father of two kids, I always strive to find interesting and educational resources to keep them engaged in reading. One way I do this is by keeping up with the latest technology and reading my favorite tech news websites, long-form articles on Medium, and books. I also aim to instill the love of reading in my kids, and take advantage of opportunities like the annual National Reading Day in Cambodia to bring them to the book fair at the National Library in Phnom Penh.

    Lucky for me, I have some tech-savvy friends who have introduced me to valuable resources for my kids’ education. One of them recommended the Khmer KorKa Kids app, which teaches children basic Khmer alphabets, vowels, and consonants through artwork and audio. Another friend brought my attention to the Let’s Read website, which offers a wealth of children’s books in the Khmer language, available for easy download in both EPUB and PDF formats.

    During my spare time, I like to browse the Let’s Read website and download some ebooks for my kids to read over the weekend. I particularly appreciate the colorful illustrations and conversational stories, such as “ងូតទឹកភ្លៀង” or “Rain Shower”, which features tips and advice in a fun and engaging way.

    The convenience of modern technology is something I cannot ignore. With a fast Fiber internet connection at home and mobile internet access on-the-go, I have unlimited access to information and resources for my kids’ education. I recall the days when I had to go to an Internet café to write and read, but now, with mobile internet readily available, the possibilities are endless.

    For parents, it’s crucial to stay informed about useful and educational online resources and apps for kids, and I am grateful for the opportunities technology provides for my children’s learning and growth.

    Also good read:

    – [Popular Cambodia Books](https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/cambodia)
    – [The Best Asian Literature, Historical Fiction and Audiobooks](https://www.asiabooks.net/vietnam-cambodia)

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