On 22 September 2019, the Chinese media delegation organized by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) successfully concluded its 8-day familiarization trip to Cambodia. Thanks to the thoughtful arrangements by the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, the trip covered a number of cultural and tourist attractions in the capital Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk Province, Kampong Thom Province and Siem Reap Province.

Cambodia boasts a rich and varied history dating back many centuries and its golden age was between the 9th and 14th century (Angkor period). Many typical architectures from this period like Bayon and Angkor Wat still remain today as a reminder of the grandeur of Khmer arts and culture. During their tight schedule, the Chinese journalists visited a series of historical sites including Wat Phnom Historical Site, Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Ounalom Temple, Prasat Sambor Prei Kuk (World Heritage Site), Angkor Wat Temple (World Heritage Site) and Banteay Srei Temple. On 20 September, they also got a chance to have a close look at the conservation and restoration project of Chau Say Tevoda which serves well to show the friendly relationship between Cambodia and China as it was accomplished jointly by the governments of Cambodia and China from December 1998 to December 2008.

Along with the increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting Cambodia in recent years, the Cambodian or Khmer cuisine has gradually became more well-known to the Chinese people. On 16 September in Phnom Penh and on 20 September in Siem Reap, Ms. Rotanak ROS, Founder and CEO of Chef Nak and Mr. LUU Meng, CEO of Almond Group and President of Cambodia Tourism Federation demonstrated the genuine Cambodian cuisine respectively. The journalists were deeply impressed and learned rich knowledge about the similarities and differences between Chinese cuisine and Cambodian cuisine.

The tour to Koh Rong Island in Preah Sihanouk Province on 18 September and the tour to Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap Province on 21 September gave them a rare chance to learn about the natural resources of Cambodia, an emerging destination for Chinese holiday-makers. Shopping venues were surely part of the trip. Central Market in Phnom Penh, Night Market, Artisan’ D Angkor and modern shops in Siem Reap show that Cambodia may become a shopping paradise for Chinese tourists.

During the trip, the Chinese journalists also actively interacted with their Cambodian counterparts and exchanged views on media cooperation between the two countries. The familiarization trip gave them better understanding of Cambodia in terms of history, culture, social and economic development and helped deepen their exchanges and friendship with the Cambodian people. Through their media coverage, the cultural heritages and tourist attractions in Cambodia will be further promoted in China.