It started out as a mere suggestion as a weekend visit from one of the long time volunteers. Then it turned in to an LHA outing. And then the monks were galvanized to come along.
The Cambodian Cultural Village had been a popular attraction site in Siem Reap, attracting locals and tourists. However, a little bit of research revealed that reviews for this place were abysmal. Nevertheless, the monks insisted on going so a couple of volunteers agreed tag along (I mean who can say to the monks?). Upon arriving, I understood why. It’s free for monks and hugely popular among middle-class locals as it showcases eclectic aspects of Cambodian culture. For locals its $5, which is not cheap (most tourist attractions are free ~ $2 for locals). For tourists it’s $15.
This amusement park is on National Road 6 on the way to the airport and you cannot miss it because it is huge. It has several sections which features different ethnic tribes, a wax museum, and various stages that hosts shows throughout the day.
To all the negative reviewers on TripAdvisor and those who are contemplating whether to go or not, I offer the following advice to you before going:
1. Go on the weekends because that’s when all the shows happen.
Since the shows start around 2:30pm, I especially recommend going around 1~1:30pm to take hour exploring the wax museum and walking around the venue. There are many serene parks and a replica of the Tonle Sap Lake which is quite nice. Interestingly, there also exists as a “Khmer American Village” depicting an American suburb where many of the refugees were sponsored. It’s quite funny because Cambodian enclaves in California are in Oakland or Long Beach which look nothing like this. Oh well.
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| My best guess, is it's from Smallville..? |
There reviews for the shows are mixed. but I loved it. The performers were jocular and the dancers moved about deftly. Remember, the shows are catered towards locals and their humor so just sit back and laugh along with them. And FYI, I thought they were quite funny.
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| Peacock Dance at the Kola Village |
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| Chinese lion dance & clowns at the Chinese Village |
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| Bride selecting ritual show at the Kreung Village |
2. Pick which shows you want to go beforehand The shows happen one after the other with 10 minute breaks in between so many rush from theater to theater. Obviously this creates a big mess when trying to get seats. Instead of being greedy, choose about 3 or 4 shows you really want to watch and get to the theater early to secure yourself a seat.
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| Theaters get packed! |
3. If possible, go with a local. One thing that was disappointing was that the museum did not have many descriptions about the displays. To Cambodians, most are displays and wax figures are distinguishable but not to the tourists who are unfamiliar with them. Luckily the monks gave us an explanation which helped us immensely to understand the historical and cultural context. Moreover it was nice to see that the locals were full with pride looking at their historical accomplishments and achievements.
4. If you want to save on money, look Cambodian.
$15 entrance fee is hefty considering a one-day entrance pass to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, costs $5 more.
However with my Asian look and local fashion style (leggings, cap, long-sleeve, mask, flip-flops) caused a bit of stir at the ticket counter. They asked me if I was Cambodian
in Cambodian in which for a split second my inner bad side abetted to making me answering yes (and saving $10). But having just repent my sins on Meak Bochea day, I answered "I wasn’t". I replied back in Cambodian in which made them even more confused. Even the guy checking the tickets asked where I was from (I answered “mao bpii prok tei amerique” – I am from the US to which he rolled his eyes). It’s interesting I’m slowly blending in with the locals here. So, lesson of the story is look like and speak like a Cambodian.
I’M JUST JOKING! PLEASE do NOT do this as the fee contributes to maintaining the park and also supporting the workers and performers
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| Besties :) |
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| STOP PULLING MY EAR! |
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| Beautiful Kreung Tribe costumes |
