Vimol Mok

Cambodian weddings have a long tradition and consist not only of traditional customs but also of a Buddhist ceremony as part of the event. Traditional Cambodian weddings can last up to 7 days, but we usually combine small ceremonies and shorten them into a 2-day ceremony at the bride’s home.

Although some people perform the traditional ceremony at the banquet hall for convenience, the concept remains the same.

Outfits

There are multiple outfit changes for both the bride and groom throughout the ceremony, and they always coordinate the colors. The primary colors include gold and silver, with additional colors depending on personal preference. Throughout the events, the bride and groom have chosen a variety of outfits with multiple colors in advance. The outfits and hairstyles are changed between each part of the ceremony. On the reception night, the bride, groom, and the bridal party typically wear traditional outfits to greet the guests, changing into white dresses and suits for the reception entrance.

Guests typically wear colorful outfits, and females avoid wearing black. Morning attire for females usually consists of tailor-made silk skirts paired with sparkling lace tops. Evening wear includes colorful nightgowns or two-piece ensembles featuring long silk skirts and matching lace tops. Men usually opt for suits or silk button-up tops with black pants.

Preparation

The Cambodian traditional wedding is at the bride’s house. This is to symbolize that the groom’s family come to the bride’s family to get permission as well as to pay respect for the bride’s family. In order to fit many guests, we usually install tents extending from the entrance door to the street. However, for modern day while many are doing it at the Bride house, some prefer to do it at the banquet hall for convenience while all the traditions are still the same. Preparations required teams of relatives, helpers, and event planners to work together including preparing agenda, dowry items, music, outfits and makeup, MC, and the list goes on. We also choose one close family member to walk the bride and one to walk the groom throughout the whole ceremony. Here is my personal experience:

Day 1:

Krong Poli – Asking Permission from the Land

It lasts only half a day, occurring in the afternoon and followed by a smaller family dinner. Typically held at the bride’s house, the event is reserved for close family and friends who attended.

Cambodians are deeply spiritual, and we consistently show respect for the land and the spirits surrounding us. Prior to significant events like religious ceremonies or weddings, we typically commence with the Krong Poli ceremony. Various foods, including but not limited to rice, grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits, are offered to seek permission from the spirits of the land for conducting ceremonies. The chanting begins with the Master of Ceremony (MC).

Day 1: Monk Blessing

Following the first ceremony, the monk chanting marks the final event of the first day. This inclusive ceremony welcomes participants of all religions, and everyone is encouraged to join, even if my partner is not a Buddhist. 

Day 2

Dowry Parade

Day 2 is a full day and the main day of the wedding ceremony. It started as early as 7 am in the morning until reception night. 

This is the first ceremony for the day and starts as early as 7 or 8 am in the morning when  the groom and family walk with the dowry to present to the bride’s family. The dowry presented including treys of  fruits, vegetables, meats, drinks, pastries, and desserts are given in pairs, symbolized favors from the groom’s family and to pay respect to the bride’s family. The parade is usually a mix of the bride and groom’s family but only to symbolize the groom’s family. 

The dowry items are prepared and ready the night before. Guests usually arrive early to prepare for the dowry walk. The walk is usually 5-10mn long and along with the guests, the groom and the parents lead the walk at the front. Once arrived, the bride’s parents will come and greet the groom, his parents, and everyone from the door. Then, the bride makes an entrance and is walked by a designated family member, usually a close aunt, to greet the groom and lead the rest of the guests entering the house.  

Ring Ceremony

Ring ceremony is when the bride and groom exchange the rings. The bride and groom made a new entrance and walked by their designated family member.

Outfit and hair makeup change in every ceremony that match between the bride and the groom. There is a short break to allow the bride and groom to change their outfits and prepare a slightly different scene for each event. 

Hair Cutting Ceremony

Marriage is a big chapter in lives and a transformation from being single to living the lives of two. Hair cutting ceremony represents the changes and transformation of the bride and groom. While it is called a hair cutting ceremony, the hair is not actually cut as it’s only to symbolize the grooming and preparing for the change. The scene of the wedding changed from sitting on the carpet to sitting on the chairs along with the bridal parties on both sides. 

The ceremony typically begins with two MCs delivering a brief comedy talk before the hair cuttings take place. The order of the ceremony prioritizes the parents of the bride and groom, followed by grandparents and guests. During the ceremony, participants simulate cutting the bride and groom’s hair, spray perfume, and extend their wishes.

Knot Tying Ceremony

After the outfit change, the groom traditionally makes the first entrance before the bride. The Knot Tying Ceremony, the final Khmer ritual of the wedding, typically concludes around noon. Preceding this ceremony is the Flame Passing Ceremony, exclusive to married guests seated in a circle. Guided by the MC’s instructions and chanting, the sacred flame circulates seven times. The sacred flame and its smoke symbolize protection for the bride and groom, warding off evil and bringing blessings and luck.

String or knot tying ceremony is performed sequentially by parents, and followed by grandparents and guests in couples. The guests usually, but not always, give gifts such as jewelry or envelopes of money during this time, or wait until reception. Along with the knot tying, they give blessings to the newly couple. At the end, guests throw the white petal flowers to the bride and groom and the MC officially announce the newly wedded couple. The newly wedded usually keep the string tied for 3 days and cut by someone special in the family such as grandparents.

Reception Night

The bride and groom typically welcome guests at the entrance adorned in traditional outfits and later change into a white dress and suit for their grand entrance.

South East Asia is made up of 11 countries with an endless summer. They all have unique and distinct features, including arts, people, culinary delights, activities, and their unique beautiful scenery. These South East Asian countries are located close to each other, allowing you to visit multiple places in one trip. Moreover, they are budget-friendly destinations for tourists.

Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia comprises five main islands and a total of about 18,110 islands overall. Bali, one of the top tourist attractions in Indonesia, stands among the world’s must-visit places, renowned for its natural beauty—lush greenery, rice fields, volcanoes, temples, and mountains.

Top must-see places include Pura Penataran Sasih, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, the mesmerizing Rice Field Terrace, picturesque Canggu Beaches, and the majestic Mount Batur.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia boasts a rich history, evolving from the influential Khmer Empire dating back to the 9th century. Through the transformation from Hinduism to Buddhism, the country is adorned with a mixture of ancient temples representing both religions. Located at the heart of Cambodia,

Siem Reap province stands out as the country’s most renowned tourist destination, featuring approximately 50 ancient temples crafted from mountain stones. Dating back to the 12th century, these temples continue to stand, drawing millions of visitors annually. Among the popular choices, many tourists opt for the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat, a symbol on the Cambodian flag, and explore the enchanting sunset vistas at Phnom Bakheng Temple.

Other top-visited temples include, but are not limited to, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and Preah Khan Temple. Cambodia is also renowned for its beautiful beaches and islands. In the evenings, many tourists relish the vibrant street food scene, lively bars, and strolling along Pub Street.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite family destinations. During our stay on a boat for a few days, the surreal surroundings left an indelible impression. Surrounded by countless islands mirroring on the tranquil waters and basking in the warmth of the sun, the experience went beyond mere relaxation in nature. Our days were filled not only with savoring delicious cuisine on the boat but also with a plethora of engaging activities.

Our days were filled with diverse activities, from exploring caves during the day to kayaking amidst the scenic islands and indulging in thrilling dives from the boat’s top. Witnessing the picturesque transformation from sunrise to sunset, accompanied by the enchanting lights from other boats at night, made our stay in Ha Long Bay truly unforgettable.

Cebu Island, Philippines 

The Philippines, renowned for its breathtaking nature, boasts stunning beaches, cliffs, and islands. Cebu Island stands among the top destinations, celebrated for its rich history, luxurious resorts, pristine white-sand beaches, and the mesmerizing Kawasan Falls. Similar to other countries, Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, stands as its bustling hub, embodying the vibrant energy of the nation.

Numerous places in the Philippines offer exposure to nature and breathtaking scenery, including Cebu Island, Coron Island, Puerto Princesa, Mactan Island, Tagaytay, and more. Moreover, the people of the Philippines are renowned for their exceptional friendliness and warm hospitality, making visitors feel exceptionally welcome.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, a premier tourist destination, is celebrated for its rich cultural and historical sites. Exploring Thailand is incomplete without a visit to The Grand Palace in Bangkok, the iconic residence of the kings. The city’s vibrant nightlife is equally renowned, offering a delightful array of street food experiences for those eager to immerse themselves in its culinary delights

Thailand’s Floating Market boasts a distinctive charm, showcasing the traditional Thai way of life through colorful wooden vessels, local culinary delights, and an abundance of fresh tropical fruits.

Singapore

Singapore is more than just an island and a city-state; it is a vibrant country that never sleeps, fueled by passion and pride. Positioned as one of the hottest attraction spots in Asia, it draws people from around the world. The city’s meticulous upkeep strikes a perfect balance between natural beauty and urban city life, offering a tapestry of experiences—from street food and nightlife to luxury shopping, towering skyscrapers, diverse culture, and thriving arts.

Top places to visit in Singapore include Sentosa, China Town & Little India, the Botanical Garden, Merlion Park, the Safari, Flower Dome, Gardens By the Bay, and Marina Bay.

While Singapore lacks its own natural freshwater sources and relies on sustainable water supplies through import, desalination, recycling, and local catchment, the country has pioneered the creation of a green urban environment. This includes an astonishing landscape with gardens adorned with flowers and lush greenery throughout the city.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, stands as the country’s largest city, blending colonial charm with modern vibrancy. Renowned as one of the top shopping destinations in South East Asia, it boasts a mix of both indoor and outdoor shopping malls. Kuala Lumpur is also famous for the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which hold the title of the world’s highest twin towers. 

Beyond being renowned for its modern skyscrapers, Malaysia is celebrated for its diverse natural wonders, including beautiful beaches, national parks, Southeast Asia’s longest cave system, rainforests, islands, and the picturesque Cameron Highlands.

Yangon, Myanmar 

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is renowned for its distinctive Buddhist temple structures and architecture. With over 90% of Burmans adhering to Buddhism, the country places immense value on its sacred places, including Buddhist monuments. Yangon, the capital and largest city, boasts an array of boutique hotels and restaurants. The iconic Shwedagon Pagoda is particularly famous for its stunning golden illumination at night

Throughout the country, Myanmar boasts thousands of Buddhist pagodas, ranging from historic to modern-day structures, each showcasing unique architectural designs. Top tourist attractions include the Shwenandaw Monastery, Ngwe Saung, Mrauk U, Bagan, and Kyaiktiyo.

Brunei

Brunei, a small nation situated on the island of Borneo and surrounded by Malaysia, is renowned for its mosques and Islamic architecture. Notable landmarks include Bandar Seri Begawan and the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, served as a trading hub during the French Colonial period, evident in some buildings featuring French-influenced architectural designs. The iconic Patuxai monument stands as a symbol of Laos’ fight for independence from France, dedicated to those who played a crucial role in the struggle

In addition to city tours, Laos is celebrated for its natural wonders, including Vang Vieng, Bokeo Nature Reserve, and Tham Kong Lo.

Dili Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, a small nation surrounded by stunning ocean views, boasts Dili as its largest city. Known for its diverse attractions, Dili offers delectable seafood at local restaurants, vibrant shopping scenes, and picturesque beaches along the coast. Additionally, the country is celebrated for its beautiful natural sites, including Jaco Island, Nino Konis National Park, Marobo Hot Spring, and Atauro Island.