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National Geographic

THE COMPASS

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT HARDING PICTURE LIBRARY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Cambodia abounds with magnificent carved temples, lush landscapes, and cities where rich imperial and colonial legacies mingle. In this edition, we see how wheelchair basketball has changed women's lives, learn about the rebounding population of Cambodia's endangered river dolphin, and tour the ancient stone city of Siem Reap.

Let's explore Cambodia.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Sieng Sokchan coaches and plays for the Battambang Roses women's wheelchair basketball team in Cambodia. Paralyzed since she was 11, Sieng also coaches the national team.

PHOTOGRAPH BY LAUREN DECICCA,
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

How wheelchair basketball changed
these women's lives

When the Cambodian women’s wheelchair basketball team headed to their first major international competition, they found wins off the court.

Yen fixes her fishing net on her boat. Most of the Vietnamese in Cambodia are stateless residents and live in floating settlements of dwelling zones on water which don't require citizenship papers.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALINA FEDORENKO

Immigrants find homes in colorful, floating Villages

Photographer Alina Fedorenko documents the daily lives of villagers living in Cambodia's Tonle Sap lake and river system.

ANIMALS & SCIENCE

Once believed to number in the thousands, the dolphins of the Mekong River were devastated by war, hunting, and indiscriminate net fishing.

CINEMATOGRAPHY BY STEFAN LOVGREN / WWF CAMBODIA / EAM SAM UN

Cambodia’s endangered river dolphins at highest population in 20 years

Once believed to number in the thousands, the dolphins of the Mekong River were devastated by war, hunting, and indiscriminate net fishing.

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A fisherman on the banks of the Mekong River outside Nong Khai, Thailand, on January 10.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SOE ZEYA TUN, REUTERS

Southeast Asia’s most critical river is entering uncharted waters

This river has nourished civilizations
for millennia. Now it’s drying up, under attack from dam building, overfishing,
and sand mining.

A fishermen drives past a floating village on Tonle Sap. Many residents that live on the lake are experiencing drought and diminishing water levels, and are abandoning fishing for farming in the increasingly dry swamp forest around the lake.

PHOTOGRAPH BY LINH PHAM,
NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Cambodia’s biggest lake is running dry, taking forests and fish with it

Drought and dams have pushed Tonle Sap into dangerous decline, threatening its swamp forests and the fish nurseries there that provide most of the nation's protein.

Cambodian fishermen sold this Cantor’s giant softshell turtle to a restaurant, but the owner—recognizing it was a rare species—turned it over to the Mekong Turtle Conservation Center. Several months later, center released the turtle back into the wild.

PHOTOGRAPH BY STEFAN LOVGREN

In Cambodia, giant turtles come back
from the brink

Once believed to be extinct in Cambodia, Cantor’s giant softshell turtle is finally recovering.

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A frenzy of architectural invention at the heart of the Cambodian jungle, the temple of Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman II in 1150.

PHOTOGRAPH BY GÜNTER GRÄFENHAIN / FOTOTECA 9X12

Seeking the hidden temples of Cambodia

Angkor Wat—one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia—lay undercover for centuries, swallowed up by the jungle after the mighty Khmer Empire declined.

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TRAVEL

DREAM NOW, GO LATER

Colossal banyan tree roots wrap around the ruins of Ta Prohm temple.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KIKE CALVO, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Explore Cambodia’s ancient stone city

With its awe-inspiring temples, colorful cafés, and placid waterways,
Siem Reap is a jewel of Southeast Asia.

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World-renowned illustrator Christoph Niemann illuminates his creative process.

PRODUCED BY REBEKAH BARLAS

This artist sketched his way through Cambodia and Vietnam

World-renowned illustrator Christoph Niemann illuminates his creative process.

Protected spot-billed pelicans flock together in Cambodia's Prek Toal sanctuary.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TERRY WHITTAKER

Free as a bird in Cambodia

During Prek Toal’s dry season, December through May, bird-watchers from all over the world can witness the abundant avian diversity worth saving.

Fish amok—Cambodia's national dish—is a steamed fish in a sweet curry sauce often served in a banana leaf with a side of rice.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SERGI REBOREDO, VWPICS / REDUX

Beyond Angkor Wat: 5 ways to enjoy
Siem Reap

After a morning at the famed temples, discover all the city has to offer.

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WHERE WILL WE JOURNEY TO NEXT?

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