In Cambodia, a smile welcomes, soothes, apologises. It can also hide embarrassment or fatigue. From the faces of the Bayon to Theravāda Buddhism and the wounds of the 20th century, what does this smile, which every visitor talks about, really say?

Every Friday and Saturday, the Cambodia Tourism Board stages free Kun Lbokator shows at Angkor Thom and Sbek Thom shadow theatre on the Siem Reap River

At Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Elephants has become one of the favourite spots for Cambodian couples to shoot their engagement and pre-wedding photos. Each late afternoon, couples, make-up artists and photography teams gather there, with centuries-old temples as a backdrop.

The Princess Buppha Devi Dance School presents “The Coronation of Jayavarman VII” on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September 2026, at 7 p.m., on the outdoor stage of the Institut français du Cambodge. Created for the Golden (R)Age festival in June, the ballet retells the future king’s victory over the Cham, blending Khmer classical dance, lakhaon khaol and bokator.