The 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia /

The 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia have been a momentous event that the whole country has been looking forward to since it was announced in 2016. This was the 32nd SEA Games and this prestigious event had never been hosted in Cambodia before. In 1963, the 3rd SEA Games were supposed to be hosted by Cambodia, but the political situation led to its cancellation. Since then, they have been waiting to proudly welcome the teams from 10 other Southeast Asian countries to compete in 37 sports over 2 weeks and to celebrate this historic event in true Khmer style. These types of events were one of those unique experiences worth traveling for and offered a unique way to experience a country known for its friendly people and rich culture.

Cambodia has undergone tremendous changes in the past 60 years. The peace and stability of modern-day Cambodia, which followed the tragic genocide and civil wars that continued for decades, has led to extensive development throughout the country and an ever-growing passion for sports among a relatively young Cambodian population. It was the perfect time for the eyes of the region (and the wider sporting world) to turn to Cambodia and for this popular travel destination to finally be back on the sporting world map as well.

But hosting a major sporting event can mean so much more to a country than a showcase of sporting talent that people travel from far and wide to see. In the run-up to the games, events were organized across the country to raise awareness and promote the SEA Games and Cambodia as a destination for tourism and investment. With the hashtag #BeyondTheGames, the host country wanted to take the opportunity to tell the world what Cambodia has to offer and encourage travelers to put Cambodia firmly on their travel wish list.

At one such event, a new Guinness World Record was set on the grounds of Angkor Wat, with nearly four million origami hearts being created and displayed for all to see. These hearts are made by volunteers from all over the country to show support for the athletes competing in the games, to show the true spirit and heart of the Cambodian people.

As the games quickly approached, the torch of the SEA Games finally returned to the host country, initially lit by King Norodom Sihamoni at Angkor Wat. After visiting the other participating countries, it then toured Cambodia before arriving at the opening ceremony held at the magnificent Morodok Techo National Stadium. This futuristic 60,000 capacity stadium in Phnom Penh has remained the showpiece of the SEA Games and will certainly leave an important sporting heritage for Cambodia for the future.

As with all major sporting events, it’s what happens during the match that really captures the imagination and the 32nd SEA games were no different. Cambodia’s men’s team entered the football tournament with low expectations. Their record has been somewhat below par in recent years under ex-Japan international Keisuke Honda. So when they won their first group game 4-0 against Timor-Leste in the literally bouncing Olympic Stadium, the excitement and anticipation grew. In their next match, they led the Philippines 1–0 with minutes remaining, but conceded a late goal. Needing to win one of their last group matches against either Myanmar or Indonesia to qualify for the semi-finals, the stadium was packed and the atmosphere was exciting for every match. But it was not to be, they lost both games and their dream was over, with the final being hotly contested by Indonesia and Thailand. It is this kind of hope, heartbreak and intense competition that show a side of a country that can go unseen during a typical visit to a destination. It was impossible to deny Cambodia’s passion for football after witnessing their journey through the league.

Many other sports were shown during the SEA Games, including a large number of martial arts that were sometimes downright breathtaking. The best in the region went head to head in their chosen disciplines and literally fought their way to the gold medal that all athletes dream of. Martial arts that are extremely popular in the region, including Pencak silat, vovinam, and Cambodia’s famous bokator, were on display, alongside the more famous taekwondo, karate, boxing, and ju-jitsu. It was ju-jitsu that stole the hearts of the nation, with Khmer-American superstar Jessa Khan taking home silver and gold medals at the games. Other ju-jitsu gold medals for the host nation included Kongmona Mithora and Touch Pikada in the men’s duo, providing another great opportunity to witness the emotional and collective national pride for these achievements.

One of the few sports at the SEA Games hosted outside of Phnom Penh was cycling. Cycling is extremely popular with Cambodians and both the mountain biking at Mount Kulen and the road races at the Angkor Wat complex provided a unique opportunity to see some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations in a different light. Indonesia dominated mountain biking winning four out of five gold medals and they also won the men’s criterium. With 30 laps over a 1.8 km circuit, Indonesia’s Terry Kusuma took the gold, while Malaysia and the Philippines took silver and gold respectively. Set against the backdrop of the world famous Angkor Wat, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this fast paced and exciting event in the most unique of settings.

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In terms of sports, the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia were a huge success for the host nation. Winning 282 medals, including 81 gold, they surpassed their previous games by far with a best of 53 medals and 17 gold medals 52 years ago at the 1971 SEA Games in Malaysia. But the impact ‘off the field’ in a country like Cambodia is enormous. Has Cambodia taken the opportunity to establish itself as an exciting tourist destination for those looking to this region for their next travel adventure? They certainly did. Let’s hope #BeyondTheGames Cambodia attracts more and more visitors and that those new visitors to this beautiful country can create their own memories in this truly unique country.

Paul Eyers is founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.

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