Replicas of three iconic Cambodian temples—Preah Vihear, Tamone and Ta Krabei—will be among the major attractions at the Village de la Francophonie in Phnom Penh, offering local and international visitors an opportunity to explore the Kingdom's cultural heritage during Cambodia's hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit. The exhibition will take place from November 13 to 17, 2026, at the public park in front of Wat Botum Watey, combining heritage displays with cultural performances, product exhibitions and international cuisine.
Key Facts
Exhibition: Replicas of Preah Vihear, Tamone and Ta Krabei temples.
Venue: Public park in front of Wat Botum Watey, Phnom Penh.
Dates: November 13–17, 2026.
Main purpose: Showcase Cambodia's history and cultural heritage.
Expected visitors: Cambodian residents, students and international visitors.
Related event: Cambodia's 20th Francophonie Summit, November 14–16, 2026.
Other attractions: Product exhibitions, cultural performances and international cuisine.
Three Cambodian Temple Replicas to Highlight Khmer Heritage
Visitors to the Village de la Francophonie will have an opportunity to admire replicas of three significant Cambodian temples: Preah Vihear, Tamone and Ta Krabei.
The structures will be prominently displayed within the exhibition grounds, providing visitors with a chance to learn about Cambodia's historical and cultural heritage without travelling to the original temple locations.
The exhibition is expected to attract both Cambodian residents and international visitors attending the Francophonie celebrations.
Alongside the temple displays, visitors can explore product exhibitions, artistic and cultural performances, and food from different countries.
Students and Families Welcome the Heritage Exhibition
The temple replicas have generated interest among local visitors, particularly those who have not had the opportunity to visit the original sites.
Sok Sreyneang, a university student from Phnom Penh, expressed pride in seeing the three temple replicas displayed in the capital.
She said the exhibition would give young Cambodians and foreign visitors a better opportunity to learn about and appreciate the country's cultural heritage.
Heng Visal, a local visitor who attended with his family, described the exhibition as an opportunity for people who have not travelled to the border areas to see the temples and take photographs.
He added that the initiative could encourage Cambodians to value and protect their national culture.
Cambodia Hosts Major Francophonie Events in November
The Village de la Francophonie forms part of a broader programme of international events accompanying Cambodia's hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit from November 14 to 16, 2026.
Other major activities include:
Event | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
1st Asia-Pacific Francophone Science Cycle | November 10–12 | Institute of Technology of Cambodia |
Village de la Francophonie | November 13–17 | Public park in front of Wat Botum Watey |
48th Session of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie | November 14 | Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel |
6th Francophonie Entrepreneur Meeting (REF) | November 14–16 | Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra |
FrancoTech | November 14–16 | Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre |
Black Swan Summit 2026 | November 15–16 | Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre |
The programme brings together diplomatic, scientific, entrepreneurial, technological and cultural activities, extending the summit's engagement beyond official meetings.
Francophonie's Historical Connection with Cambodia
The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) was established on March 20, 1970, in Niamey, Niger, under the name Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT).
Cambodia is among the organisation's founding members, although the Kingdom officially joined the organisation in 1993, according to the source.
The OIF currently comprises 90 member states and governments, including 53 full members, five associate members and 32 observers.
Cambodia's hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit provides an opportunity to highlight its historical connection with the organisation while presenting its cultural identity to the international community.
Angkor Times Analysis
The display of Preah Vihear, Tamone and Ta Krabei temple replicas adds a distinctly Cambodian heritage dimension to the Francophonie celebrations.
While the summit provides a platform for diplomatic and economic engagement, the Village de la Francophonie offers a more accessible opportunity for the public to connect with the country's history and cultural identity.
The exhibition is particularly relevant for younger generations and international visitors who may be unfamiliar with these temple sites. Presenting replicas in Phnom Penh can encourage cultural learning and generate interest in Cambodia's heritage and tourism destinations.
The wider programme also creates opportunities to connect cultural promotion with tourism, education, entrepreneurship and international cooperation.
For Cambodia, the value of hosting the Francophonie Summit extends beyond the three-day diplomatic gathering. Events such as the cultural village can help strengthen international awareness of Khmer heritage while encouraging domestic pride and continued efforts to preserve the country's historical identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Cambodian temples will be represented at the Francophonie Village?
The exhibition will feature replicas of Preah Vihear, Tamone and Ta Krabei temples.
2. Where can visitors see the temple replicas?
They will be displayed at the public park in front of Wat Botum Watey in Phnom Penh.
3. When will the exhibition take place?
The Village de la Francophonie will run from November 13 to 17, 2026.
4. What other activities will be available?
Visitors can enjoy product exhibitions, artistic and cultural performances, and international cuisine.
5. When will Cambodia host the 20th Francophonie Summit?
The summit will take place in Phnom Penh from November 14 to 16, 2026.
6. What other major events will accompany the summit?
The programme includes the Asia-Pacific Francophone Science Cycle, Francophonie Entrepreneur Meeting, FrancoTech and Black Swan Summit 2026.
7. How many members does the OIF have?
The organisation comprises 90 member states and governments: 53 full members, five associate members and 32 observers.