Khmer Architecture Tours

who we are

Tours of Phnom Penh’s urban heritage from the 1950s and 60s

Khmer Architecture Tours (KA Tours) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2003 to promote the understanding of modern architecture in Cambodia. Our tours focus on buildings erected after Cambodia’s independence in 1953, described as ‘New Khmer Architecture’, while setting these in the historical context of Phnom Penh. 

what we do

For Cambodia, the late 1950s and 60s was a period of dynamic cultural and political ambition, which resulted in an extensive programme of construction. The far-reaching cultural and social vision for Cambodia was reflected in the new architecture of the time. Uniquely, this focused on integrating an international style with the local tradition, materials and climate. One representative of this ‘New Khmer Architecture’ is the renowned Khmer architect Vann Molyvann, a patron of our organisation and whose unique style of architecture is featured on our tours.

In addition to arranging tours and guiding, we research buildings and provide training in preparing data about important buildings. We rely on the enthusiasm and efforts of our team of collaborators which include students of Cambodian architecture, graduates employed as tour guides and researchers, local and foreign architects, and architecture fans which support KA Tours as advisers, map-makers and lecturers.