Journey to Angkor

In 1924, the eminent Thai historian and administrator, Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, journeyed to Angkor Wat with his three daughters and the French historian, George Coedes. Prince Damrong recorded everything, including their 10 days visiting the monuments of Angkor, entertainment at the court of King Sisowath in Phnom Penh, his enquiries into Khmer Buddhism, observations on French colonial rule, relations between the dynasties of Siam and Cambodia, the excitements of travel by car and boat, and even the opening of a department store in Saigon.

This account, written up from his daily journal and originally distributed to his inner circle, became an instant classic, constantly reprinted ever since. Here it is translated into English for the first time, with 30 photographs taken by Prince Damrong's party and their French hosts.