Mission guide
Cambodia Phnom Penh West Mission
Cambodia Phnom Penh West Mission serves in a country shaped by deep history, resilient communities, and the Khmer language.
- Khmer
Cambodia Phnom Penh West Mission shirts
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Cambodia Phnom Penh West Mission Heart Map Shirt
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Cambodia Phnom Penh West Mission Flag Map Shirt
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Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Khmer is the mission’s main language. Missionaries and families may also encounter Cambodian communities in other countries who share Khmer heritage.
At a glance
- Country
- Cambodia
- Main city
- Phnom Penh, 2,352,851 people in the 2019 census for the capital city and autonomous municipality
- Time zone
- Indochina Time (UTC+7)
- Climate
- Tropical wet and dry, hot year-round, with a rainy southwest monsoon from May to November
- Church in Cambodia
- 18,070 members, 2 stakes, 30 congregations
- Church organization
- 4 districts, 2 missions, and 12 FamilySearch Centers
A short history of the area
Phnom Penh became Cambodia’s national capital in 1434 after the fall of Angkor, regained capital status in 1865, and has remained the capital since then. The city was forcibly evacuated in 1975, and people began returning after 1979.
The Church here
- 1970sMany Cambodian refugees living in the United States joined the Church.
- Early 1990sThe Church began providing millions of dollars in humanitarian aid and welfare support to the people of Cambodia.
- 1994The government of Cambodia granted legal recognition to the Church on March 4.
- 1994The first official Church meeting in Cambodia was held in Phnom Penh on March 27, with 15 people in attendance.
- 1994Phal Mao, the first Cambodian convert, was baptized in Phnom Penh on May 9.
- 1994The Phnom Penh Branch was organized on September 19, with about 60 Cambodian and Vietnamese members.
- 1998The Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission was formed after Cambodia was separated from the Thailand Bangkok Mission.
Temples nearby
Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple
Dedicated August 30, 2026 · Near Phnom Penh
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Phrases to learn
- SuosdeiHello
- ArkunThank you
- SomPlease
- Chum reap suorA formal greeting
Foods to try
- Phnom Penh noodles (noodles served with soup broth, sometimes with the broth on the side)
- Fish amok (fish cooked in a rich, fragrant coconut curry)
- Kuy teav (rice noodle soup commonly served for breakfast)
- Nom banh chok (rice noodles with a traditional Khmer herb-based sauce)
Fun facts
- Phnom Penh sits at the confluence of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers and is the starting point of the Bassac River.
- The Water Festival celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow with boat races, fireworks, concerts, and food.
- Vattanac Capital Tower is Phnom Penh’s tallest skyscraper, standing 188 metres high.
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