Remember These? 6 Classic Cambodian Childhood Games

Long before smartphones and tablets, Cambodian children found joy in simple, active outdoor games. These traditional activities were not just for fun; they taught us strategy, teamwork, and agility. Many of these games are still played today, especially during the Khmer New Year celebrations in April.

The Playground Classics

Chol Chhoung (ចោលឈូង)

A classic courtship game! Two teams (usually boys vs. girls) throw a "chhoung" (a tied-up scarf) back and forth. If someone misses the catch, they have to sing or dance for the other team. It is full of flirting, singing, and laughter.

Leak Kanseng (លាក់កន្សែង)

"Hiding the Scarf." Children sit in a circle singing a specific song while one person walks around the outside and secretly drops a scarf behind someone. That person must then grab the scarf and chase the dropper around the circle!

Teanh Prot (ទាញព្រ័ត្រ)

The universal Tug of War! In Cambodian mythology, this game represents the churning of the Ocean of Milk by gods and demons. Today, it is just a test of raw strength and teamwork.

Bos Angkunh (បោះអង្គុញ)

A game of skill using large, flat seeds from the Angkunh tree. Players throw their seeds to hit the opponent's seeds. The loser usually gets a playful tap on the knee (called a "Kwav") with two seeds.

Bay Khom (បាយខុំ)

A strategic board game similar to Mancala, often played in the dirt. Two players move pebbles or tamarind seeds around small holes, trying to "eat" (capture) all of their opponent's pieces.

Hopscotch (O-An)

Simple and timeless. We drew grids in the sand and hopped on one leg, balancing carefully to pick up our marker. It was the perfect game for a lazy afternoon.

Honorable Mention: The Sweetest Memory

This isn't a game, but we all remember the sweet and sour taste of "Skor Teanh" (ស្ករទាញ). This sticky, stretched tamarind candy was the prize we all wanted after a long day of playing!

These games taught us more than just rules; they taught us friendship, fair play, and the joy of being outdoors. If you visit Cambodia during the New Year, you might just see these traditions coming alive again.