AKP Phnom Penh, November 30, 2025 -- Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet have conveyed their congratulations on the 9th anniversary of Chapei Dang Veng’s inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

“Celebrating the 9th anniversary of Chapei Dang Veng, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” they wrote on their official social media platforms this morning.

Chapei Dang Veng, a traditional two-stringed long-necked guitar, is one of Cambodia’s ancient musical instruments, with its image carved on the walls of Angkor Wat Temple. It is typically performed alongside lyrical storytelling or improvisational compositions. Chapei songs often recount historical narratives or convey moral lessons aimed at promoting virtue and cultural values.

Chapei Dang Veng was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding on Nov. 30, 2016, at the eleventh session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
 
Besides Chapei Dang Veng, Cambodia has also registered the Historic Site of Angkor; Preah Reach Troap Dance (Royal Ballet); Lakhon Sbek Thom (big shadow puppet); the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple; Teanh Prot (tug-of-war), a popular recreational game; Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex; Lkhon Khol Wat Svay; Kun Bokator, Cambodian martial art; Koh Ker Archaeological Site; and Krama Khmer (Cambodian scarf) on the World Heritage List.

Giant Chapei Dang Veng displayed during Angkor Sankranta 2023 in Siem Reap province

By C. Nika