Cambodia — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Cambodia Post (ប្រៃសណីយ៍កម្ពុជា) is Cambodia’s national postal operator. Cambodia’s philatelic history is among the world’s most dramatic: French Indochina stamps (1886–1953), Kingdom of Cambodia stamps (1951–1970), Khmer Republic stamps (1970–1975), NO stamps during the Khmer Rouge period (1975–1979 — postal services essentially ceased), and restored kingdom stamps from 1979/1982 onwards. The Khmer Rouge era represents one of philately’s rare total interruptions — a period of genocide during which normal civil functions including postal services collapsed entirely.

Notable Stamp Issues

French Indochina stamps used in Cambodia are the philatelic predecessor material — particularly the 1927 Angkor Wat definitives, among the most beautiful colonial stamps ever produced. Kingdom of Cambodia’s first stamps in 1951 depicted the royal symbol and Angkor Wat. Khmer Republic stamps (1970–1975) reflect the Lon Nol era. Post-1979 Cambodian stamps feature Angkor archaeological sites, the ancient Khmer empire, and modern reconstruction. The Angkor Wat temple complex — the world’s largest religious monument — appears on virtually every Cambodian definitive series.

Collecting Tips

Scott Asia catalogue covers Cambodian stamps across all eras. French Indochina Angkor Wat stamps are the most artistic pre-independence issues. Kingdom of Cambodia stamps (1951–1970) are the classic independent Cambodian issues. Khmer Republic stamps (1970–1975) reflect the civil war period. Khmer Rouge era (1975–1979) produces no standard stamps — any philatelic items from this period require careful authentication. Post-1979 stamps are well-catalogued. Angkor Wat stamps attract architecture and UNESCO heritage thematic collectors worldwide.

Part of the Asia Postal Directory.