Chou Ta-Kuan's report is one of the most comprehensive contemporary accounts of Kambuja which remains today. He was a relatively junior member of an ambassador's delegation on a diplomatic visit to Kambuja, seeking the promise of the Khmer king to pay homage to Timur Khan, the successor to the great Mongol conqueror, Kublai Khan. He was evidently an extremely observant and perceptive man who has given us a complete picture of life in Kambuja - from the geography and wildlife of the kingdom to a lively picture of a festival day procession. A complex society emerges with a good deal of differentiation of classes. The king is still a powerful ruler, surrounded by an elaborate court. We also learn about the natural wealth of Kambuja and the active commerce which took place. It makes interesting and often amusing reading. He describes the crocodiles of Kambuja as "large as boats which have four feet and are exactly like a dragon but have no horns; their belly is very delicious".
