Cambodia Culture

Here's a piece of the Cambodian culture!

Cambodian people are friendly and open towards foreigners. The years go by and they get more and more used to tourists and backpackers. But don't abuse their hospitality and their friendliness...

... Remember that you're a guest in their country... So please pay respect to their local customs!

It's up to travelers to prepare themselves -- that's just common sense.

You have a responsibility. Stay with it.

... Now, over to the fun part! :)

To get the most of your adventures in Cambodia, I suggest you learn some basic Khmer phrases, like:

Learning local phrases is a good way to break the ice, like if you're in the store and just buying some snacks, or when a local approaches you and want to start a conversation -- their smiles when you say those words in their mother tongue is just... you can't buy that kind of happiness!!!

And another thing: You should read about the Cambodian culture (like you're doing here ) before taking off to Cambodia.

This is why you should read about the Cambodian culture...

• It's easier to "blend in"

• It's easier to not step on any toes...

... If you do make a mistake -- apologize genuinely with a smile... No one's perfect. Everyone can make a mistake. As long as you know that you made a mistake and do something about it - you'll be alright.

So, ready?

Now things get interesting...

Return to top

Encountering Cambodians
-- How to do it in Cambodian Culture

Cambodia Culture: Satu

1. First, the essential part of Cambodia Culture:

   The traditional way of greeting locals, called Satu, is to bow your head and bring your hands together at chest level, like if you were praying.

   When you meet monks and elderly locals, initiate the Satu. If they don't Satu back, don't be offended. The monks share the same status as the King and the Buddha.

   Don't Satu to locals who are considered as inferior (hate to write that word, but then again... HIERARCHY). That would be servants and alike. And don't need to Satu to people who are younger than you. They should be initiating the Satu.

2. When a local introduces himself/herself, it's common to use that person's first name. Not their family name.

3. Don't touch anyone on the head, especially the elderly.

4. Don't point your feet at a person and certainly don't put them on the desk.

5. Cambodians will try to avoid confrontation in arguments or conflicts because they have an idea of things must be in harmony. That's just part of their Cambodia culture. They will either walk away or just smile at you while you're trying to argue with them.

   First thing first: Don't raise your voice (at least not in public) and don't get angry. Do as they do, walk away. When you're alone again, you can curse and scream all you want!

6. SMILE!

   The Cambodian people (young and old) are very curious and many of them can't speak English. They will sometimes stop or walk with you just to exchange some English words. Be polite, smile and take some time to talk to them. It's the easiest way of getting to know the locals and how they live.

   Most backpackers are excellent at researching the country they're visiting. But in my opinion, it is always better to hear it from the locals, rather than just reading about it in the Lonely Planet...

   Watch my video clip from the Songkran Festival (New Year) in Siem Reap (April 2010):

   Here the locals are having a good time :-)

7. Begging

   Cambodia Culture: Poverty

   
   When you're visiting the rural areas of Cambodia, or when you're visiting popular temple sites as the Angkor, you'll notice the heavy poverty.

   You will experience that packs of children approach you and reaches out their hand -- looking at you with their dark brown eyes. Many poor families send their cute children to do the dirty job, which is beg for money. This is a common sight. Be prepared.

   If I were you, I wouldn't give these children money. It's logical that parents take their children out of school if they can get quick money by sending their children…

   Instead of giving children money, carry pens and notebooks so you can give it to them.

Return to top

Visiting Cambodians
in their home

1. Take off your shoes before entering someone's home and even some guest houses. If someone was to visit your home, you would most likely appreciate that they didn't bring dirt into your house....

2. Use your hands when you give a gift. And don't be offended if they don't open the gift right away. Gifts are to be opened in private.

Return to top

At restaurants/dinner
with Cambodians

1. Eat with your right hand.

   Try not to eat or touch the food with your left hand. Cambodians, among other nationalities in Asia, use their left hand when they've finished their business in the toilet.

2. The first time I experienced that tipping is not expected at low-cost restaurants was in Battambang. I was ready to pay for my meal at White Rose Restaurant. I left a dollar and the waiter ran after me to give it back...

   But I've noticed that it's common to give 5-10 % at mid-priced/expensive restaurants. Like, in Siem Reap, some travelers would leave tip after they had their meals at the pricey restaurants.

3. Locals will usually eat their lunch and dinner while sitting on the floor. Don't walk over them or the food. Walk around.

Return to top

Monks in Cambodia

Cambodia Culture

1. Especially for female travelers, don't touch the monks or the robes of the monks.

   It's strictly taboo.

   They are the most important people in the country!

2. Legs should not be crossed in the presence of monks and elderly people.

   Place your legs beneath your body or on the side.

Relationships and Cambodian Culture

1. Another great thing about the Cambodia culture, is that Cambodians like to have close relationships. They will express it if they like you. Don't get cold, or you will offend them.

2. If you're traveling with your girlfriend/boyfriend, have in mind that displaying affection in public will embarrass locals (holding hands, kissing, hugging etc)

Return to top

Visiting attractions in Cambodia

1. Treat the Buddha statues with respect. Bow and join your hands -- it will be appreciated. And you should not of course touch them.

2. It's common to light an incense stick as an offering to Buddha. Foreigners are not required to do this, but I can't come up with any reason as to why you should say no...

   When visiting the Angkor temples, like the Angkor Wat, old ladies or even monks will offer you incense sticks. Be polite and just light it.

3. This applies for every country in Asia, but do dress properly when you enter a Wat (temple). Cover your shoulders by wearing a t-shirt or use a sarong. And try to avoid shorts and short skirts.

4. When visiting the Angkor Temples, don' touch the bas-reliefs (the carvings), the walls etc. These temples have been around for thousands of years. Touching causes deterioration!

5. Always ask before taking someone's picture.

Return to top

Other customs in
Cambodian Culture

More of Cambodia Culture...

1. Don't pass objects over the head (like when you're passing food). And when you pass something, use your right hand. But use both of your hands if the object requires special respect. And remember that you receive objects with both of your hands.

Hill tribes of Cambodia
-- Khmer Loeu

The famous hill tribes of Cambodia are called Khmer Loeu, which means "Highland Khmer." The Khmer Loeu can be divided into 13 distinct minority groups!

These exciting and reserved hill tribes come from a different cultural background than the Lowland Cambodians. This means that they have different customs, appearance, religion and survival strategies.

When I read about the Khmer Loeu, I found some interesting stuff about their culture!

Did you know that...

• Khmer Loeu believes that magical spirits inhabit the nature world? They even have sorcerers who control the weather!

• Khmer Loeu was recruited as Khmer Rouge soldiers?

• When the children of Khmer Loeu (boys and girls) become 5-6 years old, they start working at home helping out with chores? And even the boys do the gardening! It seems like there's no clear distinction between the sexes.

• Like every person originating from Southeast Asia -- they try to avoid conflicts in their everyday life?

Look for Cambodia Culture Shock! (book) through Amazon.com or other books on Cambodian culture. Cambodia Culture Shock! is full of good information on their culture!

Return to top

You're done with Cambodia Culture, where do you want to go next?

Get an interactive Cambodia Map and detailed bus information for Cambodia

Read Cambodia History

Get Cambodia Facts right here

Leave Cambodia Culture and return to Homepage.

cambodia culture