Cambodians are well-known for their welcoming nature and kindness. To show respect, visitors should be mindful of local customs and traditions. Familiarizing yourself with these common dos and don’ts before your trip to Cambodia can enhance your experience.
DOs in Cambodia
• Ask for permission before taking photographs of any Cambodian people or monks.
• It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a pagoda or temple. Additionally, visitors should dress appropriately when inside a religious site (dress to cover upper arms and legs, hats removed).
• It is respectful to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
• Though not always expected, a respectful way of greeting another individual is to bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest (known as “Sampeah”). Although it may be considered acceptable for foreigners to shake hands with a Cambodian, it is more appropriate to respect the custom and respond with a ‘Chumreap Suor’.
• If invited to dine in a Cambodian family’s home, it is polite to bring a small gift for the host such as fruit, dessert, or flowers.
• If invited to attend a Cambodian wedding, it is customary to bring cash as a wedding gift.
• When using a toothpick at the table, sneezing, coughing or yawning, alwys use one hand to cover your mouth.
• Have your business cards readily available, and offer them with both hands. When receiving a business card, accept it with both hands and place it in your purse or inside your jacket’s breast pocket. Avoid putting it in your pants pocket.
• Script Your Daily Routine by waking up early, around 8 am, you can make the most of your time for market exploration, temple visits, sightseeing, and much more. This also gives you a chance to experience the living side of Khmer culture; when the weather its more pleasant in morning while explore the local rhythm of life. Time management in accordance with the local trend will enhances your overall experience and helps you make the most of your time during your visit in the country.
• Always respond a smile with a smile.
DON’Ts in Cambodia
• Don’t use your feet to point at someone.
• Don’t touch a Cambodian person on the head.
• Don’t give gifts to kinds informally
• Don’t begin eating if you are a guest at a dinner and the host has yet to take a bite.
• Women should never touch male monks or hand something directly to them.
• Keep public displays of affection to a respectful minimum.
• Don’t buy any wild animal products from villagers or support any manner of wild animal abuse.
• Don‘t barter to much on markets. Be respectful and settle on a reasonable price for both parties.
• Don’t Attain to beggars
• Smoke in front of others if they are not smoking.
• It takes a while to acclimate oneself to the habits of another culture and arguments often ensue as well. However, this is where it becomes crucial to stay calm. Facial expression is seen as a reflection of an individual’s dignity in Cambodia. So either way the locals will treat you with suspect and loss their respect, therefore to be cool is essential here. Even when you face situations where you feel betrayed, or disappointed — being composed instead of voicing frustration or using negative language will make others more likely to help and support.
Commonsense Practices
• Do not litter; keep our community clean and safe
• Plastic bags can be hazardous; dispose them properly
• Don’t step over food.
What to Wear in Cambodia
The weather in Cambodia generally falls under two categories: the wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April).
Lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing is recommended for the dry season, when the weather is hot and humid. Visitors may wish to pack long pants and long-sleeved shirts for hiking, trekking, or outdoor activities. A hat and sunglasses may be useful for when walking around under the sun.
During the rainy season, visitors may want to bring a light rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased cheaply in Cambodia) or a sturdy umbrella. A light jacket or cardigan will come in handy during the months of December and January, when temperatures are at their coolest.
When visiting outdoor temples, including those of Angkor Wat, long pen and T-shirts cover are acceptable. Shoes and hats are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas, those includes visits Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds, the visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts and keep their shoulders covered.
What to Bring to Cambodia
• Photocopies of your passport
• At least two passport-size photographs of yourself
• Cash in $20s, $50s
• A folding umbrella or lightweight rain poncho if you plan to visit during the rainy season.
• An adventurous spirit.
