The Dos and Don'ts of Cambodia

If you are a generally respectful person, you won't have a problem adjusting when you visit Cambodia, but there are some cultural customs in this Southeast Asian country that are different from western areas.

They are quite common, however, and even if one or two are missed, tourist missteps are largely forgiven.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about How to Act and Behave in Cambodia

Source: The South East Asia Report

Do: Take off your shoes at the door

The feet are considered the dirtiest and least sacred part of the body.

You will see almost every tourist and local in Cambodia wearing slippers every day and that is because it is common to take off their shoes when entering a place, not just someone's house or hostel.

He is expected to remove his shoes in temples and also in many restaurants.

Don't target people, especially Buddha images, and don't let people see their underside.

Even putting your feet on the front seat is a bad idea.

Don't: interact with monks

You will see many monks during a trip to Cambodia, so you need to know how to interact with them, or rather, how not to interact with them.

Women, especially, should never touch a monk or give them anything (not even a monk's mother can hug her child while she is a monk).

Most Theravada monks are unable to eat afternoon, so be careful not to eat or snack near them during this time. Similarly, if a monk is seated, he must also be seated before starting a conversation. Try to sit lower than them if you can.

Lastly, don't touch the head of a monk, or anyone else's. It is a sign of disrespect.

Do: eat with your right hand only

Business and meals are usually conducted with the right hand only; the left hand is reserved for dirty chores in the bathroom.

Avoid handing things to people with your left hand and try to use your right hand exclusively for eating.

Don't: presume to be American

Be aware of Cambodia's war-torn history, not to mention sensitive topics like war, politics, violence, or the Khmer Rouge.

Almost everyone in this country has lost family and friends to the violence and Americans have been a big part of it, so be patient if you hold a grudge against them.

Definitely avoid wearing T-shirts and clothing that depicts war or violence.

Do: speak the local language

Don't worry about being laughed at by the locals because of your poor knowledge of the language.

Most appreciate your effort and help you get through it. Many people don't even speak English, so always ask first.

The traditional Cambodian greeting, called som pas, is done by placing the two hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of the chest with the fingertips pointing upward. Tilt your head slightly. This is the equivalent of wai in Thailand.

You can thank them by saying "arkun". Most of the locals greet each other.

Don't: dress very shy

Cambodia is hot, but the temperature is no excuse for bad clothes. Modest dress is the rule, especially for women.

Although many tourists wear shorts, the locals tend to cover as much fur as possible.

Local men often wear short-sleeved collared shirts and long pants.

While wearing shorts and a t-shirt is fine for tourists, you should try not to make the locals feel embarrassed by your outfit.

Avoid shorts, miniskirts, tight yoga pants, or other clothing that is too revealing.

Although tourism has relaxed local dress a bit, always dress conservatively when visiting temples (this includes Angkor sites), houses, or entering a government building.

Avoid wearing T-shirts with religious themes (Buddha images or Hindu deities). Cover your shoulders and wear pants or a long skirt.

Do: negotiate

Haggling prices are an uncomfortable and seemingly disrespectful activity for many Westerners, but that's to be expected here.

When negotiating prices, allow the other party to save by giving only a little of the final price. Alternatively, you can buy from them again later.

Don't: show affection in public

Cambodians are conservative, which means they disapprove of public displays of affection.

Again, the key is not to make anyone feel embarrassed. Holding hands is fine, but cuddling intimately on the bus may not be.

Be aware of your contact with the opposite sex; even putting an arm around a place to pose for a photo can be misunderstood.

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