Local Customs and Etiquette in Cambodia

Traveling in Cambodia is a rewarding experience, but understanding local customs is crucial for a smooth and respectful visit. Cambodian culture is deeply rooted in traditions, religion, and communal respect, and following basic manners goes a long way. Here’s what you need to know to interact respectfully with locals.

Greetings in Cambodia

The traditional Cambodian greeting is called the “Sampeah”. It involves placing your palms together in front of your chest, with your fingertips pointing upwards, and bowing slightly. The higher the hands and the deeper the bow, the more respectful the greeting. You’ll often see Cambodians doing this when they meet each other, especially in more formal or religious settings.

For foreigners, shaking hands is also acceptable, particularly in urban areas and in business meetings. A traditional Sampeah might not be expected from travelers, but trying it shows appreciation for Cambodian culture and is usually warmly received.

When greeting monks or religious figures, make sure you use the Sampeah and raise your hands higher, around your forehead. This shows great respect. Women should also be cautious not to touch a monk, even when giving something.

Dressing in Cambodia

Cambodia has a conservative dress culture, especially in rural areas and religious sites. When visiting temples, including the famous Angkor Wat, it’s essential to cover your shoulders and knees. Scarves or shawls can help if you’re in lighter clothing. Some temples may ask that you remove your hat or sunglasses, so be mindful of that.

In day-to-day settings in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodians are more relaxed, but still expect modest clothing. Avoid overly revealing outfits, as it might attract unwanted attention or seem disrespectful. For men, shorts and a t-shirt are fine in most casual settings, but avoid going shirtless unless you’re at a beach.

For more formal occasions, such as attending a ceremony or visiting someone’s home, it’s respectful to dress neatly. Wearing clean, modest attire is a sign of respect for your hosts.

Temple Etiquette

Cambodian temples, known as “Wats,” are not just historical attractions. They’re active places of worship, so it’s important to behave appropriately. When entering a temple, make sure to remove your shoes. Some temples may provide a place to leave them outside.

Inside the temple, avoid pointing your feet towards any religious objects or statues of the Buddha, as this is considered disrespectful. It’s also polite to keep your head lower than any Buddha statues if you are sitting or kneeling.

Taking photos in temples is generally allowed, but always ask for permission first if you’re photographing monks or worshippers. Never climb on religious structures or touch sacred objects without guidance. Always maintain a calm and respectful demeanor when in a temple.

Behavior Towards Monks

Monks are highly respected figures in Cambodia, and there are specific rules you should follow when interacting with them. If you’re speaking to a monk, remain standing or wait for the monk to invite you to sit. Women should refrain from touching monks, handing things directly to them, or sitting next to them.

In public transport, you may notice that monks have reserved seats. It’s customary to allow them these seats, and women should avoid sitting directly beside a monk. When offering something to a monk, it’s respectful to handle it through a third person or place it on a surface for the monk to pick up.

Addressing People Politely

Cambodians generally address each other using terms that signify respect, especially when speaking to someone older or of higher status. For example, you may hear “Lok” for men and “Lok Srey” for women, followed by their name. Using these titles can be a nice gesture when you’re having a formal conversation with someone.

When addressing older people, especially family members, Cambodians often use brother, sister, uncle, or aunt to show respect. You can adopt these terms in social situations to blend in more easily and earn goodwill.

Dining Etiquette

In Cambodia, meals are typically shared family-style. It’s common for food to be placed in the middle of the table, with everyone sharing the dishes. Wait for the eldest, or the host, to start before you dig in. If you’re dining with Cambodians, offer to serve others before serving yourself.

Cambodians don’t commonly use chopsticks, except for noodle dishes. Instead, they use forks and spoons. The fork is used to push food onto the spoon, which is the utensil that actually goes into your mouth. Avoid putting the fork straight into your mouth since it’s not common practice here.

As a guest, it’s appreciated if you finish most of the food on your plate. However, leaving a small amount of food might show that you’re satisfied without offending anyone. If offered seconds, feel free to politely decline if you’re full, but a small second helping is often seen as polite.

Tipping

Tipping wasn’t traditionally part of Cambodian culture, but it has become more common, especially in areas like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh that see a lot of tourists. In restaurants, tipping around 5-10% is a kind gesture. For services like taxi rides or massages, rounding up the fare or giving a dollar or two is appreciated but not required.

If you’re on a tour or have a local guide, tipping at the end of the service is customary, especially if you’ve had a great experience. Just make sure to tip discreetly, as directly showing or counting money can be seen as impolite.

Bargaining

You’ll find that bargaining is a common practice in Cambodia, especially in markets and with tuk-tuk drivers. However, unlike in some other countries, Cambodians generally bargain with politeness and good humor. You can often get a good price by just offering a little less than the asking price, but avoid haggling ruthlessly over very small amounts, as it can come across as disrespectful.

A good rule of thumb is to begin with an offer that’s about 30% lower than the asking price and work your way up from there. Always bargain with a smile. If the seller can’t meet the price, it’s okay to say “no” politely and walk away.

Social Norms and Body Language

Cambodians are generally warm and friendly, but their social interactions are often more reserved than what some travelers may be used to. Public displays of affection, especially between couples, are not common and should be avoided. Holding hands with your partner, however, is generally fine.

Head patting is seen as very disrespectful in Cambodia. The head is considered the most important part of the body, and touching someone else’s head is offensive, especially to children.

Pointing at people or objects with your finger isn’t polite either. If you need to gesture at something, use your entire hand or point with your fingers together.

Gifts and Giving

If you’re invited to someone’s home in Cambodia, it’s polite to bring a small gift. Fresh fruit, pastries, or something small from your home country are good choices. When giving or receiving something, use both hands to show respect. Locals also use both hands when receiving business cards or money.

Avoid giving or receiving items with just your left hand, as it’s considered unclean in many Buddhist countries, including Cambodia.

Understanding Khmer Time

Cambodian culture places a strong emphasis on not rushing and on being flexible with time. Social engagements might not always start at exactly the set time, and a sense of patience is encouraged. If someone invites you to an event, like a family gathering, don’t be surprised if things start later than expected. Just go with the flow.

At the same time, when dealing with official matters or business engagements, punctuality is key, and being late is considered rude.

Final Thoughts

Cambodia is a friendly and welcoming country, but respecting traditions and local norms is important. With just a little effort, you’ll find that the locals appreciate your politeness and are more than happy to share their culture with you. A smile and a respectful attitude go a long way in making your trip to Cambodia enjoyable and memorable.