Understanding Cambodian Culture: Dos & Don’ts for Tourists
Cambodia has a rich history and cultural heritage that pre-dates the Khmer temples. The cultural roots of the society lie in both Buddhism and Hinduism. Thus, it derives its conservative yet warm and welcoming approach from both cultures.
Further, following a mixed economic system, the government is trying to bring about major developments. Thus, a business visit to Cambodia is the second biggest reason why people travel to the country, right after tourism. Owing to these, Cambodia is expecting close to 7.5 million international tourists in 2025.
Thus, whether you are a tourist or if it is a business visit to Cambodia, it is important to respect and observe local customs.
Do’s for Tourists in Cambodia
In Cambodia, you will find that the society is warm, welcoming, and progressive, more so in the metropolitan cities. Thus, expectations are mostly relaxed when it comes to visitors. But we must respect the culture of the country we are visiting. If it is a business visit to Cambodia, then following the local culture is a sure way to make your trip more successful.
Let’s take a look at some of the must-dos:
Dress Modestly, Especially at Temples
In Cambodia, you can wear anything from a tank top to a summer dress, unless you wish to visit Angkor Wat or any of the other temples. In both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, purity of the mind and body is of the utmost importance when partaking in spiritual activities. Thus, covering the body is a way to respect and revere.
All genders must follow a modest dress code, making sure their knees and shoulders are covered. Thus, a shirt with sleeves, long pants, a long dress, and a long skirt are acceptable attire. If you are wearing something that leaves your shoulders exposed, just use a cover-up like a shawl or scarf. And if you forget your cover-up, there are vendors outside the temples who sell these.
Show Respect to Monks
If you meet a monk, greet them by bowing slightly and with your hands joined palm-to-palm in front of your chest or forehead. This is called the “Wai” gesture and is a sign of respect. Do not shake their hand.
Also, maintain a respectful distance, do not sit or stand at a higher position, avoid direct eye contact, and do not call out to them. Further, women should not touch the monks since monks are also not allowed to touch women.
Use Both Hands When Giving or Receiving Items
In Cambodia, using both hands to receive or give items is a sign of politeness. Usually, when giving or receiving an item, the younger person uses both hands while the elder uses their right hand.
The left hand is taken to be impure or dirty since people use it for daily hygiene. Thus, do not use the left hand to touch people, receive things, or eat when in Cambodia. Either use both hands as a sign of etiquette, or use your right hand.
Further, do not put your hands in your pocket or on an elder’s shoulder since it is considered rude and disrespectful.
Learn Basic Khmer Phrases
Greeting people in their language is a sign of respect and politeness. People can also ensure positive interactions with the locals by putting some effort into the language. Some common phrases along with their pronunciation that visitors should know are:
Sous-dey (suh-SDEY): Hello
Lea heuy (li-ah HEUY): Goodbye
Rikreay del ban choub anak (rik-REYE del ban choub ah-NAHK): Nice to meet you
Or-kun (aw-koon): Thank you
Saom (sa-ohm): Please
Som toh (suhm TOH): Excuse me
Bat (Baht): yes (for males)
Cha (chah): yes (for females)
Te (Teh): No
Saom Tuk Muoy (sa-ohm took mu-oy): Water, please
Kafe (kah-FAY): Coffee
Chnganh (ch'nanh): Delicious
Knhom chong ban___. (khnyom chong ban__.): I would like___, please.
Chuoy phong! (chhoy pe-ong!): Help!
Vea chhuh! (vay CHHUH!): It hurts!
Montipeth (mon-tee-PET): Hospital
Tamleih ponman? (tam-LAY pohn-MAHN?): How much?
Knowing the common phrases such as hello, please, thank you, no, and yes is a good way to connect with the local people if you are on a business visit to Cambodia.
Remove Shoes Before Entering Homes & Temples
If you are visiting the temple ruins, you can keep your footwear on. However, within the temple grounds, it is a must to remove the shoes. This is an integral part of maintaining cleanliness and respect.
The same is true for visiting the homes of the residents. Even if the host does not insist on it, Cambodian culture includes taking off footwear when entering indoor spaces. This is done to maintain a clean indoors and is a sign of respect.
Practice Patience and Politeness
Cambodians are usually private in nature but generous. Owing to Buddhist philosophy, they are caring, compassionate, and family-oriented. It is important that all tourists understand this and are not rude to the locals.
Be polite and avoid any form of conflict or confrontation when in Cambodia. However, when buying from local vendors, bargaining about the price is not seen as rude and is often expected.
Don'ts for Tourists in Cambodia
While the above lists the things that you must do when in Cambodia, there are also things that you should definitely avoid. Not only do these not match the Cambodian culture, but they may also show you as overtly rude and even offensive. Further, if you are on a business visit to Cambodia, the people you are meeting may not be receptive to your proposals if they find you rude.
Some of these must-avoid things are:
Don’t Touch Someone’s Head
A casual pat on the head might seem friendly to you, but it is not so in Cambodian culture. To the locals, the highest part of the body is the head, and it is where spiritual substance and intelligence reside. As a result, culturally, patting the head is a sin. Thus, touching or patting someone’s head is an extreme insult in Cambodia and something that you should avoid.
Don’t Point with Your Finger or Feet
Just like the head is the highest focal point, the feet are the lowest. Plus, feet are also unclean in Cambodian culture. Thus, pointing your feet at a person is a sign of disrespect. If you are sitting on the ground, make sure your feet are tucked around your sides and point backwards.
In addition, pointing fingers is rude in most societies, and Cambodia is no exception. Thus, whether you are a tourist or paying a business visit to Cambodia, use open palm gestures to be respectful.
Avoid Public Displays of Affection
Cambodia is a conservative society owing to its Buddhist and Hindu roots. Thus, modesty is important in relationships. Hence, even if you are visiting with your significant other or a loved one, avoid public displays of emotion. You may hold hands, but keep physical contact to a minimum. Also, hugging your significant other in public or showing affection is strongly discouraged.
Don’t Disrespect the Royal Family
Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy. Thus, people must take care when talking about the royal family and be respectful. Do not speak negatively about the monarchy since you will disrespect the culture, and it may attract legal consequences.
Avoid Giving Money
Although rare, you may come across child beggars. Do not give them money. Inciting children to beg is a criminal offense in Cambodia. If you come across this, get help from the local authorities.
Don’t Buy or Support Wildlife Trafficking
Buying souvenirs made from endangered species supports wildlife trafficking. With Cambodia’s stance to protect its fauna, it is illegal to keep, sell, trade, buy, kill, or eat wildlife when in the country. Thus, if you are caught doing any of the above, you will have to face legal consequences.
Ready for a Harmonious Trip to Cambodia?
To ensure that your stay in Cambodia is pleasant, it is important to keep the key cultural do’s and don’ts in mind. Further, visitors can also embrace Cambodian traditions for a meaningful travel experience.
If you are planning a business visit to Cambodia, plan the specifics of your trip like the eVisa for Cambodia, travel arrangements, and get an overview of the local customs for a pleasant visit.
Check Eligibility for Cambodia e-Visa and apply for Cambodia e-Visa 5 days prior to your scheduled flight to Cambodia. German citizens, Norwegian citizens, Dutch citizens and Polish citizens are eligible to apply online for Cambodia e-Visa.