Cambodia captivates visitors with the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, French colonial architecture, and pristine tropical beaches. From the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the serene countryside, Cambodia offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
The Khmer greeting is the sampeah — pressing palms together and bowing slightly. Return this gesture when greeted; it shows respect and is greatly appreciated.
Cambodia is a predominantly Buddhist country — dress modestly at all pagodas and religious sites with covered shoulders and knees. Sarongs are usually available at major sites.
The head is considered sacred in Cambodian culture; never touch an adult's head or point feet toward a person or Buddha image.
During Khmer New Year (April 13-15), Water Festival (November), and Pchum Ben (September-October), many businesses close and transport fills up — plan and book ahead.
Bargaining at markets is expected and is a friendly social exchange, not a confrontation — always smile and keep the atmosphere light.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Remove shoes before entering temples, pagodas, and many traditional Cambodian homes
- Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees at religious sites including Angkor Wat
- Return the sampeah greeting (palms pressed together) when locals greet you
- Ask permission before photographing monks, individuals in religious ceremony, or people in rural villages
- Accept food or gifts with both hands as a sign of respect
- Speak softly and calmly — Cambodians value composure and losing one's temper is considered deeply shameful
Don't
- Don't touch anyone on the head — it is considered the most sacred body part
- Don't point the soles of your feet toward people, Buddha images, or altars
- Don't raise your voice or display anger publicly — maintaining calm composure is culturally essential
- Don't photograph soldiers, military installations, or government buildings without permission
- Don't buy or attempt to export Khmer antiques, historical artifacts, or Buddha heads — this is illegal and deeply disrespectful
- Don't disrespect the monarchy — criticism of the royal family is not only offensive but can carry legal consequences in Cambodia
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Sampeah Greeting
The traditional Cambodian greeting involves pressing both palms together at chest height and bowing slightly — similar to India's namaste. The height of the hands indicates the respect level; hands held higher show greater respect to elders or monks.
Shoe Removal
Removing shoes before entering homes, temples, and some businesses is expected across Cambodia. A pile of shoes at the entrance is a clear signal to remove yours; entering with shoes is considered deeply disrespectful.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors Day)
The second most important Khmer festival where Cambodians visit up to seven pagodas over 15 days to make offerings of sticky rice balls to deceased ancestors. Families gather to honor the dead; the ritual is central to Cambodian Buddhist identity.
Blessing Ceremonies (Pithi Choun Por)
Important events like weddings, businesses openings, and new homes are blessed by monks who chant and tie white blessing strings around participants' wrists. Being invited to such a ceremony is an honor; bringing a small gift is appropriate.
Face-Saving Culture
Cambodians place great importance on avoiding embarrassment or public shame for themselves and others. Disagreements are resolved quietly and indirectly; public confrontation causes lasting social damage and should always be avoided.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Use the sampeah (palms pressed together with a slight bow) — handshakes are becoming common in business. Address older people as 'Om' (uncle/aunt) or 'Lok' (Mr.) as a sign of respect.
- Dining
- Wait for elders or hosts to begin eating before you start. Sharing dishes is normal at Cambodian meals. Finishing everything on your plate is polite; leaving food is not considered wasteful.
- Dress
- Smart casual appropriate for restaurants and cities. Conservative dress required at temples — covered shoulders and knees. Beachwear is only appropriate at the beach, not in town.
- Gifts
- Bring fruit, pastries, or flowers when visiting a Cambodian home. Gifts are generally not opened in front of the giver. Avoid giving white flowers as they are associated with mourning.
- Business
- Business cards are exchanged with both hands and a slight bow. Read cards before pocketing them. Relationships are built over meals before business is discussed; rushing to business is considered rude.
- Tipping
- Not customary at local eateries; appreciated but not required at tourist restaurants ($1-2). Tip tuk-tuk drivers $1 for good service. Hotel staff appreciate $1-2/day. Never expected but always warmly received.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Susaday (ស្វស្ដី)
Hello
soo-s'DAY
Arkoun (អរគុណ)
Thank you
AHR-koon
T'lai ponmaan? (តម្លៃប៉ុន្មាន?)
How much?
T'LIE pon-MAAN
Ch'ngain (ឆ្ងាញ់)
Delicious
ch'NGINE
Khnyom min yul teh (ខ្ញុំមិនយល់ទេ)
I don't understand
K'NYOM min yul TEH
...nov ei naa? (...នៅឯណា?)
Where is...?
nov ay NAA
T'lai peek (តម្លៃពេក)
Too expensive
T'LIE PEEK
Lia suhn heuy (លាសិនហើយ)
Goodbye
LEE-ah sin HEU-ey
Baht (male) / Jaa (female) (បាទ / ចាស)
Yes
BAHT / JAH
Som toh (សូមទោស)
Sorry / Excuse me
SOM TOH
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Cambodia.
Main: Theravada Buddhism is the state religion practised by approximately 95% of Cambodians. The Buddhist calendar governs major festivals, and over 4,500 pagodas across the country serve as community centers, schools, and places of worship.
Sites: Angkor Wat (originally Hindu, now Buddhist), Silver Pagoda Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom, Wat Preah Prom Rath Siem Reap, and thousands of local pagodas throughout Cambodia.
Holy Days: Khmer New Year (April 13-15), Pchum Ben Ancestors Day (September-October), Visak Bochea Buddha Day (May), Meak Bochea (February), and Kathen (October-November when monks receive robes from laypeople).
Conversations: Avoid discussing Cambodian politics or the Khmer Rouge genocide unless a Cambodian raises the topic — many families lost members and the wounds remain raw. Show appropriate solemnity when visiting genocide memorial sites.