Cambodia is a beautiful country and people from all over the world flock to it for it's ruins, food, beaches and the culture. While peole are planning their adventure to this truly unique country, one should keep in mind that there are differences in cultural etiquette here.
It doesn't matter where you go in Cambodia, if you are a foreigner there, you should really try to respect the people in their home country. Here are some rules that are not only polite to practice, but fun to clumsily remember to do:
- Always say "thank you" while bowing slightly at the waist with your palms together in front of your chest.
- Alwas take your shoes off outside before entering a home, guesthouse, hotel or Wat.
- If exchanging anything with a local, like money or goods, use both hands while exchanging the item.
- Women cannot touch monks.
- If you want to take a picture of a monk, you must ask for permission first.
- Remove hats when entering a home.
- If a host offers you a drink, accept it with both hands and at least take a sip.
- Dress modestly.
- Treat the Khmer people with kindness. Remember, they have lived through some truly horrible times in recent history yet are among some of the kindest people in the world.
