What is Cambodia Like Today? Cambodian Etiquette, Culture, Customs

The Khmer Empire was once a mighty empire dominating Southeast Asia.  It flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries, ruled by a monarchy till its abolition from 1970 to 1993.  Cambodia's fortunes declined over centuries, becoming a French protectorate in the 19th century and gaining independence in 1953.  It was called ‘The Paris of the East’, which ended with the start of the Vietnam War, quickly jumping to the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime.  In the 1990s, Cambodia eventually established itself as a constitutional monarchy and embarked on a slow recovery and development path.
 
While travelling through Cambodia, I found the people kind, caring and curious.  It pleased me to see such bashfully happy, especially after the atrocities that occurred during the Khmer Rouge regime.  I felt there was so much to learn in Cambodia, and I only touched the surface.
 
Cambodian Etiquette

• The traditional Cambodian greeting is the ‘Sompiah’, similar to the Indian namaste.  To perform a ‘Sompiah’, place your palms together and bow your head slightly.  To show more respect, the higher your hands are, the lower your bow.  When greeting elders or those in a higher social or professional position, initiating the ‘Sompiah’ is customary.  When addressing elders, use honorific titles. "Lok" is used for men, and for women, "Lok Srey."

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• Cambodians are known for their hospitality and friendliness.  Entertaining food is an integral part of Cambodian culture; before coming to a person's house, they search for gifts like flowers, sweets, fruit, or dessert.  Don’t be surprised if the host ignores your gift; it will be appreciated long after you get home.  Upon entering the house, remove your shoes and be prepared to be escorted to the best place to sit.

• When sitting down to eat, the soles of your feet should never be pointed at another person or rest on personal effects.  Men may sit cross-legged, and woman will tuck their legs and feet to the side.  Stretching your legs like you are performing yoga should be avoided as it will be seen as offensive.  While you’re sitting whilst dining, you may find close friends and relatives often unannounced.  Everyone will be offered water, tea or juice before a meal.

 

• It’s advised as the guest to show politeness and try a little bit of everything offered, even if your stomach is churning.  Wait for the host to invite you to eat and use your right hand to pick up food.  The right hand (or both hands) passes or receives items.  However, it is taboo to use only the left hand (I suspect that is the ‘toilet hand’).  Allow the eldest person in the room to start the meal before you bite.  Cambodians will use their chopsticks, fingers or a spoon and fork; the fork is used to push food onto the spoon.  Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates satisfaction.  Leaving the plate bare could say that you are still not satisfied!

 
Conclusion
I have found many travel blog sites and influencers will only fixate on the usual foods due to wartime measures and the experience that Ankor Wat brings to the intrepid traveller. However, what is missed is the beauty of the people.  They miss the discovery of what it is like to be genuinely entertained by these warm and welcoming people.

Article Published In: Etiquipedia.blogspot.com