Understanding Cambodia's Culture Before Your Vacation

If you’re looking for the next vacation, filled with adventure, look no further than Cambodia. You can quickly complete a Cambodian visa application form online, and be on your way.
Many people enjoy travel or taking a holiday to far out destinations because of how much they learn about the culture and ways of living. Cambodia has a unique history, and modern-day Cambodia still shows the effects of the aftermath. That’s why Cambodia’s culture is so intriguing.
 

Festivals

The best part of Cambodia is how they celebrate their heritage. The people love to host and take part in large parties, and there are many festivals throughout the year.
For travelers exploring Cambodia through April and May you can take part in the Khmer New Year celebration. Many of the activities throughout the first few days revolve around family gatherings. But, towards the end of the festival, it becomes a water fight that spans across the country.

April or May is also the beginning of rice planting season. There are ceremonies held throughout the country, and even though this is more of a solemn ceremony, it’s worth the visit. If you can get your visa in time, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony is in Phnom Penh.
The festival that attracts the most attention from tourists is the Cambodian Water Festival. The Water Festival starts in October or November, depending on the year and signifies the water’s directional change. The water’s direction changes from flowing to the Tonle Sap into the Mekong River.
The Water Festival is probably one of the best times to visit Cambodia. This time period is a great chance to see the enthusiastic culture of modern Cambodia. There’s a ton of fun activities for tourists as well as locals.

Friendliness

Although there is a lot of bloodshed in Cambodia’s recent history, the people within the country are exceptionally friendly. Throughout Asia, there is the concept of both saving and losing face.
Saving face is the act of overcompensating for a potentially embarrassing situation with friendliness. Many travelers think that it’s odd when street vendors or shop owners smile and nod repeatedly. But, this is the locals attempt to put you at ease.

There’s also the benefit that English is well-known throughout most cities and larger towns. Most shop owners are happy to provide excellent directions or advice on local hotspots in English.
Too often people worry about how they will do day-to-day things like ordering a meal at a restaurant in a foreign language. In most of Cambodia that isn’t an issue. When you are in smaller areas, or areas that don’t have a massive influx of tourists regularly, you can usually order familiar foods, or a nearby local will be able to help.

Cambodian Customs

In addition to friendliness and festivals that celebrate their culture, Cambodian’s have many customs. The easiest to master is the Sampeah greeting which is similar to the Indian “Namaste.”
The most well-known custom is that Cambodian’s believe the person’s soul lives inside the head which makes it sacred. Because the head is sacred, you must be very careful not to touch someone’s head, even children. It’s also important to not inadvertently point your feet at someone’s head.

There are some other customs that many people in other countries wouldn’t consider, such as closing doors softly. On the whole, Cambodia is a peaceful, and quiet, country. Many areas in Cambodia are part of the religious ground and should receive constant treatment as such.
Other customs include informing your hosts or elders where you are going, what time you are planning on returning, waking before sunrise, and sitting without crossing your legs. But, the most critical social custom is that you allow other people in the group to speak more often than you.

Learning About Cultures

Like many other countries around the world, you’ll learn the most about Cambodia’s culture by watching or starting conversations with the locals. Cambodia is an excellent place to learn about culture because of the friendly locals.
When in doubt, ask a question. If you notice you’re attracting a few strange stares, ask someone if you’re actions are out of sorts or against local customs. Use this learning experience to make the most of your holiday, or vacation.
 
Are you fascinated with Cambodian culture?
Planning to add Cambodia to your travel destination list?
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