DO’S & DON’TS
An excerpt from the book:
“Cambodian strolls and proverbs” by Isabelle
FOURNIER-NICOLLE & Anne-Yvonne GUILLOU
“Chol Steung Tarm Bortt, Chol Toak Tarm Kompong, Chol Srok Tarm
Brortes”.
“Travel up the river (by) following its meanders, Moor the
dugout canoe to the jetty, Enter the country through its border”
Is in fact an invitation for visitors to the Kingdom “that
one must respect local customs and adapt/adjust to them (and not the other way
round)! Chol Toak not only means “to moor” but also to “get in the dugout
canoe”.
Be it while visiting temples, beachcombing or simply hanging
around, you will come to interact with the local people who are well-known for
their traditional hospitality and warmly welcome. Out of respect to the Khmer
traditions, visitors to the Kingdom should take care to observe local customs
and practices. You may find it useful to familiarize yourself with the
following common Do’s and Don’ts before embarking on your trip to Cambodia.
Do’s
Ask for permission before you taking photographs of any
Cambodian people.
It is customary to remove your shoes when entering a place
of worship such as a pagoda or a sacred spot in the temple. Additionally,
visitors should dress appropriately when visiting and when being inside the
premises of a religious site, e.g. Temples, Royal Palace (shoulders and upper
arms with a shirt or blouse, and legs and knees should be covered with long
pants or long skirt – no mini shorts and miniskirt above the knees – , and hats
removed when entering the sanctuaries and monastery).
It is respectful to remove your shoes when entering somebody’s
home.
Though not always expected, a respectful way of greeting
another individual is to bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at
the chest (known as “Sampeah”).
If invited to dine in a Cambodian family’s home, it is
polite to bring a small gift for the host such as fruit, dessert, or flowers.
If invited to attend a Cambodian wedding reception, it is
customary to bring an envelope with cash as a wedding gift.
Keep business cards ready, and present them with both hands.
Accept business cards with both hands.
Last but not least, protect yourself from the heat and sun
and do drink plenty of bottled water as to avoid severe dehydration.
Don’ts
Don’t use your feet to point at someone as it is considered
extremely insensitive and impolite.
Don’t touch a Cambodian people (be it an adult or a child)
on the head.
Don’t begin eating if you are a guest at a dinner and the
host has yet to take a bite.
Women should never touch the monks or hand something
directly to them.
Keep public displays of affection to a respectful minimum.
Keep business cards ready, and present them with both hands.
Accept business cards with both hands.
Travel safely and do not put your own life at risk.
Commonsense practices
Do not litter; keep our community clean and safe.
Plastic bags can be hazardous; dispose them properly and
help keep our city and streets clean and tidy.
In any situation, do keep a smile on the face as this will
also help your interlocutor to keep a “face-saving” attitude, for making
someone “losing face” may lead to misunderstandings and should you lose temper,
you could end up spoiling your entire holidays.
FACTS & TIPS
When travelling to the Kingdom of Cambodia …
And while preparing your travel and stay, visitors should
think about what to bring along and to take care to observe local customs and common-sense
practices. You may find it useful to familiarize yourself with the following
common Facts and Tips before embarking on your trip to Cambodia.
1- Good shoes for the visits of the temples; tongs and
sandals are not recommended.
2- Bring a cap + sun glasses for sun protection and
sunscreen protection cream; Straw hats are available for sale at Temple
entrances (around USD1.50 to USD2 per piece); Drinking a lot of water is
recommended, so keep in mind to often drink as much as possible so to avoid
severe dehydration.
3- Light clothing as it may be getting hot as early as in
February/March until July/October, while a raincoat and K-way is recommended
for the rainy season from July to October (also, as the temples are still
worshipped by the Khmers, inappropriate clothing is not recommended as you may
be turned away for the visit of the temples); when traveling, always keep a
traditional “krama” (Local scarf) with you as it is a very helpful a part of
cloth;
4- Mosquito repellent may be helpful for the persons
allergic to mosquito bites;
5- Some medicines (Paracetamol, Imodium) may be helpful
though good pharmacies are available around town / No need for malaria
treatment (though recommended if going to the remote places and far-Eastern
provinces such as Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri).
6- IMPORTANT: Have ready upon arrival 1 or 2 ID-Photos for
visa processing on your arrival at Airport; your photo for temple pass will be
taken on spot when processing the pass. Have some small US Dollar change and
notes / one-1, five-5 or ten-10 US Dollar notes (exchange Rates may sometimes
be more advantageous in Cambodia); Also note that your passport MUST be valid
06/six months AFTER the date of your planned departure from Cambodia!
7- Be careful of LOSSING the individual Temple pass
(otherwise you may need to purchase a new one);
8- Make sure you do not lose the Departure cards (second
sheet/part of the Arrival card) which should have been stapled onto your
passport by the Immigration officer, and to be filled out before checking-in
and going through Immigration Police on departure day.
CAMBODIA INSIDER
In order to promote the Kingdom of Cambodia and help new
visitors and customers to get an idea of the destination, one’s need ‘in-depth
and insider information and such information that only someone living and
working in his/her native country would perhaps know!
We, Cambodia Indochina, would like to add this to the
general information needed to help the first visitors and customers to the
Kingdom prepare and enjoy their holidays, and make their dream of Cambodia come
true!
Destination Insider Information
TOP 10 REASONS TO TRAVEL TO THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA:
1- The Kingdom of Cambodia is a many-splendored thing
2- For the archaeological wonders in Angkor and beyond to
natural marvels and eco-tourism
3- Cambodia beaches have been ranked among the top ten in
the world, and are being classified recently as a member of the “Most Beautiful
Bays in the World”
4- For her graceful and hospitable people, and the intensity
of human exchanges
5- For the warm welcome and smiling faces
6- For the yet to be discovered Khmer cuisine and the
variety of food available (many TV documentaries have been broadcasted recently
and famous Chefs from around the world have even cooked for His Majesty the
King!)
7- For the bird sanctuary in the Great Lake (Tonlé Sap)
which is soon-to-be inscribed in the UNESCO World’s Natural Wonders, as well as
for the rare and endangered-species fresh water dolphins in Kratié province
(also known as the Irrawaddy dolphins)
8- For the great photo shooting opportunities in all season
and all years round
9- For the recent thriving arts scene revival (from the
music scene to classical and contemporary dances, paintings, theatre, fashion
world, sculpture, circus show…)
10- For the numerous yearly festivals (Khmer New Year in
April, Royal Ploughing ceremony in May, All Souls’ Days in the pagodas in
September, Water Festival with the long-tailed boat racing and salutation to
the Moon in November depending on the Lunar Calendar …)
TOP 5 REASONS TO TRAVEL TO KEY CITIES
Siem Reap / Angkor, former holy Capital City of the Khmer
Empire
1- For Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the
world and surrounding World Heritage site (be it at sunrise or sunset from a
tethered balloon or from Phnom Bakheng hill) or for an Ancient Khmer style
Gondola boat promenade at sunset (sipping Champagne on the moat of Angkor Thom,
and out of -time experience!), for the newly restored Baphuon Temple and Khmer
masterpiece by French Ecole Française d’Extrême Orient after more than 20-years
restoration work and effort!
2- For the Great Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest and richest fresh
water-fish lake in the world
3- For the Prek Toal Bird sanctuary and sunset cruise on the
lake, floating villages and inundated forests during the rainy season (July-October)
with superb photo shooting opportunities (with the Photography Tours and the
yearly Angkor Photo Festival)
4- For the great opportunities to discover local life style
in the countryside that dates back to bygone centuries and rich handicraft
(Khmer silk, stone and wooden sculptures and lacquered artefacts) at the Old
and Night markets
5- For the many-choice accommodation styles the city has to
offer, ranging from small guesthouses and boutique hotels to world class top
luxury hotels (not to even mention great cuisine and food and the vibrant
nightlife on Pub Street at the Old market area) and various activities (such as
world-class golf ranges,…)!
Phnom Penh Capital city
1- For the remaining colonial architecture (that can be
discovered on the eco-friendly mean of transportation Cyclo) and
unique-in-South-East Asia riverfront promenade that stretches for over 6kilometers
2- For the fairy-tale-like Royal Palace in Phnom Penh with
the more than five thousand pieces of one-kg each made of pure silver tiled
floor at the Silver Pagoda (also known as Preah Keo Morakot)
3- For the great restaurants serving Khmer and International
cuisines from all around the world
4- For the great sunset cruises (with or without dinner on
board) on the Tonlé Sap River with the sun setting over the Royal Palace and
the city as to give a different perspective to your discovery of this Capital
City once-known as “The Pearl of Asia”
5- For the thriving arts-scene revival (see above) and
numerous and mushrooming cafés and eatery venues at the brand newly opened AEON
World Class supper market where opportunities to mingle and meet with local
people abound
Sihanoukville Beach Resort city
1- For the white sand beaches (ranked among the best top ten
in the world)
2- For the wild and undiscovered islands off-shore (fancy a
Robinson Crusoe experience and life style far from the madding crowd, and if
so, – do head straight to Koh Rong Saleoum) or for the Honeymooning and
Romantic atmosphere on Koh Song Saa Private Island Resort
3- For the by-the-seaside leisure and sport activities and
diving experience or simply,
4- For an absolute farniente.
5- For the great seafood on offered
Describing the Kingdom of Cambodia in 10 key words
Angkor World Heritage Site and Archaeological Park, and
beyond with Preah Vihear and Sambor Prei Kub
Phnom Penh Royal Palace and century-old traditions
The Phnom Penh Cyclo-Pousse and Siem Reap Remorque (Khmer
version)
Endangered Kratié River Dolphins
Ecotourism on the Great Tonlé Sap Lake & Mekong River
Graceful and hospitable people
Art revival in many Art-scene from movie making to Circus
Shows
Great handicraft
Colorful festivals
Great and tasteful cuisine
A personal view and testimony
from the Sales and Communication Manager
“The Kingdom of Cambodia, despite its recent dark history
and decade-long turmoil and which was almost on the brink of disappearing from
the world map, is currently experiencing a thriving revival like a phoenix
rising from its own ashes! Business is flourishing, visitors are re-discovering
this long-forgotten and secluded land, her century-old traditions and customs,
and the art scene is leaping forward: the Royal Ballet has been recognized by
UNESCO as an Oral and Intangible Heritage and the world starts to rediscover
this form of classical dance that captivated and enthralled French painter and
sculptor Auguste Rodin more than a century ago! Visitors to the Kingdom of
Cambodia will also discover other nascent forms of arts such of music,
sculpture, painting, design, fashion, play and circus by the talented young
artists and former street children from a French NGO based in Battambang which
the young troupe is now touring Europe, Japan and Australia!
What is my favorite part of my native country and why?
“My favorite part of the country is indeed the seaside area
and city of Kep, a former sleepy beach resort that has a special atmosphere,
Deauville-in-Normandy style during her glorious past in the sixties. Located
not too far of the capital city Phnom Penh, Kep-Plage holds a special place in
my heart! Then-Prince Norodom Sihanouk, Head of State, wanted to make
Kep-sur-Mer a sort of Cannes of the Côte d’Azur, thus Kep-Côte d’Opale, with a
Movie Festival and a Concours d’Elégance Automobile. Phnom Penh elite used to rush
on weekends to Kep to escape from the heat of the capital city Phnom Penh
(global warming was not heard yet in those times)! There was great seafood
(even oysters) and a Japanese soldier from World War II who decided to remain
in the country he loves and who grew strawberries, asparagus and
Choux-de-Bruxelles on cool and green nearby Bokor Mountain Range!
Life passed by, tranquil like a river flowing by, with
simple family gatherings and laughs until the war broke in the early seventies,
and darkness fell on Kep-sur-Mer. The city now still retains traces of her
former glory along with the legacy from the dark years, but is gradually
awakening from her long sleep with newly opened hotels and restaurants! When
visiting Cambodia, Kep is must-see and worth a visit spot for her
heart-breaking and out-dated atmosphere of bygone years!”
What is my favorite thing about the Kingdom of Cambodia and
why?
“The warmth and smile of her graceful and hospitable people
from all walks of life, the glorious Angkorian past and the vivid traditions
and culture” will not only take your breath away, but will also make your Dream
of Cambodia come true and will keep you fell deeply in love with the country
for a long, long time somewhere deep in your heart, even after you return back
home! Experience the Kingdom of Cambodia, now!”
Customs and Tradition
Cambodian culture and tradition have had a rich varied history dating back many centuries. Over the years, the people of Cambodia developed a set of unique tradition from the syncretism of indigenous Buddhism and Hinduism.
Cambodians have been raised to respect their culture and are very traditional in their way of life. Tourists will see the well mannered Cambodian expressing a friendly “Chumreap Suor” when they meet one.
Chumreap Suor
Cambodians traditionally greet with a Sampeah, which involves pressing the palms together before the chest with a slight bow and greeting with a polite ‘Chumreap Suor’. Customarily, the higher the hands are held and the lower the bow, the more respect is conveyed.
Except when meeting elderly people or government officials, between men, this custom has been partially replaced by the handshake.
Women usually greet both men and women with the same traditional greeting. Although it may be considered acceptable for foreigners to shake hands with a Cambodian, it is more appropriate to respect the custom and respond with a ‘Chumreap Suor’.
Traditional Dances
There are many classical dance forms in Cambodia, of which a highly stylized art form was once confined mainly to the courts of the royal palace and performed mainly by females. Known formally in Khmer as Robam Apsara, the dancers of this classical form are often referred to as Apsara dancers.
This dance form was first introduced to foreign countries and best known during the 1960s as the Khmer Royal Ballet. The first royal ballerina was Princess Norodom Bopha Devi, a daughter of King Norodom Sihanouk. The Apsara Dance is particularly inspired by the style from around more than a thousand Apsara carvings in the Angkor temple complex. As evidenced in part by these Apsaras (celestial dancers), dance has been part of the Khmer culture for more than a millennium.
A visit to Cambodia is only complete when one has attended at least one such traditional dance performance.
Kbach Kun Khmer Boran ( Martial Art )
Khmer martial arts date back more than a thousand years, as evidenced by carvings and bas-reliefs in the Angkor temples. The martial arts include Bokator, Pradal Serey, Baok Chambab, Kbach Kun Dambong Vèng, amongst others.
Bokator
Khmer Bokator , known formally as Labokatao, is a Cambodian martial art form that involves close hand-to-hand combat, ground techniques and weapons.
Bokator is one of the earliest Cambodian martial art and is said to be the close quarter combat system used by the armies during the Angkor era.
Practitioners are trained to strike with knees, elbows, hands, feet and even the head. Short sticks are commonly used as weapon.
Baok Chambab
Baok Chambab is Khmer wrestling a sport in which two opponents try to pin (hold) each other’s back to the ground. A match consists of three rounds. Wrestlers perform pre-match ritual dancing. A wrestler wins a match by two out of three rounds. However, after each round, the loser is asked if he still wishes to continue with the match.
A Baok Chambab match is traditional accompanied by drum beats; two drums known as Skor Nhy and Chhmol, (female drum and male drum).
Traditional matches are held at the Cambodian National Olympic Stadium during the Khmer New Year and other Cambodian holidays.
Kbach Kun Dambong Vèng
Kbach Kun Dambong Vèng literally refers to an ancient Cambodian martial art form involving the use of a long staff.
It has traditionally been practiced to prepare against enemies bearing eventual malice towards their villages and their country.
Now, it is particularly popular with youths in main sports clubs in Cambodia.
Pradal Serey
Khmer Pradal Serey is traditional Khmer kick boxing. A match consists of five rounds and takes place in a boxing ring. There is a one or two-minute break in between each round. Before a match, boxers perform the praying rituals known as the Kun Krou. Traditional Cambodian music is played during a match. The instruments used are the Skor Yaul (a drum), the Sralai (a flute-like instrument) and the stringed Chhing. Boxers are required to wear leather gloves and shorts.
Victory is instantaneously granted when a boxer delivers a knockout which is determined when the knocked down boxer is unable to continue the fight after a 10-second count by the referee. Victory is also determined at the end of the match when judges decide by a point system which fighter was more effective. If the fighters end up with the same score, a draw is called.
Khmer Wedding
Traditional Cambodian weddings are intricate affairs that consist of multiple ceremonies lasting three days and three nights. The wedding begins with the groom and his family traveling to the bride’s home bearing gifts to the bride’s family as dowry. Family members and friends are introduced, and wedding rings exchanged.
Customarily, three traditional songs accompany this first segment; the first song announcing the arrival of the groom and the next is on the presentation of the dowry followed by a final song to invite the elders to chew Betel Nut, an age-old Khmer tradition. Then it is the Tea Ceremony, at which the bride and groom offer tea to the spirits of their ancestors.
To prepare the bride and groom for their life as a married couple, their hair must then be symbolically cut to represent a fresh start to their new relationship together as husband and wife. The master of ceremony performs the first symbolic hair cut; the bride and groom’s parents, relatives, and friends then take turn to symbolically cut the bride and groom’s hair and give them blessing and good wishes.
The finale is the most memorable segment of the wedding. Family members and friends take turns to tie the bride’s and groom’s left and right wrists with ‘blessing strings’. The praises and wishes of happiness, good health, success, prosperity, and long-lasting love are acknowledged and witnessed by the loud sound of the gong and joyful cheers.
Then, they throw palm flowers over the new couple accompanied by a traditional song. After the couple is pronounced husband and wife, the groom holds the bride’s fabric into the bridal room accompanied by a traditional song.
At the close of this wedding ceremony, all of the guests are invited to a wedding reception accompanied by an orchestral concert. The Khmer wedding is a rowdy and joyous event.
Nowadays most families reduce the three-day and three-night ritual to a one-day affair.
