Do's and Don'ts in Cambodia

Do
1-Remove hats and shoes before entering home and holy places
2-Avoid public displays of affection: Cambodian society is conservative and traditional
3-Ask permission before taking photos, especially of ethnic minorities and religious sites
4-Learn basic Khmer words such as "Hello," "How much?" and "Thank you"
5-Politely bargain when purchasing. Bargaining can be an enjoyable and interesting interaction with local
6-Try to stay with a Khmer family. Cambodians are famed for their kindness and hospitality
7-Try local specialties such as Amok (fish curry) and Plea Sach Kor (raw beef salad)
8-Visit rural Cambodia and the local markets for a flavour of Khmer daily life
9-Watch traditional and cultural dance shows which are available in various restaurants
10-Take bicycle ride along the rice field and country sides
11-Buy Khmer souvenirs before returning to your home country

Don't
1-Touch people's head. The head is considered the holiest part of the body
2-Point or gesture with your feet or rest them on furniture. Feet are considered the lowest and most unclean part of the body
3-Touch monks if you female. Any physical contact with the opposite sex is forbidden for ordained nonks
4-Use expletives, shout or lose your temper. No-one cheaper replicas
5-Remove stones from historical sites, no matter how small or undecorated
6-Consume illegal narcotics or use prostitures. Both are illegal in Cambodia
7-Hug and kiss in public.
8-Purchase historical artifacts in Cambodia. Buy only the replica ones
9-Give children vendors in the temples candies if you do not intend to buy their products
10-Be foul-mouthed in middle of lake or jungle. It is considered bad omen
11-Involve in narcotic drug consumption and sexual exploitation of children

Khmer New Year 2009 Sydney

Govt takes bite out of TB

A patient at the National Tuberculosis Hospital in Phnom Penh. Cases of tuberculosis are on the decline in Cambodia, according to new statistics released by the Ministry of Health’s National Centre for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control. As of the first nine months of this year, an estimated 30,000 cases have been reported, compared with around 40,000 in 2008.

Khmer Smile

A Khmer woman wearing her Cambodian traditional jewelry and
wedding dress holding her country’s flag with warm sweet and gentle smile.
it is traditional khmer in which hold every year in cambodia.

Sophiline Cheam Shapiro with students at the Khmer Arts Academy hall of dance.

khmer dance traditional in Cambodia

bride, groom, and relatives

khmer wedding

at nearly the end of the wedding reception (cutting cake, not really a khmer tradition though, it inspired from western)