Local traditions and culture in Cambodia

Proper temple ettiquette is something tourists often inquire about.
I'm a firm believer that, before entering someone's country, it is the tourists sole responsibility to educate him/herself on the do's and don'ts of that country in order to avoid accidentally offending the host.
Simple research through most guide books as well as "googling" the country usually ensures good results.

Although we found Cambodia incredibly lax as to dress codes compared to other Asian countries, all attempts should be made to follow dress codes when visiting and entering temples or, greeting (especially elders or holy figures such as monks).
For a more complete guide, please see link below.

The Khmer have had a written language since 156 A.D., but it has been modified a bit over the centuries . Their language has 33 consonants, 23 vowels, and 14 Sanskrit letters.

Their computer keyboards have 4 letters per key, and they have to use a combination of shift and alt keys to get the right letter.

Most Cambodians have an all-purpose checked scarf called a krama—it does everything. It’s a head cover, a baby sling, a dust mask, baggage carrier, whatever. Men wear it tied differently than women do when it’s a head covering.

It comes in a variety of colors, but almost nobody wears red—that was the color of the Khmer Rouge.

I felt culturally blind here without language! But all greetings were the namasteh pose from yoga and bowing the head.

I also understood that when Cambodians were silent, instead of responding that was good, or OK. (I also earned a negative response)

Khmer Buddhists as well as Khmer Islam and the Cham are modest! I did not wear Islamic dress, I should have. But even beyond that group, it is not a place for lots of skin, although I guess tourists have some leeway.

In Cambodia you will probably find yourself giving money to, or buying things from the small children. As much as they need it the charities in Cambodia recommend you try avoid this as it just encourages parents to keep them on the streets (and so to some extent out of school). After a while I realised it is better to give to the elderly, or disabled people. You can only imagine what they must have gone through bearing in mind the history of the country. And to top it off many are now forced to spend their days begging on the streets. So they deserve all the help they can get.

It seemed to me that this is who cambodians themselves would direct their charity towards. After all there is no form of welfare system or government pension for the elderly in Cambodia. And what struck me most was the humility and gratitude they showed... they will likely not pressurize you to give money.

Khmer classical dance is often referred to as apsara dance and is a dance that dates back from the 7th century.
It's a very slow and fine way of dancing where the dancers wear costumes and you can probaply say that is has some links to classical ballet.
The dance was forbidden during the khmer rouge in the 1970's and almost all dancers were killed by the regime, but they have made a very good comeback in recent years and it looks like this facinating dance is set to survive.

Home made rice wine is a big passion in Cambodia and there is a good chance that you will be offerd some.
It looks pretty unhygenic very often and not like something you wanna drink, but i have tried it and didn't get sick and i was able to drink it without looking too funny i think.
Give it a go.
When in Rome do as the romans.

2 more images

The camdodians love to eat spiders and crickets for lunch and you will see them selling by the side of the road and on the markets around Camdodia.
I have tried both and find that they have little taste, but the cambodians are one big smile when you mention these funny animals, so i guess they are very tasty once you get used to the taste.