The Culture
The culture of Cambodia is heavily influenced by the Khmer dynasty, and their imprints can be seen in ancient temples. Besides this, Hindu and Buddhist traditions have also shaped the Cambodian culture. Both have influenced art, architecture, and religious practices.
You'll hear a majority of Cambodians speaking Khmer, which is the official language of Cambodia. Other than this, there are a few minority languages like Vietnamese, Chinese, and Cham. French is another widely spoken foreign language, followed by English.
If you want to get into the hearts of locals, you need to learn the general etiquette of Cambodian culture. Cambodians traditionally greet each other with palms together. They lift their hands to the chest and bow down slightly. This greeting is called Som Pas. When you are at a local shop or meeting a local, greet them with Som Pas. A small greeting like this is worth it. They put a smile on people's faces.
Buddhism is the main religion in Cambodia, while Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are minority religions. Hinduism was the preferred religion of the Khmer dynasty, and you can see the imprints of this religion in Angkor — the largest Hindu temple in the world.
Festivals are an inseparable part of any culture, and Cambodia has vibrant festivals and celebrations. The most prominent festival is the Khmer New Year, a multi-day festival involving various activities like water blessings, traditional games, and performances. If you plan to visit Cambodia in April, don't miss this extravagant celebration.
