Each country has its own culture and traditions, and whether you like it or not, you should treat these cultures with the respect they deserve.
For example, the Chinese taboo to stick chopsticks on rice, because this practice usually occurs during sacrifices. In the same way, when you are in Cambodia, you should also follow the local customs, understand the taboo parts of the local culture, and avoid offending others. So, what are some things not to do in Cambodia?
- 1. Do not touch the child's head
In China, when we see a cute child, teasing him and touching his head is an act of affection, and there is nothing wrong with it, but in Cambodia, don't do it!
Cambodia is a large Buddhist country. In Buddhism, the head is the most sacred part of a person, so Cambodians are very taboo to be touched. If you see a cute child, don't touch each other's head, and of course adults can't!
- 2. Do not use your left hand to hand over items
In the eyes of Cambodians, the left hand is unclean. When you eat with them, don't use your left hand to pick up the food or pick up what is handed to you by the other person, otherwise it will be seen as offending the other person.
- 3. It is forbidden to wear revealing attire in the temple
Take Cambodia's most famous Angkor Wat as an example, when visiting the temples of Angkor Wat, you should follow the dress code of "no shoulders and no knees". For shoes, it is not recommended to wear open-footed sandals. However, the dress code is generally only found in larger temples, and most temples do not have a dress code.
- 4 Oxen are divine representatives, do not harm them
If you see a buffalo or buffalo in Cambodia, make way for them! This is because cattle and buffaloes have a high status in Cambodia, and in the eyes of the natives who practice Buddhism, these two animals are protected by the gods and will be punished if they are harmed.
- 5. Don't ask random questions
When communicating with people, remember not to ask some questions casually, and not to say some things casually.
When talking to Cambodians, we should avoid asking about the other person's privacy, such as salary income, family property, etc. When you see the hostess, don't compliment the other party's appearance and figure, otherwise it will be an offense. Avoid topics such as illness and death, and do not comment or talk about the internal affairs of the other party's country or religious beliefs.
6
When you go to someone's house, you have to take off your shoes
Cambodians are very taboo about wearing shoes into their homes. If you are invited to a friend's house in Cambodia, remember to take off your shoes before entering the temple, and remember to take them off before entering the temple.
7
Women do not touch monks
In Cambodia, women are not allowed to interact with monks, whether adults or children. In the temple, if a female visitor wants to take a photo with the monks, they need to ask for their permission.
8
Don't smoke
Most Cambodians don't like to smoke, either in public or in private. Therefore, the chances of "secondhand smoke" here are slim. Most Cambodians also don't like people to smoke. The owner of a Cambodian restaurant once claimed that he did not want to do business with Chinese because Chinese were too fond of smoking. Therefore, if you want to smoke in Cambodia, you must find an occasion where smoking is allowed, otherwise it is easy to attract dissatisfaction.
No matter where we go, we must understand and respect the local folk culture. In Cambodia, as a foreigner, respecting local customs is the most basic etiquette and the best way to protect ourselves. What other taboos do you know about Cambodia, welcome to share.