In the kaleidoscope of global cultures, there’s one that radiates an irresistible charm, steeped in rich traditions and moving with the rhythms of its soulful music and dances – yes, it’s the Cambodian culture we are going to delve into today!
Embracing age-old customs, a deep sense of spirituality, and a colorful array of festivals, Cambodia is a country with a cultural panorama that’s as vibrant as it is deep-rooted.
From the cultural concepts, customs, and practices, to the resounding beats of traditional music and the tantalizing taste of its cuisine, every aspect of Cambodian culture promises an enchanting experience.
That being said, let’s journey together into the beautiful heart of Cambodia!
Cultural Concepts in Cambodia
Srok Khmer
Srok Khmer is deeply ingrained in the Cambodian consciousness and translates to “Land of the Khmer”. It stands for the collective identity and pride of the Cambodian people and embodies their shared history, traditions, language, and culture.
The roots of Srok Khmer stretch back thousands of years to the Angkor Empire, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia.
Even after the fall of the Angkor Empire, the concept of Srok Khmer has persisted, continuing to unify the Cambodian people through centuries of foreign invasions, colonial rule, civil unrest, and political upheaval.
It’s more than just a geographical reference; it’s a term packed with emotional significance!
Srok Khmer represents the shared experiences, the shared history, and the collective spirit of the Cambodian people. It embodies their resilience, their vibrant culture, and their deep-rooted sense of community.
Santhipheap
Santhipheap is a term in Khmer language that translates to “peace.” It is not just a word but a concept representing the collective commitment to maintaining harmony.
Santhipheap originated from the Buddhist principles that have shaped Cambodian society for centuries.
After enduring decades of war and genocide, the concept of Santhipheap holds even greater significance for Cambodians. The journey towards reconciliation in the post-conflict era has been a challenging one, and the concept of Santhipheap serves as a guiding principle for a peaceful future.
Guru Chea
Guru Chea is a term that translates to “teacher” in the Khmer language (while the word “Guru” has Sanskrit origins). The term is used widely in Cambodian society to refer to individuals who have expertise in a certain field and are willing to share this knowledge with others.
Guru Chea embodies the respect for wisdom, and the importance of sharing knowledge with others.
Choul Mlop
Choul Mlop can be literally translated as “entering the shade.”
This is a practice performed after a person has experienced a significant event, such as childbirth, miscarriage, or illness, where they are seen as vulnerable to harmful spirits.
This period of vulnerability is treated with a period of rest, typically lasting from three days to a week. During this time, the person remains indoors, avoids strenuous activity, and follows a simple diet to restore their strength. Certain rituals may also be performed by local healers to protect the person from negative spiritual influences.
This practice reflects the deeply rooted spiritual beliefs in Cambodian culture, where a balance between the physical and spiritual worlds is considered essential for health and well-being.
What is the Religion in Cambodia?
Cambodia is predominantly a Theravada Buddhist country, practiced by approximately 96% of the Cambodian population.
It is the state religion and has been since the 13th century when it replaced Hinduism, except during the Khmer Rouge era when all religions were banned.
Aside from Buddhism, there is also a small but notable minority of other religions. Islam, followed by the Cham minority, makes up about 2% of the population, Christianity about 1%, and the remaining 1% practices other religions, including tribal animism, especially in more remote areas.
The Cambodian government generally respects religious freedom, and the Constitution provides for the free exercise of religion.
What are the Traditions in Cambodia?
Smauch Tien
Smauch Tien, also known as the Naming Ceremony, is a traditional event marking the birth of a child. This ceremony typically takes place when the baby is one month old.
Before the ceremony takes place, parents often consult with Buddhist monks to decide on the best date for the event. The child’s name is also carefully chosen, often influenced by factors such as the day and time of birth, astrological signs, or the desire to bring certain traits to the child.
The most important part of the ceremony is the announcement of the baby’s name. The father whispers the chosen name into the baby’s ear. This moment is often accompanied by the lighting of candles and incense, symbolizing enlightenment and the dispelling of darkness.
Monkhood
In Cambodia, as in many other Theravada Buddhist countries, monks hold a special status in society. Their spiritual role as a symbol of moral discipline and their pursuit of knowledge earns them high respect among laypeople.
A significant part of Cambodian daily life revolves around giving offerings to monks. Early each morning, monks can be seen walking barefoot through the streets, their alms bowls in hand.
Local residents often prepare food and other necessities in advance to offer to these monks. It’s believed that making such offerings will earn the giver good karma.
Monks are often invited to participate in and bless various events, such as weddings, funerals, and housewarmings. They chant sutras, mantras, meditate, and sprinkle holy water as a part of these blessings.
Many Cambodian males, regardless of their age, choose to become monks for a certain period. This temporary ordination is considered a rite of passage, where they learn about Buddhist teachings and gain moral and spiritual development. It is seen as a way to gain merit for their families.
Spirit Houses
The practice of erecting Spirit Houses is not only a prevalent tradition in Cambodian culture but also in neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
If you’ve ever been to Siem Reap, you may have noticed these small, intricately designed structures placed outside homes. We saw them even in fields while riding our e-bikes going to the Rolous Group (which we ended up getting lost in the jungles for, still worth it.)
Spirit Houses are basically small shrines dedicated to the protective spirits, also known as the “Neak Ta”. It is believed that these spirits are powerful entities connected to the natural world like trees, rocks, and the earth itself.
They’re seen as guardians, offering protection and prosperity if venerated properly.
Kru Khmer
Kru Khmer or “Khmer healers” serve as natural healers within their communities, offering treatments that are often deeply rooted in both Buddhist and animist beliefs.
The Kru Khmer are often sought after for their knowledge of local herbs, plants, and other natural resources, and their ability to use these elements to treat various ailments. From common illnesses like colds and digestive issues to more complex problems like chronic pain, Kru Khmer offer a range of treatments, often in the form of herbal remedies, massages, and spiritual rituals.
Cambodian Traditional Dance
Apsara Dance: The Apsara Dance is the most iconic classical dance form in Cambodia, deeply embedded in the country’s history. It’s believed to have heavenly origins, with dancers mimicking the divine Apsaras (celestial dancers) depicted on the ancient walls of temples like Angkor Wat and Bayon. The dance is marked by slow, graceful movements and poses, and dancers wear intricate silk tunics and headdresses. Each hand movement tells a part of the story, with over 1,500 different gestures recorded. You can watch one here.
Robam Trot: The Robam Trot (Deer Dance) is a folk dance usually performed during the Khmer New Year. It depicts a hunting scene where one group of dancers plays the hunters and another group plays the deer. The dance is a way to caution people against destroying nature and reminds them to live in harmony with all creatures.
Cambodian Traditional Music
Pinpeat: The Pinpeat ensemble is the “wedding band” of Cambodian traditional music. Used to accompany royal events and religious ceremonies at temples, it consists of percussion instruments such as gongs and xylophones and wind instruments like oboes.
Mahori: A combination of Khmer and Thai musical traditions, the Mahori ensemble is typically used to accompany vocal performances and dance. Unlike the Pinpeat, the Mahori includes stringed instruments such as the Chapei (a type of lute) and Tro (a high-pitched fiddle), alongside flutes and percussion instruments. We were actually able to see a Mahori ensemble on our way to Ta Prohm temple.
Kantrem: The Kantrem is a lively style of music performed by an ensemble playing traditional instruments like the Kse Diev (a one-stringed instrument) and Skor (drums).
What to Eat in Cambodia
Cambodia offers an incredibly diverse and flavorful cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes if you find yourself in Cambodia:
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Amok: Often considered Cambodia’s national dish, Amok is a delicious curry usually made with fish, coconut milk, and a mix of Khmer spices. The ingredients are combined, wrapped in banana leaves, and then steamed to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
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Bai Sach Chrouk: One of the simplest and most delicious Cambodian dishes. It consists of grilled pork marinated in garlic, soy, and coconut milk, served with pickled vegetables and rice.
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Lap Khmer: A traditional lime-marinated Khmer beef salad. The beef is either “cooked” ceviche-style in citrus juice or lightly seared. Mixed with garlic, fish sauce, basil, mint, bell peppers, and chili, this dish offers a complex mix of sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
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Num Banh Chok: Also known as “Khmer noodles,” this dish is often eaten for breakfast. It consists of rice noodles topped with a green fish gravy and fresh vegetables like cucumbers, banana blossom, water lily stems, and fresh mint.
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Prahok: Prahok is a common ingredient in Cambodian cuisine. It’s a type of fermented fish paste that’s used as a flavoring in many dishes, giving them a unique umami taste. Be warned, its strong smell may not appeal to everyone, but it’s definitely a staple of the local cuisine.
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Kdam Chaa: In coastal towns like Kep and Sihanoukville, you’ll find delicious fresh crabs fried with green Kampot pepper. It’s a Cambodian dish that seafood lovers should not miss.
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Chive Cakes: These are pan-fried chive cakes made from glutinous rice flour mixed with chives. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re a popular street food snack.
What is Cambodian Language like?
Cambodia’s official language is Khmer. It’s spoken by the majority of the country’s population and is part of the Austroasiatic language family, which is also found in parts of Southeast Asia and East India.
One of the most unique things about the Khmer language is its script. It’s based on an ancient script called Brahmi that came from India around the 3rd century BC. It also draws a lot of inspiration from the ancient sacred language of Pali.
The Khmer alphabet is abugida, which means each consonant has an inherent vowel. Other vowels are represented using symbols that are placed above, below, in front of, or after the consonant they belong to.
The Khmer language is not tonal like Thai or Vietnamese, which means the pitch or tone does not alter the meaning of a word.
Khmer grammar is relatively straight-forward with flexible sentence structures. It doesn’t have conjugations, declensions, or grammatical gender, which is a relief for language learners.
In addition to the Khmer language, English and French are also widely spoken due to periods of colonization and increased globalization. Many Cambodians, especially in urban areas and those working in the tourism industry, are multilingual.
Useful Cambodian Phrases for Travel
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Khmer
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English
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Sues'day
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Hello
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Chum reap lear
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Goodbye
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Aw kohn
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Thank you
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Som toh
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Sorry
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Knyom chmoul
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I don't understand
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Knyom tver aiy
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I don't know
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Ta-luh tow-lai?
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How much does this cost?
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Bey
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Yes
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Awt
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No
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Knyom tro-uh
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I need help
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Ti ni
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Here
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Ti na
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There
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Som lok l’hok
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Check, please
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Traditional Festivals in Cambodia
Choul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year)
Choul Chnam Thmey is one of the most important holidays in Cambodia. It is celebrated over three days in the middle of April, usually from the 13th to the 15th. The dates align with the end of the harvest season, which allows farmers to enjoy the fruits of their labor before the rainy season begins.
The first day marks the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. People dress in new clothes and bring fruits and other offerings to local temples.
On the second day, people contribute charity to the less fortunate and play traditional games. It is also a time to remember ancestors and family members who have passed away.
The third day marks the start of the new year. More homage is paid to the gods, and statues are washed with sacred water.
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)
Bon Om Touk is another grand event in Cambodia that occurs annually in November, usually over three days during the full moon of the Khmer month of Kadeuk. The exact dates can vary year to year, but it’s typically in the second week of November.
The festival marks the end of the rainy season and the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River, a unique natural phenomenon. It’s also a celebration of the year’s harvest.
The boat races are the most noticeable celebration of the festival, where hundreds of rowing teams from all over the country participate. These traditional boats are often decorated and can hold up to 80 rowers. These races are held on the Tonle Sap River, near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
On the evening, beautifully decorated floats are set on the river. These floats are part of a competition, and they often represent government departments or military units. The floating parade is followed by fireworks.
Beautifully decorated boats with candles and incense are set adrift on the river as a mark of respect to the river spirits. It is also done to commemorate the deceased.
Visak Bochea Day
Visak Bochea Day, also known as Buddha’s Birthday, is one of the most important holidays in the Buddhist calendar and is celebrated with much reverence in Cambodia. It typically falls in April or May, depending on the lunar calendar.
Visak Bochea Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. For Buddhists, this triple anniversary is an occasion to reflect on Buddha’s life and teachings.
To demonstrate the Buddhist principle of compassion for all living beings, some Cambodians will buy birds and fish from markets and release them into the wild.
Visak Bochea Day is not just a national holiday in Cambodia but also recognized globally by the United Nations since 1999. It’s a day for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike to commemorate Buddha’s wisdom and the universal message of peace.
Cambodian Independence Day
Cambodian Independence Day is celebrated annually on November 9th. It commemorates Cambodia’s independence from France, which was achieved on November 9, 1953.
This day holds great significance for the Cambodian people as it marks the end of French colonial rule and the restoration of sovereignty to Cambodia.
The main festivities usually occur in the capital city of Phnom Penh, particularly around the Independence Monument located in the heart of the city. The monument serves as a symbol of Cambodia’s freedom.
The parade typically includes military processions, marching bands, traditional dance groups, and various floats showcasing Cambodian culture. The participants often wear traditional attire, and the parade route is adorned with patriotic decorations.
Customs in Cambodia
Cambodians have deep respect for their monarchy. Avoid making any disrespectful comments about the royal family.
Buddhist monks are highly respected. Women should avoid touching monks or even their robes.
When visiting temples, remove shoes, hats, and sunglasses. Dress modestly, covering your knees and shoulders.
When passing something to someone, particularly an older person, use both hands or your right hand, never your left alone.
Cambodians generally do not touch each other in public. A handshake is the most common form of greeting, but people also bow slightly with hands pressed together at the chest in the traditional Sampeah gesture.
Feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body, and it’s impolite to point your feet at people or sacred objects, especially Buddha images in temples.
Meanwhile, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Do not touch anyone on their head, even children.
Plan Your Trip to Cambodia | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
