Cambodia is an Asian country of great beauty because of its tropical jungles and its archaeological remains, such as the temples of Angkor or its rural landscapes. A trip to Cambodia will allow you to learn about its customs and traditions, making this one of the most attractive destinations for travelers. Here we will tell you some of the customs and traditions that you simply cannot miss in this country.
Buddhism in Cambodia
In Cambodia, Buddhism can be considered much more than a religion and is present in countless moments in the lives of the Khmer. The country has many Buddhist monasteries and monks, although it should be noted that not all of them spend their lives in monasteries. Demonstrations as important as wedding and funeral ceremonies are usually led by Buddhist monks.
Touching someone’s head in Cambodia is something that should be avoided since it is considered that the head is where the soul of each person lives, so touching this part of the body, even children is seen as a lack of respect. On the other hand, the Khmer culture considers the feet the most impure part of the body since they are in contact with the earth. Therefore, you should avoid pointing this part of the body at someone.
Gastronomy in Cambodia
As in much of the Asian continent, Cambodian cuisine is based on rice, which is prepared in many different ways, although spicy flavors almost always abound. Pork, poultry, fish, and, to a lesser extent, beef are among the most popular meats. A very typical dish of this culture is Amok, fish curry with coconut milk. Another food that cannot be missing from any worthy Cambodian table is toek-trey (fish source), which is a sauce made from fermented fish oil and many spices.
Holidays in Cambodia
Cambodia has many holidays, such as the New Year, which is celebrated in April, the Royal Plowing Day, which relates these animals to the good quality of the harvest in a ceremony in which the King has a primary role, and the Pchum Ben Day, in which deceased ancestors and relatives are surrendered during September worship. The Water Festival (between October and November) brings together one million people every year who sail on huge barges on the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake.
Cambodian handicrafts
The Khmer people enjoy a great artisan tradition. In the capital, Phnom Penh, for example, silverworks are very famous. It is also easy to find objects carved in marble with great perfection in their workmanship, as well as masks and beautiful fabrics such as silk. Khmer stone sculptures, wood sculptures, and Kroma textiles, also known as “water cloth”, are the three best-known and most sought-after products by visitors to the country.
These are some of the reasons why you simply cannot stop traveling to Cambodia, and that is because it is one of the most fascinating destinations in Southeast Asia. If you are thinking of traveling to this beautiful country, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you organize your trip.
