Cambodians are extremely hospitable and friendly people. They only wants the best for their guests, not for themselves.
1. Meeting & Greeting
Greetings between Cambodians are dependent on the relationship/hierarchy/age between the people. A traditional greeting involved a bow and the bringing of the hands together at chest level. A lower bow combined with higher hands would indicate greater respect. Respect and deference must always be shown to the most senior person. When meeting in a group, the highest ranking person of both parties would greet each other. And when introducing the rest of the group, the introduction should go according to rank.
With foreigners, Cambodians have adopted the western practice of shaking hands. But women still use the traditional way of bowing with their hands together. When greeted, it is always polite to respond with the greeting you were given.
When addressing each other, man should be called "Lok" and woman are called "Lok Srey", which is then followed by the first name or both the first name and surname.
2. Gift Giving Etiquette
Gifts are more commonly given during the Cambodian New Year. Unlike the Westerners, birthdays are not big events and unlink most cultures, Cambodians do not celebrate birthdays. In fact, many of the older generation do not know the exact dates of their birth.
However, it is polite to present a small gift to someone else's house when invited. A nicely presented fruit, sweets, pastries or flowers will do. Gifts are usually wrapped in colourful paper. White is the colour of mourning, so white wrapping paper is not used. Always give with both hands. And it is not surprising when gifts are not opened when received.
3. Dining Etiquette
Table manners are fairly formal in Cambodia. However, if one is not familiar with the etiquette there, it is best to follow what others do. At the dining table, the oldest person is usually seated first, followed by the second oldest, according to the hierarchical arrangements. Similarly, the eldest person should be the one eating first.
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