Food and Drink

• Khmer cuisine is similar to Thai food but with less spice. It is also influenced by chinese, indian and vietnamese food.
• Most meals include several separate dishes of contrasting and complimentary flavours. Most meals are eaten with rice.
• Chillis are often left as a side dish to be added as desired.
• Seafood is abundant in Sihanoukville.
• Cambodian chefs have benefited from the French colonial influence and tend to be better at cooking western food than their Thai neighbours. Breads, particularly baguettes and cheese are readily available.
• The local beer is called Angkor. International brands are also available.
• Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville have plenty of bars, in more rural areas drinking is done from road side stalls. Phnom Penh also has some night clubs for dancing.

Public Holidays and Festivals

• Chaul Chnam Chen (Lunar New Year) is celebrated in late January/early February
• Chaul Chnam (Khmer New Year) is celebrated on 13 April by throwing water over each other in the streets. Celebrations can last several days.
• Chat Preah Penh in early May is the Royal Ploughing festival at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
• Bon Om Tuk is celebrated in early November and is a busy time to visit Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
• Other public holidays include New Year's Day (1 January), Victory Over the Genocide Day (7 January), Women's Day (8 March), Labour Day (May 1) King Sihamoni's Birthday (13-15 May), Constitution Day (24 September) , Paris Peace Accords (23 October), King's Birthday (30 October), Independence Day (9 November), Human Rights Day (10 December).

Dos and Don’ts

• Khmers are easy going people with a ready smile and returning a smile goes a long way.
• Greet people with a small bow and palms together as in prayer (the same as in Thailand).
• Do not touch anyone's head or point the souls of your feet at anyone or anything Buddha related.
• Beckon people with the palm faced downwards, not upwards as in the west.
• Avoid pointing at people and never point a finger at a Buddha image.
• Do not wear short shorts or sleeveless tops in temple grounds. Remove your hat in temple grounds.
• Take off shoes when entering a temple or if invited into someone's house.

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