Visitors to Cambodia will agree that it is the people who make this country so special. With smiles aplenty, an abundance of generosity and kindness that warms the heart, Cambodian’s gentle nature keeps travellers wanting to come back for more.
A smile is never far away in Cambodia, with Khmers renowned across the world for wearing their signature grins. Often coupled with a twinkle in the eye, it is this trait that makes first-time travellers feel at ease from the moment they set foot in the country, and returnees feel like they are back home. By nature, Cambodians are social – and they’re friendly. This means you’ll often find locals eager to invite you to join them at their table in the bar, say hello in the street or share whatever snacks they are carrying when they sit next to you on the bus. Another welcoming feature.
Cambodians are curious, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself bombarded with questions, starting with where you’re from, what you do, your marital status and whether you have any kids. This will quickly be followed by a multitude of questions about your country and way of life. Don’t be put off because Cambodians love to learn, and are more than happy to answer any questions you want to fire at them.
All you have to do is take a look at their recent past to see the resilience that is inherent in Cambodians. Decades of civil war, followed by the Kmer Rouge of 1975 to 1979, under which an estimated 1.7 million people died, almost crippled the country. However, Cambodians’ determination and strength has seen Cambodia rebuild itself at a rapid pace.
This is another innate trait that many Cambodians carry, and adds to the charm of local life. Possessing heaps of humility, Khmers are modest people, who also know the meaning of the word respect and hold it in high regard. This is a factor visitors should remember and act accordingly. Cambodians are proud people. They are proud of their strong history, which stretches back to the mighty Angkor Empire – the creators of Angkor Wat – and they are proud of their rich culture, which takes in apsara dancing, traditional arts and a swathe of artisanal crafts.
Pride in their country means locals are more often than not delighted to share their country with foreigners. On a basic level, this comes in the form of stories about their home village, for those who delve a little further, many Cambodians will happily invite you to join them on a trip home to enjoy family life. Cambodians’ honesty can come as a shock to many first-timers – they have no qualms telling you, you are fat/ thin/ tall/ short/ should be married/ should have children, the list goes on. Don’t be offended, this is just the way it works in Cambodia and once travellers have got over the initial shock, this trait starts to grow on you.
No Comments