Traveling to a new place is one of the fascinating experiences that help a person to find a new perspective of life. It enables to explore new places and learn new things which truly reshape the thinking ability. However, since every nation has a different form of culture, visiting the place with an overview about its distinct customs and traditions makes the visitor well-informed, thereby enabling him to interact with the locals with more spontaneity.
Amongst the countless places to visit in the world, Indochina is one of the most appealing destinations. On further shortening the list, Thailand and Cambodia are considered as two hotspots for the backpackers that have an array of wondrous delights, backed by a rich and traditional culture. Filled with numerous compelling places to visit, these two nations are spiritually rich and culturally diverse. But before choosing for a trip to Thailand amongst the various attractive and custom-made Thailand tour packages, make sure to know about their most common customs that will enable to get closer to the locals and not performing any such thing that would displease them.
Following here is an overview on the varied customs of these two Southeast Asian countries.
Social Customs and Etiquette of Thailand and Cambodia
With the rich cultural background, the Thai and Cambodian people are very quiet living people whose life standards reflect serenity and peace throughout their varied aspects. The day-to-day activities of Thai and Cambodian life are filled with a number of traditions that are briefly discussed here.
Meeting & Greeting
• Thailand
The Thais, in general, use the first name of a person while calling him and use the honorific title ‘Khun’ before it. The word ‘Khun’ is used unanimously that is proper for both women and men. While meeting a Thai, it is better to wait for the host or hostess to introduce you to other guests. This will allow the rest of the members to know about your status on their own, thereby knowing, that who will perform the Wai (a traditional form of greeting) at first and how the head is to be bowed.
• Cambodia
The greetings performed in between Cambodians depend on certain factors like hierarchy, relationship and age. However, for foreigners they prefer to follow the western custom of shaking hands. The natives are generally addressed by the title ‘Lok’ for men and ‘Lok Srey’ for women that are followed by the person’s first name or at times both the first name and surname.
Gift Giving Etiquette
• Thailand
In case of being invited to a native’s home, though a gift is not expected but is always appreciated. Appearances matter a lot to them and thus, make sure that the packing is attractive. Ribbons and bows mainly add to the feel of festivity and thus, they can be used. Ideal gifts for the Thai people, in general, can be good quality chocolates, fruits and flowers. Never gift carnations or marigolds and never wrap the gift with black, green or blue as they are associated with funerals.
• Cambodia
Gift is generally given at the time of Cambodian New Year in this nation. Very similar to Thai people, gift giving is not a must thing while invited for a small dinner to a Cambodian’s home. Most appropriate gifts to give to the natives of this nation are properly presented fruits, flowers, sweets and pastries. Make sure that the packing has not been done with white, which is noted as the color of mourning.
Culture of a nation is being built by the inhabitants for several decades and they strive to restore those with great sincerity. Thus, before getting in touch with a reputed Cambodian tour operator for a visit to Cambodia, make sure to get proper hold of their distinct set of customs and traditions.
Following here is an overview on the varied customs of these two Southeast Asian countries.
Social Customs and Etiquette of Thailand and Cambodia
With the rich cultural background, the Thai and Cambodian people are very quiet living people whose life standards reflect serenity and peace throughout their varied aspects. The day-to-day activities of Thai and Cambodian life are filled with a number of traditions that are briefly discussed here.
Meeting & Greeting
• Thailand
The Thais, in general, use the first name of a person while calling him and use the honorific title ‘Khun’ before it. The word ‘Khun’ is used unanimously that is proper for both women and men. While meeting a Thai, it is better to wait for the host or hostess to introduce you to other guests. This will allow the rest of the members to know about your status on their own, thereby knowing, that who will perform the Wai (a traditional form of greeting) at first and how the head is to be bowed.
• Cambodia
The greetings performed in between Cambodians depend on certain factors like hierarchy, relationship and age. However, for foreigners they prefer to follow the western custom of shaking hands. The natives are generally addressed by the title ‘Lok’ for men and ‘Lok Srey’ for women that are followed by the person’s first name or at times both the first name and surname.
Gift Giving Etiquette
• Thailand
In case of being invited to a native’s home, though a gift is not expected but is always appreciated. Appearances matter a lot to them and thus, make sure that the packing is attractive. Ribbons and bows mainly add to the feel of festivity and thus, they can be used. Ideal gifts for the Thai people, in general, can be good quality chocolates, fruits and flowers. Never gift carnations or marigolds and never wrap the gift with black, green or blue as they are associated with funerals.
• Cambodia
Gift is generally given at the time of Cambodian New Year in this nation. Very similar to Thai people, gift giving is not a must thing while invited for a small dinner to a Cambodian’s home. Most appropriate gifts to give to the natives of this nation are properly presented fruits, flowers, sweets and pastries. Make sure that the packing has not been done with white, which is noted as the color of mourning.
Culture of a nation is being built by the inhabitants for several decades and they strive to restore those with great sincerity. Thus, before getting in touch with a reputed Cambodian tour operator for a visit to Cambodia, make sure to get proper hold of their distinct set of customs and traditions.