Siem Reap: Temple Town Khmer Heart

Sampeah Hierarchy: The traditional Cambodian greeting involves placing palms together and bowing - but the higher your hands go toward your forehead, the more respect you're showing. Locals know exact hand positions for monks vs elders vs peers. Temple Dress Code Enforcement: Guards will turn you away at Angkor Wat for shorts above the knee or tank tops - locals always carry scarves to wrap around shoulders or waists as backup. New Airport Distance: Siem Reap opened a new international airport in 2024 that's over an hour from town (not 15 minutes like the old one) - tuk-tuk drivers charge $15-17.50 now instead of $5. Sunset Temple Crowds: Every tourist goes to Phnom Bakheng for sunset creating dangerous overcrowding - locals avoid it completely and watch sunsets from their favorite neighborhood spots instead. Prayer Call Reality: Buddhist chanting from pagodas starts at dawn (5 AM) - not a hotel alarm malfunction, just daily spiritual life. Shoe Removal Culture: Take off shoes before entering homes, temples, some restaurants - look for shoe racks outside, over 90% of visitors follow this custom.

Alms Giving Ritual - Daily at dawn: Locals wake before sunrise to offer food to monks walking barefoot through neighborhoods - join respectfully by kneeling and placing rice or fruit in their bowls. Water Blessing Ceremonies - Throughout the year: Monks bless homes, businesses, and special occasions with holy water and chanting - locals invite monks for house blessings, business openings, and life milestones. Sunday Market Culture - Every Sunday morning: Families shop together at local markets for the week's groceries, eating breakfast at food stalls while socializing with neighbors. Temple Offering Days - Buddhist holy days (Pchum Ben): Families bring elaborate food offerings to pagodas throughout the day, locals dressed in white spend hours at temples honoring ancestors.

Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) - April 13-15: The biggest festival of the year with three days of celebrations, traditional games like Giant Chess and Bokator demonstrations, families travel home from cities for reunions. In Siem Reap, the massive Angkor Sankranta festival features traditional performances and cultural exhibitions near Angkor Wat, including Apsara dance, Reamker theater, and elaborate parades with decorated elephants through downtown streets. Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day) - September/October (15 days): Religious festival where Cambodians visit seven different pagodas to make offerings for deceased relatives - locals take time off work, ancient temples like Angkor Wat become spiritual gathering places with ceremonies at dawn. Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) - November: Celebrates the reversal of Tonle Sap River's flow with spectacular dragon boat races, locals camp by the river for three days, traditional music and massive crowds. Angkor Wat Equinox - March & September: Thousands gather on the western side of Angkor Wat to watch sunrise align perfectly with the temple's central tower - ancient astronomical precision still draws spiritual seekers and photographers.

Fish Amok at Local Restaurants: Steamed fish curry with coconut milk, noni leaf, and lemongrass in banana leaves - Amok Restaurant on Pub Street serves authentic versions for $6-8, locals debate whether mackerel or snakehead fish makes the best version. Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles) for Breakfast: Fresh rice noodles in fish-based green curry gravy with vegetables and herbs - sold at Old Market (Psar Chas) by elderly women for $1-1.50, locals eat standing at stalls before 9 AM. Bai Sach Chrouk (Pork and Rice) Dawn Ritual: Grilled pork over broken rice with pickled vegetables and clear soup - breakfast staple at market food stalls for $1, locals consider this comfort food and eat it several times weekly. Lok Lak Stir-Fry: Cubed beef with black pepper sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, and fried egg on rice - Madam Moch Khmer Restaurant serves family recipe versions for $5-7, locals order this when celebrating small occasions. Khmer Curry Differences: Less spicy than Thai, more herbs and turmeric, cooked longer - Sugar Palm Restaurant specializes in home-style preparations $6-8, locals appreciate the balance of flavors over heat. Prahok (Fermented Fish Paste) Reality: Strong-smelling fermented fish that's Cambodia's soul food - locals add it to everything from stir-fries to soups, foreigners either love or hate it immediately.

Respect for Elders: Age hierarchy is deeply ingrained - younger people defer to elders in all situations, never contradict them publicly, and often seek their advice before major decisions. Buddhist Values in Daily Life: Over 95% of Cambodians practice Theravada Buddhism which shapes daily interactions - concepts of karma, merit-making through donations, and compassion guide social behavior. Face-Saving Culture: Public embarrassment or confrontation is avoided at all costs - locals will smile and say yes even when they mean no, direct criticism is considered extremely rude. Community Over Individual: Decisions prioritize family and community benefit over personal desires - locals often live in multi-generational homes and pool resources. Conservative Gender Roles: Women traditionally manage household finances and markets while men handle heavy labor - though younger generation in Siem Reap's tourism industry breaks these patterns. Hospitality Without Expectations: Sharing food with strangers is normal, inviting travelers for meals happens spontaneously - refusing offered food or drink is considered disrespectful to the host.

Absolute Essentials:

• "Sous-dey" (suh-SDEY) = hello
• "Or-kun" (aw-KOON) = thank you
• "Saom" (sa-OHM) = please
• "Baat/Cha" (baht/chah) = yes (male/female)
• "Te" (teh) = no
• "Som toh" (suhm TOH) = excuse me/sorry
• "Ot-te" (ot-TEH) = no problem

Daily Greetings:

• "Sous-dey preah atit" (suh-SDEY pray ah-TIT) = good morning
• "Lea heuy" (li-ah HEUY) = goodbye
• "Sok sabai te?" (sock sah-BYE teh) = how are you?
• "Sok sabai" (sock sah-BYE) = I'm fine

Numbers & Practical:

• "Muoy, pi, bei" (mu-oy, pee, bay) = one, two, three
• "Buon, bram, bram-muoy" (boo-on, brahm, brahm-mu-oy) = four, five, six
• "Tlai pon-maan?" (tlay pohn-MAHN) = how much does it cost?
• "Nih nov ai?" (nee nov eye) = where is this?

Food & Dining:

• "Chnganh" (ch'NANH) = delicious
• "Saom tuk muoy" (sa-ohm took mu-oy) = water please
• "Kafe" (kah-FAY) = coffee
• "At bai" (at bye) = no meat (vegetarian)
• "Tom tiat" (tom tee-at) = too expensive

Tuk-Tuk (Remorque):

• $1-2 short trips in town, $3-5 across town, $15-20 full day temple tours
• Locals negotiate before riding, establish price clearly to avoid disputes
• Drivers wait outside hotels and restaurants, or call via tuk-tuk apps
• For Angkor Wat day: $25-30 standard rate locals consider fair
• New airport transfer: $15-17.50 (over 1 hour drive) not $5 like old airport

Bicycle Rental:

• $1-2 per day from guesthouses and shops throughout town
• Locals use for short errands, tourists for temple visits and countryside
• Mostly single-speed bikes, some electric bikes for $5-7/day
• Best for dry season (November-April), monsoon rains make cycling miserable

Motorbike Rental:

• $5-10 per day, international license technically required but rarely checked
• Locals zoom around on 100cc-125cc bikes, honking constantly
• Watch for cows, chickens, and random potholes on roads
• Temple parking costs $1-2, locals know free spots near tourist areas

Walking in Town:

• Central Siem Reap walkable - Old Market to Pub Street 10 minutes
• Locals walk early morning or after 4 PM to avoid midday heat (35-40°C)
• Sidewalks often blocked by parked motos, walk in street carefully
• Comfortable shoes essential, dust or mud depending on season

Grab/PassApp Rideshare:

• Apps work like Uber, slightly cheaper than street tuk-tuks
• Locals use for airport runs and fixed-price convenience
• Price shown upfront, no negotiation needed

Food & Drinks:

• Street food breakfast: $1-1.50, local restaurant meal: $2-5
• Coffee with condensed milk: $1-1.50, fresh fruit shake: $1-2
• Beer (Angkor/Cambodia): $0.50-1 local shop, $1.50-2.50 tourist area
• Authentic Khmer restaurant dinner: $5-8 per person
• Tourist restaurant (Pub Street): $8-15 per meal with drinks
• Water bottle: $0.25-0.50, coconut: $1

Groceries (Local Markets):

• Rice: $0.50-1/kg, fresh vegetables: $0.50-2/kg
• Pork or chicken: $3-5/kg, fish: $4-8/kg depending on type
• Tropical fruits: $0.50-2/kg (mangoes, dragon fruit, rambutan)
• Local snacks and noodles: $0.50-1 per package
• Weekly market shop for two people: $15-30

Activities & Transport:

• Angkor Wat 1-day pass: $37 per person (official government price)
• Tuk-tuk for temples full day: $20-25
• Bicycle rental: $1-2/day
• Motorbike rental: $5-10/day
• Apsara dance show with buffet: $12-15
• Phare Circus tickets: $18-38
• Cooking class: $25-35 per person

Accommodation:

• Budget hostel bed: $3-8/night
• Budget guesthouse room: $10-20/night
• Mid-range hotel: $25-50/night
• Boutique hotel: $60-100/night
• Luxury resort: $150-300+/night

Year-Round Basics:

• Tropical climate means hot and humid always - temperatures 20-40°C year-round
• Temple dress code strictly enforced: cover shoulders and knees, carry scarf as backup
• Lightweight breathable fabrics essential - cotton and linen, avoid synthetics that trap sweat
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for temple stairs and uneven ancient stones
• Hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - sun is brutal
• Small umbrella useful for both rain and sun protection

Seasonal Guide:

Dry/Cool Season (November-February): 18-30°C

• Best weather for temple exploring, locals call this "winter" though still warm
• Mornings cool (18-20°C), pack light long sleeves for dawn temple visits
• Afternoons hot (28-30°C), switch to t-shirts and shorts (but cover up for temples)
• Evenings pleasant for outdoor dining, light jacket comfortable
• Almost no rain, locals rarely carry umbrellas this season

Hot Season (March-May): 25-40°C

• Brutal heat with April hitting 40°C regularly - locals avoid midday sun completely
• Visit temples before 9 AM or after 4 PM to survive the heat
• Light cotton clothing, change shirt 2-3 times daily from sweat
• Locals wear long sleeves and pants for sun protection despite heat
• Drink water constantly, locals mix in electrolyte drinks

Rainy Season (June-October): 24-33°C

• Daily afternoon downpours but mornings often clear - locals time activities accordingly
• Quick-dry clothing essential, everything stays damp in humidity
• Waterproof sandals better than shoes that take days to dry
• Rain jacket or poncho needed, locals buy cheap plastic ponchos for $1
• Temples less crowded, locals who work tourism actually prefer this season
• Mosquitoes increase, pack strong repellent (DEET 30%+)

Evening Social Scene:

• Pub Street Watching: Locals gather at edges of tourist zone to observe nightly backpacker chaos
• Temple Basketball: Pagoda grounds host pickup games after monk activities end around 6 PM
• River Walking: Families stroll along Siem Reap River promenade 5-7 PM before dinner
• Night Market Browsing: Locals shop for phone accessories and snacks while tourists buy souvenirs

Sports & Recreation:

• Morning Exercise: Parks and temple grounds fill with locals doing tai chi and aerobics 6-7 AM
• Sepak Takraw Games: Kick volleyball played in open spaces near schools, anyone can join
• Bokator Classes: Traditional martial arts schools offer drop-in sessions for tourists and locals
• Cycling Groups: Weekend rides to countryside temples and villages, mixed local and expat riders

Cultural Activities:

• Apsara Dance Classes: Traditional Khmer dance taught at cultural centers, tourists welcome
• Khmer Language Exchange: Informal groups meet at cafes to practice Khmer and English
• Cooking Schools: Learn authentic recipes from Khmer grandmothers in family homes
• Traditional Music Lessons: Cambodian Living Arts organization teaches nearly-lost instruments

Volunteer Opportunities:

• English Teaching: Many schools and NGOs need conversation partners for students
• Artisan Workshops: Help at fair trade organizations preserving traditional crafts
• Community Projects: Various NGOs work on education, health, and development initiatives
• Temple Maintenance: Some pagodas welcome respectful volunteers for grounds keeping

Dawn Temple Tour Without Crowds: Arrive at Angkor Wat at 5 AM for sunrise when it's peaceful and spiritual - locals who work at temples arrive this early, you'll see monks making offerings before tourist buses arrive at 7 AM. Floating Village Reality Check: Kampong Pluuk and Kompong Khleang floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake show real Cambodian water life - locals live in stilted houses that rise and fall with seasonal floods, children paddle to school in washtubs, avoid touristy Chong Kneas. Countryside Bike Adventure: Rent bicycle for $1-2/day and ride through rice paddies, small villages, and lotus farms - locals wave from fields, kids shout "hello!" enthusiastically, best in morning before heat peaks at 11 AM. Phare Circus Traditional Performance: Cambodian circus combining acrobatics, theater, and music telling local stories - performers are disadvantaged youth trained in traditional arts, locals support this social enterprise, tickets $18-38. Cooking Class in Local Home: Learn to make amok, lok lak, and mango sticky rice with Khmer families - locals share recipes passed down generations, market shopping included, costs $25-35 per person. Artisans Angkor Workshop Visit: Free tours of silk weaving, stone carving, and lacquerware workshops where locals preserve ancient Khmer crafts - watch artisans work using techniques unchanged for centuries, purchase supports fair wages.

Psar Chas (Old Market):

• Siem Reap's oldest market where locals shop for daily needs - fresh produce, meat, spices
• Best breakfast spot: $1-1.50 for authentic Khmer noodles or pork with rice at food stalls
• Outer sections sell tourist souvenirs (scarves, Buddha statues, clothing) - bargain hard
• Locals shop 6-9 AM for freshest fish and vegetables before heat peaks
• Evening atmosphere shifts as market vendors sell handicrafts to tourists

Psar Leu (Upper Market):

• Where actual locals shop away from tourist zone - authentic prices and atmosphere
• Massive produce section, household goods, traditional Khmer ingredients
• Food court inside serves real Cambodian meals for $1-2 that tourists never find
• Locals prefer this for weekly shopping, better prices than Psar Chas
• Further from town center but worth tuk-tuk ride ($2) for authentic experience

Angkor Night Market:

• Cambodia's first night market in traditional bamboo huts with landscaped gardens
• Over 200 vendors selling handicrafts, silk scarves, jewelry, and souvenirs
• Locals who work here say authentic items mixed with mass-produced imports
• Fish massage tanks ($2-5) where tiny fish nibble dead skin off feet
• Atmospheric for evening browsing but prices higher than day markets

Made in Cambodia Market:

• Focus on locally-made handicrafts supporting local artisans and orphanages
• Fair Trade Village nearby has Angkor Handicraft Association's authenticity seal
• Locals recommend for quality souvenirs - handwoven silk, silverware, wood carvings
• Higher prices than street markets but money supports craftspeople directly
• Noon Night Market donates 10% of profits to local orphanage

Fruit and Vegetable Markets:

• Neighborhood markets throughout town where locals buy daily ingredients
• Dragonfruit, mangoes, rambutans cheaper here ($0.50-1/kg) than tourist areas
• Locals shop with reusable bags, know vendors personally, get best produce picked for them

Siem Reap River Promenade at Dawn:

• Locals exercise, practice tai chi, and socialize along river before 7 AM
• Morning mist over water, temple spires visible in distance, peaceful before tourist day begins
• Street vendors sell fresh fruit shakes and sticky rice for early risers

Wat Preah Prom Rath Pagoda Gardens:

• Active Buddhist temple where locals meditate under old trees
• Evening visits around 5 PM show monks chanting, locals making offerings
• Beautiful murals inside depicting Buddha's life, visitors welcome if respectful
• Free entry, locals bring incense and lotus flowers

Angkor Night Market Rooftop Bars:

• Hidden rooftop spaces where locals escape tourist crowds below
• Cheap beer ($1.50-2) with views of night market chaos
• Locals who work tourism industry decompress here after shifts
• Live acoustic music some nights, very chill atmosphere

Lotus Farms Outside Town:

• Rice paddies and lotus fields 20 minutes by bicycle
• Locals visit for peaceful countryside views, photograph lotus flowers
• Sunrise here rivals Angkor Wat minus the crowds
• Farmers wave and sometimes offer fresh lotus seeds

Tonle Sap Lake Sunset Spots:

• Local fishing villages have simple platforms for watching sun set over lake
• Cheapest spot: bring own beer and sit with fishermen repairing nets
• Locals prefer this to expensive tourist boat cruises ($20-30)
• Massive sky views, absolute tranquility except for boat motors

Khmer Restaurant Tents (haan bai):

• Open-air dining spaces with tarp roofs and plastic chairs along streets
• Locals eat here for authentic home-style cooking at $2-4 per meal
• Family-run operations where grandmother cooks, cousins serve
• Cold beer always available, locals linger for hours after eating

Coffee Shops with Hammocks (kedai kafe):

• Cambodian coffee culture includes hammocks for napping after strong coffee
• Locals order iced coffee with condensed milk, then swing in hammock
• Social spaces where neighbors gossip and students study
• Costs $1-1.50 for coffee, hammock use included

Beer Gardens (suan bia):

• Outdoor venues with live music, plastic tables, and cheap draft beer
• Locals gather after work, families bring children who play while adults drink
• Angkor Beer (local brewery) dominates, costs $0.50-1 per large mug
• Grilled meat skewers and fried rice keep drinking crowds fed

Karaoke Boxes (hatoh karaoke):

• Private rooms where locals sing Khmer pop and old folk songs
• Birthday parties and family celebrations happen here with elaborate food spreads
• Locals take singing seriously, no ironic karaoke culture like Western countries
• Rent rooms by hour for $10-20, includes sound system and song books

Tuk-Tuk Price Negotiation Dance:

• Locals and drivers go through elaborate back-and-forth even when everyone knows the real price
• Both sides smile through the process, final price always somewhere in middle
• Foreigners who pay first price quoted become legendary stories drivers share

Rain Season Flood Philosophy:

• Streets flood instantly during monsoon, locals joke about needing boats not tuk-tuks
• Motorbike riders plow through knee-deep water like it's normal commuting
• Kids play in flooded streets while adults complain but do nothing about drainage

Cambodia Time Flexibility:

• Appointments scheduled for "around 2 PM" might happen at 4 PM or next day
• Locals laugh about "Cambodian time" being at least an hour late always
• Nobody gets angry, everyone understands this cultural time elasticity

Pub Street Transformation:

• Respectable family restaurants by day, wild backpacker party zone by night
• Locals avoid evening crowds but work there, amused by tourist drinking games
• Same street vendors sell coffee morning, cocktails evening - mood completely shifts

King Jayavarman II (802-835):

• Founded the Khmer Empire and established concept of god-king (devaraja)
• Every Cambodian knows he unified the kingdom and started Angkor period
• His declaration as "universal monarch" in 802 CE marks beginning of Cambodia's golden age

King Jayavarman VII (1181-1220):

• Greatest of Angkorian kings who built Angkor Thom and Bayon temple
• Locals revere him as warrior-king who defeated Cham invaders and became Buddhist leader
• His massive building projects created most iconic temples beyond Angkor Wat
• Cambodians see him as embodiment of compassion and strength

King Suryavarman II (1113-1150):

• Built Angkor Wat as Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu
• Locals know he created world's largest religious structure still standing today
• His architectural vision put Cambodia on world heritage map

Arn Chorn-Pond:

• Khmer Rouge survivor who preserves traditional Cambodian music and arts
• Locals respect his work reviving nearly-lost cultural practices after genocide
• Founded Cambodian Living Arts organization supporting traditional musicians

Vann Nath:

• Artist who survived S-21 prison by painting portraits for Khmer Rouge
• His paintings documenting torture chambers educate younger generations
• Every Cambodian student learns about his testimony and artistic courage

Bokator (Ancient Martial Art):

• Cambodia's thousand-year-old fighting system combining strikes, grappling, and weapons - recently inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list
• Locals practice at cultural centers and schools, demonstrations during Khmer New Year festivals
• Traditional uniforms include colored kramas (scarves) indicating skill levels
• Foreigners can take classes at specialized schools in Siem Reap

Traditional Khmer Games:

• Giant Chess (Ok Chatrang) played during festivals with human-sized pieces
• Chol Chhoung (scarf throwing game) popular during New Year celebrations
• Locals teach children these games to preserve cultural heritage
• Community tournaments held in temple grounds during major festivals

Sepak Takraw (Kick Volleyball):

• Southeast Asian sport played in parks and schools using rattan ball
• Locals gather for pickup games in late afternoon when heat subsides
• Combines soccer skills with volleyball rules - extremely acrobatic

Football Passion:

• English Premier League obsession - locals support Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea
• Street-side cafes broadcast matches at all hours, fans gather to watch and bet
• Local amateur leagues play in dusty fields outside town

Fried Tarantulas (A-Ping):

• Crispy fried spiders from Skuon town, eaten as crunchy snacks with beer
• Locals remove legs and eat the meaty abdomen, tourists dare each other to try
• Sold at markets for $1-2, locals consider it delicacy from post-war famine times

Balut (Fertilized Duck Egg):

• Half-developed duck embryo boiled and eaten with salt, lime, and herbs
• Locals slurp the liquid first, then eat the embryo - high protein street food
• Sold at night markets for $0.50, foreigners usually can't finish one

Prahok with Green Mango:

• Fermented fish paste dipped with sour green mango slices
• Pungent smell that locals love, combines intense umami with sour crunch
• Street vendors sell this combo for $1-2, locals eat as afternoon snack

Red Ant Soup (Samlar Chab):

• Sour soup with red tree ants, lemongrass, and prahok
• Locals harvest ants from forests, ants provide citrusy flavor and protein
• Traditional countryside dish that urban Cambodians serve at special gatherings

Fried Crickets and Silkworms:

• Deep-fried insects seasoned with garlic, salt, and lime
• Locals eat these like popcorn while drinking beer at night markets
• Sold in bags for $1-2, crunchy protein snacks from agricultural regions

Theravada Buddhism Dominance: 95% of Cambodians practice Buddhism which permeates daily life - monks hold highest social respect, making merit through donations is essential spiritual practice. Temple Entry Protocol: Remove shoes, cover shoulders and knees, never point feet toward Buddha statues or sit higher than monks - locals sit cross-legged or on knees, women absolutely never touch monks or their robes. Monk Interaction Rules: Use sampeh greeting with hands close to face for monks, lower your head when approaching them, always use right hand when giving offerings - monks provide a tray if you're receiving blessings. Pagoda Community Role: Buddhist pagodas serve as community centers beyond worship - locals gather for festivals, children learn traditional arts, families hold ceremonies for births, deaths, and marriages here. Spirit House Tradition: Small spirit houses (neak ta) outside homes and businesses contain offerings of incense, flowers, and food - locals believe ancestral spirits protect properties and need daily attention. Hindu Influence at Angkor: While Cambodia is Buddhist now, Angkor Wat was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century - locals understand this dual heritage and respect both traditions in cultural practices.

Payment Methods:

• US dollars widely accepted alongside Cambodian riel (4,000 riel = $1)
• Change given in mix of dollars and riel, locals comfortable using both
• Credit cards accepted at hotels and nice restaurants, cash preferred elsewhere
• ATMs dispense US dollars, locals use for larger purchases
• Always carry small bills - vendors rarely have change for $20s or $50s

Bargaining Culture:

• Markets and street vendors expect negotiation - start at 50% of asking price
• Locals barter firmly but with smiles, getting angry kills the deal
• Fixed prices at restaurants, hotels, and established shops
• "How much?" always gets inflated tourist price first - locals know to negotiate
• Best prices early morning when vendors want first sale for good luck

Shopping Hours:

• Local markets: 6 AM - 5 PM (best selection 7-9 AM)
• Tourist shops: 9 AM - 10 PM daily
• Old Market: 7 AM - 6 PM
• Night markets: 4 PM - midnight
• Locals shop for groceries at dawn, souvenirs anytime

Tax & Receipts:

• Prices usually include all taxes in displayed amount
• Receipts not always provided at small shops and markets
• Hotels and restaurants add 10% service charge and VAT
• Locals rarely ask for receipts except at larger purchases

Absolute Essentials:

• "Sous-dey" (suh-SDEY) = hello
• "Or-kun" (aw-KOON) = thank you
• "Or-kun chran" (aw-KOON chran) = thank you very much
• "Saom" (sa-OHM) = please
• "Som toh" (suhm TOH) = excuse me/sorry
• "Baat/Cha" (baht/chah) = yes (male/female)
• "Te" (teh) = no
• "Jool riab sua" (jool ree-up soo-ah) = goodbye (formal)
• "Lea heuy" (li-ah HEUY) = goodbye (casual)

Daily Greetings:

• "Sous-dey preah atit" (suh-SDEY pray ah-TIT) = good morning
• "Sok sabai te?" (sock sah-BYE teh) = how are you?
• "Sok sabai" (sock sah-BYE) = I'm fine
• "Ot te" (ot TEH) = no problem/it's okay
• "Nyum merl euy" (nyum merl OY) = see you later

Numbers & Practical:

• "Muoy, pi, bei" (mu-oy, pee, bay) = one, two, three
• "Buon, bram, bram-muoy" (boo-on, brahm, brahm-mu-oy) = four, five, six
• "Bram-pi, bram-bei, bram-buon, bram-bram" (brahm-pee, brahm-bay, brahm-boo-on, brahm-brahm) = seven, eight, nine, ten
• "Tlai pon-maan?" (tlay pohn-MAHN) = how much?
• "Nih nov ai?" (nee nov eye) = where is this?
• "Thlai nah" (tlay NAH) = expensive/too much

Food & Dining:

• "Chnganh" (ch'NANH) = delicious
• "Chnganh nah!" (ch'NANH nah) = very delicious!
• "Saom tuk muoy" (sa-ohm took mu-oy) = water please
• "Kafe" (kah-FAY) = coffee
• "Sra" (srah) = wine/alcohol
• "At bai" (at bye) = no meat/vegetarian
• "Ot meh bai" (ot meh bye) = I don't eat meat

Authentic Local Products:

• Krama (Traditional Scarf): Checkered cotton scarves locals wear constantly - $2-5 for cotton, $15-30 for silk versions from Artisans Angkor
• Kampot Pepper: World-famous black pepper from southern Cambodia, rated among best globally - $8-15 per small bag, locals use in all cooking
• Palm Sugar: Made from sugar palm trees in traditional methods - $3-5 per package, locals use instead of white sugar
• Koh Kong Chili Sauce: Fiery regional condiment - $2-4 per bottle, locals add to every meal

Handcrafted Items:

• Silk Products: Handwoven scarves, clothing, table runners from Golden Silk Farm - $20-80 depending on size and complexity
• Stone Carvings: Miniature Angkor Wat and Buddha statues by traditional artisans - $10-100, verify authentic stone not resin
• Silver Jewelry: Traditional Khmer designs by local silversmiths - $15-150, ask for certificate of silver content
• Lacquerware: Decorative boxes and plates with traditional patterns - $10-50 from Artisans Angkor workshops
• Wood Carvings: Buddha figures and decorative items from sustainable wood - $8-60 depending on detail

Edible Souvenirs:

• Dried Mangoes: Sweet treats from Cambodian fruit - $3-5 per bag, shelf-stable for travel
• Khmer Spice Mixes: Pre-mixed seasonings for amok, lok lak - $2-5 per package with recipes
• Coffee Beans: Mondulkiri highlands coffee, growing reputation - $8-15 per bag
• Prahok (for adventurous): Fermented fish paste in sealed jars - $2-4, warning: extremely strong smell

Where Locals Actually Shop:

• Fair Trade Village: Certified authentic handicrafts, supports artisan families
• Artisans Angkor: Visit workshops to see production, fair wages guaranteed
• Senteurs d'Angkor: Locally-made soaps, candles, spices - profits fund training programs
• Avoid: Old Market tourist section has 80%+ mass-produced imports from China
• Local tip: Items at temples usually support monks and local communities

Family-Friendliness Rating: 9/10 - Extremely family-friendly with welcoming culture, safe environment, and child-centered society

Cambodian Multi-Generational Culture:

• Extended families live together - grandparents, parents, children, sometimes cousins all under one roof or nearby
• Elders hold authority in family decisions, teach traditional values and Buddhist principles to grandchildren daily
• Family meals sacred - everyone eats together, children learn table manners and respect through shared dining
• Festivals like Khmer New Year are family reunion times - urban workers return to rural villages for multi-day celebrations

Children in Cambodian Society:

• Kids incredibly visible in public life - playing in streets, helping at family shops, accompanying parents everywhere
• Child-friendly culture means locals smile at children, offer snacks, and help parents without being asked
• Schools teach reverence for elders, Buddhist values, Khmer language and culture - traditional education still valued
• Temple participation starts young - children learn to make offerings, respect monks, understand spiritual practices

Siem Reap Family Traditions:

• Temple visits are family outings - parents teach children about Angkor's history, Hindu and Buddhist stories in stone carvings
• Market shopping involves whole family - kids learn to select produce, negotiate prices, understand food sources
• Traditional arts passed down through families - silk weaving, stone carving, Apsara dance forms taught by parents
• Shadow puppet theater (Sbek Thom) performances show ancient stories to children about Khmer culture and values

Practical Family Travel Info:

• Stroller accessibility limited - ancient temple stairs and market crowds challenging, locals use lightweight carriers
• High chairs rare except tourist restaurants - locals hold babies or bring portable seats
• Baby supplies available at Lucky Mall and Angkor Market - diapers, formula, basic needs covered
• Family rooms common in hotels - many properties offer connecting rooms or large family suites under $50/night
• Tuk-tuks fit entire families easily - drivers used to squeezing in multiple people, very affordable for families
• Temple exploration exhausting for young kids - locals recommend short morning visits, pool time afternoons
• Food is child-friendly - mild curries, fried rice, fresh fruit everywhere, locals always have food to share with kids