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Social Profile
Food & Drink: Restaurants and other businesses abound in Phnom Penh, although the city remains poor. Food stalls are also common in Phnom Penh and can usually be found in and around the Central Market, O Ressei Market and Tuol Tom Pong Market.
Nightlife: The major hotels offer entertainment, and weekly Apsara dance performances are often held from November to March in some hotel gardens. The Holiday International Hotel is a popular nightclub which also offers a karoke bar and casino. For further information contact Diethelm Travel (see Contact Addresses section).
Shopping: Antiques, woodcarvings, papier mâché masks, brass figurines, kramas (checked scarves), material for sarongs and hols, and items and jewellery made of gold, silver and precious stones are Cambodia’s best buys. Visitors are advised that there are strict controls on the export of antiques and stone carvings in particular. The Central Market, Tuol Tom Pong Market, Old Market and the Bijouterie d’Etat (State Jewellery Shop) are the best places for buying jewellery and the Fine Arts School sells many of the above goods in its shop. Clothing and materials are available at the Central Market. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-2100.
Special Events: The following events and festivals occur annually:
Jan/Feb Têt, Vietnamese and Chinese New Year. Apr Chaul Chhnam, three-day celebration of the Cambodian New Year. May Visak Bochea, Anniversary of the Buddha’s Birth; Chrat Prea Angkal, ceremonial beginning of the sowing season. Sep Phchum Ben, offerings made to dead ancestors. Nov Festival of the Reversing Current (The Water Festival). Pirogue canoe races are held in Phnom Penh.
Social Conventions: Sensitivity to politically related subjects in conversation is advisable. Avoid pointing your foot at a person or touching someone on the head. Women should wear long clothing that covers the body. Photography: Permitted, with certain restrictions, such as the photographing of military installations, airports and railway stations. It is polite to ask permission before photographing Cambodian people, especially monks. Tipping: Tips are appreciated in hotels and restaurants where no service charge has been added and by tour guides.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
Terms and Conditions apply.
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