Current Time in Sihanoukville
Cambodian culture regarding time
Cambodian culture regarding time
Flexibility regarding appointment times
Unlike countries where people are strict about appointment times, in Cambodia, being a little late is generally not considered a problem. Even in daily life, being 10 to 30 minutes late is considered to be within the acceptable range.
Sense of time based on religious events
As a Buddhist country, Cambodia often determines the rhythm of people's lives according to the activity times of monks and Buddhist events, and they have a unique sense of the calendar and time.
Lifestyle to avoid the heat during the day
Especially in the hot season, there is a culture of avoiding the hours around noon. It is common to do shopping and errands in the morning or evening.
Cambodian values regarding time
Tendency to value relationships over time
In Cambodia, "maintaining harmony" is more important than "being punctual," and maintaining good relationships with others takes priority over being a little late.
Life in accordance with the rhythm of nature
Many people wake up and go to bed according to the rising and setting of the sun, and tend to grasp time by natural changes rather than by clocks.
Time flows calmly without rushing
As the saying goes, "Bai sar bai (eat your meal slowly)," there is a value in not rushing and cherishing calm time.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or moving to Cambodia
Be prepared for meetings and gathering times with plenty of time
Business and private events often do not start on time. It is important to take your time and make a schedule that allows for some delays.
Public transportation times are only a guideline
Buses and trains often do not arrive on schedule, so it is difficult to expect travel on time. It is necessary to act with plenty of time.
Store opening and closing times vary widely
Even if business hours are displayed, they may actually open late or close early, and especially privately owned shops tend to be at the mercy of the owner.
Interesting trivia about time in Cambodia
Weddings can start at 4am
Traditional Cambodian weddings generally start early in the morning, and sometimes the ceremony begins before sunrise, and many people are surprised at the difference in their sense of time.
There is a culture of siesta
In particular, during hot seasons, people often take a nap for several hours after lunch, and stores may close around 2-3pm. This is a culture that has taken root as an adaptation to the climate.
Cambodian schools can have vague "timetables"
Even if the start time of classes is set, they may actually start late depending on the teacher's arrival or other circumstances, and strict time management may not be practiced.