Angkor Wat Cambodia Travel Tips

Angkor Wat & Cambodia: Essential Travel Tips

Respecting the Sacred:

  • Dress Code: Remember Angkor Wat is a temple complex and a sacred site. Dress modestly - shoulders and knees should be covered. Avoid clothing with offensive imagery or slogans. Wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees (no shorts above the knee, no short skirts, no sleeveless tops/shirts, etc.).

Key Tips for Visiting:

  • Purchase an Angkor Pass: This is mandatory for entering any of the Angkor temples and allows multiple entries over a set period. Be mindful of the validity and durations as they vary.
  • Remove your shoes before entering: This is a sign of respect in all temples, shrines, and religious sites.
  • Cover Shoulders & Knees: Even if you’re dressed modestly, it’s important to note that some clothing items like shorts or skirts may still be considered inappropriate. Carry a scarf or sarong to cover your knees and shoulders when entering temple complexes.
  • Quietness is key: Respect the sanctity of the site by speaking softly and avoiding loud noises.

Be mindful of others:

  • Don’t touch, climb on, or lean against anything: This includes statues, carvings, walls, etc. Many tourists visit Angkor Wat for religious reasons, so it’s important to be respectful of the site and its history.
  • Be quiet and respectful when inside temples: Remember that you are in a place of worship and should avoid making loud noises or being disruptive.

Respecting the Temple:

  • Dress modestly: This is particularly important at Angkor Wat, which is a sacred site for many Cambodians.
  • Don’t wear revealing clothing: Avoid sleeveless shirts, short skirts/shorts, and tight clothing. Aim for clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

Respecting the Culture:

  • Dress conservatively: This shows respect for local customs and traditions.

Other Etiquette Considerations:

  • Photography: Be respectful of people’s privacy when taking pictures. Avoid photographing individuals without their permission, especially monks.
  • Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in markets. Approach it with a smile and be prepared to walk away if you can’t agree on a price.
  • Respect for Monks:

If you are interacting with monks:

  • Avoid pointing: It’s considered rude to point at monks, especially with your feet.
  • Speak respectfully: Avoid using slang or colloquialisms when speaking to monks.

Important:

  • Do not touch the Angkor temples.

Respect for Offerings:

  • Dress Appropriately: Monks are highly respected in Cambodia. Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting a temple, and make sure to cover up with a scarf or sarong.
  • Be Mindful of Timing: It’s important to remember that monks follow a strict schedule, so avoid disturbing them during prayer times.

Respect for Clothing:

Other Cultural Considerations:

  • Clothing: Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
  • Footwear: Remove your shoes before entering a temple, and leave them outside the designated area.
  • Donations: Offerings are often expected at Buddhist temples. This is usually in the form of a small donation to the monks or a purchase of incense sticks (available for sale outside).

Respecting Local Customs:

Respecting the Temple:

  • Respect the Buddha:

When entering the temple, remember to be respectful of the Buddha and its teachings.

  • Quiet and Orderly: Keep noise levels down when in religious areas. Speak quietly and avoid loud noises or being disruptive.
  • Dress Appropriatly:

This means wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Respecting the Monks:

  • Remove Footwear: This is a common courtesy across many cultures, but it’s especially important to respect here in Cambodia.
  • Dress Respectfully: Your attire should be modest.

For more detailed information on specific temples and their rules, you can consult the official website or contact the temple authorities beforehand.

Respect for Others:

  • Public Displays of Affection: While hand-holding is acceptable, public displays of affection like kissing or hugging are considered inappropriate in Cambodia.

  • Dress Appropriately: It’s important to remember that Cambodia is a predominantly Buddhist country. This means being mindful of the following:

  • Clothing Covering: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.

  • Footwear Removal: Remove shoes before entering homes or temples, as they are considered sacred spaces.

Other General Tips:

  • Respect for Elders: Cambodian culture places a high value on respect for elders.

It is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions.

  • Shoes Off: This includes bowing when greeting someone older, addressing them with polite terms like “Auntie” or “Uncle,”
  • Offerings:
  • Respect for Monks:

For a more detailed list, check out these resources:

  • Cambodian Tourism: https://www.tourismcambodia.org/ (This is a good starting point)
  • Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide for a deeper understanding of the temples and Cambodian history. They can often provide

Be respectful of the monks by greeting them politely, dressing appropriately, and removing your shoes before entering their presence.

  • Remove footwear before entering any home or religious structure, as it is considered a sign of respect.
  • Respect for personal space: Be mindful of personal space, especially when interacting with elderly people and monks.

For your safety and the preservation of the temples:

  • Be Aware: Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself or leaving valuables unattended.

Other Tips for Respectful Tourism:

  • Dress Code:

  • Dress respectfully: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting a temple. This is especially important

  • Dress appropriately: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, as this is expected in Cambodia.

  • Photography: Avoid taking photos of monks while they are praying or performing other religious duties.

  • Footwear:

Respect the fact that many temples are sacred spaces and that there are often specific rules for visitors.

Dress for the Occasion:

  • Dress Appropriately: Remember, it’s important to be mindful of the local culture and customs in Cambodia.

Dress modestly:

This applies to all visitors, but it’s especially important for women.

  • Respect the monks:

  • Dress code: Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting a temple, covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for the sacred space.

  • Quietness:

Respect the quietness and serenity of a temple environment by speaking softly and avoiding loud noises or conversations altogether.

Respect local customs:

  • Carry a scarf or sarong to cover your legs if needed.**

Ask permission before taking pictures of anyone, especially monks.

Dress code:

This is a common courtesy that shows respect for the local culture and traditions.

  • Clothing: Be mindful of clothing requirements (clothing covering shoulders and knees) when visiting temples or interacting with locals.

Respectful behavior:

  • Be respectful
  • Remove your shoes before entering a temple, as it is considered a sacred space.

Always ask for clarification on any rules specific to the individual site you are visiting.

Remember to be mindful of the following:

  • Dress: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

These are just some general tips. Remember to be respectful and humble in your interactions with locals, and always remember that you are a guest in their country.