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Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Cambodia

1 rules found

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · Cambodia

Cambodia: cover shoulders and knees at Angkor Wat and other religious sites

Do

  • Cover your shoulders and wear trousers or a skirt below the knee

Don’t

  • Wearing shorts or a skirt above the knee

You may be refused entry to Angkor Wat and other religious sites.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Cambodia travel advice

Site-specific notes 2

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Angkor Wat

  • The central sanctuary of Angkor Wat has daily visitor limits, and anyone not dressed appropriately is refused entry
  • don't carve anything or take stones
  • don't give children sweets or cash (it encourages begging) — donate to reputable NGOs instead.

Bayon (Angkor Thom)

  • Clothes must cover shoulders and knees, or you may be refused entry to some areas
  • don't climb or lean on carvings
  • don't touch the reliefs
  • don't give money to begging children (it keeps them out of school)