Etiquette & taboos

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

6 rules found

Cultural sensitivitiesEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · Philippines

Philippines: avoid too much intimacy in public

Do

Behave appropriately in public

Don’t

Overly intimate behaviour in public

It may be treated as 'grave scandal', punishable by a fine or 6 months in prison.

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

Cultural sensitivitiesPhotos & dronesPlace-specific guidance · Cambodia

Cambodia: ask before photographing monks

Do

Ask before photographing people, especially monks

Don’t

Photographing monks and religious figures without permission

Respect local customs.

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

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

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · Vietnam

Vietnam: cover shoulders and knees at temples and cultural sites

Do

Cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious and cultural sites

Don’t

Wearing a vest or shorts into a temple

Respect local customs.

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

Cultural sensitivitiesEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · Malaysia

Malaysia: pass things and eat with your right hand

Do

Use your right hand to eat with your fingers, to pass and receive things, and to shake hands
To point the way, make a loose fist and point with your right thumb

Don’t

Pointing at people or things with your index finger

Not illegal, but seen as rude.

Not yet verifiedSource: Tourism Malaysia: travel guide

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · Thailand

Temples and the Grand Palace: cover shoulders and knees

Do

Wear sleeved tops and long trousers or skirts below the knee
Take off your shoes before entering a hall
When seated, don't point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image

Don’t

Entering in a vest, shorts or see-through clothes
Covering a sleeveless top only with a shawl may not be accepted at the Grand Palace

You will be refused entry and will need to rent or buy a sarong at the gate.

Not yet verifiedSource: Grand Palace dress code and visiting rules (travel guide)