Cambodia Do's and Don'ts

Do's

Do try local specialty such as Amok and Num Bachok.

Do watch traditional and cultural dance shows which are available in various restaurants.

Do visit a local market in the morning to experience a daily life of the local.

Do take bicycle ride along the rice field and country sides.

Do ask for permission before taking photos of others.

Do bargain when buying things. Bargaining can be an enjoyable experience in interacting with the locals.

Do learn some words in Khmer such as “Hello” or “Thank you”. To learn Khmer click here.

Do take off hat and shoes before entering a Khmer home and pagodas.

Do take up the opportunity of staying with a Khmer family, a great way to experience the life-style of the locals.

Do buy Khmer souvenirs before returning to your home country.

Do avoid hugging and kissing in public.

Don'ts

Don’t purchase historical artifacts in Cambodia. Buy only the replica ones.

Don’t take home pieces of stone from the temples and tourist sites no matter how small and undecorated they are.

Don’t touch someone on the head. Head is considered holy.

Don’t point or gesture with your feet or put your on the furniture. Feet are considered the lowest form of the body.

Don’t give children vendors in the temples candies if you do not intend to buy their products.

Don’t be foul-mouthed in middle of lake or jungle. It is considered bad omen.

Don’t involve in narcotic drug consumption and sexual exploitation of children.