Cambodia #20: Angkor Visitor Code of Conduct - What Not To Do When Visiting Angkor

After many incidents of tourists behaving badly at the Angkor Archaeological Park the Apsara Authority has finally released an Angkor Visitor Code of Conduct for visitors visiting the temples since December 2015. There is comprehensive seven-point code of conduct prompts travelers to behave appropriately for a temple complex in Cambodia. The Angkor Visitor Code of Conduct, printed in several languages such as English, French, Chinese, Khmer, Japanese, Korean and Chinese, have been handed out to Siem Reap hotels, resorts and business establishment. One of the objectives of implementing the Angkor Visitor of Conduct is to harmonize tourist experiences with public safety and respect towards the community. Any act of looting, breaking or damaging Angkor, or exposing sexual organs and nudity in public area is a crime punishable by law. 

Things to Consider When Visiting the Angkor Wat Temples 

Dress Code 

Revealing clothes such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress is strongly encouraged in Angkor. 

Monuments 

Touching carvings, sitting on fragile structures, leaning on temple structures, moving or taking archaeological artifacts and graffiti are strictly prohibited. Backpack, umbrellas with sharp tips, tripods and high heels are discouraged from being brought it worn inside the temples. 

Sacred Sites 

As Angkor is a sacred site, loud conversation and noises and other inappropriate behaviour in Cambodian culture is considered to be offensive and may disturb other visitors. Please keep calm and be respectful. 

Restricted Areas 

For your own safety and for the conversation of Angkor, please comply with all signs on the site and be mindful of your steps at all times. Do not climb on loose stones. 

Smoking and Littering 

As a member of the World Health Organization, Angkor has been a smoke free site since 2012. Smoking cigarettes disturbs others and cigarettes can start bush fires. To protect the environment, please do not smoke and litter. 

Candy or Money to Children 

Buying items, giving candy or money to children encourages them not to attend school but to beg. If you wish to help the children, please consider donating to a recognized charity. 

Monks 

Monks are revered and respected. If you want to take pictures, please ask for permission first. Women should not touch nor stand or sit too close to monks. 

The Angkor Visitor Code of Conduct is published as a graphic in multiple languages and is in almost every hotel and many restaurants.