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Travel tips
DOs and DON’Ts in Cambodia
Cambodian people are well-known for their hospitality and warmth. Out of respect, visitors to the Kingdom should take care to observe local customs and practices. You may find it useful to familiarize yourself with the following common dos and don'ts before embarking on your trip to Cambodia.
DOs in Cambodia
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Ask for permission before taking photographs of any Cambodian people or monks.
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It is customary to remove your shoes when entering a place of worship such as a pagoda or temple. Additionally, visitors should dress appropriately when inside a religious site (upper arms and legs should be covered, hats removed).
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It is respectful to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
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Though not always expected, a respectful way of greeting another individual is to bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest (known as “Sampeah”).
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If invited to dine in a Cambodian family’s home, it is polite to bring a small gift for the host such as fruit, dessert, or flowers.
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If invited to attend a Cambodian wedding, it is customary to bring cash as a wedding gift.
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When using a toothpick at the table, use one hand to cover your mouth.
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Keep business cards ready, and present them with both hands. Accept business cards with both hands.
DON'Ts in Cambodia
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Don't use your feet to point at someone.
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Don't touch a Cambodian person on the head.
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Don't begin eating if you are a guest at a dinner and the host has yet to take a bite.
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Women should never touch male monks or hand something directly to them.
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Keep public displays of affection to a respectful minimum.
http://www.tourismcambodia.org/travel_info/index.php?view=do_dont
Do & Don't - Cambodia
Traveler's Behavior in Cambodia
Cambodia, The Monarchy Kingdom : Khmer peoples have a deep, traditional admiration for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect and reverence for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children. There are some other rules that are worth remembering while you are in the country:
Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines.
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They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.
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It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
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Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.
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Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.
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Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object.
Social Norms
Khmers don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a Chomreap Sour.
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Generally a younger person Chomreap Sour an elder, who returns it. - Khmers regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively.
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Avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude.
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Shoes should be removed when entering a private Khmer home. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
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Getting angry and showing it by shouting or becoming abusive is impolite and a poor reflection on you, in addition, it is unlikely to accomplish much. If things aren't being done.
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If you would like someone to come over to you, motion with your whole hand held palm down - signaling with your index finger and your palm pointed skyward may be interpreted as being sexually suggestive.
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When using a toothpick, it is considered polite to hold it in one hand and to cover your open mouth with the other.
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When handing things to other people, use both hands or your right hand only, never your left hand (reserved for toilet ablutions)
Special Advice :
Beware of unauthorized people who offer their services as guides. For all tourist information, contact the Ministry of Tourism. For information about Phnom Penh, contact the ourist Police (Siem Reap 011 30 30 30 , Sihanouk Ville, 012 82 62 72, 012 77 47 07). Observe all normal precautions as regards to personal safety, as well as the safety fof your belongings.
Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your valuables-money, jewellery, and airline tickets are properly protected from loss. Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, unethical practices, or other matters, please call the Tourist Police at Tel: Tourist Police (Siem Reap 011 30 30 30 , Sihanouk Ville, 012 82 62 72, 012 77 47 07).
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Drop your garbage into a waste container. The Cambodia Ministry of Environment id no strictly enforcing the law in an effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The fine will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas. This is a good example for Cambodian too.
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Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Cambodia.
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Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Cambodia.