Culture and Etiquette

Sensitivity to politically-related subjects in conversation is advisable. You should not take photographs in or near airports or military bases.

Penalties for drug offences in Cambodia (including those involving Class C drugs) are severe. Prison sentences can be long and served in grim conditions.

You should ask permission before taking pictures of members of the public especially monks and other religious figures. When entering religious sites it is a courtesy to dress in appropriate clothing, avoiding shorts and torn clothing. Women should wear long clothing that covers the body. You are expected to remove your shoes when entering temples and private accommodation.

When greeting people or to show respect in Cambodia people do the 'sampeah' gesture, identical to the Thai wai and similar to the Indian namaste.

In Khmer culture a persons head is believed to contain the persons soul therefore making it taboo to touch or point your feet at it. It is also considered to be extremely disrespectful to point or sleep with your feet pointing at a person, as the feet are the lowest part of the body and are considered to be impure.