Cambodia Local Custom Tips by BorderHopper

Don't steal the art...looting...

Don't steal the art...looting from the historical sites is just pure greed. There are still people there who will try to sell you ancient Khmer art but it's not worth it. A good alternative is to purchase paper moldings of the many bas reliefs found around Angkor. The moldings are an exact copy of the carvings found on the walls and the impression on the paper have been painted black. It can be purchased for as little as $2 USD (sometimes more) and easily transported back home. It can be framed and will make for a wonderful souviner. That's what I did!

When entering wats or temples...

When entering wats or temples the proper etiquette is to not wear shorts or tank tops. Take your hat of when entering the grounds of a wat. Take off your shoes before going into a sanctuary. Always try to refrain from patting children and adults on the top of their head.
<b>Pictured here is the Royal Palace:</b> Built in 1866 by King Norodom the Royal palace is now home to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, King of Cambodia, and Her Majesty Preach Reach Akka-Mohesey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, the Queen of Cambodia. The Palace grounds are opened to the public except when the King is in residence. Within the palace compound are the coronation hall; the entrance, which houses an open-air theater for the Royal Dance Troupe, and a balcony for Royal appearances; an open-air pavilion often used for entertaining and viewing of the King's movies; and the King's private residence, which houses a collection of Cambodian artwork from artists around the world, and his office, where he actively pursues Royal duties.

Travelling through South East...

Travelling through South East Asia and Cambodia you will see many Buddhist monks. Hinayana buddhismis the dominant religion in Cambodia and was the state religion until 1975 when the Khmer Rouge tried to destroy the country. The religion has made a comeback over the years and has be reinstated as its official religion.

Pictured here is my friend and I with novice monks at the royal palace in Phnom Penh. They were just as interested in taking photographs of us as we were with them.