

Essential Travel Guide for Cambodia
Do's and Don'ts in Cambodia
Do's
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Respect Religious Customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples, covering shoulders and knees. Remove your shoes and hat before entering sacred places.
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Greet with a Sampeah: Place your palms together in a prayer-like gesture and slightly bow your head as a respectful Cambodian greeting.
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Support Local Businesses: Shop at local markets, eat at small family-owned restaurants, and buy souvenirs directly from artisans.
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Ask Permission Before Taking Photos: Especially when photographing monks or local people.
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Dispose of Trash Properly: Keep the environment clean, especially in heritage sites.
Don'ts
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Don’t Touch People’s Heads: This is considered disrespectful in Cambodian culture.
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Avoid Pointing with Your Feet: Feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body.
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Don’t Lose Your Temper: Maintain a calm and polite demeanor even in challenging situations.
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Don’t Sit Higher Than a Monk: When in the presence of monks, avoid sitting or standing above them.
Understanding Cambodian Culture and Destination
Cambodia’s culture is shaped by its deep Buddhist traditions and the legacy of the Khmer Empire. The people are known for their warmth, humility, and resilience. Festivals like Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) are major cultural highlights. Visitors are encouraged to learn about Cambodia’s history, including its challenges under the Khmer Rouge regime, to appreciate the country's journey to recovery.
Combating Child Exploitation
Cambodia is a destination where responsible tourism plays a crucial role in protecting children. As a traveler:
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Avoid orphanage tourism or volunteering at institutions unless thoroughly vetted.
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Report any cases of exploitation to local authorities or organizations like ECPAT.
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Support child-safe businesses and initiatives promoting education and welfare.
Health and Safety
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Vaccinations: Consult your doctor about vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis.
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Food Safety: Stick to freshly cooked meals and drink bottled or filtered water.
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Stay Protected from Mosquitoes: Use insect repellent to avoid malaria or dengue fever in certain areas.
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Emergency Numbers: Dial 117 for police, 119 for medical emergencies, and 118 for fire.
Traveling Responsibly
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Reduce Waste: Carry reusable water bottles and refuse single-use plastics.
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Choose Ethical Tours: Support tours and activities that prioritize sustainability and respect for local communities.
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Avoid Wildlife Exploitation: Do not participate in activities that harm animals, such as elephant rides.
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Support Community-Based Tourism: Opt for homestays and workshops with local artisans.
Geography and Climate
Cambodia features flat plains, lush jungles, and the iconic Tonle Sap Lake. The country has a tropical climate with two main seasons:
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Dry Season (November–April): The most popular time to visit, with clear skies and cooler temperatures.
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Rainy Season (May–October): Lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but occasional flooding may occur.
Activities and Must-Visit Sites
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Angkor Wat: Explore the world-famous UNESCO heritage site and other temples in the Angkor complex, such as Bayon and Ta Prohm.
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Phnom Penh: Visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
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Siem Reap: Beyond Angkor Wat, enjoy cultural performances, floating villages, and vibrant night markets.
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Kampot: Discover its colonial charm, pepper farms, and the scenic Bokor National Park.
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Koh Rong: Relax on pristine beaches or indulge in water activities like snorkeling and diving.
Cambodian Cuisine
Cambodian food is flavorful and distinct, with a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Dishes to try include:
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Amok Trey: A traditional steamed fish curry with coconut milk.
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Nom Banh Chok: Cambodian rice noodles served with a green curry sauce.
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Bai Sach Chrouk: Grilled pork served with rice and pickled vegetables.
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Prahok Ktis: A savory dip made with fermented fish paste, coconut milk, and pork.
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Sugar Palm Desserts: Made from the national tree of Cambodia, palm sugar adds a unique flavor to local sweets.
Entry Requirements
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Visa: Most travelers can obtain an e-visa or visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days.
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Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
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Departure Tax: Some airports may charge an exit fee; confirm with your airline.
Currency
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Cambodian Riel (KHR): The official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
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Exchange Tips: Use banks or licensed currency exchange services for the best rates.
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Cash or Card: Carry small denominations of US dollars for convenience, as credit card use is limited outside major cities.
Language
Hello: Susaday (Soo-sa-day)
Thank You: Aw-kun (Aw-koon)
No Bag: Ot Som Tey Thung (Oht Sohm Tay Toong)
How Much?: Bon Man? (Bon Man?)
Learning a few Khmer phrases will go a long way in connecting with locals and showing respect for their culture.