DO'S

• Do smile and greet the people in a friendly manner always. Cambodians would normally greet you with a "Chum Reap Sour" (pronounced as Choom Reep Suu) as a formal way of saying hello or they would normally say "Soksabay" (pronounced as it is spelled) which literally translates to "How are you".
Cambodians tend to be really warm and friendly when it comes to interacting with foreigners. Of course one must remember to put their hands together in a prayer like fashion when doing the greetings. It is the polite way of doing this.
• When offering or passing something to Cambodians (especially elder people) please do it with both hands.
• When entering the temples or other religious places such as pagodas, please do try to dress appropriately and then always take off your hats and shoes off before going inside. The rule also applies when visiting local houses.
• Photos are nice but please do remember to always ask for permission before taking photos especially with monks and elderly people.
• Do try your best to be patient when communicating with locals. The older generation would be able to speak French mostly but English is becoming a popular language for all.
• Do try to support the local artisans by purchasing original licensed goods from them. In this way, you are able to help the local community sustain its' livelihood.
• Do take part in the food adventure that you are about to experience by trying to eat out at local stalls / food stands. The best part of all is that they relatively affordable.
• Do always keep small notes with you when going out for a meal or shopping. Please remember that in Cambodia, the US Dollar is widely accepted however, the coins are not. Small change will be given in the local currency which is the KHR (Cambodian / Khmer Riel).
• Please do observe silence and proper behavior when entering pagodas or when visiting the temples.
• Do try to experience the local flavors of the Kingdom by trying out various traditional snacks and local delicacies at various food stalls located around the country.
• Do try to buy and support the local artisans' craft by purchasing original hand crafted souvenir items by purchasing officially licensed products. • Do refuse politely if there is something that the locals try to talk you into in case. Remember, the Cambodians are of course respectful of one's culture as well.
• Do try to observe and adapt local behavior especially in places of worship.
• Do try to learn the basic greetings in Khmer (Cambodian language) so that you will have more fun interacting with them. Khmer is quite challenging to learn but when you get the hang of it, the travel becomes more interesting.
• Do try to support local NGO's that do business to benefit local communities as well. There are some hotels and restaurants that do this kind of set up.
• Do bring your medicines or any other special medication or supplements you have for certain allergies and medical conditions that you may experience while travelling.
• Do bring your sun block, a good pair of sunglasses, a good pair of trekking wear / comfortable and breathable clothing for visiting the temples, umbrella, a good pair of walking / rubber shoes and some mosquito repellant when going on tour.
• Do bring small change with you always because some tourist areas public bathrooms require a small fee.
• Do bring a photocopy of your passport as well and whenever necessary, kindly leave your valuables at the hotel safety box for safekeeping.
• Do try to bring smaller US notes when shopping. Remember that transactions are normally done in USD and KHR (Cambodian Riel). The US coins however are not used in Cambodia.

DON'TS

• In the context of Cambodian and Buddhist culture, the head is the most sacred part of the body therefore please do not touch nor pat the head of people including children.
• Do not point the feet at someone else or use it to pass something to a person. As it is the lowest part of the body, therefore it is deemed impolite to do so.
• When visiting a pagoda, do not sit cross legged or with your legs outstretched as you sit down. Try to sit slightly sided on your heels in case.
• Women are not allowed to touch a monk or even his robe and this includes the young monks as well.
• The Cambodian society is still deemed as a conservative culture and thus excessive display of public affection maybe deemed as an offensive behavior.
• Do not shout or laugh excessively when in places of worship and public areas.
• Do not mock nor resent any cultural customs that you might notice during your trip. Do remember to respect the local culture and tradition.
• Do not mock the King or the Government officials of the Kingdom. It is always advised to stay away from social and political issues and leave them as it is. You do not need this kind of attention.
• Don't try to take photos of people randomly (especially monks). Please always try to ask for permission first.
• Do not try to touch the temples (especially the carvings) during your visit. These are thousand year old monuments that are only meant for seeing in case.
• Do not wear a skirt or any revealing clothing (skimpy top etc.) if you wish to visit the top of Angkor Wat. You will not be allowed to climb up. Do remember that what you are visiting a sacred religious site so please show some demeanor by dressing up appropriately.
• Don't wear jewelry or bring any expensive equipment with you during your trip. Keep it simple when on tour.
• Don't count your money in public. Try to avoid unwanted attention from yourself.
• Don't stay out too late at night. In any country in the world, this basic rule is to be followed by everyone.
• Do not accept food and drink from strangers especially if you go out clubbing or if you decided to visit a local discotheque. Try to not to put yourself in risky situations.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended when you are on tour. Please be careful at all times.

Dining And Drinking

• When dining out, feel free to enjoy the local cuisine however please DO EAT AT YOUR OWN RISK. If you have certain allergies or certain digestive concerns, it is best to stay away from street food (including ice cubes).
• When eating on the roadside hawker stands, be sure to ask for a glass of hot water so you can dip and clean your cutlery in there before using it.
• For the adventurous eaters, be sure to try the PRAHOK | PRAHOC or at least try to munch on some good old crunchy crickets and spiders.
• As much as possible, please try to drink or bring your own drinking water.
• If you decide to go to bars and have a glass or two, please drink responsibly and watch out for your belongings as well.
• The Tuk-Tuks and Motodups (Motor taxis) normally increase their rates at night especially if it's early morning already so please be informed.
• Always have your Taxi drivers number and please do bring a local street map and your hotel's business card every time you go out.

Shopping

• The US Dollar (USD) and the Khmer Riel (KHR) are normally used as currencies for transaction however please do keep in mind that the US coins are not being used so loose change are converted into Khmer Riel | Cambodian Riel. The normal exchange rate is at least 4000 | 4100 KHR = 1 USD. In some shops, the Thai Baht (THB) and Vietnam Dong (VND) are accepted but the exchange rate is not very good so it is suggested to use either the USD or the KHR.
• When shopping, please feel free to haggle and get yourself a good bargain.
• Try to count your money discreetly.
• Be sure to get a receipt plus certain ownership documents when purchasing relic replicas to avoid any hassles at the airport.
• As in any country, please do take care of your personal belongings and avoid wearing jewelry or carrying expensive equipment whenever you go to the local markets and bazaars.
• Never leave your bags unattended • Be careful in buying gemstones in Cambodia because there is no warranty in it.
• Please do not buy items from suspicious vendors.
• If somebody offers you any authentic Angkor artifact, please do not believe as such artifacts are not for sale. This is a serious criminal offense in Cambodia that will definitely put you behind bars.
• Be sure to check the item you wish to purchase before you pay for them. Some stores have a no return no exchange policy.

Sightseeing

• When going to the temples, be sure to wear protective, comfortable and breathable clothing so that you won't feel so hot.
• Be sure to put on your sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, a hat | cap or an umbrella. Always bring drinking water with you and don't forget your insect repellent. A fan could be good as well in case.
• Be careful in climbing some temples as some of them have very steep steps.
• Try to avoid wearing skirts and really short pants as you might get scarred or bruised while climbing or doing the mild trekking at Phnom Bakheng. In addition, if you are wearing shorts or skirt then you will not be allowed to climb the top portion of Angkor Wat.
• Please do observe and respect the local culture. TAKE PHOTOS responsibly especially with Monks. Please do ask for their permission first. Same rule goes out to the local people.
• Please refrain from touching the Bas Reliefs on the temples.
• Observe courtesy among fellow tourists.
• Please do not litter nor do some vandalism at the temples.

Adventure Tours

• Dirt bike, ATV, Microlight planes, Scuba Diving, Rock climbing etc. are to be participated at your own risk.
• These tour providers will not be held liable for any accidents during the tour course.
• Travel insurance is recommended.