My Siem Reap Tour prevalent Questions and Answers

Greetings

Put your palms together and bow your head ever-so-slightly as you greet someone in the Cambodian tradition called “Som Pas”. It is considered rude not to respond when one is greeted.

When Walking into a House

When entering a house in Siem Reap and Cambodia, as in most Asian countries, it is regarded polite to remove one’s shoes first.

Along with them, please take off your hats and sunglasses. This demonstrates that you respect the person who is hosting you.

Dress Code

When going to a temple or other religious building, it is especially important to dress appropriately. When a Buddhist enters a temple, they make an effort to cover as much of their body as they can with clothing. It is recommended that you cover your upper arms and upper legs.

Buddhist Etiquette

• It is a serious offense for a monk to touch a woman or to allow themselves to be touched by a woman. 
• Because monks are fasting during the afternoon, you should not offer them food or eat in the same room as them during this time.
• When speaking to a monk, you should preface his first name with the word “Venerable,” and then use his regular name. 
• When offering food to a monk, you should refrain from tasting it.

Temple Etiquette

• Before entering a church or a temple, you are expected to remove your shoes.
• It is not polite to touch a Buddha image or to stand on the altar it is kept on because of its sacred status.
• When seated inside a pagoda (Wat), you should tuck your feet underneath yourself.

Dress in an Appropriate Manner

Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.