Angkor Visitor Code of Conduct

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire (9th to 15th centuries)
and once the largest city in the world (12th century).

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire (9th to 15th centuries) and once the largest city in the world (12th century). Today, Angkor is still an active spiritual site for Buddhists and citizens who engage in daily worship, prayer and meditation. Angkor is also a living site where over 130,000 inhabitants have lived for many generations.

The APSARA National Authority has been responsible for the conservation and sustainable development of Angkor since 1995. One of its goals is to harmonize tourist experiences with public safety and respect towards the community. This official Visitor Code of Conduct was designed to support this goal. It was developed in cooperation with local communities, visitors, tour guides and restoration teams.

To enhance your experience and to preserve Angkor for generations to come, we kindly urge you to observe the following points:

Dress Code

Revealing clothes such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress is strongly encouraged in Angkor.

Sacred Sites

As Angkor is a sacred site, loud conversation, noises and other inappropriate behaviour in Cambodian culture is considered to be offensive and may disturb other visitors. Please keep calm and be respectful.

Smoking and Littering

As a member of the World Health Organization, Angkor has been a smoke free site since 2012. Smoking cigarettes disturbs others and cigarettes can start bush fires. To protect the environment, please do not smoke and litter.

Monks

Monks are revered and respected. If you want to take pictures, please ask for permission first. Women should not touch nor stand or sit too close to monks.

Monuments

Touching carvings, sitting on fragile structures, leaning on temple structures, moving or taking archaeological artifacts and graffiti are strictly prohibited. Backpacks, umbrellas with sharp tips, tripods and high heels are discouraged from being brought or worn inside the temples.

Restricted Areas

For your own safety and for the conservation of Angkor, please comply with all signs on the site and be mindful of your steps at all times. Do not climb on loose stones.

Candy or Money to Children

Buying items, giving candy or money to children encourages them not to attend school but to beg. If you wish to help the children, please consider donating to a recognized charity.