Cambodia Travel Tips: Do’s and Don’ts for Visitors

This post provides about how to be a mindful, respectful traveler in a developing country like Cambodia. Special thanks to our friend and fellow intentional traveler, Karen Bortvedt, who lived and worked in Phnom Penh for nearly four years, for contributing these travel tips for Cambodia!

Caring for Cambodia: Travel Tips

Known as the “Kingdom of Wonder,” there are many situations that will leave you wondering while in Cambodia. There may be situations or cultural norms that challenge our own beliefs and perspectives. But for the most part, a short-term visitor is not the one who can best impact systemic change so whenever we visit a new country, it is important we be mindful of our footprint. Are we leaving negative or positive ripples?

After more than three years living in Cambodia, and welcoming dozens of visitors in my time there, here are a few of my Dos and Don’ts to be sure you are not causing harm while visiting the country – and you are contributing to the most good possible.*

1. Don’t give money to children who are begging on the street or purchase items from children selling things on the street or at tourist locations. Why? Children make more money than adults in both these areas because we, foreigners especially, see a kid and give more generously. I was told that you can rent a child for 10,000 Riel per day specifically to increase your yield. Some parents who are desperate will rent out their babies to someone who begs because they need the money that badly. If you support this industry, people will continue to keep their kids out of school and in dangerous work situations.

Instead… Do support child-safe businesses and social enterprises that provide opportunities to youth and kids on the street. Friend’s International has great resources, as well as just shopping and eating locations throughout Cambodia, and other parts of SE Asia, with dishes like these…

2. Don’t visit orphanages. PLEASE, don’t do it. Many of these orphanages are terrible places. Often the children are not orphans. They are trained to behave in a needy way to get money from tourists. They are a business venture, many times, not for the benefit of children. Even the few that are legitimately trying to provide a better life for kids do not necessarily have a great understanding of child welfare. A child who is orphaned may already have attachment issues. If they re-attach to a different well-intentioned foreigner every few weeks, this hurts them in the long run.

Instead… Do find organizations that support families staying together or homes with a international recognition for providing quality care. Give those people your financial support so they can hire local staff who will be a consistent presence in these children’s lives. Yes, there are some children who are orphaned, support organizations that will provide them with the consistency they need to thrive. Children in Families is one organization in Cambodia that comes to mind.

3. Don’t wear clothes that show your shoulders or your knees. I have debated this point more often than not. You will see Cambodians, especially youth, starting to wear clothing that shows more skin but that is not historically appropriate within the country. They can push their own cultural boundaries. As a visitor, we do not need to do that. Additionally, you will be treated better by all those you encounter if you are respecting the cultural dress code. Plus, you will not risk being denied entry to monuments or other tourist locations.

Instead… Do wear light clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This will not only protect you from unwanted attention while gaining the respect of locals, it will protect you from the mosquitoes and sun. If you want to bear it all, go to a different country.

4. Don’t Drink the water or any drink that has ice (if the ice is not round with a hole in it)…

Instead… Do drink the young coconuts. You should be able to get them for 3,000 Riel from any vendor walking along the street. They are a natural re-hydrator, are usually stored in a cooler so they are cold without ice, and they are delicious!

5. Don’t negotiate just because you can. Are you really going to argue with someone over $1? Chances are she could feed one of her children at least one meal with that dollar. What would you be spending it on? This is not to say you should be paying highly inflated prices, but keep in mind that the person on the other side is also a human trying to make a living.

But… do support the local economy and visit the local markets. A few pricing tips:
– You can get a small cotton checkered scarf for $1-$1.5
– A large shawl size may be $2+, silk scarves will be more
– Adult T-shirts will be around $3
– The famous elephant pants can go for $3-8 depending on the market
If you have a tuktuk driver, or Khmer speaking friend, bring them along or ask in advance how much certain things may cost so you know where to start the negotiations. Also, it never hurts to chat up the sales person, ask about their family, ask about their work, be their friend.

6. Don’t bring over lots of stuff to give away (unless an NGO or person living in Cambodia specifically requested you bring them something). If you bring over a bunch of note books and pencils to give away to all the school children, what happens to the business of Nuch who sells pencils and note books?

Instead… do collect money from all those friends and family and spend it locally. Go to Nuch’s shop and buy the books and pencils that the local non-profit requested. You are giving back, can likely purchase a larger quantity, and you are supporting the local economy so that Nuch can afford to send her kids to the school. That is a win, win, win. Also, do check with local non-profits you may be encountering or volunteers that are living in Cambodia. Often times we have specialized things we would like to have brought over to us but they can’t be trusted to come via the mail. (Or we are just craving some fair trade dark chocolate, bringing that is a whole new level of service to others).

7. Don’t take photos of small children, the insides of people’s homes, or people just trying to live their lives. My default rule is always, “Ask yourself, ‘if someone pulled up in front of my house, got out holding a camera and started photographing this aspect of my life, would I call the police?’ If yes, DON’T do it!” If you want to photograph something that seems like a more intimate moment, ask.

Instead… do pay attention to all the cultural differences and moments happening around you. If you are with a local guide or tuktuk driver, ask about things that seem different from your culture. Or, even better, seek out opportunities to meet local folks through meet-ups, homestays, etc where it is acceptable to take pictures to share with your friends and family when you return.

8. Don’t touch people (shake hands, kiss cheeks, hug)

Instead… place your hands together in front of your chest and bow your head ever so slightly when saying hello. Even if you don’t speak the language, the two hands in front of the chest move will get you all kinds of conscientious-tourist points.

9. DO enjoy all that Cambodia has to offer. There are so many things that will make you question what has for so long seemed like the only logical way. Do talk with everyone you can and try to learn about their lives. DO enjoy this chaotic and complex culture!

* Many of these perspectives are widely held, while some in terms of clothing are more widely debated. Remember, we are visitors to someone else’s home so it is always better to air on the side of caution.

Further reading: 

– A Guide to Transportation in Phnom Penh Cambodia
– 3 Off the Beaten Path Things to Do in Phnom Penh
– Angkor Wat 1/2 Marathon Race Review and Tips

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