Mindful Dress Code: What To Wear Appropriately for Angkor Wat Temple?

Cambodia’s weather is generally hot year-round, with temperatures rising significantly during the dry season from March to June. It’s tempting to wear tank tops and shorts while exploring the “Kingdom of Temples.” However, dressing this way will prevent you from entering Angkor Wat.

Although dress rules were loosely enforced in the past, since mid-2016 the Angkor Archaeological Park has strictly applied its dress code, following several incidents of inappropriate behavior and nude photography at sacred sites.

If you’re planning to visit Angkor Wat, understanding the dress code and temple etiquette is essential to avoid disappointment.

For years, the Angkor Archaeological Park’s dress code was loosely applied. However, since mid-2016 the dress code has been more rigidly enforced after multiple incidents of nude photography.

See more: Weather in Cambodia by month and How to travel properly?

What to Wear at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is not only Cambodia’s most famous attraction but also an active religious and cultural site. It is a place of deep national pride for Cambodians and holds strong spiritual significance.

Dressing appropriately is a sign of respect for Khmer culture, religious traditions, and local values, especially when visiting sacred temples.

These dress code rules apply to both men and women, with strict enforcement at temple entrances:

• Cover your shoulders and upper arms
  • No tank tops, spaghetti straps, or sleeveless tops
  • Scarves or shawls used temporarily are not accepted
• Cover your knees
  • No shorts or skirts above the knee
  • Long skirts or trousers that fully cover the knees are allowed
• Safest option:
  • Long pants or ankle-length skirt
  • Short- or long-sleeve top that covers shoulders
• Footwear note: You do not need to remove your shoes inside Angkor temples.

It would be a long walk through Angkor Wat in Cambodia tours and you're going to be spending lots of time in the sun, particularly in the hot season. So how to wear appropriately for easy walking and complying with the park’s dress code alike:

• Wear something lightly with breathable material that you’ll feel cooler than a heavy fabric.
• Wear comfortable footwear such as trainers or trekking sandals as you'll be doing lots of walking with many staircases.
• For ideal photography, wear brightly-colored clothes as they will contrast best against the grey and orange stone backgrounds, you will stand out. Moreover, the sun is absorbed better by darker colors so avoid dark-colored outfits.
• DON’T wear revealing clothes as they are considered being disrespectful at the religious sites.
• A sarong is fine but not a good idea because the stairs are steep, narrow and high risers, and most are worn and uneven.
• Leggings are appropriate attire if they cover your knees. However, you may find them very hot later.

Note: In an emergency, you can buy pants at the temples during the tours but it will cost you a lot than buy at the market. So get prepared beforehand before heading to the Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat Etiquette

Besides the temple dress code, Visitor Code of Conduct at each temple is important also:

• Notice and respect all signs: For your safety, remember to strictly follow all the signs at the temple entrance and inside the temples as there are many temples are under construction and renovation.
• Do not touch the monuments: Touching, leaning, climbing or sitting on the temples structures is strictly prohibited.
• Watch out for the monkeys: Monkeys are around the temple grounds and in some of the temples. They are very cute, but the cheeky monkeys. They will grab your food, your sunglasses, your cameras, and even unzip your bag to get things inside. For your safety, don’t feed them or be very on guard when taking a photo with monkeys because they will steal your food given the chance, and they have become increasingly aggressive due to being fed by tourists. It’s a lot more harm than good.

• Do not give children money and candy:  There are so many posters and signs to prohibit this action in front of many tourist sites in Cambodia. In Angkor Wat, you will come across many children selling small souvenirs or begging for money to help them buy supplies for school. However, actually giving children money encourages them not to go to school, keeps them stuck in a cycle of poverty.
• Do not litter
• Do not smoke: Angkor is also an entirely smoke-free site,
• Respect the monks: You will see monks at some of the temples. Before taking their photos you should ask them. Do not put your arms around them even for photos or you just try to be nice. Women are not expected to sit or stand close to the monks as monks are not allowed to touch women
• Do not make lousy noise: As Angkor is a sacred site, loud conversation and noises and other inappropriate behavior in Cambodian culture is considered to be offensive and may disturb other visitors.

Checklist what to pack for Angkor Wat visit in Cambodia tours

• Your tickets!
• Camera 
•  Sunscreen and Insect repellent
• Snacks/Lunch and Water
• Sunglasses and Hat
• Cash (there are stalls outside the temple with many things to buy)

So there you have it, a practical guide on what DO and DON’T about Dress code and Temple Etiquette in Angkor Wat. Keep it in you and don’t let some stupid things ruin your epic trip to Cambodia.

We would love to answer any questions you may have once you plan any Cambodia tours or visit the Angkor Wat. Contact us at help@threeland.com to get free and instant support. 

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