What Should You Wear to Angkor Wat? A Guide to the Dress Code for Tourists

Introduction

If you’re visiting Cambodia and several of the other iconic countries in Indochina, congratulations, you are already aware of the deep respect and values that they hold for their culture and tradition. From items that are frowned upon to respecting their traditions, the countries of Indochina have several unspoken (and some spoken) rules about what to wear and more specifically, where to wear what.

Being a representation of Mount Meru (which is the abode of the gods according to Hinduism), Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is surrounded by a moat of more than 3.1 mi. Naturally, the place has wonders beyond the ordinary. Being surrounded by natural elements and the culture of Cambodia, the dress code for Angkor Wat is equally varied and tough to choose when you want to visit this iconic place.

The Culture of Angkor Wat

There are many factors that come into play when you’re wandering Cambodia. The country has many notable influences and a fusion of cultures like Theravada Buddhism, Hinduism, French colonialism, Angkorian culture, and the effects of modern globalization.

After reading this sentence, you can already imagine a mix of colors, myriads of textures, and people wearing traditional dresses in their homes. That is exactly what Cambodian culture represents. Rural Cambodians have a Krama scarf, which is one of the most distinguishing aspects of Cambodian culture. Naturally, when you are visiting Angkor Wat, there are several Angkor Wat clothing rules that one must follow as a way of paying respect to their culture. Several tourists forget what to wear to Angkor Wat and that could possibly ruin your day.

The culture of Cambodia is made by the Khmer people, who practice the methods of mindfulness, humility, and respect. Although Angkor Wat was built originally as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, the temple was turned into a Buddhist place of worship by the end of the century. Naturally, the place has several cultural influences and a mix of different styles.

For you to make the best out of your journey to Cambodia and pray at the Angkor Wat temple, here are some Do’s and Don’t when you’re visiting this beautiful and scenic temple.

The Do’s in Angkor Wat

• Don’t wear thick clothes. Trust us, the lighter the fabric, the more cool you will feel (except in winter). Make sure the fabric is breathable so that you can take in the beauty of the Angkor Wat temple while following the dress code for Angkor Wat.
• Wear long pants that cover your knees and shirts that cover your shoulders. The less of your body is revealed, the better.
• For our photography lovers, the temple and its surrounding area are gray in color, hence, it would be useful to wear bright colors so that you can have that beautiful photo to take back home.
• Alongside the clothes, a sturdy pair of shoes will also come in handy as the temple grounds are sometimes uneven in places. Also remember to bring along a water bottle for the tropical (and often hot) climate of Cambodia.

Pro Tip: Many temples across Indochina offer sarongs to cover yourself with. However, the Angkor Wat Temple does not provide those services. If you are not dressed appropriately, you don’t go in. It’s best to follow the Angkor Wat dress code for a seamless travel experience.

The Don’t in Angkor Wat

• Don’t wear long sleeves. It does get pretty hot in Cambodia and there is a lot of walking around involved which can cause sweat. The winters of Cambodia aren’t too cold either so you can relax about not having to pack too many winter clothes for your trip.
• This is a given, but do not wear revealing clothes at all. This is a religious site that people respect and pray, and modest clothing is imbued in their culture.
• Don’t wear dark colors. As stated above, the dark colors absorb excess heat from the sun leaving you in a frenzy of sweat which is simply very irritating while you’re on vacation.

You might be tempted to wear heavy long sleeve tops and t-shirts however, that will not be necessary (and quite difficult to wear in the Cambodian weather). A light-fabric top/t-shirt/shirt that covers the shoulder should be your best bet to visit this iconic temple.

Best Time To Visit Angkor Wat

It’s not about the months as much as it’s about the time of the day when you’re talking about visiting Angkor Wat. Threeland Travel recommends you reach the holy site early in the morning for the breathtaking views and the chilly weather. Wanting to finish the day with the beautiful temple? You can also visit Angkor Wat in the late afternoon and leave the holy site by the time the sun sets over the ancient architecture.

Conclusion

To conclude, the Angkor Wat temple and Cambodia are some of the places where the ancient Cambodian culture is preserved to this day. Several Cambodia holiday packages on Threeland Travel offer a scenic tour of this iconic country with some breathtaking sights that are just mesmerizing to behold.

From the cuisines of Cambodia to the traditions of the Khmer people, this iconic country has something for everyone to delve into. Rich architecture, deeply-rooted culture, and a love for all things natural are some of the things that you can expect while visiting Cambodia with Threeland Travel.