Other Tips
ELECTRICITY
The electric current is 220 volts. Power blackouts are frequent, even in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. In small towns, the current can be off for long periods of time. Hotels usually have flashlights or candles to hand.
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
Light cotton and linen clothing is best in tropical climates. Long trousers are recommended for visits to temples and pagodas. Long sleeved shirts and socks should be worn at dusk for protection against mosquitoes. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are recommended for protection against the strong tropical sun.
WHAT TO DO IN A WAT
The Khmer are a tolerant people and may choose not to point out improper behavior to their foreign guests, but you should dress and act with the utmost respect when visiting Wats or other religious sites (including the temples of Angkor). Proper etiquette in pagodas is mostly a matter of common sense.
Unlike Thailand, a woman may accept something from a monk, but should be careful not to touch him. A few other tips include:
- Don’t wear shorts or tank tops
- Remove your hat when entering the ground of the Wats.
- Remove your shoes before going into the vihara (sanctuary)
- If you sit down in front of the dais (the platform on which the Buddha images are placed), sit with your feet to the side rather than in the lotus position (with your legs crossed).
- Never point your finger towards a person or a figure of the Buddha.
PHOTOGRAPHY
It's best to bring your own film. Obtain permission before photographing monks or the interiors of pagodas and temples. At large airports, the x-rays on the safety inspection machines are now film-safe. In smaller, provincial airports, however, this is far from certain, so it's best to carry your film through the safety check by hand.
DRINK PLENTY OF BOTTLED WATER
During the summer months you should be drinking a minimum of 2 liters per day. If you drink tea, coffee & alcohol you should increase you water intake accordingly as these will help to dehydrate you.
It is not advisable to drink tap water in any Southeast Asian countries. Bottled water is recommended (approx. R1,000) but do check the expiry date before opening it. Ice is widely used in Cambodia and it is produced with treated water, but the transportation of it in huge blocks often involves dragging it along the ground, therefore cold water in freezers should be ordered to avoid any stomach upsets.
ZEN TRAVELLING
We suggest these tips for successfully dealing with Cambodian officials, airport personnel and bureaucrats:
- Try your best to smile and be pleasant.
- Don't complain loudly.
- If you want to criticize someone, do it in a joking manner to avoid confrontation.
- Expect delays - build them into your schedule.
- Never show anger - ever! Getting visibly upset is not only rude it will cause you to ‘lose face’.
- Don't be competitive. Treating your interaction as a cooperative enterprise works much better.
- Don't act as though you deserve service from anyone. If you do so, it's likely that you will be delayed.
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