Customs

Religion Though it is acceptable to wear smart casual dress to most temples and pagodas - including those at Angkor - visitors to the Royal Palace's Silver Pagoda are expected to dress a little more formally, with men wearing long trousers and women in long skirts (not long trousers, however). Shoes are generally removed before entering pagodas. Social Cambodians greet each with a bow and a prayer-like gesture called a Sompeah, the younger or lower ranked person normally initiating the gesture. Handshakes are also becoming more acceptable for greeting Cambodians. Acting calmly and quietly - especially when under duress - is recommended, while displays of bad temper, especially in public, will make a bad situation worse. The head is considered the highest part of the body, while the feet are considered the lowest, both literally and figuratively. Touching someone's head or pointing at people or things with the feet - especially the soles - are, therefore, considered extremely rude. Permission should be sought before taking photographs of people, especially monks and hill tribe villagers.