Clothing & Tipping
Clothing
Cambodia is hot and humid — light, breathable clothing is a must:
- Angkor Temples: Shoulders and knees MUST be covered (checked!). Light long pants and a T-shirt. No miniskirts, no tank tops.
- Pagodas: Same rules as temples. Remove shoes when entering.
- Beach: Bikini/swim trunks at the beach are normal. Topless is not common and is frowned upon.
- Evenings: In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, everything is relaxed — shorts and a T-shirt are enough.
- Jungle (Northeast): Long pants, sturdy shoes, mosquito protection. The leeches in the rainy season are no joke.
Tipping
Tipping is not traditionally customary in Cambodia, but is increasingly expected in tourism:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Round up or 5–10% for good service |
| Tuk-Tuk Driver (Day Tour) | 2–3 USD extra |
| Angkor Guide (Full Day) | 10–15 USD |
| Hotel Room Cleaning | 1 USD/day |
| Massage (1h, 5–10 USD) | 1–2 USD |
| Boat Guide (Dolphins, Tonle Sap) | 1–2 USD |
Useful Packing List
- Mosquito repellent (DEET 30%+) — expensive in Cambodia, bring your own!
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (expensive locally)
- Universal plug adapter
- Flashlight/headlamp (for islands and power outages)
- Rain poncho or light rain jacket (rainy season)
- Copy of passport (digital + paper)
- Small USD bills (1s, 5s, 10s)
