Selfies with monks banned at Angkor Wat
Sunday, 07 Dec, 2015
0
Cambodia has updated a code of ethics for tourists visiting the Angkor Wat temple complex, banning selfies, smoking and skimpy clothing.
The ‘code of conduct’ for tourists advises visitors to wear modest clothing, not to take a selfie with monks at the temple, touch ancient carvings or enter restricted areas.
It also asks tourists not to litter or give money or gifts to begging children.
Posters put up around the temples and in Siam Reap tourist hotels recently state: "Giving candy or money to children encourages them not to attend school but to beg. If you wish to help the children, please consider donating to a recognised charity."
The Apsara National Authority, which manages the UNESCO World Heritage site has released an accompanying video detailing the code of conduct.
"For the preservation and sustainable development of Angkor, our sacred world heritage site, it’s our duty to respect the code of conduct," Apsara National Authority’s Sok Sangvar said.
"These rules are made in order to prevent negative impacts on our temple, our environment and our culture," he said.
Angkor Wat is by far Cambodia’s most popular tourist attraction and a number of ‘naked selfie’ incidents involving foreign tourists have caused an uproar in the country.
Last year a New Zealand tourist admitted vandalising a 12th century statue after illegally staying overnight in a temple.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Clearing CSS/JS assets' cache... Please wait until this notice disappears...
Updating... Please wait...
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026