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
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