Buddhism Rules

Approximately 95% of Cambodians are Buddhists. Theravada Buddhism is the religion of almost all ethnic Khmers, who account for 90 percent or more of Cambodia's population. Since the 15th century, it has been the official state religion. All religions were outlawed during the Khmer Rouge regime, and monks were executed. Monks returned and temples were constructed after the Khmer Rouge regime was deposed. In 1989, Buddhism was reinstated as the official religion. In 2008, Cambodia had 4,000 gilded Buddhist temples filled with saffron-robed monks.

Cambodians are nice people by nature, so don't expect to be confronted if you're wearing a bikini top or no shirt for males when going through the capital. Expect to get insulted, though. Cambodia is dominated by Buddhism, and Cambodians are modest people, therefore keep that in mind when dressing.

Women must cover their shoulders and wear a skirt or pants that fall below the knees when entering pagodas, religious constructions, temples, or palaces. Last year, some tourists ended themselves in prison after posing naked at Angkor Wat.