Buddhist etiquette

Nearly 90% of people identify as Buddhists. Knowing the fundamentals of Buddhist etiquette is essential if you want to respect the local faith and its holy sites. Cambodian etiquette is heavily influenced by the ideas of karma, collectivism, and maintaining one's face (the last is common throughout Asia). That is one of the lists of Cambodia's culture, customs, and etiquette. People are compelled by karma to act morally in order to be lucky and lead fulfilling lives. The concept that the group is more significant than the individual is what drives collectivism. The idea of saving face is comparable to the western concept of keeping a good reputation.

Temple etiquette:

• Remove your shoes before entering a temple.
• A Buddha image is considered sacred, so do not touch it or stand on its altar.
• If you are sitting inside a Wat, tuck your feet beneath yourself.
• Dress in an appropriate way: cover your shoulders and knees.

How to save face:

• Compliment people when deserved.
• Respect others in order to be respected in turn.
  
• When someone is giving you a gift, politely refuse at first, but accept it in the end.
• Do not insult anyone and do not talk behind his or her back.