Angkor Wat Dress Code: What to Wear and What NOT to Wear

Angkor Wat is one of Cambodia’s most iconic landmarks and the largest religious monument in the world. The Angkor Wat dress code is usually quite strict, and you need to dress appropriately to enter the temple.

When visiting Angkor Wat, it is forbidden to wear revealing clothing - no shorts, short skirts, suspenders or other clothing that exposes your shoulders, and avoid wearing overly bright or exaggerated clothing. You need to wear a top that covers shoulders, and a skirt or pants that reaches knees.

If not dressed properly, you will be asked to leave Angkor Wat and change into appropriate clothing before you can re-enter the temple. In this blog, we will walk you through what to wear and what to avoid in Angkor Wat, as well as some additional tips to make your visit smoother!

The Basics of the Angkor Wat Dress Code: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Angkor Wat is not only a tourist attraction in Cambodia, but also conveys Cambodian culture and religious beliefs. Therefore, before entering Angkor Wat for a visit, you should first understand the dress code for tourists in Angkor Wat, prepare in advance, dress appropriately, and allow yourself to visit Angkor Wat smoothly, and avoid being asked to leave Angkor Wat.

The dress code for Angkor Wat tour is not very strict. The basic requirements are to avoid wearing revealing clothes, wear tops that cover your shoulders, and wear knee-length skirts or pants. The patterns of the clothes should not be too complicated, and try to avoid wearing clothes that are too bright or exaggerated. It is also best to choose comfortable shoes and avoid wearing too many accessories.

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What to Wear at Angkor Wat: Stay Cool and Comfortable

Angkor Wat is located in the tropics and has a warm climate in Cambodia year-round. Summer temperatures can reach over 32°C with high humidity. This means you need to wear clothing that is both comfortable and breathable to ensure you stay cool during the visit.

Here are some tips to help you stay cool and comfortable while adhering to the Angkor Wat dress code:

1. Loose, lightweight clothing: To stay comfortable in hot weather, choose clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. These materials are breathable and keep skin cool. Long sleeves are a good choice to cover arms while also protecting skin from the sun.

2. Long pants or long skirts: While shorts may seem like the obvious choice for hot weather, it is best to wear long pants or long skirts to cover your knees. Not only does this comply with the Angkor Wat dress code, it will also protect you from the sun and scratches on the rough surfaces of the temples.

3. Scarves or shawls: If your clothing doesn't already cover shoulders, you can easily use a scarf or shawl to drape over shoulders. This is a simple and effective way to comply with the dress code while staying cool. You can pack a light and breathable shawl that can be easily put on or taken off as needed.

4. Hats and sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat can help you block the sun and keep cool while exploring. Sunglasses can also protect your eyes, especially when walking in the open courtyards of the temple.

If there is enough time, you can also buy some Cambodian traditional clothing directly in the local area to better experience the local culture and customs.

A woman visiting Angkor Wat wearing long sleeves that cover her shoulders and a long skirt that reaches her knees.

What NOT to Wear: Avoiding Disrespectful or Inappropriate Attire

While it is important to dress comfortably, it is equally important to know what not to wear in Angkor Wat. There are certain items of clothing that are considered disrespectful or inappropriate in a sacred temple setting, so it is important to avoid wearing them. Here is a list of items to avoid to ensure you are not disrespectful and are allowed access to all areas of Angkor Wat:

1. No sleeveless tops or dresses: Exposing your shoulders is a violation of the dress code at Angkor Wat. Sleeveless tops, tank tops, and spaghetti-strap dresses should be avoided by both men and women. Instead, choose a top with sleeves or bring a scarf to cover your shoulders.

2. No shorts or skirts: Shorts that are too short and skirts that go above the knee are not appropriate. The general rule is that the knees should be covered, so choose long pants or skirts that go below the knee.

3. Don't wear tight, revealing clothing: Tight clothing such as leggings, tight dresses, or other clothing that reveals the body too much is considered disrespectful in a sacred place. Stick to modest, loose-fitting clothing to show respect for the culture and religion.

4. Avoid wearing beachwear: Swimsuits, vests and other clothing are not suitable for visiting temples. These are more suitable for the beaches in Cambodia or swimming pool, not religious and cultural landmarks like Angkor Wat.

If your clothes don't cover the shoulders, you can use a scarf to help.

Footwear for Angkor Wat: Comfort and Practicality for Temple Tours

In order to have a more comfortable experience when visiting Angkor Wat, in addition to dressing appropriately, you also need to choose the right shoes to complete the trip more comfortably.

Because the temple complex in Cambodia is very large, you may walk for hours. The ground may be uneven, and some places require climbing stairs or walking through rocky paths. Therefore, it is best to wear closed walking shoes or sneakers. They provide the best support, protection and traction for walking in the temple complex.

Although tourists are not prohibited from entering Angkor Wat in sandals and slippers, it is still not recommended to choose these shoes, because the attractions of Angkor Wat are relatively scattered and require a lot of walking. In addition, many palaces in Angkor Wat have high and steep steps, which makes it difficult to walk in sandals or slippers, and it is easy to slip and fall.

When visiting Angkor Wat, it would be more convenient and comfortable to wear casual shoes such as sneakers.

Other Etiquette Tips for Visiting Angkor Wat

When visiting Angkor Wat, in addition to understanding the code of Angkor Wat clothing, you also need to understand some temple visiting etiquette first, so as to make a civilized visit, respect the local culture and religious beliefs, and also give yourself a better Cambodia travel experience.

First, avoid touching monks

Female tourists are not allowed to touch monks after entering Angkor Wat, let alone take photos with them. If you need to hand something to a monk, please put it on the ground for him to pick up.

Second, no smoking, touching murals or carvings

After entering Angkor Wat, you are not allowed to touch the murals and carvings inside with your hands, climb the monuments, or smoke here.

Third, avoid holding objects with your left hand

Avoid using your left hand to hold objects when entering Angkor Wat, because Cambodian people believe that the left hand is unclean, so it is better to hold objects with your right hand when entering Angkor Wat.

Fourth, do not touch anyone's head

In Cambodia, people's heads are very sacred parts, so do not touch anyone's head in Cambodia, even children, and respect local culture and customs.

Fifth, Do not point your feet at people or anything sacred

In Cambodian culture, feet are considered the lowest part of the body and pointing your feet at people or religious objects is considered disrespectful. If you are sitting on the floor, sit cross-legged and avoid pointing your feet at people.

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Conclusion

If planning to visit Angkor Wat, you must prepare in advance, understand the Angkor Wat dress code, and also respect the local culture and customs. Learn the things not to do in Cambodia for a civilized visit to enhance the travel experience. So pack your bags, and remember these tips to have an unforgettable experience in Angkor Wat. Wish you a pleasant Cambodia journey!