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Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Cambodia

Environmental Protection

Angkor Archaeological Park is a protected area. Efforts are underway to conserve ancient temples, manage hydrological systems, and protect surrounding forests. Support these initiatives by respecting park rules. Consider Ecobnb for lodging.

Waste Management

Cambodia has limited recycling infrastructure. Much waste ends up in landfills or is burned. Minimize personal waste. Avoid single-use plastics where possible. Carry a Reusable water bottle and refill it.

Water Conservation

Water stands as a critical resource in Cambodia, particularly around Tonlé Sap lake. Be mindful of water usage during your stay. Take shorter showers and reuse towels. Purchasing gear from Patagonia and products from Package Free Shop aligns with conservation.

Cultural Sensitivity

Engage respectfully with Cambodian culture and traditions.

Cultural Preservation

Support organizations and initiatives that actively work to preserve Khmer arts, crafts, and heritage. Purchasing from groups like Artisans Angkor directly benefits artisans and preserves traditional skills.

Support Channels

  • Visit Artisans Angkor for traditional crafts.
  • Attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus.
  • Purchase authentic, locally made products.
  • Look for fair trade certified goods.

Respectful Interactions

Dress modestly, especially at temples. Covered shoulders and knees are required. Always ask permission before taking photos of people, notably children or monks.

Guidelines for Engagement

  • Adhere to temple dress codes.
  • Seek permission for photography.
  • Learn a few basic Khmer phrases.
  • Bargain respectfully at markets.

Photography Ethics

Be mindful of privacy, especially of children. Avoid intrusive photography. Military installations are not for photography.

Ethical Practices

  • Prioritize children's privacy.
  • Avoid prohibited military site photography.
  • Maintain respect in religious settings.
  • Avoid disturbing local people.

Religious Site Etiquette

Remove shoes before entering Buddhist pagodas or local homes. Do not point feet at Buddha images, people, or sacred objects. Women do not touch monks. Sit with feet tucked away.

Temple Protocol

  • Footwear removal before entering sacred spaces.
  • No pointing feet towards sacred items or individuals.
  • Women avoid physical contact with monks.
  • Sit with feet away from others or statues.

Cultural Engagement

Artisans Angkor

A social enterprise dedicated to reviving traditional Khmer arts and crafts, providing fair employment to local artisans.

Learn More

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

A Cambodian non-profit arts organization that offers vocational training and employment to Cambodian youth from difficult social and economic backgrounds.

See a Show

Mindful Interaction

Engaging with the local culture respectfully contributes positively to your experience and to the community. Observing local customs and seeking permission for photographs demonstrates consideration.

Economic Impact

Your tourism activity contributes positively to the local economy and community.

Community-Based Tourism

Choose tours or guesthouses that directly benefit local communities. Research NGOs and social enterprises that operate tours or sell local products. These initiatives channel profits back into community development.

Beneficial Choices

  • Seek out tours that support local livelihoods.
  • Stay at guesthouses with community ties.
  • Investigate social enterprises and NGOs.
  • Ethical tour operators like G Adventures exist.

Fair Trade & Ethical Shopping

Purchase souvenirs from Artisans Angkor or similar certified fair trade organizations. This action ensures artisans receive fair wages and work in good conditions. This approach combats exploitative labor practices.

Conscious Consumption

  • Support fair wages for craftspeople.
  • Look for fair trade certifications.
  • Shop where labor practices are transparent.
  • Consider products from The Rainforest Site.

Supporting Local Businesses

Eat at local restaurants and street food stalls. Buy from local markets. Use local tuk-tuk drivers rather than relying solely on international chains. These actions keep money within the local economy.

Dine Locally

Savor street food and local eateries. These establishments channel revenue directly into local hands.

Shop Local Markets

Purchase souvenirs and goods from local markets. This supports small-scale vendors and community trade.

Local Transport

Utilize local tuk-tuk drivers. This ensures transportation costs remain within the local economy.

Avoiding Harmful Practices

Avoid visiting or volunteering at orphanages; this activity fuels child exploitation. Do not give money or gifts to begging children; this discourages school attendance and makes them targets. Be critical of animal tourism activities like elephant riding; prioritize ethical animal encounters, like rescue centers. Donate to well-vetted, reputable local NGOs.