Mr Kosal says tourists who wear clothes which expose too much of their bodies offend Cambodians and are an affront to the sanctity of the ancient temples. He finished off by saying that all travel agencies which offer Angkor tours plus accommodation establishments in Siem Reap had been informed about the new regulation.
Apsara has not given revealing clothing an exact definition in its latest missive. In a code of conduct issued last December, tourists were asked to cover their shoulders and knees. An insider close to Apsara’s management team says this time around cover up is not a request but a command which needs to be obeyed to gain admittance.
The code of conduct was updated following a number of incidents in which tourists had taken selfies showing parts of their bodies not usually on display in polite company. The code also warned visitors not to ask to take selfies with Buddhist monks and not to touch or damage any religious statues.
The Angkor temples are the most popular sightseeing draw in Cambodia. The complex is about 15 minutes by road from Siem Reap. 12GO ASIA sells tickets for travel on premium Giant Ibis buses on the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap route.
Tourists ordered to dress decently for Angkor Wat visits
News in Asia
The management authority with jurisdiction over Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park says tourists will soon have to dress properly or they won’t be allowed in. Apsara Authority manager Long Kosal says that from 4 August 2016 visitors will have to cover up or staff won’t allow them to buy admission tickets.