Smoking is not entirely illegal in Cambodia, but it is heavily restricted. Smoking is prohibited in most indoor workplaces and public places, including public transport, schools, hospitals, and parks. Vaping, e-cigarettes, and shisha are completely banned, including their use, import, and sale. Penalties for smoking in restricted areas range from 20,000 to 50,000 riel (approx. $5-$12.50).
Under the new directive, smoking or inhaling tobacco products is prohibited in all public areas, streets, and parks along the designated pedestrian zone – including in front of restaurants and shops – during the street's operational hours.
Robbery. Petty crime is common, with tourist areas often targeted. This includes snatch theft and pick-pocketing. Perpetrators are usually stricken with poverty, and as a result are driven to steal from foreigners with the knowledge that they bring about a significant amount of money and other valuable items.
Mandatory registration of smoking products One key aspect of the law is that starting from April 1, 2025, registration of smoking products will be mandatory. By October 1, 2025, there will be stricter regulations on the packaging and labeling of individual smoking products.
Yes, a woman can wear shorts in Cambodia for casual outings in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but it's essential to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples or rural areas; for sacred sites, shorts must be longer (around the knee) or covered with a sarong, and sleeveless tops are generally not allowed.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
To touch someone on the top of their head, especially a baby or child, is taboo and insensitive. When standing or posing for a photograph, it is considered rude for a younger person to place their hand on an elder's shoulder. It is impolite for someone to walk over another person that is sitting or lying down.
Understand and follow local laws and customs. It's illegal to criticise or insult the King or monarchy. Lying to police, flying drones without a permit in certain areas, public nudity, and possessing or producing pornography is illegal.
Yet illegal trading has persisted for years, prompting the government to issue a far stricter decree in October 2025 that expanded the ban to cover not only import and sale, but also advertising, possession, distribution, production, and storage of vaping devices and related chemicals.
Banteay Chhmar is Cambodia's best kept secret. It's a huge but hidden temple complex around two hours from Siem Reap, shrouded in both jungle and mystery. Buried far off the beaten track, it's the perfect spot to live out all of your Indiana Jones fantasies. If you're lucky, you might even have the place to yourself!
Cambodia has among the lowest total tax burden on cigarettes, between 25 and 31 percent of the retail price, Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance said, compared to 81 percent in Thailand, 71 percent in Singapore and 62 percent in Brunei, which is far below the World Health Organisation's recommended rate of 75 ...
Context: Cambodian society is conservative, and public displays of affection (PDA) are generally frowned upon. This restraint in public behavior aligns with the cultural emphasis on modesty and respect for others. What Not to Do: Avoid kissing, hugging, or holding hands with your partner in public.
Smoking in all public places in Bhutan became illegal on 22 February 2005. It thus became the first nation in the world to outlaw this practice outright. The Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan was enacted by parliament on 16 June 2010.
Monks are deeply respected in Cambodia, so being disrespectful toward them is one of the biggest cultural offenses. Avoid touching monks or handing them things directly place offerings in front of them instead. Also, never point your feet toward monks or Buddha statues, as this is seen as extremely rude.
Due to ongoing armed conflict, we now advise do not travel to areas within 50 kms of the Thai-Cambodia border. Land border crossing points along the Thai- Cambodian border remain closed.
Will they check my carry-on if I have a vape in it?
As long as your electronic smoking devices are in your carry-on bag and correctly packed, you should have no issues at the airport security checkpoint. However, if you pack it in your checked luggage, it will likely be found and confiscated.
The full list of countries that have banned disposable vapes are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, North Korea, Ethiopia, Gambia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Panama, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Syria, Thailand, ...
Pack your vape in your hand luggage only — it must never go in check-in baggage. Keep e-liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, stored in a clear, resealable plastic bag (maximum one litre). Ensure all vaping devices are completely switched off before boarding. Vaping is prohibited on aeroplanes.
Always try and use restaurants that look clean, and make sure that all food is properly cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Avoid eating street food if you can. Fruit and vegetables should be washed or peeled.
“Yes” in Khmer is gender-specific. Men say “Bah” while women say “Jah.” Don't be surprised if you hear these words repeated a lot—especially from friendly locals trying to be helpful!
When meeting, Cambodians will Som Pas and say Choum Reap Sur (Hello). When departing, again they will Som Pas and say Choum Reap Lir(Goodbye). Cambodians use Som Pas for greeting and to display respect.
