Embedded Travel Guide Cambodia: Temple Time

8/28/2008

giving us the inside scoop on the country, live from a guesthouse in Sihanoukville.

In Cambodia, you're never far from a Buddhist temple, or wat. Even the smallest village will have its own temple, where teenage boys are schooled in the principles of Buddhism. All Cambodian men are expected to spend some time in a monastery before marriage, and townspeople support monks by giving them food in exchange for blessings.

All wats are open to the public, monks are always thrilled to greet foreigners and by following a few simple rules of etiquette, you won't accidentally offend anyone.

What's Wat:Wats are easy to recognize. The architecture of the main temple is marked by soaring golden roofs with pointed corners. Orange-robed monks live in outbuildings around the temple hall, and it's perfectly acceptable for travelers to wander into the temple complex.

Most monks study English along with Buddhism, and you won't spend more than five minutes in a temple complex before being approached by monks eager to show you around.

The main hall of the temple usually contains painted murals depicting the life of Buddha, along with a Buddha statue where visitors burn incense and pray. There's no obligation for visitors to bow to Buddha, but if you feel the urge, by all means light some incense and pay your respects.


How to Behave:

Dress conservatively and keep your voice low. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing at all times in Cambodia, but especially when visiting a wat. A woman cannot touch a monk under any circumstance, although it's fine to have a conversation.

Be sure to remove your shoes when entering the temple hall, and never point your feet at the statue of Buddha. If a monk shows you around, honor his time by making a small donation to the temple.

Crashing with Buddha:

Traditionally, wats serve as places of refuge for travelers. If you find yourself in a rural area where there is no guesthouse, it's possible to stay overnight in the wat. This is easier for men than for women, but both sexes can sleep in the temple hall. Be sure to get permission from the head monk and act respectfully at all times.

Some temples may have mosquito nets and sleeping mats, but it's best to bring your own. Sleep with your feet pointing away from the Buddha statue, and make a donation to the temple before leaving.

Get Blessed:

Monks will be happy to give you a traditional blessing for safe travels. You can get blessed at the wat, or on the street while monks make their morning rounds collecting alms.

For a street blessing, wait until you see a monk and get his attention by making a traditional greeting, hands pressed together in front of your chest. Kneel at his feet, bow your head and receive the blessing, then make a donation by giving money to the small boy who accompanies the monk on his morning rounds.