Woman at water festival
Be a Responsible Tourist and don’t just leave footprints…
- Leave behind old clothes that are weighing you down – these can be left at Jasmine Lodge in Siem Reap, for example
- Leave books and pens, bought locally, for school children
- Leave toothbrushes or simple hygiene products, brought locally, for street kid projects or orphanages
- Leave money in the local economy by purchasing locally produced handicrafts, stay at locally owned guesthouses and hotels or eat at a locally owned restaurant
- Leave smiles and jovial conversation for the street children and beggars, money only convinces them to stay on the street
- Leave more water for the locals, it is in short supply
- Visit the Angkor Hospital for Children Visitors Center and help in other ways like donating much needed blood or supplies like caffeine tablets.
- Leave with good memories and intentions to give something back
Before leaving home read up on Cambodia’s shocking past and be prepared to understand the Cambodians of today. Despite a rise in tourism, Cambodia remains one of the least developed countries in the world in terms of economy, access to food, health and education. Stark poverty is evident throughout the country and the gateway to the temples, and its host tourist town Siem Reap, is no exception. It is estimated 47% of households in Siem Reap are living below the provincial poverty line according to food security statistics presented by the Royal Cambodian Government.
Additional info:
- International Center for Responsible Tourism
- Responsible Travel
- Pro Poor Tourism Partnership
- ConCERT – Connecting Communities, Environment and Responsible Tourism
Basket seller
