Fake monk asking for donation
Robed man at temple approaches with bracelet + prayer, then asks for donation.
Real monks in Cambodia don't solicit tourists directly. Fake monks target Angkor Wat entrance + Pub Street area.
- ✓Politely decline. If you want to donate to a temple, put money in the official offering box at the temple.
- →No legal action — pattern recognition is the solution.
"Visit our orphanage" solicitation
Tout offers you an "orphanage tour" or asks you to donate to help "the children".
Many so-called Siem Reap orphanages are exploitative — children are pulled from families to appear as "orphans" for donation appeals. Some are outright scams. UN + reputable NGOs (Friends International) actively warn against orphanage tourism.
- ✓Do NOT visit orphanages, ever. Even legitimate ones cause developmental harm from constant tourist churn.
- ✓Support Friends International (mithsamlanh.org) or ChildSafe-certified organisations only.
- ✓ChildSafe hotline: 012 311 112 to report suspected exploitation.
- →Report the tout to ChildSafe Cambodia: 012 311 112.
Unofficial "guide" at Angkor temples
Man near temple entrance offers "free" guiding, then demands payment at the end.
Real Angkor guides are licensed + wear official ID cards (issued by Ministry of Tourism). Unlicensed guides are common + often inaccurate.
- ✓Book a licensed guide through your hotel or Khmer Angkor Tour Guides Association (kata.gov.kh).
- ✓Real guides have laminated ID cards on lanyards.
- →Pay a small amount to end it (USD 5-10) — they didn't force you into anything strictly illegal.
Siem Reap emergency contacts
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