Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TREAD LIGHTLY IN THE HILLS
Tourism can bring many benefits to highland communities: cross-cultural understanding, improved in-
frastructure, cheaper market goods, employment opportunities and tourist dollars supporting handi-
craft industries. However, there are also negatives, such as increased litter and pollutants, domination
of the tourism business by lowland Khmers at the expense of highland minorities, and the tendency of
tourists to disregard local customs and taboos.
One way to offset the negatives in a big way is to hire indigenous guides. Not only does this ensure
that your tourist dollars go directly to indigenous communities, it will also enrich your own visit. Indi-
genous guides can greatly improve your access to the residents of highland communities, who are an-
imists and rarely speak Khmer. They also understand taboos and traditions that might be lost on Kh-
mer guides. Their intimate knowledge of the forests is another major asset.
More tips on visiting indigenous communities responsibly:
Interaction
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Be polite and respectful - doubly so with elderly people.
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Dress modestly.
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Taste traditional wine if you are offered it, especially during a ceremony. Refusal will cause offence.
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Honour signs discouraging outsiders from entering a village, for instance during a spiritual cere-
mony. A good local guide will be able to detect these signs.
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Learn something about the community's culture and language and demonstrate something good
about yours.
Gifts
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Individual gifts create jealousy and expectations. Instead, consider making donations to the local
school, medical centre or community fund.
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If you do give individual gifts, keep them modest (such as matches).
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Do not give children sweets or money.
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Do not give clothes - communities are self-sufficient.
Shopping
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Haggle politely and always pay the agreed (and fair) price.
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Do not ask to buy a villager's personal household items, tools or the jewellery or clothes they are
wearing.
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Don't buy village treasures, such as altar pieces or totems.
