Do’s & Don’ts

Religious

Dress neatly and respectfully in all religious shrines. Never go shirtless or in shorts or short skirts. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around a temple complex, but not inside a chapel, where the principal Buddha image is kept.

Every Buddha image is regarded as a sacred object, no matter the size or age. Never climb onto a Buddha image to take a photo or act in any way that local people might interpret as a lack of respect. Buddhist monks must not be touched by women or accept anything from their hands. If a woman gives anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man who then presents it to the monk.

Social

Handshaking is the accepted form of greeting. Full names are used and preceded by U (pronounced “Oo”) in the case of an older or well-respected man’s name, Maung for younger men and Daw for women.

It is customary to remove shoes before entering a house. When sitting, avoid displaying the soles of the feet, which is considered offensive. Small gifts are acceptable and appreciated. Avoid touching people on the head and avoid pointing the feet at people or objects. Public displays of affection are frowned upon.