Naked Selfies: Please Refrain from Posing Nude at World Heritage Sites

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

Cambodia's Angkor Archeological Park is beautiful, tranquil and, according to a CNN report, a place that motivates tourists to rip their clothes off.

Maggie Jiufu Wong reports on the destination that has had to endure a few instances of naked tourism lately.

Now while the thought might garner a smirk for the Internet peanut gallery, officials seem a bit grumpy about the nude escapades.

Wong reports American sisters Lindsey Kate Adams and Leslie Jan Adams were charged with trafficking pornography and exposing sexual body parts after they were caught taking partially nude photos last Friday.

The Phnom Penh Post reports the temple’s managing entity APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap) stated the two were caught with their pants down. And that is not some clever euphemism, because the sisters thought the peaceful setting was the perfect spot to drop trouser and take a selfie.

For their transgression, Wong states, “They received six-month suspended prison sentences, a one-million riel ($250) fine and were banned from entering the country for four years.”

The reporter continues that two other similar incidents preceded this ill-fated adventure at the World Heritage Site.

According to the report, three French tourists were deported for posing in the buff. Meanwhile, separately a picture of a topless woman posing at the location made the social media rounds.

Just to get a sense of the area, here is a video that illustrates the ambiance:

It’s not exactly Las Vegas or New Orleans is it?

You would think this would be the perfect place to grab an ample dose of reflection and get on with a vital life catharsis or two.

APSARA’s Kerya Chau Sun states: “It's an offense to the culture of others, regardless of religion. As a Cambodian, it's hurtful to my belief, and especially to the poor Cambodians saving up money to be able to come across the country to pray at Angkor. Angkor is a sacred site for all Cambodians and practicing Buddhists, worldwide.”

Wong reminds that tourists are quite fond of naked photography around the world: “Early last year, Peru officials deployed similar measures after a chain of "naked tourism" incidents at Machu Picchu, also a World Heritage Site. They detained four American tourists, two Canadians and two Australians for stripping down for pictures at the site.”

Now we understand the adrenaline rush garnered from traveling to new and exciting places. And, yes, we feel that that kind of occasion necessitates capturing it all with digital photography.

However, we strongly recommend thinking about the locals and the heritage of the landmarks in question when you consider shedding the clothes for a quick selfie—especially in Cambodia where a flash of skin at the wrong place is a quick way to get thrown out of the country.

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