Plan Your Trip

Cambodia Packing List

Everything you need for the temples, the beaches and the heat.

Quick Answer

Pack light, breathable clothing for the heat. Bring at least one outfit with covered shoulders and knees for temples — this is required at every site in the Angkor complex and all active pagodas. USD cash is essential. DEET insect repellent and sunscreen are your most important health items.

Temple Dress Code — Non-Negotiable

Cambodia's temples enforce a strict dress code. You will be turned away at the gate without proper attire — this applies to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm and all active Buddhist pagodas across the country.

Cover your shoulders

Tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and bare shoulders are not permitted at any Angkor complex temple.

Cover your knees

Shorts above the knee are not allowed. Lightweight long trousers or a maxi skirt are the practical solution.

Remove shoes at shrines

You will remove shoes constantly — wear sandals or flip-flops that slip off easily, not lace-up shoes.

Scarves are your friend

A thin scarf packed in your bag solves the shoulder cover problem instantly. Locals sell them at temple gates.

Buddhist pagodas too

The dress code applies to all active pagodas (wats) across Cambodia, not just Angkor temples.

Full Packing List

Clothing

  • Lightweight, breathable tops (linen or moisture-wicking) — 3–5
  • Long-sleeved shirt or scarf for temple visits
  • Long trousers or maxi skirt for temple visits (essential)
  • Shorts or summer dress for beach and casual days
  • Light cardigan or layer for air-conditioned restaurants and buses
  • Swimwear — 1–2 sets
  • Flip-flops / sandals (removed at every temple)
  • Comfortable walking shoes with grip
  • Underwear — enough for your trip
  • Light rain poncho or packable jacket (green season: May–Oct)

Electronics

  • Universal power adapter (Cambodia uses types A, C, G)
  • Portable battery / power bank — essential for temple days
  • Phone with Grab and PassApp downloaded
  • Camera or phone with good low-light capability for sunrises
  • Earphones for long bus journeys
  • Waterproof phone case (boat trips and the green season)

Health & Toiletries

  • DEET insect repellent — 30–50% concentration
  • SPF 30+ sunscreen (hard to find good quality locally)
  • Oral rehydration salts (ORS sachets) — for heat and stomach issues
  • Antihistamine tablets
  • Basic first aid: plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister patches
  • Prescription medications — bring more than you need
  • Anti-diarrhoeal medication (Imodium)
  • Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
  • Menstrual products — variety limited outside major cities
  • Insect bite relief cream

Money & Documents

  • Passport (valid 6+ months beyond your travel dates)
  • Printed e-visa confirmation or visa on arrival $35 USD in cash
  • Travel insurance documents and emergency number — printed copy
  • USD cash in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20)
  • Bank cards (Visa/Mastercard work at most ATMs)
  • Backup card stored separately from your main wallet
  • Photocopies of passport (store in cloud too)

Practical Extras

  • Reusable water bottle with filter (reduces plastic waste)
  • Small daypack for temple and beach days
  • Padlock for guesthouse lockers
  • Headtorch / small flashlight (for power cuts in rural areas)
  • Earplugs and eye mask (night buses, shared dorms)
  • Sarong — doubles as towel, temple cover, beach mat
  • Dry bag or zip-lock bags for electronics on boats
  • Small amounts of Riel for tipping and markets

What NOT to Pack

Heavy jeans — Unbearable in the heat. One pair maximum if you must.
Hair dryer — Every guesthouse provides one or the heat dries hair in minutes.
Excessive shoes — One pair of sandals and one pair of walking shoes is all you need.
Full-size toiletries — Supermarkets (Lucky, Chip Mong) in cities sell everything you might forget.
Valuable jewellery — Wear minimal jewellery — reduces bag-snatching risk and temple hassle.

Pack Differently by Season

Dry Season (Nov – Apr)

  • → No rain gear needed Nov–Feb
  • → Sunscreen is your priority — UV is intense
  • → A light layer for cold-blast air-con on buses
  • → Dust on unpaved roads — nose cover useful

Green Season (May – Oct)

  • → Lightweight rain poncho or packable jacket
  • → Quick-dry clothing essential
  • → Dry bag for electronics on boat trips
  • → Extra insect repellent — mosquitoes peak in the green season

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear at Angkor Wat?
Shoulders and knees must be covered at all Angkor temples. Wear lightweight long trousers or a maxi skirt and a top with sleeves. A thin scarf works as a shoulder cover in a pinch. Sandals are practical as you'll remove shoes at every shrine.
Do I need a rain jacket for Cambodia?
If visiting in the green season (May–October), a lightweight packable rain jacket or poncho is recommended. Rain usually falls as short afternoon downpours (1–3 hours) rather than all-day drizzle, so a small poncho is often enough.
Can I buy toiletries in Cambodia?
Yes — Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville all have well-stocked supermarkets (Lucky Supermarket, Chip Mong Nimitt). Budget on good-quality sunscreen and insect repellent being more expensive than at home — bring from home.
Should I bring USD cash to Cambodia?
Yes. Bring USD in small denominations — $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. Torn or very old notes may be refused. ATMs dispense USD in cities. Markets, tuk-tuks and rural guesthouses are cash-only.
Do I need a travel adaptor for Cambodia?
Cambodia uses a mix of Type A (flat two-pin, as in the US), Type C (round two-pin, European), and Type G (UK three-pin) sockets. A universal travel adapter covers all three — bring one.
What shoes are best for Cambodia?
Sandals or flip-flops are essential for temple visits (you'll remove them constantly). Bring a pair of comfortable, closed walking shoes for longer temple walks, jungle treks, or Phnom Penh city days. Two pairs total is all you need.

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