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Cambodia's weather is hot and humid for much of the year, and cultural expectations—especially around dress—mean your usual travel wardrobe might not be appropriate everywhere. Packing efficiently is essential. You want to stay cool, be respectful of local customs, and avoid carrying too much. A smart packing strategy will save you time, stress, and backaches—especially if you’re moving between regions or using local transport.
Cambodia has two main seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). While the dry season offers cooler mornings and less rain, the wet season brings short daily showers and higher humidity. Temperatures often range between 25°C and 35°C.
Different regions can feel very different—Siem Reap can be dusty and hot, Phnom Penh urban and humid, while the coast is breezier and more tropical. Lightweight, breathable, and versatile clothing is a must.
With affordable laundry services and compact accommodation, you don’t need to bring your whole closet. Prioritize multifunctional pieces, modest clothing for temples, and rain protection during the monsoon season. Avoid overpacking by sticking to the essentials below.
Before anything else, make sure you have your passport (valid for at least 6 months), a tourist visa (available online or on arrival), and travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Print your important confirmations—hotel bookings, transport tickets, and insurance—in case of poor Wi-Fi.
Cambodia uses both Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollars (USD). Small USD bills are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas. ATMs dispense dollars, but rural areas may rely more on cash. Always carry a mix of both, and inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks.
Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, and many local pagodas have strict dress codes. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. A lightweight scarf, long skirt, or loose-fitting pants are perfect. Avoid tank tops and short shorts, even if it’s hot.
Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Bring a swimsuit for beach destinations or hotel pools. Add a light rain jacket or poncho if traveling during the rainy season. A long-sleeve shirt can also protect against the sun and insects.
Choose footwear based on your planned activities. Flip-flops are great for casual walking or showers. Waterproof sandals are ideal for wet weather. For temple visits and trekking, bring closed walking shoes with good grip and support.
Traveling in Cambodia means being prepared for minor health issues. Bring prescription medications, especially if they’re hard to find locally. Include pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, electrolyte packets, and anti-diarrhea medication.
Don’t forget mosquito repellent, especially in rural or forested areas where dengue risk is higher.
Pack biodegradable wipes, hand sanitizer, and reef-safe sunscreen. Women should bring feminine hygiene products, which may not be widely available outside major cities. A compact towel and reusable water bottle (ideally with a filter) are also smart additions.
A fully charged smartphone is essential for maps, translations, and communication. Bring a universal adapter (Cambodia uses Types A, C, and G plugs), a power bank, and an unlocked phone for purchasing a local SIM card (Smart or Cellcard offer the best coverage).
A lightweight camera or GoPro is great for capturing temples and landscapes without weighing down your bag.
Consider bringing packing cubes to stay organized, a dry bag for beach or boat days, and a small daypack for temple visits or hikes. These practical tools can save time and space while making daily outings more convenient.
Heavy clothing: Cambodia’s heat makes jackets and jeans unnecessary
Expensive jewelry: Avoid theft risk and leave valuables behind
High heels or dress shoes: Impractical for rough sidewalks and temple stairs
Full-sized toiletries: Bulky and widely available locally
Hardcopy books: Use an e-reader or offline app to save space
Too many gadgets: Limit electronics to those you’ll actually use
The lighter you pack, the easier your travels will be—especially if you plan to move around frequently.
Need a quick reference? We’ve created a printable packing checklist that organizes everything by category: clothing, documents, health, tech, and more. Download it before your trip or save it to your phone for last-minute packing.
[Download the free printable Cambodia packing checklist here]
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Category
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Items
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Note |
Check
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Valid passport (6+ months) |
Must-have for entry |
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Combodia visa or eVisa (if needed) |
Check if required for your nationality |
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Travel insurance (printed & digital) |
Needed for emergencies or hospital entry |
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Hotel booking confirmations |
Keep a copy in email & print |
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Flight tickets (especially domestic) |
Some require printed copies |
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Copies of ID/passport |
Store separately from originals |
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Emergency contact list |
Physical + phone version |
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USD + Riel |
Carry small denominations |
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Debit/credit cards |
Inform your bank of travel |
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Clothing by Region & Weather |
Breathable tops (cotton/linen) |
4–5 pieces |
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Quick-dry pants or shorts |
2–3 pieces |
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Maxi dress / temple pants |
For temples & modest areas |
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Lightweight rain jacket |
For rainy season (May–Oct) |
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Long-sleeve shirt or scarf |
Sun or temple protection |
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Swimsuits |
1–2 pieces |
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Beach cover-up or rash guard |
Optional for sun-sensitive skin |
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Light jacket or hoodie |
For mountain areas |
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Long-sleeve shirt or scarf |
Sun or temple protection |
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Swimsuits |
1–2 pieces |
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Light jacket or hoodie |
For mountain areas (Chiang Mai, Pai) |
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Hat or cap |
UV protection |
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Flip-flops / sandals |
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Sneakers |
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Toothbrush & toothpaste |
Travel size preferred |
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Shampoo / soap / body wash |
Solid bars are eco & leak-proof |
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Prescription medication |
In original packaging |
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Insect repellent |
Essential in rural or beach areas |
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Sunscreen (reef-safe) |
SPF 30+ recommended |
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Face masks |
For public transport or air pollution |
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Motion sickness pills
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Ferries, buses, or boats |
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Medications you take daily: allergy medicine, treatment medications, etc. |
In case the medication is difficult to find in another country |
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Smartphone & charger |
Main communication tool |
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Universal power adapter (A, B, C types) |
Thailand uses multiple plug types |
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Travel camera or GoPro |
Optional for high-quality photos |
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Portable Wi-Fi or local SIM |
Available at airport |
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Lightweight daypack |
For daily activities |
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Travel pillow |
For long journeys |
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Snacks / energy bars |
Especially for treks or transit |
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Scan your passport, visa, insurance, and bookings, then upload them to a secure cloud folder. Keep copies offline on your phone, too.
Bring reusable gear like eco-friendly bottles, shopping bags, and toiletry containers. Buy from local vendors and choose guesthouses or tours that support community development.
From silk scarves to Kampot pepper and artisan crafts, Cambodia has beautiful souvenirs. Keep some extra space in your bag—or better yet, pack a foldable tote for the return trip.
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