If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, you’re in for a treat. From the ancient temples of Angkor and the bustling streets of Phnom Penh to idyllic islands and lush highlands, there’s so much to see and experience. Temperatures are fairly stable due to the country’s tropical position, however the climate varies by season. Let’s break down what to pack for Cambodia to ensure you’ve everything you need to make the most of your holiday in the Kingdom of Wonder.
Cambodia’s Climate
Cambodia has two types of weather: hot, and hot and wet. The first thing to do when deciding what to pack for Cambodia is to figure out which season you’re travelling in – dry or wet. If you’re travelling in the dry season (between November and April), your main consideration will be staying cool during scorching days and muggy nights. Fabrics like linen or cotton and moisture-wicking athletic wear work well. If you’re travelling during the wet season (from May to October), you’ll also want to pack a raincoat, quick-drying clothes and waterproof shoes or sandals.
Copies of Key Documents and Cash
Wherever your Cambodian adventure is set to take you, there are a few important essentials we would recommend remembering. There’s always the chance you’ll misplace key items or have them stolen. It’s best to pack copies of your passport and important information when travelling through Cambodia, or anywhere in Asia. Also, whether you are city bound or tapping into your inner adventurer off the beaten track, you’ll want to have a little of the local currency packed.
A Day Bag and Sanitiser
Include a ‘travel’ or ‘day bag’ that works for your tours and excursions. For daily use, we recommend packing a small rucksack or similar that can hold all your essentials and you can comfortably carry around. Popping a small bottle of hand sanitiser or antibacterial wipes inside will help keep you clean and healthy while you’re out and about.
Insect Repellent and Medicines
Be sure to stock up on super-strength insect repellent, and remember to apply it regularly, because there are hungry mosquitoes to be found morning, noon and night. It’s required year-round whether you’re inland or on the coast and is essential for trying to avoid dengue fever. And in addition to bringing your own personal medicines and treatments, it’s a good idea to pack a small first-aid kit, just to be safe. With poor public health facilities, it is worth including a sterile needle kit, just in case. It should also contain necessities like disinfectant, bandages and electrolyte tablets; it’s easy to end up dehydrated, especially if you’re out walking in the middle of the day.
A Reusable Water Bottle
On that note, bottled water is a must in Cambodia. Plastic pollution is a serious problem so you should avoid single-use plastics whenever you can. It may not be something that you pack pre-holiday but it is an essential for your day-to-day activities. Even when brushing your teeth, use bottled water.
Sun Protection
The sun beats down relentlessly in Cambodia, making sunscreen an absolute suitcase essential. Most face creams sold in Cambodia contain skin whiteners, while international sun care brands can be prohibitively expensive. A minimum of SPF50 is recommended, and for the sun worshippers out there, don’t worry, you will still tan. Pop a hat and good quality sunglasses in your luggage too.
Camera, Memory Cards and Charger
You’ll want to let the photographer within you loose as soon as you land in Cambodia. For this, you will need a good quality camera and some extra memory cards to capture all those bucket list moments. It’s also a good idea to pack a universal charger or adaptor because, depending on where you stay, the plug sockets will differ. And if you don’t want to fry your laptop or overheat your phone, it’s worth investing in a charger that comes complete with surge protection.
A Pumice Stone
Yes, you read that correctly. Allow us to explain. In Cambodia, it’s polite to remove your shoes before entering a temple, a home, or even some businesses. After taking your shoes off repeatedly, your feet are going to be filthy. Our top tip is to pack a pumice stone to clean your feet at the end of the day.
Long, Loose Fitting Clothes
The dress code in Cambodia errs on the conservative side, especially outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Go for long, loose fitting clothes, preferably made from natural fibres. If you’re visiting temples, you’ll need at least two ‘temple outfits’ – this means your knees and shoulders must be covered (scarves won’t cut it). A t-shirt and long skirt or trousers work well for sacred sites.
Swimwear
Cambodia has heaps of beautiful beaches and islands that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Even if you’re not headed to the coast, be sure to pack your swimwear so you can make the most of any hotel pools.
Comfortable Footwear
Think carefully about footwear before you travel. Pavements (where they exist) are uneven and many sites are unpaved, so pack comfortable walking shoes. You’ll want a pair of trainers as well as sandals, but heels are best left at home.
A Light Scarf
A light silk or cotton scarf has myriad uses: drape it over your shoulders when entering a pagoda, use it as a towel or sarong at the beach, or to cover your mouth when you’re tuk-tuking down dusty roads. Pack your favourite or buy one when you arrive – Cambodian krama (chequered cotton scarves) make great souvenirs.
Now you know what to pack for Cambodia, our team are on hand to help put the finishing touches to your epic adventure.
