How to bring things to pack for Cambodia for the perfect trip, not less not more? Whether you’re exploring Angkor Wat, lounging on Sihanoukville’s beaches, or navigating Phnom Penh’s lively streets, it’s essential to prepare. This guide from Indochina Voyages with the necessary documents, season-specific clothing, and health items to ensure a comfortable and memorable journey for you.
Essential for Flight to Cambodia
The journey to Cambodia often involves long flights, so packing smart for your travel day is crucial for starting your trip on the right foot.
- Comfortable neck pillow – A quality travel pillow makes sleeping on long flights much more comfortable
- Eye mask and earplugs – Essential for getting rest during your flight, especially if you’re traveling economy
- Compression socks – Highly recommended for long-haul flights to prevent swelling and discomfort
- Entertainment – Download books, movies, or podcasts about Cambodia to get excited about your trip
- Empty reusable water bottle – Bring through security empty and fill up after checkpoint to stay hydrated
- Lightweight change of clothes in your carry-on – In case your checked luggage is delayed
- Toothbrush and basic toiletries for freshening up before landing
- Power bank – To keep your devices charged throughout your journey
- Anti-theft day pack – A secure backpack like the PacSafe brand is perfect for carrying valuables
Travel Documents Before Going
Having your documents in order is absolutely essential for a smooth entry into Cambodia. Make sure everything is prepared well in advance of your trip.
- Passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of entry
- Cambodia e-visa (apply online in advance) or prepare for visa-on-arrival (available for most nationalities)
- Printed and digital copies of all travel documents
- Travel insurance documentation with coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation
- International driving permit if you plan to rent vehicles
- Vaccination records including any required or recommended vaccines
- Hotel reservations and flight confirmations (printed copies as backup)
- Emergency contact information including embassy details and local contacts
- Credit and debit cards that work internationally (inform your bank of travel plans)
- USD cash – Cambodia uses both USD and Cambodian Riel, with USD being widely accepted
Clothes
Packing appropriate clothing for Cambodia’s tropical climate and cultural norms will ensure you stay comfortable while being respectful of local customs.
>> Read more for wearing in Cambodia: What to wear in Cambodia – Top useful tips for Cambodia travel
For Women
- Lightweight, loose-fitting tops – Cotton or linen are ideal fabrics
- T-shirts that cover shoulders for temple visits
- Long, airy skirts or loose pants – Great for both comfort and modesty
- Comfortable shorts that reach mid-thigh or longer for casual days
- Lightweight cardigan or shawl for air-conditioned spaces and temple visits
- Cambodian krama (traditional scarf) – Purchase locally for an authentic souvenir
- Modest swimwear for beaches and hotel pools
- One “nicer” outfit for upscale restaurants or special occasions
- Light sleepwear suitable for warm nights
- Sports bras for comfort in the heat and humidity
For Men
- Breathable t-shirts and lightweight shirts
- Quick-dry shorts for casual exploring
- Long pants (lightweight) for temple visits and evening dining
- Collared shirt for nicer establishments
- Comfortable swimwear for beaches and pools
- Breathable underwear to prevent chafing in the heat
- Light sleepwear for warm nights
- Cotton or linen button-up shirt for versatility and sun protection
What to Bring to Cambodia in Dry Season?
Cambodia’s dry season runs from November to May, with the coolest months being December and January. During this time, temperatures range from pleasant 25°C (77°F) to scorching 40°C (104°F) as the dry season progresses. This is the peak tourist season, with clearer skies and lower humidity making it ideal for temple exploration and outdoor activities.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing – Natural fabrics like cotton and linen work best
- Sun hat with wide brim for protection during temple visits
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Light, long-sleeved shirts for sun protection
- Quick-dry clothing as you’ll likely be sweating
- Light sweater or jacket for December/January evenings when temperatures can drop
- Bandana or buff to protect from dust, especially when traveling by tuk-tuk
- Comfortable sandals that can be easily removed when entering temples
- Closed walking shoes for temple exploration and longer treks
What to Bring to Cambodia in Wet Season?
The wet season in Cambodia spans from June to October, bringing regular afternoon downpours and higher humidity. Temperatures remain warm, averaging 25-35°C (77-95°F). The countryside becomes lush and green, waterfalls flow more vigorously, and there are fewer tourists. The rain typically comes in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day drizzle.
- Quick-dry clothing that won’t stay soaked for hours
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho that packs down small
- Water-resistant backpack or dry bag to protect electronics
- Waterproof phone case for protection against unexpected downpours
- Water-friendly sandals like Tevas or Chacos that won’t slip when wet
- Extra socks as your feet will get wet frequently
- Umbrella – useful for both rain and sun protection
- Plastic bags for wet clothing and protecting electronics
- Light, long pants that dry quickly and protect from mosquitoes
Toiletries
While basic toiletries are available in Cambodia, specific brands or products might be hard to find or expensive, especially outside major cities.
- Biodegradable sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Essential and often expensive to buy locally
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner – Hard to find quality brands outside tourist areas
- Deodorant – Bring your preferred brand as options are limited
- Toothpaste and toothbrush with cover
- Face wash suitable for hot, humid weather
- Moisturizer with SPF for daytime
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Razor and shaving supplies if needed
- Hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t available
- Pumice stone – Essential for cleaning feet after days of taking shoes on and off
Hygiene Kit
Personal hygiene is especially important in tropical climates where heat and humidity can create discomfort. A well-prepared hygiene kit will keep you feeling fresh throughout your trip.
- Antibacterial wet wipes – Invaluable for quick refreshes in hot weather
- Travel-sized tissues – Public restrooms often lack toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Menstrual products – Tampons can be difficult to find outside major cities, so bring what you need
- Menstrual cup – A sustainable alternative that takes up less space
- Period underwear – Another great option for travelers
- Small quick-dry towel – Useful for many situations
- Toilet paper packets – For roadside stops and rural areas
- Bio-degradable soap leaves – For washing hands on-the-go
- Anti-chafing balm – Prevents discomfort in hot, humid conditions
Electricity and Technology
Cambodia uses a mix of socket types (A, C, and G) with a standard voltage of 230V. Being prepared for this variety will ensure your devices stay charged.
- Universal power adapter with surge protection
- Power strip – To charge multiple devices with one adapter
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Smartphone with offline maps downloaded (Maps.me or Google Maps)
- External hard drive for backing up photos
- Portable power bank – Essential for long days of sightseeing
- E-reader loaded with books about Cambodia
- Headphone splitter – Great for sharing audio on long bus rides
- Waterproof case for electronics during rainy season
- Laptop/tablet if needed for work or entertainment
SIM and Internet
Staying connected in Cambodia is relatively easy and affordable. Having internet access will help with navigation, translation, and sharing your amazing experiences.
- Unlocked smartphone compatible with Cambodian networks
- Portable WiFi device if you need reliable connectivity
- VPN subscription for secure browsing on public networks
- Download offline translation apps like Google Translate
- Backup communication method like WhatsApp or Signal
Local SIM cards are readily available at the airport and in major cities. Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone are the main providers, with Cellcard generally offering the best coverage for tourists. A tourist SIM with data typically costs $5-10 for a week of good coverage.
Health Items
Preparing for health needs is crucial when traveling in Cambodia, where medical facilities outside major cities may be limited.
- Personal medications in original packaging with extra supply
- Doctor’s note for prescription medications
- Basic first aid kit including bandages, antiseptic, and blister treatment
- Electrolyte tablets for preventing dehydration
- Anti-diarrheal medication like Imodium
- Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Motion sickness tablets for long bus journeys
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions
- Rehydration salts for treating heat exhaustion
- Probiotics to help prevent stomach issues
- Mosquito repellent bracelets as backup protection
- Water purification tablets or a filtration bottle like LifeStraw
Extra Bring Just in Case
These items might not be essential but can make your Cambodia trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Sarong or lightweight towel – Multipurpose item for beaches, picnics, or covering up
- Packing cubes to keep your bag organized
- Travel clothesline for washing and drying clothes
- Small sewing kit for emergency repairs
- Zip-lock bags of various sizes for organization and waterproofing
- Notebook and pen for journaling or getting directions
- Playing cards for entertainment during downtime
- Small gifts from your home country for guides or homestay hosts
- Collapsible water bottle to save space when not in use
- Small daypack that folds into itself for day trips
- Plastic lanyard holder for your Angkor Wat pass
What is Not Allowed to Bring into Cambodia?
To avoid issues at customs, be aware of these prohibited and restricted items when entering Cambodia.
- Illegal drugs – Cambodia has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties
- Weapons and ammunition of any kind
- Counterfeit money or goods
- Pornographic materials
- Religious artifacts without proper permits
- Wildlife products including ivory items
- Fresh fruits, plants, and seeds without proper documentation
- Drones without prior permission (regulations change frequently)
- Large amounts of alcohol (beyond personal use)
- Medications containing pseudoephedrine (some cold medicines)
Always check the latest customs regulations before your trip, as requirements can change.
Packing Trick for Cambodia Journey
Strategic packing will make your Cambodia adventure more enjoyable and stress-free.
- Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles
- Use packing cubes to separate clothing by type or outfit
- Pack heavier items at the bottom of your backpack for better weight distribution
- Bring clothing you can layer rather than bulky items
- Place liquids in sealed plastic bags to prevent leakage disasters
- Keep essential medications in your carry-on, not checked luggage
- Wear your bulkiest items (like sneakers) during travel to save luggage space
- Leave room for souvenirs – Cambodia has beautiful handicrafts and textiles
- Pack an extra foldable bag for souvenirs or day trips
- Put a change of clothes and essentials in your carry-on in case checked luggage is delayed
Cambodia’s unique combination of tropical climate, cultural considerations, and developing infrastructure means that thoughtful packing can significantly enhance your experience. While the country has become increasingly tourist-friendly, coming prepared will help you navigate any situation with ease.
Remember that Cambodians appreciate modest dress, especially when visiting religious sites. By respecting local customs and coming prepared for the climate, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in all the wonders this remarkable country has to offer. From the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor to the pristine beaches of the south and the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, Cambodia awaits with unforgettable experiences.
Pack smart, travel light, and get ready for an amazing Cambodian adventure in your next trip!
Thuy Dang – From Indochina Voyages Team
