The Ultimate Cambodia Packing List

Cambodia is an incredible country, one that not only lived up to my expectations – but exceeded them!  From visiting the south of Cambodia and hanging out on the beaches of Kep, to traveling north and experiencing the famous Angkor Complex; Cambodia if full of charm, history, and locals waiting to invite you into their country.  After spending 3 weeks exploring Cambodia, here’s a complete Cambodia packing list to ensure you’ve got everything you need to explore this incredible country!

This guide will cover your packing essentials and then dive deeper whether you’re planning to visit the beaches, visit during rainy season, or visit the temples in the Angkor Complex.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, don’t miss:

• The Ultimate 10 Day Cambodia Itinerary
• A Complete Battambang Itinerary
• 1 Day Phnom Penh Itinerary

 

The Best Luggage to Bring to Cambodia

First things first when it comes to packing – you need luggage to put your things in.  My biggest tip for traveling – especially through Cambodia – is to not overpack.  Overpacking just leads to hassle and headaches and it’s not worth it.  Especially if you’re going to be carrying your own things around, the streets can be bumpy and a lot of hotels in Cambodia don’t have elevators.  But, with that being said – here are my favorite pieces of luggage to bring with you to Cambodia!

• Backpack
• Carry-on bag
• Checked bag (only if necessary)
• Packing cubes (I don’t think that this saves space as much as it just helps to keep you organized)
• Toiletry bag
• AirTags (this isn’t luggage, but I bought a pack after my bags got lost for 10 days in Saudi Arabia and now I’ll never travel without them!)

 

 

Pro tip:  Avoid purchasing any white bags that you’ll be checking-in on an airplane – they are bound to get dirty fast!

 

Packing Essentials

Next up:  Your essentials!  These are things that you cannot travel to Cambodia without!  (In my opinion).

• Passport
• Visa – Most travelers need a visa to visit Cambodia; check if you need one here
• Travel insurance – I would not travel to Cambodia without travel insurance; I personally use and recommend Safety Wing
• Bug repellent
• Sunscreen – Face & body

 

Pro tip:  If you’re not planning to check a bag, make sure that your bug repellent and sunscreen is < 3.4 oz!

 

Clothing/Shoes to Pack for Cambodia

When packing clothing and figuring out what to wear in Cambodia, the first step is knowing how long you’re going to be gone for so that you don’t over or under pack.  The second thing you should know about Cambodia is that it is generally very hot and humid.  For this reason, I recommend wearing light, breathable clothing.

This section includes clothing that I’d recommend for any female traveling to Cambodia.  Further down in the post, you can customize your clothing list based on if you’re planning to go to the beach, if it’s rainy season, etc.  (By the way, if you’re going on an extended trip – I recommend packing at least 12-pairs of underwear so that you’re not constantly doing laundry).

• Comfortable walking shoes
• “Shower” shoes
• Sandals
• Light dresses
• Outfit that covers shoulders/knees (for certain museums/temples)
• Pajamas
• Socks/underwear/bras

 

 

Pro tip:  Roll your clothes instead of folding them!  You’ll have more room this way.  I’d also consider bringing a laundry bag so that you can keep your clean/dirty clothes separate!

 

Accessories to Pack for Cambodia

When traveling to Cambodia, accessories aren’t only to add to your outfits, but I think of accessories as more functional.  When I travel – whether short or long-term – I love to bring accessories to make my outfits look “different”.  I don’t tend to pack many clothes, but instead like to pack scarves, head pieces, sunglasses, things that don’t take up much room but can make a plain outfit shine!

• Purse (I recommend a purse that has a zipper and is more difficult for someone who might try to pickpocket you to access)
• Sunglasses
• Fanny pack (for crowded places/to put under your clothes)
• Headscarf (to jazz up your outfits)

 

 

Toiletries to Pack for Cambodia

When packing your toiletries, keep in mind whether you’re planning to check a bag or carry-on.  Depending on which you’re doing, you might need to keep your liquids less than 3.4 fl oz.  (By the way, I like these containers if you’re carry-on only!).

• Tampons/menstrual cup
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Skincare products
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Razor

 

 

Pro tip:  Give your hair a rest and leave the heat at home!  Cambodia is so humid that anything you do to your hair will be ruined once you step outside.

 

Electronics to Pack for Cambodia

Electronics are certainly not a necessity to travel to Cambodia, but in this section I’ll share with you the electronics I took to Cambodia.  Of course, if you love capturing pictures and videos, you’ll more than likely be wanting to take a camera and maybe your computer to edit your photos; but if that isn’t your thing – you can skip over this section!  Another thing to note, you don’t need an adapter when you travel; Cambodian sockets allow both American and European plugs.

• Drone
• Camera (I use this Canon camera)
• GoPro (for smooth videos and underwater captures)
• AirPods (for the airplane)
• Laptop
• iPad/Kindle (for books)
• Selfie light (to take photos/videos in dark places)
• Portable charger

 

 

Pro tip:  If you’re traveling with a lot of electronics/chargers, I use this to keep everything organized!

 

Health Items to Pack for Cambodia

As a nurse, of course I can’t not include health items that I would recommend packing if you visit Cambodia.  Below you’ll find a few health related items that I took with me and they all came in handy!

• Pill box (this is better for a shorter trip so you can count out your prescription/non-prescription pills and you don’t have to take a bulky bottle with you)
• First aid kit (there are scissors in this first aid kit so if you’re doing carry-on only, make sure to remove them before packing!)
• Bandaids (included in first aid kit linked above)
• Unisom (I always travel with Unisom to help me catch some Zzz’s on the airplane and to help with jet lag – I also use this mask to get some sleep on the plane)
• Liquid IV (I bring this just in case I get sick and dehydrated; but it does not replace a doctor!)
• Advil (included in first aid kit linked above)

 

 

Pro tip:  Make an appointment with an infectious disease doctor before your visit to make sure that you’re all caught up on vaccines and to see if there are any prescriptions your doctor would recommend.  You can check vaccine recommendations for Cambodia here!

 

What to Pack if its Rainy Season in Cambodia

If you’re visiting Cambodia during rainy season, there are a few more items I’d recommend bringing with you.  By the way, rainy season in Cambodia generally lasts from May-October; and while there can be heavy rainfall, there are less tourists at this time.

• Light rain jacket
• Rain boots
• Portable umbrella
• Rain poncho

 

 

What to Pack for the Beaches in Cambodia

If you’re planning to visit the south of Cambodia or travel to Koh Rong (the most famous beach in Cambodia), these are the items I’d recommend bringing with you!

• Quick dry towel
• Waterproof phone case (I like to keep my phone on me while in the water even if I’m not taking photos; plus you can store your cash in here too)
• Beach sandals
• Water shoes
• Swimming suit
• Cover up
• Beach friendly sunglasses
• Lock (to lock your bag when you’re in the water)
• Visor (for skin protection)

 

 

What to Pack for the Temples in Cambodia

If you’re heading to Siem Reap to visit the Angkor Complex, you might be packing a bit differently.  For one – even with a tuk-tuk driver, you’ll be doing tons of walking so you’ll want to make sure that you have extra comfortable shoes.  And second, there is a dress code for visiting Angkor Wat and the other temples in the complex (however the dress code is not strictly enforced).  Because of its religious nature, it’s asked that tourists dress appropriately, covering knees, shoulders, stomachs, and chests.

 

 

If you’re planning to visit Siem Reap & Angkor, don’t miss:

• What You Need to Know About Visiting Angkor Wat
• The Ultimate 3 Day Siem Reap Itinerary

 

Packing Tips & Tricks

1.  If you’re going to be gone a long time and staying in rental properties, make sure to pack miniature Tide PODS to wash your clothes (I purchase the whole box and then pack a few with me – in a bag – on each trip)

2.  Travel with reusable plastic bags – it never fails that I always need a bag for something

3.  For more space, roll your clothes instead of folding them

4.  Weigh your bag before getting to the airport; and know your baggage limits for each airline you fly.  In Asia, airlines can be strict about weight for carry-on bags and I’ve had to check several carry-on bags for not meeting the weight requirement.

 

FAQ

Q:  “What’s the currency in Cambodia?”

• A:  The currency is Cambodia is quite confusing because they use both the USD and their local currency – riel.There are some ATMs in the country that will give you the option to choose between riel and USD, but some that just give you USD.  When you pay in USD you’ll usually get a mix of both USD and riel back in change.  Because you don’t want to leave Cambodia with an excess of riel, make sure you break your big bills (i.e. if you have a $100 bill) long before leaving so that you don’t pay with a big bill at the end of your trip and end up receiving your change in riel.Lastly, in order to use USD to pay, the bills have to be in pristine condition.  They cannot be ripped or torn or they won’t be accepted.  For this reason, every time you receive a USD back, make sure to check its condition.

Q:  “Do you need a visa to visit Cambodia?”

• A:  While there are exceptions to some countries, Cambodia does require a visa to travel to the country.  In my experience, the easiest way to obtain a visa is online using iVisa.  Make sure to apply at least 10-days before traveling to Cambodia to ensure your visa arrives on time.

Q:  “Can I drink the tap water in Cambodia?”

• A:  I would not recommend drinking the tap water in Cambodia.  Unfortunately, plastic is widely used so you can expect to be given many plastic water bottles when you visit.  On the off chance you are somewhere with filtered water, I suggest bringing a reusable water bottle with you!

Q:  “Are there any scams I should be aware of in Cambodia?”

• A:  The biggest scam in Cambodia involves children asking for money.  Under no circumstances should you ever give a child money – even if it’s only $1.  This not only encourages begging, but it also encourages children to miss school and because the child is earning an income for the family, it encourages the family to keep sending the child out on the streets to beg.  For more about scams in Cambodia, make sure to read Everything You need to Know About Planning a Trip to Cambodia.

 

Cambodia Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Cambodia

 

I hope that you found this Cambodia packing list helpful!  If you have any questions about packing or visiting Cambodia in general, let me know in the comments below!

 

CHECK OUT MORE SOUTHEAST ASIA PACKING GUIDES HERE:

• The Best Packing List for Southeast Asia
• The Ultimate Packing List for Vietnam
• The Best Packing List for Laos
• The Best Packing List for Thailand
• The Best Packing List for Malaysia
• The Best Packing List for Indonesia
• The Best Packing List for the Philippines

 

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For more information on things to see and do in Cambodia, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppincambodia” or under my highlights for “Cambodia”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Cambodia” highlight

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