Final Information on What to Carry [UPDATED!]

 
Cambodia is on each avid traveler’s bucket checklist, and for good motive. Not solely is it residence to Angkor Wat, one of the well-known temples on this planet, however Cambodia is crammed with numerous locations simply ready so that you can uncover.

You’re certain to take pleasure in your self exploring large temple compounds, getting misplaced in bustling cities, and stress-free on attractive seashores — multi function nation.

To correctly take pleasure in any journey to Cambodia, it’s vital to be well-prepared for the recent local weather, cultural customs, and any sudden situations that would come up alongside the best way.

Observe this Cambodia packing checklist and also you’re positive to have every thing you want for a profitable journey!

Selecting a Journey Bag for Your Cambodia Journey

Step one to packing is selecting a journey bag that’s finest for you and your journey. The uneven and infrequently filth roads make backpacks supreme for touring in Cambodia, particularly for those who plan on transferring round rather a lot.

Osprey backpacks come extremely really useful as they’re tremendous prime quality, have tons of compartments and pockets, and are long-lasting.

Osprey Fairview

The perfect half in regards to the Fairview is that it appears to be like like a backpack however opens up like a suitcase, so that you don’t should dig round to search out what you’re in search of. Plus, it is available in completely different sizes and colours!

The Fairview is designed for girls, however Osprey additionally makes a males’s model known as the Farpoint!

Learn our full Osprey Farpoint overview!

Osprey Farpoint 55

The Osprey Farpoint is similar to the Fairview, solely it’s designed for males and has a removable daypack on the entrance. 

Having a removable daypack is handy since you don’t should buy any extra luggage when touring.

Right here’s a lady’s model of this bag, additionally with a daypack on the entrance!

Irrespective of which backpack you select, utilizing packing cubes is a complete recreation changer for becoming every thing you want in your backpack. Not solely do they compress what you pack, however they preserve every thing divided and arranged for simple entry. No extra fumbling round in search of what you want!

In addition to your principal backpack, you’ll want a daypack for day by day adventures and exploring.

For those who plan on plan on packing odds and ends in your day pack for the journey over, I like to recommend this one:

Nomatic Journey Pack

For those who’re somebody who carries loads of gear (cameras, chargers, iPads), the Nomatic Bag is for you. Fingers down, the most effective luggage we’ve ever owned, at the present time pack makes it so handy to pack and unpack. With a gazillion completely different compartments, it makes positive you will have a house for every thing in your bag, fully saving you from having to rummage by your bag once more.

Learn full Nomatic Journey Pack overview!

Alternatively, you may go for a packable backpack that you may preserve stashed away till you’re prepared to make use of it.

P.S. This one has greater than 1,500 5-star opinions on Amazon!

Learn our full information to the very best journey backpacks!

Cambodia Clothes Packing Checklist

The clothes you put on in Cambodia drastically is dependent upon the a part of the nation you’re visiting. Nevertheless, one factor is fixed irrespective of the place you might be — the recent and humid climate.

There are two seasons in Cambodia: dry and moist. Dry season runs from October to late April and moist season is from Could to late September.

The most well liked time of 12 months is true initially of moist season between Could and June, whereas the good time is between October and December.  Irrespective of if you go to, you may count on to be sweating all the time.

Cambodia is a principally Buddhist nation and other people have a tendency to decorate extra conservatively. You’ll hardly ever see locals carrying shorts, skirts, or tank tops; as an alternative, they’ll sometimes be in lengthy pants and not less than have their shoulders coated.

Whereas in massive cities like Phnom Penh and close to the seashore at Koh Rong, modesty is much less of a priority. Nevertheless, for those who plan on visiting temples and extra distant areas of the nation, you ought to be ready to decorate conservatively.

Temple costume code is strictly enforced and people who find themselves not dressed appropriately will probably be denied entry, together with to Angkor Wat.

To go to temples, it’s essential to have your shoulders and knees coated as an indication of respect. That is vital to recollect when packing to your journey, particularly if Angkor Wat is your principal vacation spot.

That stated, listed below are the gadgets of clothes I like to recommend bringing on a visit to Cambodia.

Girls’s Clothes

Tops and Bottoms

T-Shirts

T-shirts are important for Cambodia, even for those who’re a tank prime sort of gal. It is advisable to have your shoulders coated in any respect temples, and it’s sometimes a good suggestion to have them coated on the whole as effectively, because of the conservative nature of the nation.

Dri-fit Shirt

Positively deliver alongside a number of t-shirts produced from dry-fit or quick-dry materials that wick sweat as an alternative of absorbing it. Additionally, go for lighter colours that replicate the solar!

Tank Tops

There will probably be loads of alternatives to put on tank tops, particularly whereas in greater cities and by the seashore. Go for flowy, light-weight supplies that won’t solely look cute however preserve you feeling cool as effectively.

Maxi Skirt or Gown

A maxi-length skirt or dress is nice for temples, and makes for superior pictures as effectively. Go for breathable materials, and for those who’re choosing a costume, ensure it covers your shoulders!

Hippie / Elephant Pants

For those who’ve already been to Southeast Asia, likelihood is you got here again with a pair (or two) of elephant pants.

It’s time to interrupt them out once more for this journey, as they’re prefect for carrying to temples and when it is advisable to costume extra conservatively. Plus, the skinny cloth is nice for decent climate.

For those who don’t have a pair of those but, hit the market if you arrive in Cambodia and decide some up! No matter you do, don’t purchase them beforehand since you’ll pay 5x the value as you’ll on the market.

Sundress

Sundresses are a Southeast Asian should. Throw it on for an evening out on Pub Road or for strolling round Koh Rong. You’ll undoubtedly get good use out of a sundress in your journey.

Quick

When exploring cities, be snug in a pair of shorts. Simply be conscious that they aren’t too quick, in any other case you could find yourself drawing undesirable consideration to your self.

Athletic Shorts

A good way to get round Cambodia is by bicycle. Carry alongside a pair of sweat-wicking athletic shorts to remain cool whereas biking round. They’re additionally nice for staying snug on lengthy bus rides or hanging round a hostel.

Sweatshirt

As scorching as Cambodia is, it’s most likely a shock {that a} sweatshirt makes the checklist, however you’ll be glad that you’ve one when the time comes.

Splendid for air-con or as a pillow for journey, a sweatshirt or mild fleece goes to turn out to be useful sooner or later or one other.

Undergarments and Seashore Put on

Bathing Fits

Koh Rong, Cambodia is residence to some stunning seashores and attracts vacationers from everywhere in the world. So, if a seashore is in your itinerary, pack your favourite bathing fits for swimming, sunning and water actions.

This specific bikini is available in 41 colours and has greater than 6,700 5 star opinions!

Cowl-Up

Carry one thing straightforward, flowy and cute to slide on over your bathing go well with when not on the seashore.

Sports activities Bras

Carry alongside a sports activities bra or two produced from sweat-wicking materials to remain snug it doesn’t matter what you’re doing.

Underwear

Additionally a good suggestion to have sweat-wicking underwear. It might not be essentially the most style ahead undergarment, however you’ll undoubtedly be glad you will have them on lengthy days strolling round within the Cambodian warmth.

Socks

Positively deliver light-weight, breathable socks to put on on sneaker days, and convey extra pairs than you suppose you’ll want!

Footwear

Flip Flops / Comfy Sandals

Carry a pair of comfortable flip flops or sandals to stroll round in or put on to the seashore. I by no means journey with out my Rainbows as a result of they’re tremendous sturdy, reliable and so snug after they’re damaged in!

Sneakers

It’s undoubtedly a good suggestion to pack some sneakers for bike rides and longer exploring days.

Males’s Clothes

Tops and Bottoms

T-Shirts

Carry a lot of t-shirts produced from light-weight or sweat-wicking materials. The temple costume code applies to males as effectively so cowl these shoulders!

Tank Tops

While you’re not visiting temples, throw on a light-colored tank prime for strolling round, exploring, or seashore journeys.

Light-weight Pants

Elephant pants aren’t only for girls! Guys, it’s undoubtedly a good suggestion to spend money on a pair or two so that you don’t should put on a heavy pair of pants whereas in Cambodia.

In the event that they aren’t your model, go for a pair of linen pants or others produced from a light-weight materials.

P.S., This pair has greater than 1,800 5 star rankings!

Shorts

When not visiting temples, you’ll most likely wish to let these knees roam free. Pack a number of pairs of shorts for metropolis exploring or going out at evening.

Athletic Shorts

Carry alongside some athletic shorts produced from light-weight or wicking materials to maintain you cool on lengthy journey days or bike rides by town.

Sweatshirt

You’ll desire a hoodie to maintain heat whereas in freezing airports or closely air-conditioned buses.

Undergarments and Beachwear

Board Shorts

For those who’re visiting Koh Rong or every other seashore, board shorts (or different swimwear) is a should.

Underwear

Carry sufficient underwear to final your whole journey in case you don’t have entry to laundry amenities. A standard attribute of applicable clothes in Cambodia is sweat-wicking, and this is applicable to underwear too.

Take a look at Underneath Armour’s choice that’s positive to maintain you feeling good on even the most well liked days.

Socks

Carry greater than you suppose you’ll want as a result of there’s nothing worse than having to re-wear a pair of soiled, smelly socks!

Footwear

Flip-flops

Carry a pair of snug flip flops to put on to the seashore or on days if you wish to let your toes go free. Be sure they’re snug to stroll in and have good help.

As all the time, I like to recommend going for a pair of Rainbows.

Sneakers

Nice for biking, strolling, and touring.

Cambodia Packing Checklist: Important Gadgets

These things are must-haves when packing for Cambodia. You’ll actually be sorry for those who overlook any of them!

Sunscreen

Cambodia is scorching year-round, and boy is the solar robust! Make sure you preserve your self protected with a excessive SPF sunscreen, particularly as you’ll possible be spending loads of time outdoors exploring temples, cities, and seashores.

Bugspray

Bugs are loads and ever current in Cambodia. Mosquitoes will pester you till they’ve had their fill, and even then you definately’ll nonetheless be bitten. Carry a robust bugspray to maintain them away from you.

Reusable Water Bottle

Faucet water in Cambodia shouldn’t be protected to drink and can lead to a particularly upset abdomen, or worse. Nevertheless, always shopping for and ingesting from plastic water bottles is wasteful and dangerous for the setting.

Think about buying a water bottle with a UV mild that filters faucet water and make it protected to drink. 

Life Straw

A substitute for a water bottle with a UV mild is the Life Straw. This helpful device filters water, making it protected to drink.

It’s small and straightforward to pack, making it further sensible for journey. This undoubtedly comes extremely really useful and can make your life a lot simpler whereas on the street. 

Hand Sanitizer

This may undoubtedly turn out to be useful at one level or one other, whether or not it’s for after rest room use or earlier than a meal. Cleaning soap is scarce so it’s a good suggestion to hold some hand sanitizer with you alongside your Camboidan adventures.

Activated Charcoal Tablets

I deliver activated charcoal tablets with me irrespective of the place I journey and so they’ve saved my life extra instances than I can rely.

You possibly can watch what you eat and drink whereas in Cambodia, however in all honesty, you would possibly nonetheless find yourself getting sick sooner or later. When taken, activated charcoal tablets bind to the toxins in your system and flush them out, rapidly eliminating meals poisoning, diarrhea, or different abdomen illnesses.

Belief me on this one, you can’t go to Cambodia with out these.

Child Wipes

With all of the mud and filth round, child wipes are an effective way to really feel recent with out having to take a full  bathe. Nice for lengthy journey days and straightforward to pack, don’t skip out on these.

Fast Dry Towel

Most hostels and a few visitor homes gained’t present a towel throughout your keep. A fast dry towel is very sensible as a result of it’s straightforward to pack, and can dry rapidly even within the humid local weather.

Sarong

This can be a should for Cambodia and it’ll turn out to be useful extra instances than you may think about.

Sarongs are tremendous versatile and can be utilized for a lot of completely different functions. Cling it up and create a makeshift curtain, unfold it out for a picnic or seashore blanket, or tie it round your waist or shoulders for a extra conservative outfit.

I all the time deliver alongside a sarong with me, particularly if I plan on visiting temples. It’s straightforward to maintain in a day pack and pull out when wanted!

Raincoat

A raincoat is important, particularly for those who’re visiting Cambodia throughout moist season. You’re positive to be caught in a downpour sooner or later, so pack a light-weight raincoat that you may deliver alongside in your day pack for simple use when wanted.

Baggage Locks

Maintain your baggage protected by locking it up with TSA-approved locks. Bonus factors if the locks are large enough for use on hostel lockers!

Journey Pockets

There’s nothing extra vital than conserving your passport and cash protected whereas touring. I all the time preserve mine in a journey pockets, locked away safely and separate from my on a regular basis spending cash and bank cards.

For those who’re in search of a journey pockets, click on right here to take a look at our prime picks!

Whereas touring, it’s an excellent rule of thumb to depart most of your money packed away and take solely what you want. A journey pockets has tons of pockets for a passport, cash, change, and even pockets to retailer flight tickets or different journey paperwork.  

Toiletries to Carry

Right here’s a common checklist of toiletries you need to take into account bringing with you. It could be laborious to search out the identical merchandise you employ at residence whereas in Cambodia, so deliver sufficient for all the journey.

A sturdy toiletry bag with a lot of compartments is really useful. I really like this toiletries bag and all the time take it on my adventures.

For those who don’t really feel like packing your individual, take into account buying one in every of these toiletry kits which have every thing you’ll want for a visit. They arrive in each males’s and ladies’s merchandise, with a carrying bag.

Electronics

Maintain the electronics you’re taking to Cambodia with you to the naked minimal — solely deliver what you’ll actually need and use when you’re there.

Listed below are some really useful gadgets.

Adapter

A common adapter is important as a result of the retailers in Cambodia are most likely completely different from those you will have at residence. With an adapter, you’ll be capable of cost or plug in something you want.

Digicam and SD Playing cards

The locations you go to in Cambodia are breathtakingly stunning and name for frequent picture ops.

Make sure you deliver alongside a digicam to doc particular moments all through the journey. Additionally bear in mind to deliver further SD playing cards in case you run out of reminiscence, and a charger, in fact.

Learn our full information to the finest journey cameras.

Kindle

Save room and weight in your bag by bringing a Kindle as an alternative of books. With a Kindle, you will have 1000’s of titles at your fingertips, supplying you with loads of studying materials whereas on the street.

Headphones

For those who plan on touring in Cambodia, put together for lengthy bus rides. Cross the time by listening to music or audiobooks alongside the best way.

Powerbank

Days in Cambodia can get fairly lengthy as there’s rather a lot to see. Carry an influence financial institution to maintain your electronics totally charged on even the longest days.

Different Gadgets

Listed below are another gadgets you need to deliver together with you to ensure your journey is as profitable and hassle-free as doable.

First Help Package

Be ready for something with a journey first help equipment. Whether or not you want band aids, an ace wrap or a fast painkiller, a journey first help equipment has it multi function handy place.

Sun shades

Defend these eyes from dangerous UV rays with a pair of reliable sun shades. I can full-heartedly advocate this sun shades as they’re practical, sturdy, and good wanting.

Afterbite

Getting bug bites in Cambodia is inevitable. Maintain your self from scratching by making use of Afterbite to your bumps.

Aloe

For those who burn simply, undoubtedly deliver alongside some aloe to sooth your sunburn and preserve your pores and skin from peeling!

Dramamine

This can be a should for me after I go to Cambodia.

When touring round, the roads should not typically paved, making for tremendous bumpy and lengthy journeys. Coupled with a cramped bus (typically with out air-con), this makes for an extremely disagreeable journey expertise.

Maintain an upset abdomen at bay with Dramamine or different movement illness medication.

Pocket book & Pens

Maintain monitor of all you do in a journal that you may look again on years down the street. Don’t overlook writing supplies!

Planning Your Cambodia Journey

For those who’re nonetheless within the planning phases of your Cambodia journey, listed below are some vital issues to notice.

Visa

For those who don’t have a passport from an ASEAN nation, you’ll want to have the right visa sorted out earlier than taking your journey to Cambodia.

A single entry vacationer visa to Cambodia is legitimate for 30 days and prices $30 USD. Most instances, you will get a visa on arrival, however you’ll want to have a passport that’s legitimate for not less than 6 months, further passport pictures, and the right amount of cash within the designated foreign money.

Forex

The official foreign money of Cambodia is the riel, however U.S. {dollars} are broadly used all through the nation. Most ATMs ship {dollars} as an alternative of riel, however there are many locations to alternate foreign money within the uncommon incidence that the greenback isn’t accepted.

An attention-grabbing side of this foreign money state of affairs is that U.S. cash aren’t used, solely payments. So for those who pay for one thing and require small change, you’ll possible obtain it in riel even for those who use {dollars} initially.

Lodging in Cambodia

One of many superior issues about Cambodia (and nearly all of Southeast Asia) is that there’s an abundance of low-cost lodging obtainable for vacationers to select from.

Irrespective of your funds, you’re capable of finding stays starting from hostel dorms to a 5 star, luxurious retreat.

To see what we’re speaking about, try our article on finest locations to remain in Cambodia!

Transportation in Cambodia

Transportation: We advocate downloading the Skyscanner App and utilizing Bookaway or 12Go web site to view bus, boat, and practice schedules forward of time. We’ve used these web sites throughout Asia, and so they save us the trouble of lining up at journey companies or bus stations.

Whereas reserving buses in Cambodia, I like to recommend sticking with Mekong Specific or Big Ibis, which have the most secure monitor information and are throughout the very best firms to journey with.

Cambodia Security Ideas

When touring in Cambodia, it’s vital to be alert and conscious of your environment. It’s a typically protected place, however there are vacationer traps and scams that rope in harmless vacationers.

Concentrate on shared taxi scams and false visa expenses. To keep away from these, do correct analysis in regards to the buses you intend on taking and the necessities for getting into the nation.

Be cautious of bus drivers attempting to persuade you to remain at a sure guesthouse or change cash at a sure alternate place. Usually instances, bus drivers obtain a hefty fee from the enterprise they push vacationers in the direction of.

Additionally you’ll want to preserve your belongings near you, particularly your valuables. For girls, I like to recommend utilizing a cross physique purse with a zipper to maintain your belongings protected from pickpockets. Males ought to keep away from conserving their telephones and pockets of their again pockets as a result of these are the best targets.

Different Assets

Be sure to learn our full Cambodia Journey Information, whether or not you’re in search of locations to go to, issues to see, what to eat, or nice spots to remain.