What to Pack & Bring: Angkor Wat

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best year-round due to high temperatures and humidity. Cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetic materials work well. Choose light colors to reflect sunlight.

Seasonal Recommendations

Dry Season (Nov-Feb): Wear light clothing. A Light jacket or long-sleeved shirt might be good for cooler evenings or air-conditioned interiors.
Hot Season (Mar-May): Focus on very light, loose-fitting clothing. Prioritize garments that offer sun protection, like long-sleeved, light shirts.
Wet Season (Jun-Oct): Quick-drying fabrics are ideal. A lightweight, packable Rain jacket or sturdy Umbrella is good for unexpected downpours. Evenings can remain humid.

Cultural Dress & Modesty

When visiting temples, especially Angkor Wat, authorities enforce strict dress codes. Your knees and shoulders Must be covered for both men and women. This rule holds for the upper levels of Angkor Wat and other sacred areas.

General Etiquette

Modest dress receives appreciation generally outside of temples as well, though it is less strictly enforced.
Locals dress conservatively, and dressing similarly displays respect.
Activity-specific attire: Temple visits: See modesty requirements. Extensive walking is common. Swimming: Standard Swimwear is suitable for hotel pools.

Footwear Recommendations

Temple Walking

Comfortable Walking shoes or sturdy Sandals with good grip are needed. You will navigate uneven surfaces, climb many stairs, and sometimes encounter slippery paths at the temples.

Best for uneven surfaces and stairs.

Casual Wear

Flip-flops or open sandals for casual wear around town but are not good for extensive temple exploration. They offer little support and protection.

For short trips or relaxation.

Wet Season Ready

Consider waterproof footwear or sandals for the wet season. They aid with navigating muddy paths or walking through unexpected puddles.

Keep feet dry and secure.

Essential Documents

Required Travel Papers

Keep your important documents secure and accessible. Carry physical copies and digital backups.

Passport and visa documentation: Your passport is your most important document. Carry printouts of your e-Visa confirmation or any visa documents. Store digital copies on your phone, in cloud storage, and email them to yourself.
Travel insurance policy information: Have a physical copy of your policy details. Access to digital copies through email or an app is also wise.
International driving permit (if applicable): Self-driving for tourists is generally not recommended in Cambodia due to chaotic traffic and potential legal issues. A local license is often for motorcycles over 125cc.
Vaccination records and health documentation: Carry copies of your vaccination records. If you have specific medical conditions, a doctor's letter detailing your conditions and medications can be helpful.

Printed and digital copies of reservations: Keep confirmations for flights, hotels, and pre-booked tours.
Emergency contact information: Make a list of local emergency numbers (police, ambulance), your country's embassy contact, and family contacts. Keep this list in an easily accessible place and share it with a trusted person at home.
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): Discounts are rare for the Angkor Pass. However, some other attractions or transport services might offer concessions.
Financial Documents: Have copies of credit card numbers and bank contact information in a secure, separate location.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and powered up. Plan for the local electrical standards.

Electrical Standards

Voltage: Cambodia uses 230V, 50Hz. Plug types: Types A (two flat parallel pins), C (two round pins), and G (three rectangular pins, like the UK) are common.
A Universal travel adapter is highly recommended. It ensures you can charge all your devices.
Mobile phone compatibility: Most modern mobile phones work in Cambodia if they are unlocked and support GSM networks. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to purchase at the airport or in Siem Reap.

Photography & Charging

Capture memories and stay powered throughout the day.

Camera Essentials & Power

A versatile camera, whether a DSLR, mirrorless, or a Smartphone with a good camera, records the varied light conditions at the temples. A Wide-angle lens is good for temple scale.
Bring extra batteries and memory cards. A dust-proof Camera bag protects your gear from fine dust. Portable chargers for devices are needed for all-day exploration.
For secure browsing, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN. For connectivity, explore Airalo eSIMs.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud storage to back up photos and important documents remotely.

External Drive

An External hard drive or second memory card for local data copies.

Travel Apps

Recommended apps: Maps.me or Google Maps (offline maps), Google Translate (offline Khmer pack), Grab/PassApp (ride-hailing), WhatsApp/Telegram (communication).

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A personal health kit helps manage common travel ailments and comfort.

First Aid & Medication

Destination-specific First aid kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, Anti-diarrhea medication.
Prescription medications (with documentation): Carry all in original packaging with a doctor's note. Over-the-counter remedies for colds/flu, motion sickness, upset stomachs.
Insect repellent with high DEET content or picaridin. Pack high SPF Sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Hydration & Hygiene

Stay hydrated and maintain hygiene in the tropical climate.

Water & Personal Care

Water purification options: A Portable water filter or Purification tablets for sustainability and emergencies.
Personal hygiene essentials: Bring specific brands of toiletries, feminine hygiene products, or contact lens solutions if you have preferences.
Wear Wide-brimmed hats and Sunglasses.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness Remedies

Over-the-counter motion sickness medication for bus or boat journeys.
Ginger chews or other natural remedies.
Choose seats with good airflow during travel.

Altitude Considerations

Angkor Wat is on a flat plain; altitude sickness is not a concern here.
Maintain good hydration as a general health practice in the heat.
Consult a doctor if you have other health conditions impacting heat tolerance.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Walking

Lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable, supportive Hiking shoes are good.

Comfortable footwear.
Lightweight clothing.
Daypack for essentials.
Hydration.

Photography Gear

A versatile camera records the varied light conditions at the temples. Consider a wide-angle lens for scale and a telephoto lens for details. A Portable tripod helps with low-light shots.

Wide-angle lens.
Telephoto lens.
Portable tripod.
Extra batteries and cards.

Cycling Exploration

Bicycles are easily rented in Siem Reap for a low daily cost. This is an excellent way to see the temples.

Bicycle rental.
Helmet for safety.
Water bottle for hydration.
Small backpack.

Rent vs. Buy Decision Matrix

Items to Rent

Bicycles: Easily rented daily in Siem Reap for short distances.
Scooters/Motorcycles: Available for rent, but verify legalities for tourists (often requires local license).
Cars: Generally come with a driver; self-driving is not advised for tourists.
Umbrellas: Commonly found for purchase if needed for rain or sun.

Items to Bring

Small binoculars: Bring your own for observing temple details or birdwatching.
High-quality camera gear: Best brought from home for specific photography needs.
Comfortable walking shoes: Essential for extensive temple exploration.
Personal medications: Any required prescription or specific over-the-counter drugs.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Items to enhance comfort and security during your journey.

Travel Comfort & Safety

Comfort items for transportation: A Travel pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for long journeys.
Security items: A Money belt or neck pouch keeps cash/documents secure. Combination locks for luggage.
An RFID blocking wallet protects your cards.
Consider a Nordace bag for modern travel gear.

Day-to-Day Essentials

Practical items for daily exploration and responsible travel.

Daily Use & Local Needs

Reusable items: A Reusable water bottle lessens plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag for market purchases.
A Travel utensils set lessens single-use plastic when eating street food.
Region-specific: A Small flashlight or Headlamp for early morning temple visits.
A Small daypack for water, snacks, camera, and a cover-up for temples.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Bottle

Reduce plastic waste.

Reusable Bag

For market purchases.

Travel Cutlery

Avoid single-use plastics.

Sun Protection

Protect yourself naturally.

Destination-Specific Items

Unique Considerations

No specific unique items for Angkor Wat; standard travel gear works well.
Be mindful of extreme heat and humidity.
Mosquito protection is a must for all times.

Difficult to Find Locally

High-quality insect repellent might be harder to find.
Specific medications you rely on.
Certain types of sunscreens.

Packing Pro Tips

Smart packing leads to a better travel experience. Consider using packing cubes for organization and a digital luggage scale to avoid overweight fees.

Always check weather forecasts closer to your departure date for any last-minute adjustments. Keep important documents in a waterproof pouch.

What to Pack & Bring