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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

South Coast, Cambodia

Season-Specific Clothing

Dry Season (November - May): Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking materials. These fabrics manage the heat. Shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses fit daytime wear. A light sweater or a long-sleeved shirt is useful for cooler evenings, notably from November to February or in air-conditioned spaces.

Wet Season June - October

  • Choose similar lightweight, quick-drying clothing. A Lightweight rain jacket or an Umbrella is helpful.
  • Clothes may take longer to dry due to high humidity. Consider packing a few extra outfits.

Cultural & Activity Attire

Cambodia is a conservative country. Dressing modestly displays respect for local customs. For temples and pagodas, shoulders and knees must have coverage. Carry a Sarong or scarf for quick cover-ups. Shorts and t-shirts are fine for casual settings, but avoid overly revealing clothing.

Activity-Specific

  • Hiking (Kep National Park): Wear comfortable Walking shoes or Hiking sandals. Long pants protect against insects.
  • Swimming: Swimwear is fine for beaches and pools.
  • Religious Sites: Follow modesty guidelines. Kep typically lacks formal events.

Footwear Recommendations

Everyday Wear

Sandals or flip-flops are common for comfort walking around town and on beaches.

Casual Comfort

Walking/Exploring

Pack Comfortable walking shoes or breathable Sneakers for general sightseeing. These offer support for longer walks.

Sightseeing Support

Water Activities

Water shoes are useful for rocky beaches or boat excursions. They protect your feet from sharp objects.

Beach & Boat

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Keep your important documents organized and secure. Having both physical and digital copies represents a smart travel practice.

  • Passport and visa documentation (physical and digital).
  • Travel insurance policy information and emergency contacts.
  • International driving permit (if renting scooter).
  • Vaccination records and health documentation.
  • Printed and digital copies of flight, hotel, and tour reservations.
  • Emergency contact information (family, embassy, credit card).
  • Student/senior/press IDs for potential discounts.
  • Copies of all important documents, stored separately. A Travel document organizer assists.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Cambodia uses 230V, 50Hz, with plug types A, C, and G. A Universal travel adapter covering these types is recommended. Most unlocked smartphones are compatible with Cambodia's GSM network.

SIM Cards & Charging

Photography & Apps

A Smartphone camera often suffices for good photos. For higher quality photos of landscapes, market scenes, and wildlife, a Mirrorless camera or a compact DSLR displays a good choice. A Portable tripod is useful for low-light shots.

Recommended Apps & Backup

  • Navigation: Google Maps or Maps.me for offline maps.
  • Translation: Google Translate (download Khmer pack).
  • Backup: Use cloud storage (Google Drive/Dropbox) or a Portable SSD for local backups.

Online Security VPNs

NordVPN

A reliable consumer VPN service for secure browsing. Visit NordVPN

ExpressVPN

A fast VPN service with servers in many locations. Visit ExpressVPN

B&H Photo

For camera and electronics retail needs. Visit B&H Photo

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

Pack a specific health kit for Kep's environment. This prepares you for common travel ailments and existing health needs. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Pack Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., Loperamide) and rehydration salts.

Specific Health Needs

Prevention & Hydration

Pack pain relievers, antacids, and cold or flu remedies. Motion sickness pills help for boat trips to islands. Altitude sickness is not a concern in Kep. Bring repellent with high DEET or Picaridin content for good mosquito protection.

Sun & Water Protection

Personal Hygiene & Availability

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness remedies are useful for boat trips to islands like Koh Tonsay.
  • Pack medications for general travel comfort.
  • Keep remedies handy for unexpected motion.

Hygiene Items

  • Most basic toiletries are available in Kep.
  • Specific brands or organic/sensitive skin products might be harder to find.
  • Bring your preferred personal hygiene items.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Tailor your gear to the activities you plan in Kep. This puts you in a position to have the right tools for your adventures.

  • A Small daypack for water and snacks.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing.
  • Water is very important for hikes.
  • Sun protection is a good idea.

Snorkeling/Swimming

Pack swimwear. Consider bringing your own Snorkeling mask and snorkel for hygiene and comfort. Rentals are available on Koh Tonsay, but quality varies.

Rent vs. Bring

Decide if buying or renting equipment is better based on your trip length and budget. Snorkeling gear is available for rent on Koh Tonsay. Scooters rent easily from guesthouses in Kep. Kayaks might be available at some resorts.

  • Rentals for short-term use.
  • Buying for frequent travelers.
  • Consider quality versus cost.
  • Local availability is important.

Rent vs. Buy Decisions

When to Rent Equipment

  • Short trips or infrequent activities.
  • Avoids packing bulky items.
  • Equipment is available locally.
  • No long-term storage commitment.

When to Bring Equipment

  • Longer trips or frequent use.
  • Specific fit or preference is important.
  • Local rental quality is uncertain.
  • Cost savings over multiple rentals.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items contribute to your comfort and security during travel. A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs make long bus rides more comfortable. A Money belt, a Small padlock for luggage or hostel lockers, and an RFID-blocking wallet add security.

Security Accessories

  • RFID-blocking wallet to protect card data.
  • Small padlock for bags or hostel lockers.
  • Money belt for concealed valuables.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings.

Reusable & Region-Specific

A reusable water bottle, a Reusable shopping bag, and reusable straws or utensils aid in waste reduction. A Dry bag is useful for boat trips to protect electronics from water splashes. High-quality sunscreen, specific insect repellents, and certain medications can be hard to find or costly locally.

Eco-Friendly & Unique Needs

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to lessen plastic use.
  • Reusable shopping bag for market visits.
  • Dry bag for water activities.
  • Medicines or specific toiletries difficult to source.

Packing Essentials Gallery

Universal Travel Adapter

To power your devices.

Quick Dry Travel Clothing

For climate comfort.

Travel Document Organizer

Keep papers handy.

Portable Power Bank

Stay charged on the go.

Image Gallery Overview

Item Categories

  • These images show important items to bring.
  • They cover power, clothing, documents, and charging.
  • These items help you stay charged, comfortable, and organized.

Travel Advantages

  • Being prepared simplifies your journey.
  • The right gear makes exploration easier.

Smart Packing Tips

Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize different clothing categories. This keeps your luggage tidy.

Pack a small bag for dirty laundry to keep it separate. Always leave some extra space for souvenirs you might buy. This prevents overpacking and makes returning home easier.