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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

South Coast, Cambodia

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Prioritize lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. Loose-fitting clothing offers comfort in heat and humidity.

Seasonal Recommendations

  • Year-Round: Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best.
  • Dry Season: Pack light, casual items. A Light jacket or long-sleeved shirt is useful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.
  • Wet Season: Bring quick-drying clothing. A lightweight, waterproof Rain jacket or Compact umbrella is necessary.

Cultural & Activity Attire

When visiting religious sites, modest dress with covered shoulders and knees. A Sarong or scarf provides a quick cover-up. Casual clothing finds acceptance for general wear. Swimwear is normal at beaches.

Activity Specifics

  • Hiking/Trekking: Lightweight long pants and Long-sleeved shirts for Sun protection and insect bite avoidance.
  • Swimming: Swimsuits, board shorts, and bikinis are appropriate for beaches and hotel pools.
  • Religious Sites: Cover shoulders and knees. Sihanoukville does not typically necessitate formal tourist attire.

Footwear Recommendations

Everyday Wear

Comfortable sandals or flip-flops suit most situations.

Casual comfort.

City Exploration

Lightweight, breathable Walking shoes or sneakers are good for city excursions.

Urban terrain.

Beach & Wet Conditions

Water shoes or sturdy sandals are useful for rocky areas or water walking. Waterproof sandals for rainy season.

Coastal and rainy durability.

Essential Documents

Important Travel Papers

Keep your documents organized and secure. This practice prevents problems during your trip.

  • Passport and visa documentation: Carry your original passport. Have physical and digital copies of your Cambodian visa.
  • Travel insurance policy information: Bring a physical printout and a digital copy of your policy details, including emergency contacts.
  • International driving permit (if applicable): You need this for vehicle rental. Carry your home country's driver's license too.
  • Vaccination records and health documentation: A copy of your vaccination record is useful. Include health conditions or prescription details.
  • Printed and digital copies of reservations: Keep copies of flight tickets, hotel bookings, and tour confirmations.
  • Emergency contact information: A list of emergency contacts (family, friends), your embassy/consulate, and travel insurance provider.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): Discounts are less common in Sihanoukville, but these IDs might occasionally lead to a discount.
  • Consider IVisa or VisaHQ for visa application services.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Cambodia uses 230V, 50Hz. Plug types are mainly Type A (two flat parallel pins), Type C (two round pins), and Type G (three rectangular pins). A Universal travel adapter covering these types is a strong suggestion.

Mobile & Charging

  • Mobile phone compatibility: Ensure your phone is unlocked for a local SIM card. Airalo offers eSIMs.
  • Portable chargers and power banks are useful for keeping devices charged on the go, especially during long travel days or island excursions.
  • Power adapter: A universal travel adapter is highly suggested.

Photography & Apps

A Compact digital camera or a Smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most travelers. Consider a Waterproof case for island trips. For advanced gear, visit B&H Photo.

Recommended Apps & Backup

  • Navigation: Google Maps (download offline maps) and Maps.me.
  • Ride-hailing: Grab, PassApp.
  • Translation: Google Translate (download Khmer for offline use).
  • Backup: Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive for photos and documents. Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure connections.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Drive or Dropbox for convenient, off-site data backup of photos and important documents.

External Hard Drive

An External hard drive provides a physical backup for large files and a secure copy of your digital memories.

VPN Services

A Virtual Private Network (NordVPN or ExpressVPN) secures your internet connection, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit Contents

A well-stocked personal health kit readies you for common travel ailments and unexpected situations. An Adventure medical kit serves this purpose.

Essential Supplies

Sun & Insect Protection

Temperatures are high. Using high-SPF Sunscreen, wearing a hat, staying hydrated, and seeking shade during midday hours are good practices. For water, LifeStraw offers consumer products.

Climate-Specific Protection

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness Remedies

  • Motion sickness medication is useful for ferry trips to the islands.
  • This is especially true during rougher seas in the wet season.
  • Over-the-counter remedies are generally available.

Personal Hygiene Items

  • Most common personal hygiene items are available locally.
  • Specific brands or organic products might be hard to find.
  • Bring personal toiletries if you have specific preferences. Hand sanitizer is highly suggested.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling/Diving

Gear often rentable. Some travelers prefer their own Mask and snorkel for hygiene and proper fit.

  • Hygiene and fit consideration.
  • Rental availability at local shops.
  • Consider personal comfort.
  • Quality of rental gear varies.

Hiking

Lightweight, breathable clothing and Comfortable walking shoes for treks. Consider longer sleeves for sun and insect protection.

  • Lightweight clothing for comfort.
  • Proper footwear for terrain.
  • Long sleeves for protection.
  • Hydration is important.

Beach/Water

A Quick-dry towel and a Rash guard for sun protection while swimming. A Waterproof dry bag for electronics.

  • Quick-drying towel.
  • Rash guard for sun.
  • Waterproof bag for electronics.
  • Swimwear is standard.

Equipment Decisions: Rent vs. Buy

Items to Rent

  • Snorkel gear: Readily available for rent at island resorts and tour operators.
  • Motorbikes/scooters: Widespread for rent in Sihanoukville, but caution is wise.
  • Kayaks/paddleboards: Often available for rent directly from beachside vendors.
  • For flights, consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for comparisons.

Items to Bring

  • Required personal items: Medications, specific toiletries.
  • A Waterproof dry bag for electronics on boat trips.
  • High-quality specific sunscreens or insect repellents.
  • Outdoor or adventure gear, if you prefer your own or have specific needs.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Long bus or train journeys are more comfortable with a Travel neck pillow and an Eye mask. Small TSA-approved luggage locks for bags and hostel lockers. A discreet Money belt keeps passport, cash, and credit cards secure.

Personal Security

  • Pacsafe provides anti-theft bags and travel security products.
  • An RFID-blocking wallet or passport holder offers protection against electronic theft.
  • Always store valuables in hotel safes when possible.
  • An Eye mask and Neck pillow for restful travel.

Reusable & Region-Specific

A Reusable water bottle is good for staying hydrated and plastic waste reduction. A Filtered water bottle is ideal. A Compact reusable shopping bag for market visits. A travel set of cutlery (Reusable utensils) cuts single-use plastic.

Special Items to Consider

  • A good quality Waterproof phone pouch is useful for beach and island trips.
  • High-quality specific sunscreens, particular brands of insect repellent, specific prescription medications.
  • Certain outdoor or adventure gear might be harder to find or more expensive locally.
  • Consider items that are difficult or expensive to purchase locally if you have specific preferences or needs.

Gear Comparison Table

Universal Adapter

Adapts to multiple plug types.

Portable Power Bank

10,000-20,000mAh capacity.

DEET Insect Repellent

30%+ DEET or 20% Picaridin.

Water Filter Bottle

Filters tap water for safe drinking.

More Gear Considerations

Comfort Items

  • Travel neck pillow: Supports comfort on long journeys.
  • Eye mask: Aids rest during travel.
  • Comfortable socks: Essential for long walks or flights.

Protective Gear

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light and efficiently. Roll clothes to save space. Use packing cubes to organize your luggage.

Consider multi-purpose items to reduce overall weight. Always leave some room for souvenirs!