Cambodia
Packing list for Cambodia, travel insurance for Cambodia, and taking your belongings
What to take to Cambodia: brief
To pack and check
- Documents and money: a passport valid for at least another 6 months and an e-visa or visa on arrival, when applicable. Bring passport photos for this purpose as well.
- Money: cash remains important outside the larger cities and tourist centers. Small change is handy for tuk-tuks, markets, and street food. Bring a debit card, but also some US dollars; these are still widely used alongside the Cambodian riel. Especially on the islands.
- Clothing: light, linen, bamboo, or cotton clothing for the heat and humidity. For temples such as Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace, covering clothing is important; just putting on a scarf doesn't count here.
- Shoes: slip-ons for days with many temple and house visits, or sturdy sneakers that are easy to step into.
- Personal care and hygiene: the sun is strong all year round, even when it is cloudy. Many travelers underestimate how quickly they get sunburned due to the combination of heat, humidity, and sightseeing, so sunscreen with a high SPF is important. Also hand gel, and tissues. Tampons for those who use them, as they are hardly available in Cambodia. Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack is not an unnecessary luxury during the rainy season (roughly May to October).
- Insects and animals: a set of mosquito repellents with DEET or Picaridin.
- Medicines and travel first-aid kit: ORS, plasters, painkillers, hand gel, and remedies for stomach and intestinal problems.
- Outdoors and handy items: sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a hat or cap.
- Technology and equipment: type A, C, and G sockets are common; an universal adapter prevents frustration. Power bank and possibly a head torch for power outages (especially during the hot season from March to May).
To consider
- A quick-drying towel.
- For many travelers, temples are an important part of the trip. At religious sites, covering clothing is appreciated and sometimes even mandatory.
- Swimwear for islands like Koh Rong.
- Water shoes for rocky beaches and river activities.
- A lightweight scarf for sun, dust, and air conditioning.
- Local taxi apps, so you have a ride straight from the airport.
Are there mosquitoes in Cambodia?
- Yes, very many mosquitoes, and all year round.
- Mosquitoes are present all year round, but especially during and right after the rainy season. They occur in cities, villages, jungle areas, and on the islands.
- Dengue is common in Cambodia and poses the greatest health risk for travelers.
- Malaria still occurs in some remote forest areas along the border with Thailand and Laos, but much less frequently than in the past.
- More about protection against mosquitoes and insects or malaria.
Are there sandflies in Cambodia?
- Sandflies are mainly found on the islands, around coastal areas, in mangroves, and in humid nature reserves.
- A bite can itch for days and is often more irritating than a mosquito bite. Due to the humidity, scratched bumps can quickly become infected.
- Your kit of mosquito repellents with DEET can offer a solution!
- More about sandflies and sand fleas.
Can you buy DEET in Cambodia, or other mosquito repellents?
- In Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and other tourist areas, products containing DEET are readily available.
- Brands such as Soffell and Sketolene are popular.
- In remote areas, the selection may be more limited, so bring enough repellent with you especially when you are heading into the jungle.
Can you buy a joint or weed in Cambodia, or bring it into Cambodia?
- In the past, Cambodia sometimes seemed tolerant towards cannabis, but the law is clear: cannabis is illegal.
- Enforcement can vary, but possession, use, and importation of any (soft)drugs can cause significant problems. And as a foreigner, you are an easy target.
