What to Pack for Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Packing List

What to Wear in Angkor Wat: Cambodia Packing List

Angkor Wat is the most popular tourist destination in all of Cambodia and is visited by over 9,000 tourists every day. If you’re planning a trip to visit these spectacular temples, you’ll need to be prepared for a lot of walking in the blazing sun while carrying photography gear. It’s a lot to think about when packing your bag. But, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our list below to prepare your Cambodia packing list items for your trip to Angkor Wat!

And to help you plan your trip, be sure to read our Complete Guide to Angkor Wat!

Essential Angkor Wat Packing List

Angkor Wat Guide Book

The Angkor Archeological Complex is huge so it really helps to do some reading about the history of the Angkor Kingdom and the temples in advance. Order a travel guide before your trip so you can read it on your planned ride to Cambodia. Having some background knowledge will make your time exploring Angkor Wat even more amazing!

Electronics

Camera

Don’t rely on your cellphone camera to take amazing photos of the temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Invest in a small, lightweight camera that packs a punch. The Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera is half the size and weight of a standard DSLR but has the same size APS-C image sensor so it takes images of similar quality. Plus, it has interchangeable lenses, an E-mount system, captures 11fps frames per second in continuous shooting, and has wifi connectivity.

It also takes amazing low-light photos – perfect for capturing Angkor Wat at sunrise!

Angkor Wat Packing List: Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera

Don’t forget to purchase extra camera batteries!

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Travel Photography Packing List

Tripod

If you’re like everyone else that visits Angkor Wat, you’ll want to get up early to catch the sunrise in front of the main temple. You’re going to need a sturdy, lightweight travel tripod if you really want to capture the moment. This will be one of the heaviest things that you’ll have to lug around all day while exploring the temples so you’ll want to spend a bit more to get one that is compact and lightweight.

At only 1.76 lbs, the SIRUI T-1205X 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod is extremely lightweight while remaining durable. The silicon twist ensures stability and the short center column allows you to get lower than most tripods. Plus it packs up really small to take up less room in your bag.

Angkor Wat Packing List: SIRUI T-1205X 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod
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Camera Bag

You’ll be carrying a camera and tripod around all day, as well as other essentials like water, sunscreen, and snacks. So you’ll need a bag that’s big enough to fit everything and that will keep your gear protected. This backpack by GOgroove has a tripod holder and moveable compartments to keep your camera gear organized. Plus, the straps are padded so it’ll be comfortable to wear all day.

Angkor Wat Packing List: GOgroove Camera Backpack for Travel

Portable Hard Drive

If you’re anything like us, you’ll be taking hundreds of photos of the temples of Angkor Archaeological Park. And you’ll need a way to store those photos. Bring along a portable external hard drive so you won’t have to worry about running out of storage space for all of your beautiful photos of temples and monks.

We like the Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim which gives you 2 terabytes of storage and weighs only 5 ounces.

Angkor Wat Packing List: Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim External Hard Drive
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Travel Adapter

The outlets in Cambodia fit A, C, and G plugs so if you’re coming from the US you won’t need a travel adapter. I personally like to carry a universal travel adapter so that I can plug multiple gadgets in at once. Cambodia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz so don’t forget to change the voltage on your hair dryer!

Universal Travel Adapter

Power Bank

You’ll be using your cellphone all day at Angkor Archaeological Park, snapping photos and videos at every temple. Plus, you may need your map to figure out how to get back to your tuk-tuk. Be sure to bring a power bank along so your phone doesn’t run out of juice. We love the Anker PowerCore Lite because it’s lightweight but has a lot of charging power.

Anker Powercore Lite Power Bank
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Toiletries

Sunscreen

Most people choose to wake up before sunrise to head to Angkor Wat. Not only to watch the sunrise but also because it’s the only time of the day that is relatively cool here. By 9 am, the sun becomes unrelenting and many of the temples offer only minimal shade. Be sure to slather on sunscreen throughout the day to keep you from burning.

Angkor Wat Packing List: Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion

If you do end up getting burned, this after-sun lotion should help.

Mosquito Repellent

As with most countries in SE Asia, the mosquitoes in Cambodia are rampant. You’ll want to wear breathable pants in the evenings if you plan on dining outdoors and dose yourself in deet-free insect repellent.

Angkor Wat Packing List: REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Pump Spray

Other Important Toiletries

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Angkor Wat Packing List: Clothing and Footwear

Flat (Non-White) Shoes

The roads throughout the Angkor Archaeological Park are dusty and uneven. The stairs to reach the top of the temples are steep and difficult to climb. You can wear flip-flops if you would like but your feet will be covered in a thick layer of dust by the end of the day. And you will probably appreciate having some traction from flat, closed-toed sneakers.

Angkor Wat Packing List: Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Madison Fashion Sneaker

Lightweight, Breathable Dresses

Some of the temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park are still used for religious purposes. So be respectful at the temples and cover your knees and shoulders. Keep in mind that it will be extremely hot so choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. These are a few of my favorite dresses for travel:

What to Wear to Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Floral Print Maxi Dress
What to Wear to Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Printed Wrap Maxi Dress
What to Wear to Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Short Sleeve Maxi Dress
What to Wear to Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
What to Wear to Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Short Sleeve Maxi Dress with Pocket
What to Wear to Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Short Sleeve Casual Maxi Dress
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Other Clothing Essentials

  • Several pairs of lightweight, breathable pants
  • Several cotton t-shirts
  • A scarf to cover your shoulders while inside the temples
  • Flip-flops to wear around town
  • A swimsuit for your hotel pool
  • One pair of underwear per day
  • One pair of socks per day
  • Bras
  • Pajamas

Accessories

Travel Umbrella

Throw a compact travel umbrella in your suitcase before heading to Cambodia. This isn’t actually for rain (although you never know, there are occasional showers here), it’s for keeping you shaded from the harsh sun. It’s a good way to create your own shade when there is none to be found.

Angkor Wat Packing List: Travel Umbrella with Waterproof Case

This lace parasol will be more difficult to pack but it will look a lot better in your Angkor Wat photos…

Angkor Wat Packing List: AEAOA Handmade Ivory Lace Parasol Umbrella

Foldable Sun Hat

If you’d rather not carry around a sun umbrella, a brimmed hat is another option for protecting your face and shoulders from the harsh sun rays. Joyebuy makes several cute straw hats that can roll or fold to fit in your suitcase, but keep their shape when you’re ready to put them on.

Angkor Wat Packing List: JOYEBUY Women's Floppy Big Brim Hat Bowknot Straw Hat Foldable Roll up Sun Hat

Polarized Sunglasses

Don’t forget to protect your eyes as well with a pair of polarized sunglasses! These come with a handy case to keep them safe in your carry-on.

Angkor Wat Packing List: LUENX Aviator Sunglasses Womens Polarized Mirror with Case

Angkor Wat Packing List: Don’t Forget!

  • Your passport!
  • Sign up for a credit card with no international transaction fees (we use and recommend the Chase Sapphire Prefered Credit Card).
  • Get an ATM card that will refund your ATM fees (we use and recommend the Charles Schwab Debit Card).
  • To call your credit card company and release your card for use in Cambodia.
  • A backup credit card in case you have any issues with your primary.
  • To upgrade to an international cell plan during the month that you’ll be gone.
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Things to Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Apps and Entertainment for Your Trip

  • Don’t forget to download offline maps of the cities you’ll be visiting in Cambodia.
  • Download Grab, the Uber of SE Asia (iPhone | Android).
  • Download PassApp to call tuk-tuks in Cambodia.
  • Get a subscription to Amazon Audible for access to a huge selection of audiobooks to listen to while on the plane.

Enjoy your trip to Angkor Wat!


Planning a trip to Angkor Wat? Don’t forget to pick up a travel guide!


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About the Author:

  • Valerie Wheatley

    Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag.

    Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her!

    These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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