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!

Don’t forget to purchase extra camera batteries!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Other Important Toiletries

• Blister protection (you’ll be walking a lot!)
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Anti-frizz hair cream because of the humidity
• Body wash
• Razor
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
• Feminine hygiene products or a Diva cup
• Deodorant
• Make-up
• Any medications
• Hairbrush and hair ties
• Hotels generally provide hair dryers for their guests but it’s best to bring a travel hair dryer (like this one by Conair) and a 2 in 1 travel curling iron and straightener, just in case.

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.

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:

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.

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

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.

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: 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.

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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