So, you’re off to Cambodia to see the lovely and mysterious Khmer Empire temples; Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm. Did you know that there are some temples which restrict what you are allowed to wear? And that they can ban you from entering because of your attire? Don’t worry, here’s your Angkor Wat packing list.
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument and, upon rediscovery in the 1840s, was declared “grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome”.
Before you go, though, there are a few things that you’ll need to know and that you’ll want to pack prior to visiting any of the temple complex sites. When I visited, I was in China and decided to go to Cambodia on a whim at the last minute, so I was caught by surprise by a few of the attire regulations at the temple complex. But you don’t have to be!
First of all, Siem Reap, the city closest to the temple complex, lies only 900 miles from the equator, and it is barely above sea level, so it is hot and humid all year long. Daytime highs are about 85 degrees all year long, except from February through April, when they can reach as high as 95 degrees. And, most of your time will be walking or climbing through and around high temples, adding to your heat.
The trick with packing is that you’ll want to pack clothes to keep cool, while also keeping modest in the conservative religious sites. In several of the sites you will need to keep your shoulders and your knees concealed in order to enter. You cannot wear shorts! If you are not wearing appropriate clothes, you could be prevented from entering the sites. A few of the sites do have clothing sellers outside of the entrances for women to pickup more modest attire, but not all of them! To save you from being turned away, use this Angkor Wat packing list.
Electricity power adapter required? No. Cambodia uses type A, C, and G plugs in most places.
Angkor Wat Packing List
The Basics
- Camera, lenses & tripod
- Backup Magsafe power bank and cord
- Backup hard drive and cord
- Headphones
- Environmentally safe sunscreen
- Polarized Sunglasses / leash
- Sunhat with a wide brim
- A primary pack for your gear
- Smaller daypack for adventures
- Reusable water bottle
- Passport and travel documents
- Packing cube
- Toiletries
- A small, quick drying towel is really nice to have in the humidity
Clothes
For most of the historic sites, you’ll need something to cover your shoulders and knees – so bring shorts sparingly. You won’t be able to use them much. Opt for longer sundresses or those loose harem pants. If you don’t bring any, they are available at some sites in town and are relatively inexpensive.
- Sundresses – easy to pack, comfortable, and versatile
- Balloon pants/Gypsy pants – even if these are not your style, you’ll end up needing them more than you expected.
- T-shirts or tennis shirts – extremely versatile and cooling for the humid Cambodia weather
- Tank tops
- Cotton scarf to cover your shoulders while inside temples
- Swim suit
Shoes
Leave your pretty heels and sandals at home! When you’re not exploring or climbing, you may be wandering around town. Most road are broken and uneven, if paved at all. Flip flops, tennis shoes or other walking shoes are best in town.
- Keens, tevas, or tennis shoes – you will be doing a bunch of climbing on rock and steep steps. Plus, it is dry and dusty most of the year, so you may want more protection for your feet.
- Flip flops for dinners in town
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