Cambodia has two types of weather: hot, and hot and wet. So before we get into what to wear, the first thing to do is figure out which season you’re travelling in – wet or dry?

Learn about the weather in Cambodia

What to wear in Cambodia

If you’re travelling between November and May, your main consideration will be staying cool during scorching days and muggy nights. Fabrics like linen or cotton and athletic wear made to repel sweat are appropriate. While you’ll experience some rain during this period, it will likely come in the form of light showers that pass quickly.

If you’re travelling from June through to the beginning of November, you’ll want to pack all of the above plus a raincoat and clothes that won’t go totally see-through if you get wet (which is inevitable).

A group of Intrepid travellers cycling over a bridge in Cambodia

Don't stress too much about covering up. There are some guidelines below about what female travellers should wear, but they're fairly relaxed, and men should dress however they feel comfortable. You’ll frequently see local guys standing shirtless with wet shirts tied around their heads and necks, ‘modesty’ be damned. If you’re visiting temples be sure to cover from shoulder to below the knee – this applies to all genders. A t-shirt and longish pants are fine for visiting most sacred sites.

Carefully consider your footwear before you travel — you'll spend lots of time exploring ancient sites like Angkor Wat on your feet! Pavements (where they exist) are uneven and many sites are unpaved, so bring comfortable walking shoes. Shoes that can get wet are a must if you’re travelling during the rainy season, when the streets flood quickly.

What should female travellers wear in Cambodia?

A traveller smiling in the back of a tuk tuk in Cambodia

You’ll see local women rocking everything from colourful two-piece cotton ‘pyjamas’ to head-to-toe Gucci. Expectations on what women ‘should’ wear vary greatly depending on social status and where they live – generally, wealthier women who live in cities are more likely to embrace ‘Western’ clothing and brands.

For foreign women, expectations are fairly relaxed. Cambodians, especially those in big cities, are used to foreigners and it’s highly unlikely you’ll be subject to any harassment (or even negative attention) due to what you’re wearing. Singlets and shorts are totally acceptable attire for women in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Avoid exposing your midriff or wearing micro-minis, but other than that, dress for your comfort level and to stay cool.

If you’re travelling to more rural areas like Battambang or Kampong Cham, you should opt for a t-shirt and shorts that fall just above the kneecap or lower.

Packing list for Cambodia

  • Loose, breathable clothing
  • Swim shorts or bathing suit
  • Sarong
  • Lightweight raincoat
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Flip flops/sandals
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Day bag

See our ultimate packing list for a more comprehensive list of items you should bring on your trip to Cambodia.

Return to Cambodia FAQs

Our Cambodia trips

18 Days From 1658

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Vietnam and Cambodia....

9 Days From 774

Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...

13 Days From 3411

Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...

13 Days From 2244

Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...

30 Days From 3337

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Thailand, Laos,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

12 Days From 724

Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City then take a trip through Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat...

6 Days From 880

Unearth the essence of Cambodia on a leisurely journey that spends time seeing the...

14 Days From 1237

See the Best of Cambodia from capital Phnom Penh via the ancient temples of Angkor Wat...

20 Days From 1040

On this epic trip through Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll bounce from Hanoi to the...

6 Days From 1341

Uncover the mysteries of incredible Angkor Wat on a Premium tour of Cambodia. Travel...

20 Days From 4451

Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...

20 Days From 2916

Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...

8 Days From 837

Encounter Cambodia's complex history and welcoming culture on a small-group family...

18 Days From 1472

Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...

8 Days From 940

See the best of Cambodia, learning about its history and customs as you cycle, trek and...

13 Days From 1740

See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this adventure from Ho Chi Minh...

8 Days From 948

Munch your way through Cambodia on this mouth-watering food adventure from Phnom Penh...

8 Days From 632

Follow the ancient trails on a trip to Cambodia, starting in Thailand and ending in...

10 Days From 549

Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...

23 Days From 2006

Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...

23 Days From 999

See Cambodia and Vietnam on a whirlwind trip that visits Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phonm Penh...

9 Days From 496

Travel to Cambodia on an adventure from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia’s Siem...

26 Days From 1472

Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...

9 Days From 455

From Bangkok, you'll hit the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get rural in Banteay...

19 Days From 1056

Explore South East Asia on a19-day adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia – Hanoi, Ho...

32 Days From 2178

Take an epic journey to Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang,...

27 Days From 3566

Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...

24 Days From 6368

Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...

20 Days From 2684

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...

19 Days From 2684

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...

19 Days From 2684

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...