Cambodia has two types of weather: hot, and hot and wet.
First things first, figure out which season you’re travelling in – wet or dry?
Click here to read more about weather 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).
Don't stress too much about covering up. There are some guidelines below about what female travellers should wear, but they are 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. Sidewalks (where they exist) are uneven and many sites are unpaved, so be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Shoes that can get wet are a must if you’re travelling during rainy season, when the streets flood quickly.
What should female travellers wear in Cambodia?
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 varies 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
- Raincoat
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flip flops
See our ultimate packing list for a more comprehensive list of items you should bring on your trip to Cambodia.
Click here to return to Cambodia FAQs
Our tours in Cambodia
18 Days
From
32880
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of Vietnam...
9 Days
From
16075
Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...
18 Days
From
36225
Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...
14 Days
From
25915
See the Best of Cambodia on a trip from the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, via the...
9 Days
From
14400
Follow the ancient trails on a trip to Thailand and Cambodia. Explore the temples of...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
12 Days
From
16315
Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on a 12-day Lonely Planet Experience through Cambodia...
13 Days
From
45840
Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...
9 Days
From
18340
See the best of Cambodia, learning about its history and customs as you cycle, trek and...
30 Days
From
65270
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of...
6 Days
From
20455
Unearth the essence of Cambodia on a leisurely journey that spends time seeing the...
9 Days
From
10746
From Bangkok you'll hit the ancient streets and temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get...
22 Days
From
27594
Bounce from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, through Phnom Penh, Kampot and Siem Reap, then head...
12 Days
From
16880
Travel to Cambodia on a 12-day Lonely Planet Experience, powered by Intrepid, from Ho...
22 Days
From
31090
Explore South East Asia on a 22-day Lonely Planet Experience through Vietnam, Cambodia...
26 Days
From
34195
Experience the best of South East Asia with Lonely Planet. Marvel at the Angkor complex...
12 Days
From
14927
Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...
9 Days
From
20985
Munch your way through Cambodia on this mouth-watering food adventure from Phnom Penh...
13 Days
From
38935
See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this 13-day adventure from Ho Chi...
23 Days
From
39165
Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...
20 Days
From
59340
Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...
23 Days
From
27234
Take a trip with the lot – Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Phong...
35 Days
From
54459
Join us for the South East Asian trip of your dreams – a little bit of Bangkok, a pinch...
8 Days
From
16015
Encounter Cambodia's complex history and welcoming culture on a small-group family...
3 Days
From
7438
Discover the secrets of Angkor on an Intrepid tour through Cambodia's temples of Angkor...
20 Days
From
56770
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
8 Days
From
13345
See past Angkor on an outlying Cambodian adventure. Beginning in Phnom Penh, see jungle...
27 Days
From
68810
Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...