What to Wear in Cambodia: Dress Code for Tourists

Deciding what to pack is important when planning a trip to Cambodia. Suitable clothing choices will depend on the time of year and the places the traveler will visit.

On this page, tourists can find out what to wear in Cambodia. It explains the Cambodia dress code for visiting temples and during festivals, plus general advice for staying cool and comfortable.

While important, you should not start packing until you have checked Cambodia visa requirements. Eligible tourists can apply online.

Dressing for the Weather in Cambodia

Travelers in Cambodia can expect high temperatures and humidity all year round. In general, loose and light clothing is recommended.

Long-sleeved cotton and linen garments offer protection from the sun and insects.

There are some additional considerations depending on the time of year:

Clothes to wear during the cool season—December to February

Moderate temperatures ranging from 70 to 90ºF (21 to 32ºC). January is the coldest month of the year.

You may wish to take an extra layer such as a light jacket in case of any cooler days or nights.

Protection from the sun in the hot season—March to June

April is the hottest month of the year, temperatures reach 104ºF (40ºC). Cool clothing that provides protection from the heat is essential.

You should also pack a sun hat and sunglasses.

Waterproof clothing for the rainy season—June to September, October to November

If traveling to Cambodia during the monsoon season, you should take waterproof clothing including a raincoat and suitable footwear. Many locals and visitors wear plastic flip-flops during the rain.

What You Should Not Wear in Cambodia

Tourists in Cambodia should avoid wearing revealing clothing. Cambodians dress in a conservative manner. Therefore, you should aim to dress similarly to avoid causing offense.

Jeans are not recommended due to the high temperatures and humidity. Cotton and linen pants are more suitable options.

You may wear bathing suits or bikinis at beaches frequented by tourists. However, make sure to cover up when not swimming or sunbathing.

Is it ok to wear shorts in Cambodia?

In large cities, Cambodians are used to foreign visitors, and attitudes towards how they dress are fairly relaxed. Shorts are acceptable in cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Phenh that welcome many tourists.

However, even in cities, visitors should avoid very short skirts or shorts or showing their midriff.

In more rural areas it is best to wear shorts, pants, or skirts that fall below the knee.

There are also temples and sacred sites, the Royal Palace, and somber monuments (in Phnom Penh commemorating the Civil War, for example) where bare knees and shoulders are not acceptable.

What to Wear to a Cambodia Temple

Visiting temples is a popular activity for tourists in Cambodia. Therefore, you should be aware of the dress code for visiting religious sites.

Conservative dress is important when visiting temples. You’ll be expected to cover your legs and shoulders and wear long-sleeved items of clothing.

You may also carry a pashmina or other fabric which you can wear over your clothes before entering a temple or other religious place.

Is There a Dress Code at Angkor Wat?

Once the capital of the Khmer Empire (8th to 16th century), Angkor Wat is today still an active spiritual site visited by Buddhist monks and local worshipers. Yet, , this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Asia.

The APSARA National Authority (ANA) is the institution responsible for the management and conservation of the area. Part of its work is also the effort to ‘harmonize the tourist experience with public safety and respect towards the local community’.

They issued the official Angkor Wat Visitor Code of Conduct after liaising with local communities, visitors, tour guides, and restoration teams.

The Code of Conduct includes simple rules for tourists who wish to explore the site respectfully and covers topics like access to restricted areas, smoking, dress codes, and other Dos and Don’ts.

The dress etiquette for Angkor Wat prohibits revealing clothes such as garments that leave shoulders, knees, and cleavage exposed.

Therefore, you should avoid shorts. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and pants, or below-the-knee skirts when visiting Angkor Wat. Additionally, wear comfortable shoes and avoid sandals or flip-flops, as a lot of walking may be involved.

What Should I Pack for Cambodia?

Based on the above considerations, below you can find lists of recommended items for female and male tourists in Cambodia.

These lists should be adapted depending on whether your trip is during the wet or dry season.

Clothing can be purchased from market stalls in Cambodia. If you do not wish to carry much luggage, or are missing an item, you can buy clothes when they arrive.

Clothes for female tourists in Cambodia

Female tourists should take comfortable clothing and always carry an item to cover up bare shoulders and legs:

Clothes for Male Tourists in Cambodia

Men can generally select clothing that is cool and comfortable for their trip to Cambodia:

What Is the Traditional Dress of Cambodia?

The majority of Cambodians dress casually on most occasions. During festivities such as the Khmer New Year and other formal events, they may wear a traditional outfit.

Cambodia is proud of its textiles and silk weaving is considered an important part of Cambodia’s cultural past. Ever since ancient times, local women have been using complex methods (such as the twill technique) and intricate patterns.

What is the most popular Cambodian outfit?

The Cambodian Sarong, the Sampot, is considered Cambodia’s national garment. It is a rectangular cloth worn around the waist by both men and women.

The Sampot goes back to the Funan era, when it came into use due to a royal order issued by the king.

The Sampot can be draped and folded in multiple ways. There are several variations in style and material, which may be an indication of the wearer’s social status.

The Krama: a traditional Cambodian garment with many uses

Used by children, men, and women in all regions, the krama has a varied range of uses.

It consists of a thin cloth made of silk or cotton and it can be ornate with several patterns — although most people prefer a simple gingham pattern and red or blue colors.

Most Cambodians wear the krama around their head as a scarf or bandana to protect themselves from the sun. However, it can be used as a decorative garment or even as a hammock for children.

Finally, it’s also considered a form of weaponry by Bokator fighters, who wrap it around their heads or fists. The color of the krama indicates a fighter’s martial art skill level — from white (the lowest level) to black (the most advanced level).

Other Items to Take to Cambodia

In addition to suitable clothing, you'll need several other items to visit Cambodia.

Travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date.

You may also need a visa for Cambodia. Most nationalities can apply for the Cambodia eVisa and receive the permit by email. You should print at least one copy.

Other recommended items include:

Most tourists carry a backpack, a practical option when traveling around the country.