CAMBODIA PACKING LISTS

All of us here in Cambodia are looking forward to welcoming you. The packing lists below are designed to help you prepare for your Cambodia trip and to ensure you bring the stuff you need, and that you don't bring a bunch of stuff you don't need. Cambodia is warm, tropical and sunny, so there is little need for heavy clothing. Assume that days will be in the 80s and sometimes even the low 90s, and that evenings generally cool off to between 55 degrees and 75 degrees depending where you are in the country. Experienced travelers have learned that over-packing is one of the worst things you can do on a trip, and this is particularly true in Cambodia. You may want to bring one suitcase for the things you will wear and use yourself, and another for any gifts, recycled clothing, or donations to the service projects you are bringing and will be leaving behind. You can then use that extra bag to bring home lots of cool gifts, clothing, and crafts that you can buy in Thailand at very low cost.

Read the PACKING LIST FOR ALL CAMBODIA TRIPS FIRST. Everyone coming to Cambodia or South East Asia (except the Come With Nothing students) should bring all of the items listed. The items marked "optional" are not required, but they are things you may like to consider bringing. After you have read through the PACKING LIST FOR ALL CAMBODIA TRIPS, then go to the program's web page to find more info on itineraries, maps, more specific details on packing lists and more. If you are joining more than one trip in South East Asia (and more than 90% of you are taking two or more trips), then read the packing lists for all of the trips you are joining.

*** Please note that Carry-On Luggage can not weigh more than 7 kilos and Check-In Luggage can not weigh more than 15 kilos.  If your bags weigh more than this, the airlines in Thailand will charge you an excess baggage fee for every kilo over the allowed limit.***

If you have questions about packing that are not covered on the packing list, please email thailand@rusticpathways.com with any specific questions you may have. We try to make these lists as clear as possible, so please don't email unless you really have a burning question that warrants an email to help you sleep at night!

 

GENERAL PACKING LIST
For All Cambodia Trips
Pack the following items in your Carry-On Luggage:

- PASSPORT - you can not get on the plane without this! - AIRLINE TICKETS - you can not get on the plane without these either! - WALLET - with a bit of US money for the trip over. Your allowance account will be available to you as soon as you arrive in Cambdodia. Most students bring something like $100 on the actual flight in case they need it along the way. - 2 Photo Copies of your Passport - you will give these to our staff when you arrive in Thailand. You only need to copy the 2-page spread that has your picture, date of birth, passport number, and personal information. - 1 Spare T-Shirt - you may want to change shirts somewhere during your flight - Pajama bottoms or chill pants – something comfy to lounge around the plane in - Sunglasses - Cambodia is sunny and you'll definitely want these - Toothpaste - keeps your smile gleaming - Toothbrush - unless you rub the toothpaste with your fingers - Journal and Pens - start the habit of writing in your journal before you leave - Do not bring any bottles of water or other liquids in your carry on luggage.  Due to new regulations, all liquid items must be checked.  Very small bottles of things like eye drops are o.k. - Snacks – comfort food that won’t melt, granola, etc. You don’t need much, but just in case you don’t like the airplane food. (However Singapore Air serves up some tasty meals) - Deck of Cards - fun for the plane and with your friends in Thailand too - Books – Something to pass the time. Suggested reading: Siddhartha by Herman Hesse & The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - Cameras - digital or film, disposable waterproof cameras can be nice too (but bulky). Don't forget to bring your chargers, batteries and memory sticks!! You can also bring your USB cords for downloading pics for emails. (For all ipod photo / video users, try and practice putting pictures onto your ipod at home before coming out here) (HINT: BRING ALL OF YOUR FILM IN YOUR CARRY-ON, AND ASK THE STAFF AT EVERY X-RAY STATION TO WALK THE FILM AND YOUR CAMERA AROUND THE MACHINE. DO NOT PACK YOUR FILM IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!)

Pack the following items in your Checked Luggage:

» To avoid delays and expensive fees on internal flights within Thailand, you will want to keep your checked luggage under 15 kilograms (33 lbs.) in weight.  Stick to the necessities and remember that the lighter your bags, the easier the trip.(The initials "PIAPB" indicate that you might want to pack these items in a plastic, zip-lock bag for easier, safer carrying.) » Travel Pillow (optional) - hard core travelers roll up their clothing - but small travel pillows are more comfortable » Long Pants (1 or 2 pairs - I suggest something lightweight) » Underwear (between 7 - 10 pair) » Socks (7 pairs) » Swimsuit » T-Shirts with sleeves (7 - 10 t-shirts) » Tank Tops (2 or 3) » Long Sleeve T-shirt - one or two - they help keep off the sun and the mosquitoes too » Rainproof, Lightweight Jacket or Umbrella - a small travel one is best » Shorts (3 or 4 pairs ) - not too short or tight, as this is offensive in Thai culture. » Tennis Shoes - 1 pair » Sandals that are strapped (Chacos or Tevas are recommended) - the Thais live in sandals » Flip-Flops - 1 pair - really cheap, lightweight ones you can slip on and off easily » Shoes (optional) – if you are a runner or otherwise active, if not, you’ll live in flip-flops » Soap in a Plastic Dish - 1 bar - PIAPB » Biodegradable Shampoo - 1 bottle- PIAPB » Personal First Aid Kit - optional but recommended - a small kit with basic first aid supplies » Small day bag – for side trips or hikes. » Sunscreen (lots of strong Sunscreen) - we suggest that you bring two completely different types. Alternate between them to avoid having any allergic reactions. – PIAPB » Chapstick » Sunburn cream or Aloe Lotion - if you are someone who is prone to sunburn, we suggest that you bring a small tube or bottle of sunburn relief cream just in case you get too much sun. - PIAPB » Insect Repellant - bring one that is heavy in DEET and one that is natural Citronella - 2 cans or bottles minimum. Remember that the mosquito is your enemy wherever you travel in the world. - PIAPB » Hand Sanitizer (2 or 3 small bottles per week you are traveling in Thailand) - always use this before you eat as many germs are passed from your hands to your mouth and keeping your paws clean helps keep you healthy wherever you are traveling! Carry some with you and pack the rest in a plastic bag in your suitcase.- PIAPB » Handiwipes or Towlettes - also good for cleaning the hands when there is no water readily available » Small packs of Kleenex Tissues - public toilets in most of Asia do not supply toilet paper - you are meant to bring your own. It's always handy to have a few packs of Kleenex tissues with you when you travel in Asia. » Hat for Sun - you may want to bring two hats or visors to keep off the sun, and to trade » Flashlight/Headlamp - bring one good one, and a lot of spare batteries. » Spare Batteries - just in case you missed this above! » Towel (1 towel - NOT white color) - white towels get really gross looking after a while » Laundry Bag for dirty laundry, or an old pillow case - keeps the clean stuff away from the dirty stuff so you don't have to sniff to find out. » Medications (must alert staff about these) - bring with you any medications that you will need while you are away. You will need to tell staff what medications you have brought during your orientation period. This is done privately, but it is essential that you disclose to your staff all medications you are carrying. » Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia - if you use contacts, bring all of your chemicals with you- PIAPB » PICTURES! Make up a small album! Pictures of mom, dad, boyfriend/girlfriend, dog, strange neighbors, school buddies, etc. - The Thai people are really interested in where you live, what your house looks like, what your parents and grandparents look like, what your school looks like, etc. This is a great way to break the ice, break the language barrier, and have some fun with your new Thai friends. If you arrive without some pictures of home, you will be bugged by the Thais for your whole stay! » Dominos or another game that is easy to explain with words » Musical Instrument (Guitars and Harmonicas, other portable instruments) - if you play an instrument at home and it fits in your suitcase easily, bring it along. The Thais are totally into music and you will get an audience no matter how strong or weak your skills. » Frisbee or Aerobee or Hackysack - or other things that are fun to do and easy to carry.