What to pack for a Mekong River trip

Plugs and voltage in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand

All four countries run on 220 or 230 volts, twice the US voltage. Outlets almost everywhere take the US flat-pin plug (type A) and the European two-round-pin plug (type C). But a US-style outlet does not mean 120 V: a device rated for 120 V only won't work without a converter, so check the label on each device^[2][3][4]. Thailand's tourist office gives the voltage for Thailand^[1]; for the other three countries, the reference is WorldStandards, since the official international guides have shut down.

What to wear at Angkor and in Mekong temples

At Angkor, the rule is official: shorts and skirts above the knee and bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places^[5]. It has been strictly enforced since 2016 and tied to ticket sales: visitors who are not dressed properly must change or buy something to cover up^[6].

At the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, shoulders and back must be covered, and shorts or dresses must fall below the knee; according to an October 2025 account, a scarf over the shoulders is not enough^[7]. Thai temples follow the same rule: shoulders and knees covered, no see-through clothing, shoes off inside^[8].

The easy answer: pack light pants or a long skirt, and a top with sleeves that covers the shoulders.

Which bug spray to pack for Laos and Cambodia

The CDC recommends a repellent with at least 20% DEET for the region^[10], or one of the other EPA-registered ingredients, such as picaridin or IR3535^[9]. DEET's effectiveness levels off around 50%. Apply sunscreen first, then repellent; DEET applied over sunscreen reduces its SPF by about a third^[9]. The CDC also recommends clothing treated with 0.5% permethrin^[9]; note that French health authorities stopped recommending it in 2026^[11].

Malaria only concerns part of the route. In Laos, the CDC recommends preventive medication in six southern provinces, including Champasak, home to Pakse and the 4,000 Islands^[10]. Discuss it with a travel health provider before you leave.

Medications banned in Laos and Thailand

In Laos, pseudoephedrine, found in many cold medicines such as Sudafed, has been banned by a 2014 Ministry of Health decision; we found no sign it has been lifted^[12].

In Thailand, you can bring up to 30 days of medication in its original packaging^[13]. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, used for ADHD (Adderall, for example), are Category 1 narcotics there, and therefore banned^[14]. Other controlled medications may need a Thai FDA permit, to be requested at least 15 days before arrival; the FDA has an online tool to check each substance^[14][13].

Cambodia and Vietnam have not provided their rules to the UN-related body that compiles them^[15]. Everywhere, keep medications in their original containers, with a copy of your prescriptions packed separately^[16].

Vapes, drones and cannabis: what's banned in your bags

As for drones, Cambodia has banned all flights without permission, in the capital and the provinces alike, since December 29, 2025^[22]. Thailand requires double registration (NBTC and the civil aviation authority), a Thai SIM card to complete it, and insurance of at least 1 million baht; flying remains banned in several border districts of Ubon Ratchathani, including Khong Chiam^[23]. In Laos, a drone over 200 grams must be certified^[24].

In Thailand, cannabis flower became a controlled substance again on June 23, 2025: recreational use is illegal and tourists may not buy it^[25][1].

Cash to declare and duty-free allowances

Carry-on bags and power banks on regional flights

Since March 27, 2026, a worldwide rule limits each passenger to two power banks and bans recharging them in flight^[32]. Thailand bans them in checked bags and also bans using them to charge a device during the flight^[33]. Since July 1, 2026, Vietnam applies the two-power-bank limit, in the cabin only, up to 100 Wh, or 160 Wh with the airline's approval^[34].

What to bring on the Huay Xai to Luang Prabang slow boat

The day on the river is long: scheduled departure at 9 a.m., arrival in Pakbeng around 5:30 p.m. Bring food and water, even though snacks are often sold on board, and arrive early to sit away from the noisy engine^[37]. This information dates from late 2024.

Pierre-Marie Coupry

Editor-in-chief of the French travel site Bon Plan Voyage, where he has published since 2012. He checks every practical detail against official sources and proofreads everything before it goes live.

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