Hi, I'm going to Cambodia and Laos for the month of October and need help with my packing! I'm aware that it's the end of the rainy season and am wondering what to take in terms of footwear and a jacket.
We're planning a mix of exploring tows/cities - Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Luang Prabang; visiting the coast in Cambodia; and going to Angkor Wat.
Will definitely take my walking sandals, but should I take trainers and/or walking boots as well? Also planning to take light-weight fleece - should I take any other warmish clothing/waterproof?

can't imagine you would ever need fleece unless it is air conditioned!!!

i never take sneakers as i find them far too hot....you might want a back-up pair of shoes of some sort...i see no reason for boots either unless you are doing lots of treking or similar...i found sandals perfect...sandals with good support and arches....

I generally take hiking shoes for treks into jungle and for hiking/climbing, and I take sneakers as well. I've never found them to be too hot, as long as you wear the correct kind of socks--those that wick moisture away and allow your feet to "breathe". Sandals are good for city walking but will not do for jungle or steep climbs. You need more support than sandals can give and you also want to keeps snakes, bugs etc off your feet.

I wanted something with closed toes for climbing the temples at Angkor and opted for Merrill Jungle Mocs. The rest of the time you'll likely want sandals.

I was in LP in November, and it was just cool enough that we wanted a long sleeved shirt over a t-shirt for a trip on the river. No way did we need even a light-weight fleece.

Kathie - Why did you want closed shoes for climbing the temples? I've been planning to take only sandals. They do have great arch support and I have done much walking and hiking in them. Just wandering why you opted for closed shoes. Thanks

Meant wondering about wandering shoes!

mileaday, the temples at Angkor have rather steep climbs and can be slippery. I find hiking shoes with good arch and ankle support and good traction are important. I would not be comfortable in sandals but if you are, and know your sandals can handle it, then go ahead. Just be sure to put bug spray on your feet, there are mosquitoes there.

Laurie is right, the climbs up the temples are very steep, in some places the steps were made for elephants! I wanted protection for my toes against the rocks. I saw a few people in heavy duty sports sandals who were doing ok, but most people opted for closed shoes of some sort.

I agree with taking closed shoes as already explained you need more than sandals exploring some of these places. For travel I always have a pair of New Balance shoes which I find great for walking and exploring. I have been to all of these places you are going.

laurieco, I was wondering where you get the socks that keep your feet dry? Are they at most sporting goods stores? Thank you!

Yes, sporting goods stores have socks for all different kinds of activites and I experiment with different kinds to see which will keep me cool and dry (and offer some padding on the heels and balls of my feet for long arduous days of hiking and climbing). I also carry a small container of talcum powder and put it on my feet prior to putting socks on, which also helps. I'm not saying your feet will never get hot, sometimes they do but it's better than getting them banged up and stubbing toes on rocks, twisting ankles, getting bites on your toes (very irritating) and having them hurt from too little support, not to mention slipping on 1000 year old stone steps that have been worn smooth and slick.

Since this thread was also about clothes in general (at least from the OP), I can also tell you that sporting goods stores are a goldmine of travel clothing. I absolutely love the very light pants that zip off and become shorts. No need to bring separate pairs of shorts and the pants are so light and comfortable, with lots of pockets, and dry very fast. I especially like ones made by The North Face and have 6 or 7 pairs of them. (You can get them online at backcountry.com and other sports stores). Also, tops that are made for exercizing are great because they keep you cool, wick moisture away from you and dry in no time. I used to wear cotton in hot humid tropical places but found that you stay wet and they don't dry quickly and end up sticking to you. It's very important to stay comfortable in the tropics when you are doing a lot of walking, hiking and climbing. I may look like I got lost while on safari but I don't care. I save the dressing up for cities and going out at night. Hope some of this was helpful.

I was at Angkor in October 2003
I took my hiking boots, they really came in handy. There is moss growing on many of the stones which was slippery when damp, I saw several people in tennis shoes slip on these parts. I would not recommend open sandals for Angkor.