Carry-On Packing List for Phnom Penh: Cambodia

Phnom Penh is Cambodia's capital and one of Southeast Asia's most historically significant cities — the Royal Palace and National Museum are world-class, and the S-21 Genocide Museum at Tuol Sleng is one of the most important historical sites in the region. It is also a city of relentless heat, frequent rain in monsoon season, and budget airlines with strict carry-on rules. Pack for the climate first, the culture second.

Airline Rules at a Glance

For Vietnam Airlines tickets issued or exchanged on or after 5 May 2025, Economy uses one main bag up to 10 kg plus one accessory sharing 12 kg on US/Australia/Europe (including Russia) routes, or 10 kg on other routes. Main bag: 56×36×23 cm and 115 cm total; accessory: 40×30×15 cm and 85 cm total. ATR72 has a 7 kg cabin total; earlier tickets differ. Confirm the booked route, aircraft and ticket date.

Check current flights and each operating carrier. Scoot Basic includes two cabin items sharing 10 kg but no checked baggage; Value/Flex include 20 kg checked, and ScootPlus includes 30 kg checked and 15 kg combined cabin weight. Obtain a route-specific excess quote before travel.

Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia's national carrier, connects Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and to regional hubs, and enforcement is somewhat less strict in practice — though the stated limit is the same.

PNH: Phnom Penh International Airport

Phnom Penh International Airport sits about 10 km west of the city centre. Taxis take roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The official airport taxi kiosk is the safest option on arrival; agree the price before you get in if taking an unmetered ride. Grab, the regional ride-hailing app, works at PNH for departures but is not always available for arrivals due to airport access restrictions — check the app on the day.

The airport is small and manageable. Arriving early is rarely necessary beyond standard advice for international connections.

Climate and When to Go

Phnom Penh has a tropical climate: hot and humid year-round.

• Dry season (November to April): Best time to visit. Temperatures run 28 to 34°C. Lower humidity, clear skies, and no monsoon disruption to day trips.
• Wet/monsoon season (May to October): Heavy afternoon rain, high humidity, and occasional flooding near the rivers. Temperatures remain 28 to 36°C. The city is less comfortable but greener and far less crowded.

Pack for heat regardless of when you visit. In monsoon season, a compact umbrella or packable rain jacket earns its weight.

Packing for Phnom Penh

Clothing. Ultra-light breathable fabrics are essential. Linen and moisture-wicking synthetics work better than cotton in Phnom Penh's humidity — cotton becomes heavy when wet. A typical packing list for 5 to 7 days:

• 3 to 4 lightweight short-sleeve shirts or blouses
• 2 pairs of lightweight trousers or long cotton pants (temple-ready and practical)
• 1 pair of shorts for casual riverside time
• 1 light shawl or sarong (covers shoulders and knees at the palace; doubles as a light blanket on cold air-conditioned buses)
• Flip flops for casual use and walking shoes or comfortable sandals for walking

Health essentials. These are not optional in Phnom Penh:

• Insect repellent with DEET: Dengue fever is present in Cambodia. Mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk in particular. DEET-based repellent (30% or higher) is the most effective. You can buy it locally but pack enough for the first day.
• Reef-safe sunscreen: UV intensity is high year-round.
• Anti-diarrhea medication (loperamide): Stomach issues are common for first-time Southeast Asia visitors, particularly from street food or tap water (drink bottled only). Pack a course and use it early rather than suffering through a day of sightseeing.
• Oral rehydration salts: Combined with anti-diarrhea medication, these make a difficult stomach day manageable.

Royal Palace dress code. The Royal Palace complex requires covered shoulders and covered knees for all visitors. A light shawl paired with a sleeveless top, or long cotton trousers with a short-sleeved shirt, satisfies the requirement while remaining wearable in the heat. Sarongs are available for rent at the entrance for a small fee if you arrive unprepared, but a shawl in your bag weighs almost nothing and saves you the queue.

The S-21 Museum and Killing Fields

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields are among the most important historical sites in Southeast Asia — and among the most sobering. Visiting both is strongly recommended as part of any Phnom Penh trip. Allow 3 to 4 hours combined. Go in the morning when it is cooler.

Dress respectfully: modest clothing is appropriate given the nature of these sites. Bring tissues. The audio guide at Choeung Ek is exceptionally well-produced and significantly deepens the experience. Photography is permitted but should be approached with sensitivity.

There is no specific packing required beyond what you would wear for any temple or museum visit.

Getting Around Phnom Penh

Motodops (motorcycle taxis) and tuk-tuks are the primary local transport. The Grab app works reliably in Phnom Penh for tuk-tuks and cars — use it for safety and transparent pricing. For informal rides, always negotiate the price before you get in.

USD is widely accepted throughout Cambodia alongside Cambodian Riel. Smaller USD bills — $1, $5, and $10 notes — are practical for tuk-tuks, markets, and small restaurants. ATMs dispense USD and are available throughout the city centre.

Day Trips from Phnom Penh

• Siem Reap and Angkor Wat: 6 hours by bus or a 45-minute domestic flight. Plan an overnight or multi-day trip rather than a day trip.
• Kep: Seaside town famous for its crab market, about 2 hours south. A day trip is feasible.
• Kampot: Riverside town known for Kampot pepper and French colonial architecture, about 3 hours. A day trip is possible but an overnight is better.

Tips for Phnom Penh

• Confirm the included cabin allowance before buying baggage. Scoot Basic already includes a main bag and personal item sharing 10 kg.
• Grab is the safest, most transparent way to arrange tuk-tuks and cars; prices are shown upfront.
• The National Museum's Khmer collection is world-class and frequently overlooked in favour of the Royal Palace; plan time for both.
• The riverfront (Sisowath Quay) is pleasant at sunset but very busy with touts; the area a block or two back is quieter and cheaper for food.
• Tuol Sleng is emotionally taxing; many visitors find they need quiet time afterwards — build that into the day.

Bottom Line

Use the actual cabin allowance of each operator: Scoot Economy shares 10 kg across two items. Pack ultra-light breathable clothing optimised for 32°C heat and high humidity, include a temple-ready layer for the Royal Palace, and do not neglect health essentials — insect repellent and stomach medication are genuinely necessary. The S-21 Museum and Killing Fields are essential visits; build time and emotional space for them. The rest of the city rewards slow wandering by tuk-tuk and on foot.