Phnom Penh, Cambodia: travel guide
Cambodia's capital where the Royal Palace meets the Mekong riverfront
The Pearl of Cambodia — a lively capital of gilded palaces, riverside markets, museums, and a dynamic food and nightlife scene.
About Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh sits where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet, and the riverside promenade is the natural place to start. Nearby the Royal Palace's gilded rooftops and the National Museum of Cambodia show the country's court and Khmer art at its finest.
The city also asks for more serious time. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum records the Khmer Rouge years and is a sobering but important visit. For lighter moments, wander the Art Deco dome of Central Market, climb Wat Phnom, or settle in for a long dinner along the river.
Phnom Penh works well as a two or three day city break before or after Siem Reap. Dry-season months from November to March bring the most comfortable weather.
- Country
- Cambodia
- Currency
- KHR
- Time zone
- Asia/Phnom_Penh
- Nearest airport
- KTI
- Typical trip
- 2-3 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Phnom Penh
Royal Palace
Heritage · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The official residence of the King of Cambodia, the Royal Palace complex is a stunning ensemble of Khmer architecture built in 1866. The complex includes the Silver Pagoda — whose floor is covered with 5,329 silver tiles — housing a…
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Formerly a high school, Tuol Sleng (S-21) was converted by the Khmer Rouge into a brutal detention and interrogation centre between 1975–1979, where an estimated 17,000 people perished. Today it is a sobering museum preserving cells,…
Wat Phnom
temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Perched atop a 27-metre artificial hill, Wat Phnom is the most important religious site in the capital and the founding legend of Phnom Penh itself. Built in 1372 by Lady Penh, the shrine houses a Buddha statue and is surrounded by…
National Museum of Cambodia
Museum · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Housed in a beautiful terracotta-red pavilion designed in traditional Khmer style, the National Museum is Cambodia's pre-eminent repository of art history. Its collection spans from the pre-Angkorian era to the post-Bayon period with over…
Phnom Penh Riverside Promenade
Cultural · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The scenic Sisowath Quay promenade runs for 3 km along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers at their confluence known as Chaktomuk. Flanked by French colonial buildings, riverside restaurants, cafes, and bars, it is the social heartbeat of…
Silver Pagoda
royal temple · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · entry $10 (≈ ₹950)
A temple within the Royal Palace compound named for its floor of over 5,000 silver tiles, housing the Emerald Buddha and a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha encrusted with diamonds.
Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre
memorial · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · entry $6 (≈ ₹570)
The best known of the Khmer Rouge killing fields, 17 km south of Phnom Penh, where prisoners from S-21 were executed. Mass graves, a memorial stupa of recovered skulls, and an audio walk narrated by survivors. Visited with Tuol Sleng, in…
Central Market Phsar Thmei
Market · 4.0 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Built in 1937 under French colonial rule, Phsar Thmei (New Market) is an architectural landmark — a striking Art Deco building with a yellow central dome and four arms radiating outward. Inside, hundreds of stalls sell gold and silver…
AEON Mall Phnom Penh
shopping · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Big modern mall with cinema, ice rink and international dining.
Phnom Penh Night Market
night-market · 4.0 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Weekend riverfront market with food stalls and mat-style seating.
Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)
local-market · 4.1 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Maze of stalls for silk, souvenirs, silver and great street food.
Independence Monument
monument · 4.5 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Lotus-shaped 1958 monument marking independence from France.
Things to do
- Killing Fields & S-21 History Tour Historical Tour · 4.5 h · from KHR 63,400 per person
- Phnom Penh Street Food Night Walk Food Tour · 3 h · from KHR 106,000 per person
- Mekong River Sunset Cruise Boat · 1.5 h · from KHR 70,500 per person
- Cambodian Cyclo City Tour Cultural · 2 h · from KHR 74,000 per person
- Phnom Penh Motorbike Street Art Tour Cultural · 2 h · from KHR 52,800 per person
- Phnom Penh Pottery & Silk Workshop Workshop · 3 h · from KHR 123,000 per person
- Phnom Penh City Highlights Half-Day Tour Cultural · 4 h · from KHR 63,700 per person
- Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Visit Nature · 5 h · from KHR 106,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Killing Fields & S-21 Full Day History Tour 8 h · from KHR 221,000
- Phnom Penh Street Food & Cyclo Night Tour 3.5 h · from KHR 119,000
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Silk Workshop 7 h · from KHR 174,000
Where to stay in Phnom Penh
- Riverside & Daun Penh about KHR 60 per night
Phnom Penh's historic core along the Tonle Sap–Mekong confluence. Home to the Royal Palace, National Museum, colonial-era hotels and the bustling riverfront promenade. Best for first-time visitors wanting walkable…
- BKK1 Expat Quarter about KHR 80 per night
Phnom Penh's most cosmopolitan neighbourhood, a grid of tree-lined streets packed with international restaurants, rooftop bars, boutique hotels and co-working cafés. Independence Monument is a short walk away; tuk-tuks…
- Russian Market / Toul Tom Pong about KHR 40 per night
A local neighbourhood anchored by the famous Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tom Pong), the best market in Phnom Penh for textiles, antiques, knock-offs and street food. Budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels make this a…
Hotels
- Rosewood Phnom Penh 5-star · USD 280 to USD 900 per night
- Raffles Hotel Le Royal 5-star · USD 220 to USD 700 per night
- Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh 5-star · USD 130 to USD 350 per night
- The Pavilion 4-star · USD 70 to USD 170 per night
- Palace Gate Hotel & Resort 5-star · USD 120 to USD 300 per night
- The Bale Phnom Penh 5-star · USD 180 to USD 450 per night
Where to eat
- Bassac Lane Street Food Cambodian, Khmer, BBQ · about USD 6 per person
- Friends The Restaurant Cambodian, Western, Fusion · about USD 14 per person
- Malis Restaurant Khmer, Modern Cambodian · about USD 35 per person
- Romdeng Cambodian, Street Food · about USD 20 per person
- Kandal Village Food Court Cambodian, Street Food, Vegetarian · about USD 4 per person
- Topaz Restaurant French, European · about USD 55 per person
- Malis Phnom Penh Cambodian, Fine Dining · about USD 30 per person
- Topaz French, Fine Dining · about USD 45 per person
Getting to Phnom Penh
Airport: Phnom Penh (Techo Intl) (KTI)
How visitors arrive in Phnom Penh
- Flight to Techo International Airport By air from International · common
Techo International Airport replaced the old airport in September 2025 and lies a good way outside the centre. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Bus from Cambodian and Vietnamese cities By road from Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Ho Chi Minh City · common
Highways link Phnom Penh with Siem Reap, Battambang and Poipet; bus companies run to Ho Chi Minh City and Pakse. Bangkok buses are suspended. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Train from Sihanoukville or Battambang By train from Sihanoukville, Battambang · possible
Trains arrive at the Royal Railway Station from Sihanoukville and Battambang. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Speedboat from Chau Doc By ferry from Chau Doc · possible
Speedboats run from Chau Doc in Vietnam along the Mekong. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Airport Express Bus from Techo International
From arrivals, walk across the car park to stop AEB 7. Pay the exact fare as drivers cannot give change. It ends at Kouch Kanong Roundabout Bus Station, with stops along Samdech Techo Hun Sen Boulevard. Source: techoairport.com.kh
- Airport taxi
Taxis serve the airport, which is a long way from the centre. Carry small US dollar notes in good condition; a torn-note scam is reported. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Techo International replaced the old Phnom Penh airport in September 2025; it is well outside the city, so allow for traffic. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Ride Hail
Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and PassApp operate in the city and can book tuk-tuks as well as cars.
- Scooter Rental
Scooters and motorbikes can be rented by the day in Phnom Penh, including through guesthouses and shops on Monivong Boulevard.
- Tuktuk
Tuk-tuks are plentiful in Phnom Penh and can also be booked through apps such as PassApp and Grab.
- Walking
Paying
- Keep small US dollar notes without tears for taxi fares; drivers may refuse damaged notes. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Safety and scams to avoid
Moto-taxi & tuk-tuk inflated fares
Phnom Penh Airport, Riverside, BKK1
Unlicensed moto-taxi drivers quote USD 1–2 but demand USD 5–10 on arrival, claiming "traffic surcharge." Aggressive if refused near airport arrivals.
How to avoid it: Use Grab or PassApp from the arrivals hall. Pre-agree price in writing for cash rides.
Riverside cyclo price dispute
Phnom Penh Riverside, Sisowath Quay
Cyclo riders quote a price, take you around the block, then demand 10× the agreed amount citing "hour rate" or "night rate." Argument often draws a crowd.
How to avoid it: Settle on price per trip (not per hour), confirm in USD, and pay at destination not before.
ATM card skimming at isolated machines
Street ATMs away from banks, petrol stations
Skimmer devices fitted over card slots at standalone ATMs copy card data; hidden cameras capture PINs. Victims notice fraudulent withdrawals days later.
How to avoid it: Use ATMs inside banks or major hotels only. Cover the keypad when entering PIN. Use Visa/MC contactless at supermarkets where possible.
Charity lottery & "Lucky Draw" scam
Tourist areas, night markets
Friendly local invites you to a "charity lottery" where you win a big prize but must pay "import tax" or "customs fee" to collect. Winnings never materialise.
How to avoid it: Decline any lottery or prize offer from strangers. Legitimate lotteries are not run by individuals approaching tourists on the street.
Best time to visit Phnom Penh
- Jan 34°C
- Feb 37°C
- Mar 38°C
- Apr 37°C
- May 34°C
- Jun 32°C
- Jul 31°C
- Aug 32°C
- Sep 32°C
- Oct 31°C
- Nov 31°C
- Dec 32°C
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Frequently asked questions about Phnom Penh
- How many days do you need in Phnom Penh?
- A typical trip to Phnom Penh is 2-3 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Phnom Penh?
- The highest-rated places in our Phnom Penh guide are Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre, Independence Monument, Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh Riverside Promenade.
- Where should I stay in Phnom Penh?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Phnom Penh: Riverside & Daun Penh, BKK1 Expat Quarter, Russian Market / Toul Tom Pong.
- How do I get around Phnom Penh?
- Ways to get around Phnom Penh covered in our guide: Ride-hailing app, Scooter rental, Tuk-tuk, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Phnom Penh?
- Scams reported to us for Phnom Penh include Moto-taxi & tuk-tuk inflated fares; Riverside cyclo price dispute; ATM card skimming at isolated machines. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Phnom Penh?
- Average daytime highs in Phnom Penh run from 31°C in Jul to 38°C in Mar.
- Which airport is nearest to Phnom Penh?
- The nearest airport to Phnom Penh has the code KTI.