Phnom Penh Municipality · Cambodia
Cambodia's capital on the Mekong, with a royal palace, markets and sobering history.
Photo: Hanay · CC BY-SA 3.0
Phnom Penh sits where the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers meet. A former French colonial city, it has wide boulevards, a riverside promenade, and a mix of golden royal buildings, markets and modern cafes. It is busier and more intense than Siem Reap, but worth a few days.
The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, with its floor of silver tiles, are the main sights, along with the National Museum of Khmer art. The Central Market, Russian Market and riverside offer shopping and street food. Wat Phnom, the hill that gave the city its name, is a small temple at the centre.
The city also holds the memory of the Khmer Rouge years. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields are heavy but important visits, and should be approached with respect. Evenings are good for sunset boat rides and the riverside bars.
Why visit
Phnom Penh is a capital of contrasts.
A golden complex.
Khmer Rouge memorials.
Central and Russian.
Cafes and boats.
Street food to fine dining.
Main attractions
Main sights are close to the river.
The royal complex.
Tip Dress modestly.
Khmer sculpture and art.
Tip Allow two hours.
An art-deco dome with stalls.
Tip Go in the morning.
A former prison turned memorial.
Tip Allow time and respect.
A memorial site outside the city.
Tip Take the audio guide.
A hilltop temple.
Tip Visit at dusk.
Things to do
Cultural visits and food.
Morning is best.
Tip Cover shoulders.
At Tuol Sleng.
Tip Allow a half day.
At sunset.
Tip Book a boat.
Souvenirs.
Tip Bargain.
Along the river.
Tip Go at night.
Classical Khmer dance.
Tip Book.
Local food
The food scene is lively.
Coconut curry steamed fish.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Noodle soup.
Where to try it Breakfast stalls.
Beef stir-fry.
Where to try it Local eateries.
Baguette sandwiches.
Where to try it Street stalls.
Strong and sweet.
Where to try it Cafes.
Accommodation
Riverside and BKK1 are popular.
Transport
Phnom Penh has an international airport.
Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing.
When to go
Cool, dry months are best.
Cool and dry.
Hot.
Rainy but green.
Water Festival.
Worth planning around: April and May.
Itinerary
Royal and recent history.
Palace
Memorials
Shopping
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
Two to three days.
With care.
The memorials are.
US dollars and riel.
Partly.
November to February.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Phnom Penh, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
A relaxed city with Pub Street, the Old Market, Phare circus, Royal Gardens and trips to the Tonle Sap floating villages.
Don't miss Eating fish amok in the old market after a day among temples.
Explore Destination — Siem Reap and Tonle SapKampot and Kep Provinces, southern coast, Cambodia
A relaxed southern coast with colonial architecture, Kampot pepper, river cruises, Bokor Hill, Kep crab market and Rabbit Island.
Don't miss Floating down the Kampot river at sunset, then eating crab in Kep.
Explore Destination — Kampot and KepKratie Province, north-east Cambodia, Cambodia
A riverside provincial town with Irrawaddy dolphins at Kampi, Koh Trong island, sunsets over the Mekong and French-era buildings.
Don't miss Watching Irrawaddy dolphins surface in the golden light of the Mekong.
Explore Destination — KratieRead next
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