Phnom Penh Travel Guide

A detailed travel guide to Phnom Penh, including top tourist attractions, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is the perfect destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Southeast Asian culture while enjoying breathtaking natural landscapes. The city’s vibrant energy, rich history and cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling in the region. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Phnom Penh, including top tourist attractions, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.

Introduction to Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is a city in the Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains region of Cambodia, Southeast Asia. It is the largest city in Cambodia and serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. The city’s name comes from the Wat Phnom temple, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city. Phnom Penh was once known as the “Pearl of Asia” due to its beautiful French colonial architecture and bustling streets lined with shops, markets, and restaurants. Today, it is a modern and dynamic city that still retains its rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Phnom Penh

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: a stunning complex of buildings that serves as the official residence of the Cambodian king.
  • National Museum of Cambodia: a beautiful Khmer-style building that displays a vast collection of ancient Khmer artifacts, including sculptures, ceramics, and pottery.
  • Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: a former prison and interrogation center of the Khmer Rouge, where thousands of Cambodians were held and killed during the regime’s reign of terror.
  • Choeung Ek Killing Fields: a memorial site outside the city where over one million people were killed and buried during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Natural Attractions of Phnom Penh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tonle Sap River: the river that flows through Phnom Penh and provides stunning views of the city and its surroundings.
  • Koh Dach Island: a small island in the Mekong River that is known for its traditional silk weaving.
  • Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center: a sanctuary for rescued animals, including tigers, elephants, and gibbons.
  • The Mekong River: the fourth-longest river in Asia, which flows through several countries and offers opportunities for river cruises and fishing trips.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Phnom Penh

  • Cycling Tour to Silk Island: a scenic bike ride through the countryside to Koh Dach Island, where visitors can learn about traditional silk weaving and explore the local markets.
  • Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise and Dinner: a relaxing and romantic cruise along the Tonle Sap River, with stunning sunset views and a delicious dinner on board.
  • Biking Tour to the Killing Fields: a guided tour by bike to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, where visitors can pay their respects to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh: Activities and Tours

  • Food Tour: a guided tour of the city’s top food spots, including street markets, restaurants, and cafes.
  • Cultural Heritage Tour: a tour of the city’s top cultural landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum of Cambodia.
  • Bike Tour: a guided bike tour of the city’s scenic views, including the Mekong River, Tonle Sap River, and the countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Phnom Penh

Day 1: Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, National Museum of Cambodia, and Wat Phnom temple. Day 2: Take a bike tour of the city and explore the markets, cafes, and restaurants. Day 3: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. Day 4: Take a sunset cruise along the Tonle Sap River and enjoy a delicious dinner on board. Day 5: Visit Koh Dach Island and learn about traditional silk weaving. Day 6: Take a wildlife tour of Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center. Day 7: Visit the Mekong River and take a river cruise or fishing trip.

Food and Drink Scene of Phnom Penh

Must-Try Dishes

  • Amok: a traditional Cambodian dish made with fish, coconut milk, and spices, cooked in a banana leaf.
  • Lok Lak: a popular meat stir-fry served with rice, vegetables and a lime and pepper sauce.
  • Chicken and rice: served with a bowl of chicken broth, pickled cucumber and carrot slices, and scallions.
  • Fresh fruit: Cambodia is known for its fresh fruits, including mango, papaya, and dragonfruit.

Local Beverages

  • Angkor beer: a popular Cambodian beer with a crisp taste.
  • Coconut water: a healthy and refreshing drink that is widely available throughout the city.
  • Iced coffee: a delicious drink made with sweetened condensed milk and strong brewed coffee.
  • Sugar cane juice: a refreshing drink made from freshly-pressed sugarcane.

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Phnom Penh offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and resorts to budget hostels and guesthouses. Some of the top choices include:

  • Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra: a luxury hotel located near the Royal Palace and the Mekong River.
  • Rambutan Resort: a stylish boutique hotel located in a quiet area of the city.
  • Mad Monkey Hostel: a popular hostel that offers affordable and comfortable accommodation for backpackers.
  • Sabai Kratie Guesthouse: a charming guesthouse located by the Mekong River.

What to Buy in Phnom Penh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handicrafts: Cambodia is known for its handicrafts, including wood carvings, silk scarves, and stone sculptures.
  • Kampot pepper: a type of pepper that is grown in the Kampot province and is known for its unique flavor.
  • Cambodian silk: locally made silk products are some of the most beautiful and unique souvenirs to take with you from Phnom Penh.

Local Culture and Customs of Phnom Penh

  • Respect the local customs and dress appropriately, particularly when visiting temples and religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a religious site.
  • Avoid touching someone’s head, as it is considered impolite in Cambodian culture.
  • Greet people with a traditional Cambodian greeting, which involves putting your hands together in a prayer position.

Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh

The best time to visit Phnom Penh is from November to March, when the weather is dry and mild. However, the city is still enjoyable throughout the year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C.

Do’s and Don’ts of Phnom Penh

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the Cambodian food scene.
  • Respect the local customs and dress appropriately.
  • Learn some basic Khmer phrases, such as “hello” and “thank you.”
  • Explore the city’s landmarks, museums, and cultural sites.

Don’t:

  • Don’t touch someone’s head, as it is considered impolite in Cambodian culture.
  • Don’t disrespect the local customs, particularly when visiting religious sites.
  • Don’t litter in public places or on the streets.
  • Don’t haggle too aggressively in markets or shops.

Safety and Health

Safety in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is generally a safe city for travelers. However, it is important to take some basic safety precautions, such as:

  • Avoid walking alone at night and in quiet areas.
  • Don’t carry too much cash or valuable items with you.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Health in Phnom Penh

It is recommended that travelers to Phnom Penh get vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and polio. It is also important to practice good hygiene, such as regularly washing your hands and avoiding food and drinks from street vendors. Travelers should also bring any necessary medication with them, as pharmacies may not always stock certain medications.

Getting to Phnom Penh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Phnom Penh is well connected to other parts of Cambodia and the region. Here are some of the most popular transportation options:

Airports Near Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh International Airport is the main airport serving the city and is located about 10 kilometers west of the city center.

Bus Stations Near Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Bus Station is the main bus station serving the city and is located near the Central Market. Buses run regularly to other parts of Cambodia and neighboring countries.

Other Options

Taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes are widely available in Phnom Penh and are a convenient way to get around the city.

How to Get Around in Phnom Penh

Tuk-tuks are the most popular way to get around the city, and they are widely available and affordable. Taxis and motorbikes are also options, but they are more expensive. Walking and biking are good options for exploring the city at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Phnom Penh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Siem Reap: home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
  • Kampot: a charming town known for its peaceful surroundings and local pepper.
  • Sihanoukville: a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.
  • Koh Rong Island: a secluded island that offers stunning beaches and world-class diving and snorkeling.

Conclusion

Phnom Penh is a dynamic and exciting city that offers travelers a unique look into Southeast Asian culture and history. With its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, Phnom Penh is truly a gem of a destination. With this comprehensive travel guide, you are now equipped with all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to the capital of Cambodia!

The Silver Pagoda, in the grounds of the Royal Palace. The Silver Pagoda, in the grounds of the Royal Palace. The Buddhist Institute at Phnom Penh The Buddhist Institute at Phnom Penh The Cambodian Parliament The Cambodian Parliament The Colonia Mansion at Phnom Penh The Colonia Mansion at Phnom Penh Tuk-tuk type 1 Tuk-tuk type 1 Tuk-tuk type 2 Tuk-tuk type 2 Royal Palace Royal Palace Sisowath Quay as seen from FCC Sisowath Quay as seen from FCC Tuol Sleng Prison Tuol Sleng Prison The Killing Fields The Killing Fields Wat Phnom Wat Phnom Kravan House Kravan House The Art Deco dome of the Central Market The Art Deco dome of the Central Market Eating dinner at the Night Market Eating dinner at the Night Market FCC FCC