Cambodia
About
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia, situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers. The city has served as the nation's capital since the late 19th century under French colonial rule and was largely evacuated during the Khmer Rouge period from 1975 to 1979. Since then it has grown substantially and now functions as Cambodia's commercial, political, and cultural centre.
The Royal Palace complex on the riverside is the city's most prominent landmark and official residence of the Cambodian royal family. The adjoining Silver Pagoda houses the Emerald Buddha and numerous other priceless religious artefacts. The National Museum, a short walk from the Palace, holds one of Southeast Asia's most significant collections of Khmer sculpture. Wat Phnom, a hilltop temple from which the city takes its name, sits at the northern end of the city centre.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former S-21 prison facility used by the Khmer Rouge, is a difficult but historically essential site documenting the atrocities of the 1975–1979 period. The Choeung Ek Killing Fields memorial, located 15 kilometres south of the city, provides further context for this history. Both sites are frequently visited together and require emotional preparation.
Phnom Penh's riverside district (Sisowath Quay) is lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars overlooking the Tonle Sap river. The Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung) and Central Market (Psar Thmei) are the main shopping destinations for clothing, handicrafts, and local goods. The BKK1 neighbourhood has developed into an expatriate and upscale dining hub with a dense concentration of international restaurants.
The city has good transport links throughout Cambodia by bus and boat. Phnom Penh International Airport connects the city to regional hubs across Southeast Asia. Tuk-tuks, Grab car and tuk-tuk services, and motos are all readily available for getting around the city.
November through February is the most comfortable season, with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall. The Cambodian Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November is one of the country's largest celebrations, held on the river in Phnom Penh.
When to Go
Phnom Penh is hot year-round with a clear wet/dry split. The cool dry season from November to February is the most comfortable — lower humidity, blue skies and pleasant evenings by the riverside. This is peak season, and the best time to walk the markets and palaces.
Attractions
Phnom Penh is a city of golden palaces, riverside energy and sobering Khmer Rouge history — the cultural and political heart of Cambodia. Two days covers the royal sights and the genocide memorials; most travellers stop en route to Siem Reap. For more, see our Phnom Penh travel guide.
The glittering royal compound on the riverfront — Khmer-style throne halls, gilded spires and the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is tiled with 5,000 silver blocks and houses a life-sized emerald Buddha. Allow half a day; dress modestly (shoulders and knees).
Entry ~$10; open 8–11 AM & 2–5 PM.
A former school turned into the Khmer Rouge's main torture prison, now a harrowing museum to the 14,000 who passed through. Essential, devastating history — pair with the Killing Fields. An audio guide (highly recommended) walks you through the cells and stories.
Entry ~$5 + ~$3 audio guide; open 7:30 AM–5:30 PM.
The orchard outside the city where S-21 prisoners were executed and buried in mass graves — now a sober memorial stupa of skulls and a walking audio tour. A quiet, powerful complement to Tuol Sleng. 17 km south; tuk-tuk tours combine both.
Entry ~$6 incl. audio guide; tuk-tuk combo ~$15.
The namesake hilltop temple that founded the city — a peaceful green pagoda where locals come to pray and release birds for luck. The highest point in the flat city; a shady escape at the heart of town. Small entry fee; ~15-min visit.
The iconic art-deco Central Market dome for jewellery, electronics and souvenirs; the Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) for clothes, antiques, crafts and the best street food. Haggling expected — start at half the asking price.
The tree-lined Tonle Sap riverfront is the city's living room — cafés, bars and the nightly lights of the Royal Palace. Join the locals for a sunset stroll, a boat cruise, or a beer as the fishing boats drift past. The most pleasant part of the city.
Transport
Phnom Penh (PNH) is Cambodia's hub airport and the road junction between Siem Reap, Battambang, the south coast and Vietnam. Tuk-tuks and ride-hail apps move you around the city.
Phnom Penh is Cambodia's crossroads — head north to Siem Reap and Angkor, west to Battambang, south to Sihanoukville and the islands, or east to Ho Chi Minh City.
Accommodation
The riverside is the natural base — walkable to the Palace, the markets and the nightlife. Phnom Penh offers great value across all tiers.
The riverfront strip — hotels, hostels, cafés and bars steps from the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom. The default tourist base.
The leafy expat district south of the centre — boutique hotels, cafés and the city's best restaurants. A quieter, cooler base.
Mid-range and luxury hotels clustered near the Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum — for those who want the golden sights on the doorstep.
Cheap social dorms around the lakes (Boeung Kak) and riverside — the budget base for tours and onward travel. From ~$6/night.
Food & Drink
Phnom Penh is the best place to dive into Khmer cuisine — milder and more coconut-driven than its neighbours, with a superb riverfront dining scene and one of Asia's great markets for street food.
Amok — Cambodia's signature coconut-fish curry steamed in a banana leaf. Lok lak — stir-fried pepper beef over rice with a lime-pepper dip. Kuy teav — the beloved pork-and-broth breakfast noodle soup.
Vegetarian options exist at tourist restaurants; ask for “no meat” and try the vegetable amok or fresh spring rolls.
Plan Your Trip
Most Western passport holders need an e-visa (~$36, 30 days) or visa-on-arrival. US dollars are widely accepted alongside the riel (KHR) — bring crisp, untorn USD notes; damaged bills are refused. English is spoken in tourist areas. Tuk-tuks and PassApp make getting around easy.
Ready to plan a route? Pair this with our Phnom Penh travel guide and the Cambodia budget travel guide.
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Where to Stay
Occupying the upper floors of the Vattanac Capital Tower, the Rosewood offers sky-high luxury with panoramic views over the city and Mekong River. The hotel features 175 rooms and suites, an infinity pool, a destination spa, and multiple dining venues, representing the most contemporary luxury option in the city.
A historic landmark opened in 1929 and restored to 5-star standard, the Raffles Le Royal is set in extensive grounds in central Phnom Penh. The property features 175 individually furnished rooms, two pools, a spa, and colonial-era architecture that makes it one of the most distinctive hotels in Cambodia.
Located directly opposite the National Museum and close to the Royal Palace, the Hyatt Regency is a modern 5-star hotel with 247 rooms and a rooftop pool. The property's central location and comprehensive facilities make it a strong choice for both leisure and business travellers.
A French-branded 5-star hotel in the upscale southern district, the Sofitel offers 201 rooms with colonial-style decor alongside two outdoor pools, a spa, and five dining venues. The property blends French elegance with Cambodian elements and is well-placed for both cultural sightseeing and business travel.
A large-scale 5-star hotel and casino complex on the Tonle Sap River in central Phnom Penh with over 1,600 suites across two towers. The complex offers extensive dining, a theatre, a spa, and entertainment facilities, catering primarily to leisure and gaming guests.
A well-regarded mid-luxury boutique hotel set in a restored colonial building near the riverside, offering two pools and a spa in a green courtyard setting. The property is within walking distance of the Royal Palace and National Museum, making it convenient for cultural sightseeing.
A 4-star boutique hotel steps from the National Museum and Royal Palace, the Frangipani offers 79 rooms with a spa and personalised service in a quiet residential street near the riverfront. The property is consistently rated among the best value options in the city centre.
A 4-star riverfront boutique hotel on Sisowath Quay offering suites with direct Mekong views and a rooftop terrace. The property's riverside position provides easy access to the walking promenade and the city's heritage district.
A boutique heritage hotel in Daun Penh occupying a restored French-era colonial mansion with a pool garden and atmospheric interiors. The property's character and central location have made it a consistently popular choice for travellers seeking something beyond standard hotel accommodation.
A 4-star hotel adjacent to the Royal Palace offering a pool and well-appointed rooms in a location that places guests within easy walking distance of the city's main cultural sights and the riverside. The property caters to business and leisure guests with a range of room categories.
A modern 4-star hotel in the BKK1 district offering two pools, a spa, and contemporary rooms at competitive rates. The property is within walking distance of Independence Monument and the international dining options of the BKK neighbourhood.
A well-established 5-star hotel on Sisowath Quay with river-facing rooms and a pool, known for consistent service and a convenient riverside location. The property caters to both short-stay tourists and longer-term residents with serviced apartment options.
A long-established 4-star riverside hotel with 271 rooms on Sisowath Quay, offering pool access and traditional Cambodian architectural elements. The property is a mid-range option well-positioned for the riverfront dining district.
A well-reviewed hostel in central Phnom Penh offering both dormitory and private room options with a rooftop pool and bar. The property is affiliated with the Onederz brand known for quality hostel infrastructure and social atmosphere.
A social hostel with a rooftop pool and bar in the Daun Penh district, offering dormitory and private accommodation for backpackers. The property organises social activities and is positioned near the Central Market area.
A budget guesthouse in the riverside Chaktomuk area offering basic clean rooms at low prices for budget-conscious travellers. The property is straightforward in its amenities and is convenient for the Central Market and riverside.
A popular social hostel with rooftop pool in central Phnom Penh, ideal for budget travellers wanting a sociable base with easy access to the city's main sights. Offers both dormitory beds and private rooms.
Experiences
A private half-day guided tour of Phnom Penh's major landmarks including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The tour provides historical context for Cambodia's turbulent 20th century alongside its centuries-old royal heritage.
A comprehensive full-day guided tour of Phnom Penh's principal attractions, including the Royal Palace complex, Wat Phnom, the National Museum, and riverside promenade. Vehicle transport is provided throughout the day.
A guided cyclo (pedicab) tour through Phnom Penh's French colonial and Khmer modernist architecture, covering buildings from the 1930s to 1960s including the Central Market and National Assembly. The format provides an unhurried, street-level perspective on the city's built heritage.
A dinner boat cruise departing from the Phnom Penh waterfront at sunset, offering views of the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers. The cruise includes a meal and is a popular way to experience the city's waterfront from the water.
An evening Vespa food tour through Phnom Penh's street food scene, stopping at local markets and food stalls to sample Khmer dishes after dark. The tour covers the BKK, riverside, and Russian Market areas with an English-speaking guide explaining the food culture.
A guided half-day cyclo tour of Phnom Penh's central district covering the Royal Palace, riverside promenade, Central Market, and Wat Phnom. The cyclo format is a traditional mode of transport that provides a slower-paced street-level experience.
A guided scooter tour of Phnom Penh covering the main monuments and local neighbourhoods, providing a more dynamic experience than traditional tour formats. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and visits sites both inside and outside the standard tourist circuit.
A full-day excursion to Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia located approximately 40 kilometres north of Phnom Penh, featuring hilltop stupas containing royal relics and panoramic views over the surrounding floodplains. The tour includes private transport.
A full-day tour to Koh Dach (Silk Island) by tuk-tuk and boat, visiting a Mekong River island community known for its traditional silk weaving and rural lifestyle. The tour includes demonstrations by local silk weavers and a boat crossing.
A day trip combining the hilltop royal stupas of Oudong with a visit to Koh Chen village, a community specialising in traditional bronze and silver craft production. Lunch is included along with private transport from Phnom Penh.
An afternoon Vespa tour from central Phnom Penh to Silk Island (Koh Dach), crossing by ferry and exploring the island's silk villages before returning at sunset. The tour covers local craft production and rural Cambodian riverside life.
A combined bicycle and boat tour of the Phnom Penh riverfront and nearby waterways, covering the historic city centre by bicycle and the Tonle Sap river by small boat. The tour provides a mixed transport experience of the city's urban and waterway geography.
Information
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