Things to do in Phnom Penh

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All about Phnom Penh

When to visit

Cambodia’s dry season is prime time to visit Phnom Penh, with most visitors coming after the Water Festival in November—which celebrates the end of the rainy season—and before the hot, sticky days (and nights) of March and April. December and January are especially popular, with the best exploring weather coinciding with Christmas holidays around the globe, although there aren’t any big celebrations in this primarily Buddhist country.

Getting around

Tuk-tuks are the easiest and most affordable way to get around Phnom Penh, but if you fancy a little air-conditioned luxury, plenty of taxis are also available. Travelers can use rideshare apps and choose from motorbike taxis, tuk-tuks, or cars or hail them on the street. There’s also a small local bus network with a few set routes around the city, including one between Phnom Penh Airport, Central Market, and the Riverside bus depot.

Traveler tips

Phnom Penh is not usually a love-at-first-sight kind of city, but with two of its principal attractions the heartbreaking and harrowing Killing Fields and S21 Tuol Sleng prison, that isn’t surprising. Give it some time and dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a ‌beautiful, character-filled capital. If possible, try to visit both S21 and the Killing Fields in one day and give yourself more time to enjoy the other delights the city has to offer, like its world-class drinking and dining scene.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth visiting Phnom Penh?

Yes, it is worth visiting Phnom Penh. While travelers may be tempted to skip the city in favor of Siem Reap or the islands, it’s worth spending a few days in Cambodia’s capital. Once known as the Pearl of Asia, the Royal City has plenty of attractions you won’t find elsewhere in the country.

What are the main attractions in Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh’s main attractions include the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, Central Market, the National Museum, Choeung Ek (the Killing Fields), Tuol Sleng Museum (S21), Wat Phnom, and Independence Monument. Phnom Penh’s riverfront is also a popular spot to visit, as are the labyrinthine BKK Market and Russian Market.

How many days do I need in Phnom Penh?

Two or three days is a good number of days to spend in Phnom Penh. If you can, try to spend a day visiting the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng to learn about the Khmer Rouge and the 1970s genocide. Understanding this critical chapter of Cambodia’s history can really help deepen your experience and appreciation of the country.

Is Phnom Penh affordable?

Yes, Phnom Penh is an affordable city. Accommodation ranges from basic backpacker lodgings to high-end hotels, and food is pretty similar, with everything from street food to world-class dining experiences. Tuk-tuks are a very affordable way of getting around the city, and there are plenty of free activities, including window shopping at Central Market and strolling around Sisowath Quay.

Is Phnom Penh safe?

Yes, Phnom Penh is a relatively safe city, although travelers are advised to be on the lookout for opportunistic crimes like pick-pocketing and bag snatching. As with most cities, keeping your valuables out of sight and your wits around you is best, especially after dark, when you might be best off taking a tuk-tuk or taxi rather than walking.

Is it better to stay in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh?

Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are very different cities offering very different experiences. While most travelers don’t want to miss Siem Reap and the spectacular temples of Angkor, the benefits of visiting Phnom Penh include the history, the museums, the palace, and the riverfront. Phnom Penh is also a much more cosmopolitan city than Siem Reap.

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