What to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital

Phnom Penh might not grab your attention right away, but give it time; it’s a city that grows on you fast. From royal palaces and riverfront strolls to buzzing markets and sobering history, a lot is waiting to be uncovered. If you’re wondering what to do in Phnom Penh, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of Cambodia’s capital city.

Whether you’re spending one day in Phnom Penh or planning to stay a while, the city is more than just a gateway to Angkor Wat or the southern beaches. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Where is Phnom Penh?

Wondering “where is Phnom Penh?” and why are so many travelers talking about it? You’re not alone. Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s buzzing capital, located in the south-central part of the country, where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. It’s a city full of contrasts, where golden temples sit next to vibrant markets, and rooftop bars overlook picturesque riverside parks.

Getting to central Phnom Penh from the airport

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is less than 10 miles (16 km) from the city center. Once you land, you’ve got a few options to get into town. Choose the option that suits you best.

By taxi

Taxis in Phnom Penh aren’t always easy to flag down on the streets. So, it’s better to use a ride-hailing app like Grab (Cambodia’s version of Uber). Prices are fair, and you won’t have to worry about negotiating. Some hotels also offer private car services. It’s a bit more expensive but excellent for swift airport transfers or longer day trips, for instance from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

There’s also an airport shuttle bus that’s cheaper. It runs regularly and stops at major areas like Central Market and Riverside. If you’re traveling light, this is a budget-friendly way to go.

By tuk-tuk

This is the most popular way to get around Phnom Penh, particularly for locals. Tuk-tuks are everywhere and offer a breezy, open-air ride through the city’s busy streets. You’re welcome to negotiate a fare or use an app like PassApp or Grab TukTuk. Most short rides around town cost $2–$4. Just make sure to agree on the price before you hop in if you’re not using an app.

By public transport

Phnom Penh’s public bus service is cheap, simple, and improving with time. Buses have air-conditioning and cost less than $0.50 a ride. Routes are numbered and marked in English and Khmer. It’s not always the fastest way to get around, though. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours. But if you’re patient, taking the bus is a good way to get to various locations.

13 best things to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh might seem laid-back at first, but give it a little time, and the city’s energy pulls you in. There’s much to discover from royal landmarks to haunting history, tasty street food, and peaceful riverside strolls. Here are the best things to do while you’re in Cambodia’s capital.

1. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Step inside one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks. The Royal Palace is still home to the king and the royal family. Its golden spires shine against the city skyline.

Don’t miss the Silver Pagoda next door—its floor is inlaid with over 5,000 silver tiles and houses some of Cambodia’s most sacred treasures.

2. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)

Once a secondary school, this building became a notorious prison under the Khmer Rouge regime. A visit here is profoundly moving and puts Cambodia’s recent history into perspective.

The preserved rooms of the former Khmer Rouge prison and personal stories offer a haunting look at the country’s darkest chapter.

3. Explore the National Museum of Cambodia

Just a short walk from the Royal Palace, this museum is packed with centuries-old Khmer art and artifacts. You’ll find ancient statues, ceramics, and tools that tell the story of Cambodia long before Angkor Wat. The peaceful courtyard garden is a great spot to take a break from the heat.

4. Discover the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

Just outside the city, 1.5 miles from AEON Mall Mean Chey, this memorial site marks where thousands were executed during the Khmer Rouge era. It’s a somber but necessary place to visit if you want to understand what Cambodia has endured. Audio guides walk you through the mass graves with powerful survivor stories.

5. Stroll along the riverside promenade (Sisowath Quay)

This scenic stretch along the Tonle Sap River is perfect for a slow walk. You’ll pass locals doing aerobics, fortune tellers, and kids flying kites at the park. Grab a drink at one of the cafés, or just sit and watch the city move.

6. Wander the Russian Market (Tuol Tompoung)

Looking for souvenirs, fresh produce, street food, or even a cheap phone charger? This market has it all. It’s a maze of stalls selling everything from knock-off jeans to silk scarves, and the food court in the back is a local favorite.

7. Climb to Wat Phnom

This small hill temple is the legendary birthplace of the city. Locals come here to pray for luck or success, and the leafy park around it is excellent for relaxing. Wat Phnom is one of the few places you’ll find some elevation and a decent city view.

8. Try Phnom Penh’s street food and local cuisine

The city’s food scene is one of the best in the region. Grab a bowl of kuy teav (noodle soup) in the morning, and snack on grilled meats or banana pancakes in the evening. For the adventurous, fried crickets are also on the menu.

9. Shop at Central Market (Phsar Thmey)

Housed in a massive art deco dome, Central Market is a Phnom Penh classic. You’ll find everything from gold jewelry to electronics, flowers, and souvenirs. It’s also airier and easier to navigate than many of the city’s other markets.

10. Take a Khmer cooking class

Learn to make Cambodian classics like amok or green mango salad from scratch. Many classes start with a trip to a local market, so you get the full local experience. It’s a fun and tasty way to take a piece of Phnom Penh home with you.

11. Wander through the Phnom Penh Night Market

Hosted on weekends, the Phnom Penh Night Market comes alive after sunset. It’s a fun mix of food stalls, clothing vendors, and live local music. Grab a mat, pick a few dishes, and eat picnic-style like the locals do—cheap, tasty, and full of atmosphere.

12. Take a day trip to Silk Island (Koh Dach)

Just a short ferry ride from Phnom Penh, Silk Island feels like a peaceful escape from the city. You can watch local weavers at work, explore quiet villages by bike, and learn how traditional silk is made. It’s a great way to slow down and see rural Cambodian life up close.

13. Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Mekong River

End the day in Phnom Penh with a relaxing river cruise on the Mekong. The city lights twinkle as the sun dips behind the skyline, and the cool breeze sweeps in. Some cruises include dinner and drinks, making it a laid-back night out.

Read more: Interview with one of our local partners in Cambodia

Best time to visit the Cambodian capital city

The best time to visit is during the green season, from November to March, particularly December to February. You’ll get cooler temperatures and clear skies—perfect for sightseeing.

April and May are very hot, especially in the country’s interior, while June to October brings the rainy season. The showers are usually short, though, and can cool things down. If you want fewer crowds, try visiting in the shoulder months like late October or early June.

Where to stay in Phnom Penh city

Phnom Penh has a few distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different vibe. Where you stay will shape your experience, so choosing the area that best fits your travel style is worth considering.

• Riverside (Sisowath Quay area): If it’s your first time in the city, Riverside is a great base. You’ll be close to major attractions like the Royal Palace, National Museum, and Wat Ounalom. The area is lively day and night, with plenty of bars, cafés, and restaurants overlooking the river.
• Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1): Often called Phnom Penh’s expat neighborhood, BKK1 is clean, modern, and packed with stylish cafés, rooftop bars, boutique shops, and wellness centers. It’s slightly removed from the tourist core, but still convenient for exploring.
• Daun Penh: Located in central Phnom Penh. It includes Riverside, but also stretches toward Central Market and the old French Quarter. You’ll find colonial buildings, government offices, markets, and a mix of local and expat life. It being centrally located makes it easy for you to get around.

What to know about Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh

The city is not as polished as other capitals in Southeast Asia, but that’s part of its charm. You’ll see saffron-robed monks walking past shopping malls. You’ll taste bold spices in street food and hear Buddhist chants drifting over honking motorbikes. It’s all a rich blend of past and present.

Cambodian culture, arts, and museums

Phnom Penh is the perfect place to dive into Khmer culture. Start with the National Museum of Cambodia. It’s home to thousands of ancient sculptures, including stunning pieces from the Angkor period, a time when the Khmer Empire flourished, leaving a lasting mark on the country.

Check out a performance at the Cambodian Living Arts or the National Theater for traditional dance. You’ll see the famous Apsara dancers, dressed in gold, moving with hypnotic grace.

Local art is also booming in Phnom Penh. Galleries, like The Gallerist, showcase modern Cambodian artists exploring the country’s identity through painting, photography, and sculpture.

History — from French colonialism to the Khmer Rouge

Cambodia’s history is layered and complex. From ancient kingdoms and Angkor’s rise to French rule and the brutal Khmer Rouge era under Pol Pot, its history blends triumph and tragedy.

The French arrived in the 19th century, and you’ll still see their influence in the wide boulevards and colonial villas. But Cambodia’s (in extension, Phnom Penh’s) darkest chapter came in the 1970s under the Khmer Rouge. The regime emptied the city and turned schools into prisons.

Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek for a deeper understanding. A tour of these sites is heavy but essential, as these places honor the memory of those lost.

Religion and spiritual life

Buddhism is everywhere in Phnom Penh. You’ll see monks collecting alms in the early morning and shrines outside homes and businesses. Wat Phnom is the city’s most famous temple, perched on a small hill. According to legend, it’s where the city of Phnom Penh began.

Small communities also worship Hindu gods, some of whom follow Islam, while others practice the Christian faith. So, Phnom Penh is more religiously diverse than you might think.

Read more: The best temples in Cambodia

Traditional cuisine and street food culture

Food in Phnom Penh is a full-on experience. Think grilled skewers, tangy salads, and fish curries. One must-try dish is fish amok, a rich coconut curry, steamed in banana leaves.

Street food is king here. Head to the Central Market or streets like 264 (known for num banh chok) and 170 (for lort cha). If you’re brave, try a deep-fried tarantula—it’s a local delicacy!

You’ll also find plenty of cafés and restaurants mixing Khmer flavors with Western tastes, especially in Boeung Keng Kang (BKK), an area teeming with boutique hotels and eateries.

Festivals, entertainment, and nightlife

Phnom Penh loves to celebrate. The biggest holiday is the Khmer New Year in April. It’s a three-day celebration marking the end of harvest season and the beginning of the solar new year. It involves temple visits and offerings, dancing, ceremonies, and even friendly water fights.

Other big festivals include Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day), when Cambodians honor their ancestors and offer food and other gifts to monks at pagodas. Bon Om Touk (Cambodian Water Festival) marks the end of the monsoon season and involves dragon boat races on the river.

Head to Riverside for cocktails with a view at night or explore bars in Bassac Lane for craft beer and live music. Clubs like Pontoon or Eclipse Sky Bar keep the party going late. The Night Market is another great spot to enjoy Phnom Penh after dark, with live music and street food.

Safety tips

Phnom Penh is generally safe, but like any big city, you’ll need to stay aware. The Cambodia Travel Advisory has a Level 2 for the city, urging visitors to exercise increased precautions. In Phnom Penh, keep your bag close as motorbike snatch thefts can happen. Don’t flash your phone while walking near traffic, and always pay attention to what’s happening around you.

Most locals are friendly and helpful. Stick to well-lit areas at night and use trusted transport apps. If you need help, hotel staff can usually assist.

Money and budgeting matters

The Cambodian riel is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. Prices under $1 will be given in riel, so keep small notes handy. ATMs are easy to find and often dispense US dollars. Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up or leaving $1–$2 for good service is appreciated.

Phnom Penh is affordable. Street food meals cost $2–$3, mid-range restaurants around $6–$10, and budget guesthouses start at $10 per night.

Packing list

Here’s what to bring for a smooth trip:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes
• Scarf or sarong for temples
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel insurance information
• Copies of your passport and visa
• US dollars in small bills — there are banks and money changers throughout the city

Practical tips for your Phnom Penh vacation

• Dress modestly when visiting temples
• Remove your shoes before entering religious sites
• Carry small change for tuk-tuks and markets
• Learn a few basic Khmer phrases like “hello” (susadei) and “thank you” (ar khun)
• Download offline maps or grab a physical map before you go
• Always drink bottled or filtered water

FAQs about visiting Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Here are answers to a few of the commonly asked questions about Cambodia’s largest city.

What is Phnom Penh known for?

Phnom Penh is known for its rich history, French colonial buildings, Khmer cuisine, imposing Buddha statues, and powerful memorials to the Khmer Rouge era. It’s eclectic, yet still very traditional.

What language is spoken in Phnom Penh?

Khmer is the official language. However, due to economic development in recent years, English is widely spoken in tourist-heavy areas, and many signs often include English translations.

Is Phnom Penh worth visiting?

Yes. It’s a city that blends culture, food, and Cambodia’s past. It’s not as touristy as Siem Reap, but Phnom Penh offers a more local, authentic experience among the Cambodian population.

How many days in Phnom Penh are enough?

Two to three days is a reasonable amount of time to explore Phnom Penh. That gives you enough time to visit the major sights like the Royal Palace, museums, and the Killing Fields, while still enjoying the food, riverfront, and local markets. If you want to take a day trip to Silk Island or just travel slower, add an extra day.

Make it happen

Phnom Penh is full of surprises. Whether you’re here to explore the country’s layered history, try new (and adventurous) food, or just soak in the rhythm of local life, the capital welcomes you. Our local experts can help you craft a bespoke itinerary, catered to your interests, so get in touch with them today.