Visit Phnom Penh: Top 10 Things To Do And See In The Cambodian Capital

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, is located in the center of the country. It’s a terrific place to start your Cambodia travels because it’s home to some of the country’s most important cultural and historical monuments.

This travel guide to visit Phnom Penh will help you plan your journey whether you’re traveling for a weekend or as part of a backpacking tour around Cambodia.

Things to do in Phnom Penh, where to stay, eat and how to get there. Hanoi Voyages will take you around Phnom Penh to discover this.

Things to do in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, offers a mix of history, culture, and lively city life. From exploring majestic temples and royal palaces to wandering bustling markets and riverside promenades, there are countless things to do in Phnom Penh for every type of traveler. Let's visit Phnom Penh with its best attractions!

Learn the Khmer history at the national museum

The National museum of Cambodia houses the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture, spanning millennia of outstanding Khmer design. It is housed in a charming terracotta structure of classical architecture (constructed between 1917 and 1920), close north of the Royal Palace, with an appealing courtyard garden. Visiting here is one of the best things to do when you visit Phnom Penh

Note:

• Visitors are not allowed to photograph the collection, only the central courtyard.

• English, French, Spanish and Japanese-speaking guides are available for tours ($6 USD).

Royal Palace

Visiting the Royal Palace is one of the top things to do when visit Phnom Penh. This stunning complex, with traditional Khmer architecture, serves as the residence of the King, Queen, and the royal family.

Visitors can still explore parts of the palace compound, including the ceremonial Throne Room, the ornate gardens and the Chan Chhaya Pavilion. The highlight, however, has to be the Silver Pagoda, an extravagant structure with a floor made out of five tonnes of silver.

It is especially very crowded on Sundays when the Palace sees its highest visitor numbers. Please choose carefully the best time for your trip!

• Entrance fee of Royal Palace: 10 USD

• Tip: Dress appropriately (knees & shoulders covered)

• Opening hours: 8 am – 11 am, then 2 pm – 5 pm.

You can read more information: Visit Royal Palace in Cambodia: A must-visit historical site

Silver pagoda

Located within the Royal Palace complex, the Silver Pagoda is one of the must-see attractions in Phnom Penh and a top thing to do when visit Phnom Penh. Named for its floor covered with over 5,000 silver tiles weighing several tons, the temple showcases exquisite Khmer architecture with tiered roofs, ornate carvings, and richly decorated interiors.

The pagoda houses many important Buddha statues, including the life-sized gold Emerald Buddha of Cambodia, made of Baccarat crystal and adorned with over 9,000 diamonds, along with numerous other sacred relics.

• Entrance fee: 10 USD (same as Royal Palace)

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Tips: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and remove shoes before entering. Guided tours are available.

Phnom Penh Central market 

Stroll through the Central market, selling jewelry, electronics, antiques, spices, clothing and souvenirs, alongside just about everything else under the sun are must-try things to do when travelers visit Phnom Penh.

The historic art deco Central market is a terrific spot to witness the hustle and bustle of Cambodian life.

While the entrance is adorned with tourist-oriented kiosks, a peek inside reveals a tangle of sellers offering everything from clothing to electronics. Make sure to haggle here! A wet market and food court on the outskirts are bustling with folks enjoying breakfast every day.

Visit the Genocide Crime museum (S-21 prison )

The S-21 prison is one of more than 200 secret prisons in Cambodia where people have been imprisoned, tortured and murdered.

In the four years that the Khmer Rouge regime ruled over Cambodia, over three million people died. People died either by torture or murder in these secret prisons and killing fields, or from starvation in the fields. Somewhere between 12,000 and 20,000 Cambodians were housed in the S-21 prison and only 12 survived.

See the photos of their dead bodies hanging above the metal beds where they were tortured, and hear horrendous stories of all that went on here.

• Entrance fees: $5/adult and $3/child aged 10-18. The audio guide is an additional $3/person.

• Opening hours: Open daily from 8:00 – 17:00.

Pay your respects at the Choeung Ek Genocidal center (The killing fields)

The Choeung Ek Genocidal center is the most well-known of the killing fields and a must-see place when visit Phnom Penh. As you wander around the property, you’ll have an audio guide to explain what exactly you are looking at. You’ll hear stories from survivors. If you find top things to do in Phnom Penh, visit here you’ll see the tree where children were picked up by their feet and then swung into the massive trunk, head first, killing them in front of their mothers. And you can see bits of clothing and bone fragments in the dirt all along the path.

• Entrance fees: $6/person with audio guide included.

• Opening hours: Open daily from 8:00 – 17:30.

Wat Phnom

Perched on a 27-meter-high hill with lush greenery, Wat Phnom is one of the most iconic attractions in Phnom Penh and a popular thing to do in Phnom Penh. Built in the 14th century, the pagoda features a wide staircase lined with Buddha statues and lions leading up to a serene sanctuary.

The temple houses four Buddha statues and is visited by locals who pray for success in school, good fortune, or luck in gambling. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the panoramic views of the city from the hilltop.

• Entrance fee: Free

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Tips: Dress modestly and respect local customs while exploring the pagoda.

Relax with a massage day

Go all out with an extravagant 2-hour encounter counting a body scour with Himalayan salts, a smell rub and a scalp rub.

For the “Royal Indulgence”, spend 3 hours with a homegrown steam treatment, a body scour, a Balinese knead and a revival facial.

There are Khmer Massages, detox treatments and even massages for babies. This place does it all for great prices, in a truly serene environment and by professional relaxation specialists.

Take a boat ride on the Mekong river

The Mekong river and the Tonle Sap river converge right near the touristy area of Phnom Penh and watching a sunset on the water is something you must do in there.

Boats leave twice a day from Monday to Sunday:

• The sunset cruise leaves at 17:00 and the trip takes about an hour and 20 minutes. If you just want to enjoy the cruise, you’ll pay $8 per person. If you want to cruise and have a free-flow draft beer or soft drinks, you’ll pay $17 per person.

• The dinner cruise leaves at 19:00 and takes about an hour and 45 minutes. The $22 price includes the cruise as well as a 4-course dinner experience.

Visit the Independence monument

If you are wondering about things to do when you visit Phnom Penh before catching that late evening flight, a trip to Independence monument should top your list of things to do in Phnom Penh near the airport. Built to mark Cambodian independence from French rule, the monument is a surreal sight. The panels and nagas of the seven-tiered memorial are an immortalization of Khmer architecture.

When is the best time to visit Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh has a tropical monsoon climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The best time to visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia, largely depends on your weather preferences and the type of activities you want to pursue. Choosing the right time can make your visit more enjoyable:

• Dry season (November – April):

  • Most popular time to visit due to sunny days and minimal rainfall

  • Temperatures range from 27°C to 32°C (81°F – 90°F)

  • Ideal for outdoor activities and festivals like Khmer New Year (April)

• Wet season (May – October):

  • Frequent afternoon/evening rain showers and higher humidity

  • Lush greenery and lower tourism crowds

  • Travel and accommodation costs are generally cheaper

The best months are November to February for comfortable weather and easier sightseeing. Always check the forecast, as conditions can vary, especially in May and October.

Where to stay in Phnom Penh: Recommended hotels

When visit Phnom Penh, choosing the best places to stay needs to consider your budget, preferred location, and the amenities you desire. Keep in mind that the city has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels, so you can find something that suits your needs. It’s advisable to read recent reviews and check for updated information before making a reservation. In this article, we will answer your questions about the best hotels in Phnom Penh.

Sofitel Phnom Penh

Price: From 180 USD per night

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Sofitel Phnom Penh combines French luxury with Khmer warmth. Guests enjoy elegant rooms, exquisite dining, a spa, and easy access to major things to do in Phnom Penh. Perfect for leisure, business, or special occasions during your Phnom Penh travel.

Rosewood Phnom Penh

Price: From 250 USD per night

Rosewood Phnom Penh is a luxury hotel in the city center offering rooms with river or city views, a fitness center, and on-site dining. Its central location makes it convenient to explore popular things to do in Phnom Penh, from markets to riverside attractions.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh

Price: From 220 USD per night

The Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is a modern 5-star hotel featuring 247 rooms, multiple dining options, conference facilities, and a 24-hour fitness center. Ideal for travelers looking for luxury accommodation while enjoying Phnom Penh travel and top things to do in Phnom Penh.

Sokha hotel Phnom Penh

Price: From 130 USD per night

Overlooking the Royal Palace and Chaktomuk River, Sokha Phnom Penh offers spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a tranquil escape from the city center. Guests can easily visit nearby things to do in Phnom Penh while enjoying scenic river views.

Ibis budget Phnom Penh riverside

Price: From 25 USD per night

Ibis Budget Phnom Penh Riverside provides affordable and comfortable accommodation in the heart of the city. While simple, its location makes it convenient for travelers to explore things to do in Phnom Penh and enjoy the riverside atmosphere during their Phnom Penh travel.

What to eat and drink in Phnom Penh

From traditional Khmer cuisine to foreign fare, Phnom Penh’s cuisine will leave you with lasting recollections. In this travel guide, we will look at some of the best cuisine and beverages to try while in this city.

Traditional Khmer cuisine

• Amok: a traditional Khmer dish that is typically made with fish, but can also be made with chicken or vegetables. Amok is prepared by mixing together coconut milk, curry paste, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and other spices, and then steaming the mixture in banana leaves.

• Lok Lak: a popular Khmer dish that consists of stir-fried beef (or sometimes chicken or pork) served on a bed of lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. The beef is typically marinated in a mixture of oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic and sugar before being quickly stir-fried with onions and bell peppers.

• Kuy Teav: a popular Khmer noodle soup that is typically eaten for breakfast or as a light meal. The dish consists of rice noodles in a flavorful broth made from pork bones, fish sauce, garlic and other spices

Street food

Phnom Penh is known for its vibrant street food scene, where you can find a variety of delicious and affordable snacks. Some of the must-try street food items include Khmer noodles, grilled meat skewers, and fried bananas. You should check out the night markets for some of the best street food options.

How to get to Phnom Penh?

Visit Phnom Penh is easily reached from Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, or Siem Reap by flight, bus, or private transfer. Planning ahead makes it easier to enjoy the best things to do in Phnom Penh upon arrival. Let's find out!

Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh

Bus from HCM to Phnom Penh

If you don’t want to fly, the most common way to get from Ho Chi Minh city to Phnom Penh is to take a tourist bus. Taking the bus is not only the cheapest alternative, but it is also relatively quick, pleasant and convenient.

The bus ride takes about 6.5 hours on average, but it can take longer depending on traffic and how congested the border is when you arrive.

• Duration: ~6.5 hours

• Cost: ~$12 – $21 per person

Flight from HCM to Phnom Penh

If your travel budget allows, flying from Ho Chi Minh city to Phnom Penh is the quickest and most convenient option. Many airlines, notably Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, and VietJet, operate direct flights between these two cities.

• Duration: ~50 minutes

• Cost: $110+ per person

Bangkok to Phnom Penh

There are ten flights a day between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, but you could also consider making the journey by train, bus, and boat. Read on to find out more about each of these different options

By flight

This is the quickest way to travel between these two cities but also the most expensive. There are six different airlines offering direct routes from Thailand. Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, Vietjet, Cambodia Airways, and Lanmei Airline flights depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport while Thai AirAsia flies from the Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok.

By bus

It takes between 11.5 and 13 hours to travel by direct bus from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, depending on traffic conditions and any delays crossing the border into Cambodia. There are night buses and morning buses departing from Bangkok with Virak Buntham Express, leaving at 02.00, 06.00, 07.00 and 09.00 daily. A couple of daytime minibuses are also available with Travel Mart, but they take longer.

Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Practical information about Phnom Penh before traveling

Before exploring all the exciting things to do in Phnom Penh, it’s helpful to know some practical details about the city. This information will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Let's explore!

Postal code Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Postcode is the range from 120101 to 121208. This city’s former official name is Krong Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol.

Phnom Penh time

The time in Phnom Penh is 7 hours ahead of UTC and 5 hours ahead of Amsterdam. The timezone in Phnom Penh is Indochina time (ICT). Phnom Penh is not using Daylight saving time (DST).

Royal Phnom Penh hospital

The Royal Phnom Penh hospital is a well-known medical facility located in the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh.

This hospital provides a wide range of medical services and specialties, including general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology, radiology and more. Moreover, the hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment and facilities to offer high-quality healthcare services.

The hospital typically provides emergency medical services, so it can be a crucial resource in case of medical emergencies while you are in Phnom Penh.

Airport in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is served by Phnom Penh international airport (IATA code: PNH). The airport is located about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) west of the city center of Phnom Penh, making it easily accessible from the city.

There are two passenger terminals at Phnom Penh international airport: one for international flights and another for domestic flights. The airport has customs and immigration facilities for international travelers. Visa on arrival services are available for many nationalities.

Furthermore, the airport features duty-free shops, retail outlets, and dining options where travelers can purchase souvenirs, snacks and meals.

Phnom Penh map

You can easily find a map of Phnom Penh by using popular online mapping services such as Google Maps or Open Street Map.

Google Maps:

• Open your web browser and go to the Google Maps website (maps.google.com).

• In the search bar, type “Phnom Penh, Cambodia" and press Enter.

• Google Maps will display a detailed map of Phnom Penh, allowing you to zoom in, zoom out and explore different areas of the city.

Open Street Map:

• Visit the Open Street Map website (www.openstreetmap.org).

• In the search bar, type “Phnom Penh, Cambodia” and press Enter.

• Open Street Map will provide a detailed map of Phnom Penh and you can use the zoom and navigation features to explore the city.

Phnom Penh theater

Phnom Penh offers a range of cinemas where you can enjoy the latest movies.

• Major Cineplex Cambodia (Aeon Mall Phnom Penh): Located in Aeon Mall Phnom Penh, Major Cineplex is one of the largest cinema chains in Cambodia. With multiple screens and the latest releases, it provides a modern movie-watching experience.

• Legend cinemas: With several locations in Phnom Penh, including City Mall, TK Avenue, and Exchange Square, Legend cinemas is another prominent cinema chain in the city. They show a variety of films, including Hollywood blockbusters and Asian cinema.

• Prime Cineplex (Aeon Mall Sen Sok city): Part of the Aeon Mall Sen Sok City complex, Prime Cineplex is a convenient option for moviegoers in the Sen Sok area of Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh is a city where rich history, vibrant culture, and modern energy blend seamlessly, offering travelers endless opportunities to explore. From iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to spiritual sites such as Wat Phnom and bustling riverside life, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Phnom Penh.

Let Hanoi Voyages help you design the perfect journey — book your Cambodia adventure today with Hanoi Voyages and visit Phnom Penh at its best!