This blog post is all about what to do in Phnom Penh.
Situated at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s dynamic (some might call it chaotic) capital city.
While it offers a poignant look into the country’s past, it also pulses with contemporary energy and modern attractions.
I recently spent four days in Phnom Penh, and upon arrival via bus, I was unsure if I would like the city. However, by the next morning it had grown on me and visiting the key sites of the Khmer Rouge genocide is an experience I will never forget.
I would recommend 3-5 nights in Phnom Penh to make sure you see everything this bustling capital city has to offer.
If you’re wondering what to do in Phnom Penh, I hope this guide proves helpful!
If you’re heading to Cambodia, chances are you will need an e-Sim for internet access. We use the Airalo eSim. Which is super handy and easily installed onto your phone as soon as you arrive into Cambodia!
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This blog post is all about what to do in Phnom Penh.
How to Get to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap & Battambang
Phnom Penh was our final stop in Cambodia, after visiting both Siem Reap and Battambang.
To get to Phnom Penh, we took a 5-hour bus from Battambang, and booked this through 12Go Asia.
For all of our internal travel in Asia (buses, trains and ferries) we used 12Go Asia to book everything in advance to ensure we could continue onwards.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
During our time in Phnom Penh, we stayed at The White Corner Hotel, which ticked all the boxes for us.
The hotel was comfortable, well-equipped, and provided excellent service.
While Phnom Penh isn’t the most walkable city, we found it easy to get around by grabbing tuk tuks to our destinations. Conveniently, great coffee spots to work from like Tube Coffee and Mixt Coffee were nearby and the Genocide Museum was only a short 10 minute walk away.
Planning your first trip to Phnom Penh? Stay near the Riverside or Royal Palace! You’ll be close to all the action, with great food and a fun atmosphere. Want an apartment instead of a hotel? Check out IPS Cambodia. They have tons of apartments for rent in Cambodia, perfect for short or long stays. Just remember, the riverside can be a bit wild at night!
As the city isn’t the most walkable you will likely be getting tuk tuks everywhere, so there’s no real need to stress too much on location. We were more than happy with our hotel’s location.
You can book a stay at The White Corner in Phnom Penh here.
What to Do in Phnom Penh: 8 Things to See & Do
Below are the top things of what to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
1. What to Do in Phnom Penh for History: Explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
Gain a deep understanding of Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge regime by visiting this former school-turned-prison.
The museum offers a sobering look at the horrors of the past and the resilience of the Cambodian people. A must-do in Phnom Penh.
2. What to Do in Phnom Penh for History: Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Located just outside Phnom Penh, this memorial site provides a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge era.
The peaceful grounds are marked by a poignant stupa filled with the skulls of victims.
What to Do in Phnom Penh Continued
3. What to Do in Phnom Penh for Culture: Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
A must-see in Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace is a stunning example of traditional Khmer architecture.
The Silver Pagoda, located within the palace grounds, houses an impressive collection of Buddha statues, including the Emerald Buddha. Beware of the thousands of pigeons outside.
4. What to Do in Phnom Penh for Shopping: Discover the Central Market
Known locally as Phsar Thmei, this is a bustling market housed in an art deco building.
Here, you can find everything from jewellery and electronics to clothing and fresh produce.
What to Do in Phnom Penh Continued
5. What to Do in Phnom Penh for History: Visit Wat Phnom
This hilltop temple is the tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. It’s also the legendary founding place of Phnom Penh.
6. What to Do in Phnom Penh with Kids: Check out the National Museum
Home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture and artefacts, the National Museum provides a comprehensive look at Cambodia’s artistic history.
7. What to Do in Phnom Penh for Couples: Experience the Nightlife of Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh’s nightlife is diverse, ranging from rooftop bars with stunning city views to lively nightclubs. Don’t miss the bars and pubs along Bassac Lane, a hotspot for both locals and expats.
8. What to Do in Phnom Penh for Couples: Take a Mekong River Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Mekong River, offering scenic views of the city skyline and the chance to see local life along the riverbanks.
The Best Restaurants in Phnom Penh
Below are the top restaurants in Phnom Penh as well as the best places that we ate during our time in the capital of Cambodia.
1. David’s Restaurant Homemade Noodles
We love dumplings and this place is incredible. We dined here twice in three nights.
Authentic, affordable and incredibly tasty. In 2023 it won a Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Award for being in the top 10% of millions of reviews worldwide. If you like dumplings or noodles, go here and thank us later.
2. Mama Wong’s Dumpling and Noodles
On our second night in Phnom Penh we stumbled upon this dumpling place in the busy Bassac Lane.
Really good food, not as good as David’s from the night before, but still worth checking out.
3. Tube Coffee
A trendy chain coffee shop known for its excellent brews and relaxed vibe. It also had strong WiFi, lots of plug sockets and was a great (and popular) place to get some work done.
4. Mixt Coffee
Another great coffee spot with a modern aesthetic. They serve delicious coffee and light bites, making it a perfect place to unwind from the chaos of the city.
5. Welsh Embassy & the Welsh Consulate Pub
I’m not exactly sure why there seems to be more Welsh bars in Cambodia than in Wales, but they made for a fun visit and the Welsh Embassy in particular, is a tiny little nook of a bar.
6. Labaab Restaurant
We didn’t manage to check this place out but we had heard a lot of good things. This spot specialises in traditional Khmer cuisine with a modern twist.
What to Do in Phnom Penh: Things to Know Before You Visit Phnom Penh
Before you visit Phnom Penh in Cambodia, here are a few things you should be aware of.
Cambodian Currency – Riel or US Dollar?
The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel. However, due to hyperinflation and the Khmer Regime, public confidence in the Riel disappeared, leading to Dollarization, with USD being seen as a more stable store of value.
Across Cambodia, both currencies are used and are interchangeable. You can pay with a mixture of notes and will often receive change in a mixture of notes. It’s quite common for your bill to show both the Riel and Dollar prices.
Must-Know: Businesses have the right to refuse damaged USD notes.
The Cambodian bank has declared they will only accept USD notes in pristine condition. So no rips, stains, marks, or any signs of damage or ageing at all.
Visa on Arrival
Upon arrival in Cambodia, you have the option of obtaining a visa on arrival or applying for an e-visa beforehand.
We chose the e-visa option, but keep in mind that it takes a few days to approve, so plan ahead. You’ll also need to upload passport style photos for the e-visa application.
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