Phnom Penh Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Phnom Penh featuring night scenes, a fountain and nightlife
Cambodia showing a monument and a park
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh which includes food
Cambodia featuring food

Phnom Penh lures visitors with its ancient relics and temples, deep and turbulant history and modern day energy.

Phnom Penh’s complicated and brutal history makes it a fascinating place to visit.  Wander the streets and witness a city that is slowly bouncing back from decades of turmoil. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia and later the headquarters of the French colonial administration. In 1975 it was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and subject to years of brutal rule, before the Vietnamese toppled the regime in 1979.

Today it is the economic and political capital of Cambodia and is home to some of its most spectacular temples and harrowing museums. You’ll see bustling street markets, wild traffic, and buildings from throughout its history. Check out Wat Phnom to see the temple that gave the city its name. For a look at some of its more impressive structures, visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Wander through immaculately-maintained gardens, among gold and crystal Buddha statues, and over silver floors. 

To see more ancient temples, visit Wat Sarawan or Wat Ounalom. Brush up on your local history with some time at the National Museum of Cambodia. There are statues and artifacts from the Angkorian era and beyond. Anyone looking to understand the country’s troubled recent past should head to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Inside the school Pol Pot converted into the infamous S-21 Prison, you’ll see moving exhibits and what remains of the cramped cells. 

Take a trip out to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek to learn more. There are pits where murdered prisoners were buried, as well as a Buddhist stupa packed with victims’ skulls. 

Back in the city, take a trip to the art deco Central Market. Shop for everything from clothes and jewellry to flowers. For a nice evening stroll, head to Sisowath Quay. There are some good restaurants, decent cafés, and a few bars. 

Where to stay in Phnom Penh

Central Market showing flowers and markets as well as an individual female

Phnom Penh City Centre

4/5(113 area reviews)

Phnom Penh City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its great bars, fascinating museums and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Central Market or Orussey Market while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Phnom Penh City Centre
Wat Ounalom which includes a temple or place of worship and heritage elements

Daun Penh

4/5(23 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and stunning river views are just a few highlights of Daun Penh. Make a stop by National Museum of Cambodia or Central Market while you're exploring the area.

Daun Penh
Independence Monument featuring a monument and motorcycle riding

Boeung Keng Kang

Travellers come to Boeung Keng Kang for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Independence Monument and Preah Sihanouk Garden while you're in town.

Boeung Keng Kang
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Chamkar Mon

4/5(35 area reviews)

Casinos, cocktail bars and spas are some highlights of Chamkar Mon. Make a stop by Independence Monument or AEON Mall while you're exploring.

Chamkar Mon
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Tuol Kouk

5/5(2 area reviews)

Unique features of Tuol Kouk include the river views and shopping. Make a stop by Monireth Boulevard or TK Avenue Mall while you're exploring the area.

Tuol Kouk
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Sen Sok

3/5(2 area reviews)

Sen Sok is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like AEON Mall Sen Sok City and Water Garden.

Sen Sok
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
#28, Street 184, Phnom Penh
Fully refundable
The price is AU$130 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
AU$130
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (781 reviews)
"Very friendly staff, not far from attractions. Killing Fields 20 min drive, Royal Palace, 10 min walk."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
Luxcity Hotel & Apartment

Luxcity Hotel & Apartment

4 out of 5
Building No. 37A, Street 118, Sangkat Mittapheap, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh
The price is AU$97 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
AU$97
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (428 reviews)
"Everytime i com to Phnom penh, I stay here. This is the best hot in Phnom penh. Their rooms are humongous. Their services are the nest. The staffs are so professional. Polite, and pleasant ."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Luxcity Hotel & Apartment
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort By EHM

Palace Gate Hotel & Resort By EHM

5 out of 5
#44. St. Sothearos Blvd (Corner St. 240), Chey Chumneas, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
The price is AU$135 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
AU$135
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (581 reviews)
10/10
"Incredible experience right in the heart of Phnom Penh. Could not have asked for more. Top tier service, food, amenities, and comfort."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Palace Gate Hotel & Resort By EHM
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
THE PENINSULA PHNOM PENH

THE PENINSULA PHNOM PENH

3.5 out of 5
Keo Chenda St, Phnom Penh, PNH
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Riverside and Royal Palace are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
"Great food options within the hotel. Beds were very comfortable !"

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

THE PENINSULA PHNOM PENH
Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh

Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh

4.5 out of 5
One Park, No. 58, Street R8, Sangkat Srah Chark, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Central Market and Royal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
"Property was great"

Reviewed on 11 Apr. 2025

Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh
Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh

Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh

4 out of 5
Street 102, Phnom Penh City Centre, Sangkat Srah Chak, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Royal Palace and Riverside are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (43 reviews)
Guest care Delivered to the maximum level. Goooood
"Ambient condition maintained well for the guests and the staff delivered level of care which is appreciable. Food is Good. Overall I recommend this Hotel."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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