Phnom Penh Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Phnom Penh featuring heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
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 featuring markets and flowers 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 Wat Phnom while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

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

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
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 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or AEON Mall while you're exploring.

Chamkar Mon
Independence Monument which includes a monument and motorbike 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
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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 Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club.

Sen Sok
Ibis Budget Phnom Penh Riverside
Ibis Budget Phnom Penh Riverside
2.5 out of 5
No 11, Street 78, Sangkat Tonle Basak, Diamond Island, Phnom Penh
The price is AU$41 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
AU$41
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions NagaWorld Casino and Royal Palace are located ...
4.4/10 (5 reviews)
"My only requirement when abroad I require from a hotel are a clean room,at a good price with a comfy bed and good shower and decent wifi At the ibis budget it isn’t particularly cheap,comfy bed but rock hard pillows,room was clean,shower surprisingly ok But the Wi-Fi was atrocious, Stayed in many ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jan. 2024

Ibis Budget Phnom Penh Riverside
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh
5 out of 5
55 Street 178 Sangkat Chey Chumnas, Khan Duan Penh, Phnom Penh
The price is AU$250 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$250
per night
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
"The rooftop restaurant was fantastic. 5 stars to the incredible staff. I look forward to returning."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh
G Mekong Hotel Phnom Penh
G Mekong Hotel Phnom Penh
4 out of 5
419, Monivong Blvd, Khan 7 Makara (Orussey Market Area), Phnom Penh
The price is AU$59 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
AU$59
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (484 reviews)
"My opinion might be slightly biased by paying off-season rates, but I was quite impressed. The room was spacious, comfortable, and nicely designed. The staff were all friendly and helpful (albeit I don’t tend to ask for much). Breakfast was decent and changed each of my three days, with a few constants ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

G Mekong Hotel 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.
CDX Residence
CDX Residence
3.5 out of 5
53, Street 446, Phum 5, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions NagaWorld Casino and Royal Palace are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Stayed here for 3 nights and had an excellent experience. The rooms are clean and well maintained, and the staff speak good English and are very friendly and efficient. The location is fantastic, with many food and shopping options within walking distance, and it is really easy to get transportation ..."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

CDX Residence
 Palace Gate Hotel & Residence By EHM
Palace Gate Hotel & Residence By EHM
4 out of 5
10B, St. 264, Sangkat Chaktomok, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (280 reviews)
"Lovely stay with friendly staff. Large clean room with balcony and view of the city. Was good to have large fridge freezer. Great location for royal palace and river"

Reviewed on 20 Feb. 2024

Palace Gate Hotel & Residence By EHM
The Peninsula Private Residences
The Peninsula Private Residences
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
Great 3 night max hotel.
"A lovely hotel about $3 tuk tuk from city centre. Roof garden and pool amazing while the staff helpful and courteous. Breakfast served next door is spot on but having an apartment meant we could do washing, use the fridge etc Definitely recommend."

Reviewed on 12 Feb. 2024

The Peninsula Private Residences
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Phnom Penh

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
33
" "5 - Excellent 30%
4 - Good
51
" "4 - Good 46.36363636363637%
3 - Okay
20
" "3 - Okay 18.181818181818183%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 4.545454545454546%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.9090909090909091%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 Feb 2020

Could do with more restaurant, make sure you go to Friends Restaurant, excellent

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Feb 2020

Fantastic markets (we went to Russian Market and the Night Market). Checkout 'Friends n' Stuff' for interesting locally made souvenirs that won't break the bank.

2/5 - Disappointing

Kim
9 Feb 2020

Too crowded, no food path for pedestrians most of the time you have to walk on the road and motorists didn’t obey the traffic rulers

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
6 Feb 2020

Too many tuk-tuks, bikes,dangerous to walk,many scams.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
21 Jan 2020

Hotels are over priced. Dirty streets and chaotic traffic

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
21 Jan 2020

Central Market is not as good as Russian Market. Tuk Tuk drivers will Initially quote high so know the usual cost of the trip so you know if they are taking you for a fool. New zoo is excellent. The garbage thrown anywhere is disgusting - Filthy

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