Phnom Penh Travel Guide: What to See, Where to Stay and How to Visit Respectfully (2026)

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital, a city on the Mekong where the elegance of the French-colonial era sits beside tuk-tuk-choked boulevards, glittering palaces and one of the twentieth century’s darkest histories. It is a lot to take in, and well worth two days. Here is how to see it.

Top sights in Phnom Penh

1. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

The residence of Cambodia’s king, with a golden-spired throne hall and gardens. Next door, the Silver Pagoda is known for its floor of silver tiles and a small emerald Buddha. Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered.

2. The National Museum

A beautiful red-roofed building housing the finest collection of Khmer sculpture in the world, a good primer before visiting Angkor.

3. Wat Phnom

The city’s namesake temple stands on a small hill, about 27 meters high, in the city center, reached by a staircase flanked by lions and naga serpents.

4. Central Market and the Russian Market

The Art Deco dome of the Central Market is full of jewelry, clothes and food stalls. The Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung) is the place for silk, souvenirs and antiques.

5. The riverfront

Sisowath Quay, along the Tonle Sap river, is lined with restaurants and bars; a sunset boat ride on the Mekong is a pleasant way to end the day.

6. Wat Ounalom and the Independence Monument

Wat Ounalom, on the riverfront near the Royal Palace, is the seat of Cambodian Buddhism and one of the city’s oldest monasteries. A short tuk-tuk ride away, the lotus-shaped Independence Monument marks independence from France in 1953. It is beautifully lit at night and surrounded by parks where locals exercise in the evening.

Visiting tip: the Royal Palace closes over lunch and requires shoulders and knees to be covered, so plan it for the morning and dress accordingly. Parts of the palace are closed when there are royal ceremonies.

Understanding Cambodia’s history

Between 1975 and 1979 the Khmer Rouge regime killed an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Cambodians. Two sites in Phnom Penh tell the story. Both are very moving, and we suggest visiting them with a guide who can give context.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)

A former school turned into a secret prison where thousands of prisoners were held and tortured. The displays are graphic.

Choeung Ek Killing Fields

About 15 km from the city center, where many S-21 prisoners were executed and buried. The memorial stupa holds thousands of skulls. An audio guide tells the story.

Allow a half-day for each, and take care with children: the content is distressing.

Day trips from Phnom Penh

• Koh Dach (Silk Island): a rural island in the Mekong, a short drive and ferry from the city, where families weave silk on wooden looms under their stilt houses.
• Oudong: the royal capital before Phnom Penh, about an hour north, with hilltop stupas and wide views over the plains.
• Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre: about an hour south, home to rescued sun bears, gibbons, elephants and tigers.
• Tonle Bati and Phnom Chisor: Angkor-era temples south of the city, an easy taste of Khmer architecture if you are not visiting Siem Reap.

A two-day itinerary

1. Day 1: Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Wat Phnom, Central or Russian Market, sunset on the river.
2. Day 2: Tuol Sleng in the morning, Choeung Ek in the afternoon, a quiet dinner by the river.

What to eat

Phnom Penh is the best place in Cambodia to explore Khmer food. Start the day like locals with num banh chok, rice noodles with a fish curry and fresh herbs, or bai sach chrouk, grilled pork with rice. Try fish amok, a fragrant curry steamed in banana leaves, and beef lok lak. Kampot pepper and the city’s growing number of fine-dining Khmer restaurants show how the cuisine is being revived after decades of upheaval.

Getting there and around

Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport opened in 2025; Vietnam Airlines moved its operations there in September 2025. It lies south of the city, roughly 40 to 50 minutes from the center by road, so arrange a transfer. In the city, tuk-tuks and ride apps (agree the fare first) are the easiest way to move around. Distances between sights are short.

Where to stay

The riverfront and the area around the Royal Palace are the most convenient, with historic and boutique hotels. Our specialists can arrange rooms that match your style.

Within the city, tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps are cheap and easy, and it is wise to agree the price before you get in when using street tuk-tuks. Phnom Penh is also a hub for overland travel: buses run to Ho Chi Minh City in about six to seven hours, and boats run on the Mekong to Chau Doc in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.

Where in the city? For historic grandeur, Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been a landmark since 1929. The riverfront suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the palace and museum. Boeung Keng Kang (BKK1), south of the Independence Monument, is a leafy area of cafés, boutique hotels and some of the best restaurants. For skyline views, there are luxury hotels in the city’s new high-rise towers.

Is Phnom Penh worth visiting?

Yes. It lacks Siem Reap’s temples, but it adds the capital’s history, culture and food, and makes sense on a route linking Vietnam and Cambodia. Many travelers use the Mekong to link Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh; see our Vietnam and Cambodia itineraries.

Staying safe

Bag-snatching is common in Phnom Penh. Use a cross-body bag, and see our guide to staying safe in Cambodia.

Phnom Penh on a private tour

Explore our private Cambodia tours or read about Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh: FAQ

How many days do you need in Phnom Penh?

Two days.

What is Phnom Penh known for?

The Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, markets, riverside dining and the Khmer Rouge history sites.

Is Phnom Penh worth visiting?

Yes, for culture and history.

What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?

November to February is cooler and drier.

How far is the airport from the city?

The new Techo International Airport is roughly 40 to 50 minutes from the center by road.

What day trips can I take from Phnom Penh?

Koh Dach silk island, the old royal capital of Oudong, the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre and the temples of Tonle Bati.

Planning a Cambodia trip?

Cambodia tour packages: 5 to 10 day routes