What are the best things to do in Phnom Penh?
Top picks in Phnom Penh include Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Killing Fields (Choeung Ek), Wat Phnom. See the full list and itinerary on this Phnom Penh travel guide.
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Phnom Penh Travel Guide
Things to do in Phnom Penh — Explore Phnom Penh
Photo: Looppty · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh was largely depopulated during the Khmer Rouge regime, with most of its population deported to camps in the countryside. It was liberated from the Khmer Rouge by the Vietnamese in 1979, and has long remained a bit rough. Things have improved; however, some roads remain shabby, traffic is persistently chaotic, and electricity is occasionally strained (never mind your precious internet). But on the whole, the city is reasonably modern. thumb|The Silver Pagoda, in the grounds of the Royal Palace. The city… (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Phnom Penh is a stop in Cambodia, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 25–80 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Phnom Penh
1
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
2
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
3
Killing Fields (Choeung Ek)
4
Wat Phnom
5
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
6
Riverside (Sisowath Quay)
7
National Museum of Cambodia
8
Russian Market
Budget travel
Free things to do in Phnom Penh
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
Riverside (Sisowath Quay)
Russian Market
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Phnom Penh itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit The National Museum of Cambodia
- Visit The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Visit Sisowath Quay
- Eat at 3-Pots Lady
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison)
- Visit Independence and Liberation Memorials
- Eat at Surn Yi Vegetarian Restaurant
Prefer a full 10-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Phnom Penh itinerary guide.
Budget
Phnom Penh trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 25–80
per person / day
Luxury
USD 90–150+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Phnom Penh
Estimated total (USD)
$1,725
≈ $863 per person · $246 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $50/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Phnom Penh mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 25–80 · luxury 90–150+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
3-Pots Lady
This lady serves inexpensive and super delicious local curries with noodles and an immense portion of meat at an unbeatable price. The only
- $
Surn Yi Vegetarian Restaurant
Vegetarian restaurant with a variety of dishes including Chinese and Western options. Order by writing the item numbers on a laminated sheet
Warung Bali
Small, traditional Indonesian restaurant in a tourist area.
Anise
Comfortable, nicely decorated corner restaurant with free Wi-Fi and some good dishes from a varied menu, including SE Asian. Their club sand
Aussie XL
About the only thing Aussie about this place is the owner. Foster's has, in keeping with Aussie trends, been banished from the place. But th
Java Creative Cafe Toul Tom Poung
Soups, salads and sandwiches in a cosy setting overlooking the Independence Monument. Good vegetarian options. Has a rotating art exhibition
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Khmer City Hotel
Surprisingly good for the price. Free Wi-Fi.
- $
#10 Lakeside Guesthouse
- $$$$
Capitol 3 Guesthouse
Warm, friendly staff and quick laundry service. 5 floors of squeaky-clean rooms that are out of the direct sunlight and never seem to get to
- $
Dragon Guesthouse
- $
Europe Guesthouse
One of the cleanest and most conveniently located guesthouses you can find. TV, Wi-Fi, laundry, bus and flight tickets. French, English and
Shopping
- MI-A Japan
- Hidden Treasures
- International Book Center
- Monument Books
- Kravan House
- Central Market
Nightlife
- Cousin's Burger Coffee
- Luxuries Cafe
- Chhma Catfe
- Mr. Piccolo Coffee
- Bouchon
- Cloud9 Skybar
Museums & culture
- The National Museum of Cambodia
- The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison)
In pictures
Phnom Penh gallery
Photos: Looppty, Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, Marcin Konsek, Dmitry A. Mottl — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Phnom Penh travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Phnom Penh?
Plan at least 2 days in Phnom Penh for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Phnom Penh?
Popular stays in Phnom Penh include Khmer City Hotel, #10 Lakeside Guesthouse, Capitol 3 Guesthouse. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Phnom Penh cost?
On the ground in Phnom Penh (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 25–80, and luxury about 90–150+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
