Phnom Penh is a modern metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million people. For the first time, this city started to play the role of the capital of Cambodia in 1431. Now, on its territory, spirituality coexists with progressive trends, and ancient temple buildings can be found not far from busy shopping centers.
Here is the ultimate traveler’s guide you need to check to get the full list of things to do and places to visit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This post provides up-to-date information for first time visitors planning trip to this city in 2024.
Best time to visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh has warm weather all year round. Tourists prefer to visit it from November to February. At this time, the air temperature is mild, and the humidity is not so high. The air temperature does not fall below +20 degrees. Intense rainfall occurs in September and October, but usually means only a couple of hours of heavy rain in the afternoon.
High air temperature, from +22 to +38 degrees, lasts from May to October. The humidity level at this time is high enough, it is uncomfortable to be outside. The flow of tourists drops significantly during these months.
Things to Do in Phnom Penh
Visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Among popular tourist attractions of Phnom Penh is Royal Palace. It is a large temple ensemble, and is located on a spacious river embankment.
On its territory there is Silver Pagoda, where a valuable national heritage is carefully stored: a Buddha statue made entirely of crystal, as well as a golden Buddha.
Not far from the palace is the National Museum. Its exposition is dedicated to the history of the country and contains more than 5 thousand exhibits.
Admire Wat Phnom
What else to see in Phnom Penh? Make sure to visit the temple of Wat Phnom, known also as “Hill Temple”, which was founded in 1373. The building is located at an altitude of 27 m above the urban landscape.
You have to buy tickets, price is 1USD. While visiting worship area make sure to take off your shoes.
Genocide Museum Tuol Sleng
One of the most terrible and bloody pages in the history of the country is the time of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. Pol Pot believed that humanity could achieve a brighter future only by sacrificing thousands and thousands of people.
He was convinced that the state should consist of a small number of loyal subjects; and all the rest are subject to extermination or “re-education”. For the sake of pursuing ghostly goals, about 3 million people died within four years.
Another 150,000 remained permanently disabled. The Genocide Museum is, in fact, are torture chambers where Cambodians died. You can go here on your own or as part of an excursion.
Killing Fields (Choeung Ek)
Choeung Ek is another sad memorial site that is a part of a single Genocide Museum complex. Located 17 km from the city of Phnom Penh; more than 17 thousand people were executed on its territory by barbaric methods.
These prisoners were mainly brought here from the well-known prison S-21. The tragedy began on April 17, 1971. Mystics pay special attention to the fact that all these terrible events are connected by the number “17”.
After the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1980, the remains of a gigantic number of dead were found on the territory of the Fields – more than 9 thousand. Until now, the earth is overflowing with bones, teeth, and skulls.
If you would like to visit Killing Fields, S-21 Prison and Genocide Museum, learn more about Cambodian History, you can join day tour. Click here to get more info and make your reservation.
Many Phnom Penh tourist attractions can be found not only in the city itself, but also in its surrounding areas.
Visit Khan Chroy Changvar and Silk Island
This town is located just a few minutes drive from Phnom Penh and is covered by rice fields and palm trees. The peninsula is located at the confluence of two rivers – Tonle Sap and Mekong. There are several villages located away from the bustle of the city.
If you would like to visit Silk Island, learn more about silk production and Cambodian rural life – you can join guided day tour. Click here to get more info and make your reservation.
Koh Dach
There is an island on Mekong River, immersed in lush greenery. Its inhabitants weave silk and grow various crops. This island is located just within several minutes boat drive from Phnom Penh and considered as one of must-visit places.
If you have enough time you can visit Kampot Province, it will take about 3 hrs or 130km to drive to the southwest borders of the counrty. There you can find plenty of things to do and discover.
Take a Trip To Oudong
Visit the old capital city of Phnom Penh – Oudong. There are you will find many shrines, statues of kings. Combine this trip with a visit to Lovek, which was also the country’s capital in the 16th century.
Visit Tonle Bati
Tonle Bati is located 35 km south of Phnom Penh. The banks of the Bati River are immersed in greenery with palm trees and mangrove forests. It’s a perfect place for picnic and great time spending. This place has one rather serious drawback – many flower sellers, that will not leave until you buy something.
Stroll Around Phnom Penh Markets
There are three main markets in the city that deserve attention. These are the Central Market, the Night Market, and the Russian Market. On the Central one you can buy groceries, fruits, souvenirs and much more. The Night market is famous for art objects you can buy there. Russian Market was created specifically for tourists.
Be careful when visiting markets in the evening. In Phnom Penh, tourists are often robbed; a backpack can be torn out on the street. Most often, cases of robbery occur in popular tourist places.
Enjoy Local Cambodian Food
You don’t have to worry about food in the city. Restaurants and cafes in Phnom Penh offer dishes of all kinds of cuisines and at any price, not only traditional Cambodian dishes. There are enough places you can visit in the evening: clubs, bars and restaurants.
Residents of Phnom Penh city are very fond of spending time in karaoke, so you can find such establishments almost everywhere. If you want to make new acquaintances, we recommend visiting the Top Banana bar.
How to get to Phnom Penh
There is no direct access to the city, but it can be done with a transfer or two, depending on the starting point. Air communication is well established between Phnom Penh and other Asian countries.
The main airport of the city is called “Phnom Penh”, and is located 10 km from the city. You can get here from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Dubai and other cities.
