Phnom Penh blends riverside charm, French-era boulevards, and lively neighbourhoods with a growing creative scene. You find a city that feels intimate yet energetic, with the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers shaping daily life.
Discover Phnom Penh
Discover Phnom Penh
Why visit Phnom Penh?
What to expect
Expect tree-lined streets, golden-roofed palaces, busy markets, and a relaxed café culture. The city moves at an easy pace, with tuk-tuks weaving between temples, colonial buildings, and modern developments.
Plan your trip
Phnom Penh is an ideal first stop in Cambodia, with easy links to Siem Reap, coastal Kep and Kampot, and nearby regional capitals. Plan a few days to explore the city before continuing deeper into the country.
Top sights in Phnom Penh
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Stroll through manicured grounds and admire shimmering roofs at the Royal Palace complex, then step into the Silver Pagoda, known for its gleaming floor tiles and revered statues.
Riverside Promenade (Sisowath Quay)
Walk along the riverfront at Sisowath Quay, where cafés, shops, and parks line the meeting point of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers, especially atmospheric around sunset.
National Museum of Cambodia
Explore elegant red pavilions filled with sculptures, carvings, and artefacts that trace the country’s history, set around tranquil courtyards and lotus ponds.
Central Market (Psar Thmei)
Head to the art deco Central Market to browse jewellery, textiles, household items, and souvenirs beneath its distinctive yellow dome and arched halls.
Wat Phnom
Walk up the leafy hill to Wat Phnom, the temple that gave the city its name, and enjoy views over the surrounding streets and parks.
Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung)
Wander the narrow alleys of the Russian Market to find handicrafts, clothing, and everyday goods in one of the city’s most characterful neighbourhood markets.
Mekong and Tonlé Sap river cruises
Take a short river cruise at dusk to watch the city lights appear along the banks while boats and ferries move across the water.
Experience Phnom Penh’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
The easiest way to move around Phnom Penh is by tuk-tuk or taxi booked via local ride-hailing apps, which are affordable and flexible. For a slower look at neighbourhood life, try walking shorter stretches along the riverfront, then use a tuk-tuk for the last mile back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
You feel local life in the morning bustle of markets, students gathering in cafés, and families relaxing along the riverside parks. Neighbourhoods like BKK1 and the Riverside area reveal the city’s mix of traditional shophouses, modern apartments, and small galleries.
Where to unwind
Escape the heat in shaded riverfront parks or hotel rooftop pools in the late afternoon, when the light softens. As evening approaches, the promenade and small green spaces fill with people exercising, chatting, and enjoying the cooler breeze off the river.
A taste of Phnom Penh
Street food & local specialties
Try Cambodian favourites such as noodle soups, grilled skewers, and rice dishes from street stalls and simple eateries, especially around markets like Central Market and the Russian Market, where vendors serve fresh, fast plates throughout the day.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Around BKK1 and the Riverside district, you find relaxed cafés, bistros, and small restaurants offering regional flavours and international comfort food, often with menus designed for sharing so you can sample several dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a rooftop or riverside venue with views over the Mekong or city skyline, where carefully plated dishes, thoughtful service, and the glow of sunset create an unhurried dining experience.
Retail therapy in Phnom Penh
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres around the city centre combine international brands, local boutiques, cinemas, and cafés, giving you a convenient place to cool down, meet friends, and pick up everyday essentials.
Markets & local crafts
For handmade items and local labels, visit Central Market, the Russian Market, and small boutiques in BKK1, where you can find textiles, accessories, and crafts that reflect Cambodia’s design traditions.
Evening retail scene
As the day cools, markets and streets around the riverfront and Tuol Tom Poung stay lively, with stalls and shops open into the evening, easily reached by tuk-tuk or taxi from most parts of the city.
Best time to visit Phnom Penh
Cool dry season (peak season): From November to February, temperatures are usually around 24–30°C (75–86°F) with lower humidity and clearer skies, ideal for sightseeing and walking. Hot dry season (shoulder season): From March to May, daytime temperatures can reach 35–37°C (95–99°F), with strong sun and warm evenings, so early morning and late afternoon outings are most comfortable. Rainy season (low season): From June to October, expect 26–32°C (79–90°F) with regular afternoon or evening showers, greener landscapes, and fewer crowds between bursts of sunshine.