Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Phnom Penh (KTI)

About Phnom Penh

Discover Phnom Penh

Why visit Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh blends riverside charm with grand boulevards, leafy parks, and striking historic architecture. You will find a city that feels energetic yet relaxed, with the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers framing sunset views and everyday life unfolding along the waterfront.

What to expect
The city centre is compact, with landmarks, cafés, and museums clustered around the riverfront and popular districts such as Daun Penh and BKK1. Tuk-tuks, tree-lined streets, and low-rise shophouses give Phnom Penh a human scale that makes it easy to explore and settle into its rhythm.

Plan your trip
Phnom Penh works well as both a standalone city break and the starting point for journeys across Cambodia. From here, you can continue on to Siem Reap, coastal towns, or the countryside, using the capital as a convenient hub for your wider adventure.

Top sights in Phnom Penh

Royal Palace and riverside promenade

Admire the ornate Royal Palace complex, then stroll the nearby riverfront promenade as locals gather for an evening walk.

National Museum of Cambodia

Explore a collection of sculptures, artefacts, and exhibits that trace centuries of Cambodian history and craftsmanship.

Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

Step inside this art deco landmark to browse clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, and everyday goods under its distinctive dome.

Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung)

Wander through narrow aisles filled with textiles, handicrafts, and local snacks in one of the city’s busiest markets.

Sisowath Quay

Relax at riverside cafés and watch boats on the Mekong and Tonlé Sap as the sky changes colour at dusk.

Wat Phnom hilltop temple

Climb the gentle steps up this small green hill for views of central Phnom Penh and a quiet pause above the traffic.

Independence Monument and parks

See the iconic monument at the heart of a roundabout, framed by fountains and parks popular for evening walks and exercise.

Experience Phnom Penh’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Phnom Penh is best explored using a mix of tuk-tuks for short hops and taxis or ride-hailing services for longer journeys. Many key sights are within a short ride of each other, and you can combine riverfront walks with quick tuk-tuk trips for the final stretch.

Local life & culture
You will encounter a city that balances modern cafés, galleries, and co-working spaces with traditional markets and family-run shops. Neighbourhoods like BKK1, Daun Penh, and the riverside area offer a mix of street activity, creative spaces, and relaxed spots where you can watch daily life unfold.

Where to unwind
Green spaces and the riverfront provide welcome breathing room from the busy streets. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for walks in parks near the Independence Monument or along Sisowath Quay, when temperatures are more comfortable and the atmosphere is especially lively.

A taste of Phnom Penh

Street food & local specialties
Phnom Penh’s streets and markets are filled with stalls serving rice dishes, noodles, grilled skewers, and fresh snacks. Around Central Market, Russian Market, and the riverfront, you will find many small vendors where you can sample flavours on the go.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Cafés, bistros, and casual restaurants cluster in BKK1, Tonle Bassac, and the riverside area, making it easy to try different styles of cooking in one neighbourhood. Many menus blend local recipes with regional and international influences, so you can share plates and sample a variety of dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants and rooftop venues that overlook the river, city skyline, or key landmarks. Evening river cruises with dinner and terrace bars near Sisowath Quay offer relaxed views as the city lights reflect on the water.

Retail therapy in Phnom Penh

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls across Phnom Penh bring together international brands, cinemas, supermarkets, and family-friendly entertainment under one roof. They offer cool, comfortable spaces to take a break from the heat and pick up everyday essentials or fashion items.

Markets & local crafts
For a more local feel, markets such as Central Market and Russian Market, along with streets in BKK1 and Daun Penh, showcase textiles, clothing, décor, and handmade souvenirs. Smaller boutiques and studios in these areas often highlight Cambodian designers and craft-focused labels.

Evening retail scene
After dark, riverside streets and market districts stay busy with shoppers, diners, and people out for a stroll. Illuminated storefronts and roadside stalls create a lively atmosphere, and you can easily reach these areas 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. This makes it a popular time for sightseeing, riverfront walks, and day trips, with warm days and more comfortable evenings for outdoor dining.

Hot pre-monsoon season (shoulder season)
March to May brings hotter weather, often 28–35°C (82–95°F), with bright sunshine and occasional short showers. It is a good time to enjoy early morning and late afternoon explorations, with quieter attractions and plenty of indoor cafés and malls to cool off during the midday heat.

Green monsoon season (low season)
From June to October, expect 26–32°C (79–90°F) with regular showers, usually in the late afternoon or evening. The rain refreshes the city, nearby landscapes turn greener, and you can enjoy dramatic clouds and softer light, especially pleasant for photography and riverside walks between showers.

Frequently Asked Questions