Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Phnom Penh (KTI)

About Phnom Penh

Discover Phnom Penh

Why visit Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh blends riverside charm, French-era boulevards, and a fast-changing skyline. You can wander leafy avenues, explore gleaming palaces, and watch daily life unfold along the banks of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.

What to expect
The city is compact yet lively, with buzzing café culture, atmospheric riverfront promenades, and colourful neighbourhood markets. Modern hotels and creative spaces sit beside traditional shophouses, giving Phnom Penh an energy that feels both relaxed and dynamic.

Plan your trip
Phnom Penh is an excellent starting point for exploring Cambodia, with easy connections to coastal towns, countryside escapes, and Siem Reap. Many travellers spend a few days here to enjoy the riverfront and urban sights before continuing deeper into the region.

Top sights in Phnom Penh

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Stroll through ornate halls and manicured grounds, admiring glittering spires and the famed silver-tiled floor.

Sisowath Quay

Walk the riverside promenade at sunset, where cafés, parks, and river views create a relaxed evening atmosphere.

Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

Explore this landmark art deco market, browsing jewellery, textiles, and everyday local goods under its domed roof.

Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Poung)

Navigate narrow aisles filled with clothing, crafts, and souvenirs in one of the city’s most popular markets.

National Museum of Cambodia

Discover sculpture, ceramics, and artefacts that trace the story of Cambodia’s artistic heritage.

Bassac Lane

Relax in a compact lane of small bars and eateries that comes alive in the evening with a cosy, urban feel.

Koh Pich (Diamond Island)

Visit this modern riverside area for open spaces, leisure activities, and views of Phnom Penh’s growing skyline.

Phnom Penh night-time river cruises

Take a short cruise along the riverfront to see the city’s landmarks softly lit after dark.

Experience Phnom Penh's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the most convenient way to move between central districts, giving you a breezy view of city streets. For longer trips, metered taxis and ride-hailing apps offer additional comfort, while walking works well along the riverfront and in compact neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
You will find morning markets at full pace early in the day, with stalls selling produce, flowers, and household items. As the sun softens, families gather on riverfront plazas, children play in parks, and small cafés fill with people meeting after work or study.

Where to unwind
The riverside promenade offers space to stroll, sit on benches, or simply watch boats glide by. City parks and green pockets provide shade during the warmer hours, while early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to enjoy slightly cooler air outdoors.

A taste of Phnom Penh

Street food & local specialties
You can sample noodle soups, grilled skewers, and fresh snacks from busy kerbside stalls and small family-run eateries. Neighbourhood markets often have simple food courts where locals pause for breakfast or a quick lunch during the day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around the central districts, you will find casual restaurants, cafés, and bistros serving Cambodian flavours alongside regional and international dishes. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can try several plates in one meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a restaurant overlooking the riverfront or a rooftop venue with views of the city lights. Some hotels and standalone venues offer refined menus in elegant settings, ideal for marking an occasion or a memorable final night in Phnom Penh.

Retail therapy in Phnom Penh

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in central Phnom Penh combine international brands, cinemas, and supermarkets with casual dining. They are popular places to cool off, meet friends, and pick up everyday essentials in a single stop.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets such as Central Market and the Russian Market are good places to look for textiles, silk items, and small decorative pieces. Neighbourhood streets around these markets often feature independent boutiques and small workshops.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, markets and shopfronts stay bright and busy, especially in areas near the riverfront and main boulevards. Many of these districts are easy to reach by tuk-tuk or taxi, making it simple to combine an evening meal with some relaxed browsing.

Best time to visit Phnom Penh

Cool dry season (peak season)
From November to February, Phnom Penh enjoys its coolest, driest weather, with average temperatures around 26°C (79°F). Clear skies, lower humidity, and comfortable evenings make this a popular time for sightseeing and strolls along the riverfront.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May brings higher temperatures, often averaging 30°C (86°F) or more. Days feel warm and bright, but air-conditioned cafés, malls, and midday breaks help you explore comfortably while enjoying longer daylight hours.

Green season (low season)
From June to October, short, often intense showers refresh the city, with average temperatures close to 28°C (82°F). Skies can be dramatic, greenery looks lush, and quieter visitor numbers create a more laid-back atmosphere, especially in the late afternoons after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions