Phnom Penh blends riverside charm, rich history, and a fast-changing urban skyline. You find grand boulevards, lively street scenes, and a relaxed pace along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers.
Discover Phnom Penh
Discover Phnom Penh
Why visit Phnom Penh?
What to expect
You can expect a compact city where golden spires sit beside French-era architecture and modern cafés. Riverside promenades, buzzing markets, and leafy neighbourhoods shape each day here.
Plan your trip
Phnom Penh is an ideal starting point for exploring Cambodia, with easy links to Siem Reap, coastal Kep, and Kampot. Allow at least two to three days to explore the capital before heading further afield.
Top sights in Phnom Penh
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Stroll through manicured grounds, gilded pavilions, and the famed Silver Pagoda, where the city’s royal heritage comes into view.
National Museum of Cambodia
Admire delicate sculptures and artefacts from the Angkor era and beyond in a serene, traditional-red building with lush courtyards.
Independence Monument and Norodom Boulevard
See the lotus-shaped Independence Monument, then walk or drive along the broad Norodom Boulevard lined with government buildings and embassies.
Riverside promenade (Sisowath Quay)
Join locals on the riverfront promenade for a gentle walk, cool breezes, and wide views where the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers meet.
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
Step inside the art deco dome of Central Market to browse stalls selling jewellery, textiles, souvenirs, and everyday essentials.
Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung)
Explore narrow aisles packed with handicrafts, fabrics, antiques, and local fashion labels in this popular neighbourhood market.
Bassac Lane district
Head to Bassac Lane’s tight alleyways for small bars, cafés, and eateries tucked among low-rise buildings close to the river.
Experience Phnom Penh’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to move between sights, with ride-hailing apps helping you set routes and fares. For longer journeys, taxis and private cars are convenient, while walking works well around the riverside and central districts for the final stretch.
Local life & culture
Daily life unfolds on the pavements, from morning markets to families gathering outside shopfronts as the day cools. You will see a mix of Khmer traditions and contemporary influences, especially in creative neighbourhoods filled with galleries, studios, and small cafés.
Where to unwind
Unwind at riverfront parks in the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures soften and the light turns golden. For deeper relaxation, you can visit day spas, rooftop pools, or cafés with shaded terraces overlooking leafy streets.
A taste of Phnom Penh
Street food & local specialties
Sample dishes such as amok, fragrant rice and noodle soups, and grilled skewers at local stalls and casual eateries around Central Market, Russian Market, and the riverside.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Find modern Khmer, pan-Asian, and international flavours in districts like BKK1 and Bassac Lane, where cafés, bakeries, and bistros sit close together so you can try several small plates in one evening.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special night out, choose rooftop venues or riverside terraces that frame views of the Royal Palace or the Mekong, pairing refined takes on Cambodian cuisine with relaxed, open-air settings.
Retail therapy in Phnom Penh
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Air-conditioned malls around the city centre and along major boulevards offer international brands, cinemas, supermarkets, and a growing number of Cambodian lifestyle labels.
Markets & local crafts
Browse Central Market, Russian Market, and streets around Street 240 for silk scarves, silverwork, wood carvings, and socially minded boutiques championing locally made products.
Evening retail scene
As the sun sets, markets become livelier and small boutiques around the riverside and BKK1 stay open into the evening, with tuk-tuks and ride-hailing services making these areas easy to reach.
Best time to visit Phnom Penh
Dry season (peak season): From November to February, days are warm and less humid, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). This is the most popular time to visit, with clearer skies and comfortable evenings.
Hot season (shoulder season): From March to May, temperatures rise to around 30–35°C (86–95°F), with intense afternoon heat and higher humidity. Sightseeing is easier early in the morning or later in the day.
Rainy season (low season): From June to October, expect short, heavy showers, usually in the afternoon, and average temperatures of 27–32°C (81–90°F). The city is greener and less crowded, and rain often clears to reveal bright skies.