Phnom Penh is a riverside capital where French-era boulevards meet vibrant local neighbourhoods. You will find a relaxed pace, grand architecture, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Discover Phnom Penh
Discover Phnom Penh
Why visit Phnom Penh?
What to expect
Expect lively riverfront promenades, colourful markets, and ornate landmarks clustered around the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. The city blends leafy streets, emerging creative spaces, and intimate cafés with traditional Cambodian life.
Plan your trip
Phnom Penh works well as a short city break or the starting point for journeys across Cambodia, including Siem Reap and the southern coast. Plan time to explore both the historic core and the evolving districts along the river.
Top sights in Phnom Penh
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Walk through manicured grounds, gilded halls, and the Silver Pagoda, known for its gleaming floor tiles and carefully preserved treasures.
Sisowath Quay and riverfront promenade
Stroll along the river at sunset, watching boats glide past as locals gather to exercise, relax, and enjoy the cooler evening air.
National Museum of Cambodia
Explore graceful courtyards and galleries filled with sculptures and artefacts that trace Cambodia’s artistic heritage through the centuries.
Central Market (Phsar Thmey)
Step inside an art deco landmark packed with stalls selling jewellery, textiles, and everyday goods under a striking domed roof.
Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tom Poung)
Browse tightly packed alleys for handicrafts, fabrics, souvenirs, and local lifestyle items in one of the city’s busiest markets.
Chaktomuk and riverside pagodas
Visit riverside temples and pavilions near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers for calm views and soft evening light.
Art galleries and creative spaces
Discover small galleries and studios dotted around the city, where contemporary artists share new perspectives on Cambodian life.
Experience Phnom Penh’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the most convenient way to move between central sights, with ride-hailing apps making it easy to book and pay. For a different view, take a short river cruise, and use walking or bicycles for the final stretch through compact neighbourhood streets.
Local life & culture
Watch morning routines unfold around wet markets and small cafés, where conversations spill out onto the pavement. In the evening, parks and the riverfront fill with families, joggers, and street performers, giving you a glimpse of the city’s social rhythm.
Where to unwind
Seek shade in riverside parks or quiet café courtyards during the day, then enjoy cooler breezes along Sisowath Quay after sunset. Many hotels and boutique spas offer massages and pools, ideal for a restful break between sightseeing.
A taste of Phnom Penh
Street food & local specialties
Sample noodle soups, grilled skewers, and fresh salads from street stalls near markets and along side streets off the riverfront. Areas around Central Market and Russian Market are particularly lively for snacking your way through Cambodian flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Discover relaxed eateries and cafés in BKK1 and along popular boulevards, where Khmer dishes sit alongside Asian and Western favourites. Many menus feature smaller plates, making it easy to share and try a variety of flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose a rooftop terrace or riverside restaurant for views of the city skyline and boats on the Tonle Sap. Sunset and early evening are ideal for a slower meal with a panoramic backdrop and the city lights gradually coming on.
Retail therapy in Phnom Penh
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Air-conditioned malls across the city bring together international brands, cinemas, and cafés, giving you an easy place to browse and take a break from the heat. These centres often double as social spaces for families and friends.
Markets & local crafts
Head to Central Market, Russian Market, and small boutiques in BKK1 to look for textiles, handcrafted homeware, and locally designed fashion. These areas reward slow exploring and friendly bargaining.
Evening retail scene
After dark, markets and riverside streets take on a softer glow, with stalls, shops, and small pop-ups drawing both locals and visitors. Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing services make it simple to reach these neighbourhoods and return to your hotel.
Best time to visit Phnom Penh
Cool and dry season (November to February, peak season): Expect comfortable days around 24–30°C (75–86°F) with lower humidity and clearer skies, ideal for walking and riverfront evenings. Hot season (March to May, shoulder season): Temperatures often rise to 30–35°C (86–95°F), with strong sun and warm nights, so plan sightseeing for early morning and late afternoon. Rainy season (June to October, low season): Days remain warm at 26–32°C (79–90°F) with short, intense showers, greener landscapes, and quieter attractions between downpours.