Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Phnom Penh (KTI)

About Phnom Penh

Discover Phnom Penh

Why visit Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh is a lively riverside capital where broad boulevards, tree-lined promenades, and a growing creative scene come together. You will find a mix of heritage architecture, bustling markets, and relaxed cafés overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.

What to expect
The city centre is compact and easy to explore, with distinct areas such as the riverside, BKK1, and the business district each offering a different mood. Modern hotels and galleries sit alongside historic buildings, while street life, tuk-tuks, and sunset river cruises define the everyday atmosphere.

Plan your trip
Phnom Penh is a convenient entry point to the rest of Cambodia, with good onward links to coastal towns and the temples around Siem Reap. Many travellers choose to spend a few days here to get a feel for contemporary Cambodian life before exploring the countryside and nearby cities.

Top sights in Phnom Penh

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Admire the manicured grounds, elegant traditional roofs, and the Silver Pagoda with its gleaming floor tiles and ornate decoration.

Riverside Promenade

Stroll along the riverside in the late afternoon to enjoy cooling breezes, street vendors, and views where the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers meet.

Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

Explore this striking art deco market hall, where stalls sell everything from jewellery and textiles to everyday household items.

Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung)

Wander the narrow aisles of this popular market to browse clothing, handicrafts, and local souvenirs in a lively setting.

Wat Phnom

Climb the gentle hill in the heart of the city for leafy views, interesting sculptures, and a relaxed green escape from the traffic below.

Bassac Lane

Discover a compact network of small lanes filled with intimate bars and eateries, ideal for an evening out in a local neighbourhood.

Mekong Sunset Cruise

Take a short evening boat trip to see Phnom Penh’s skyline light up while you glide along the river at a relaxed pace.

Experience Phnom Penh’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are one of the most convenient ways to move between neighbourhoods, offering open-air views of the city as you travel. For longer journeys, taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available, while many central areas are easy to explore on foot for the final few streets.

Local life & culture
You will see Phnom Penh’s daily rhythm in its cafés, riverfront parks, and family-run shops lining the streets. Creative spaces, galleries, and small boutiques are emerging across the city, especially in central districts where restored townhouses share the streets with modern developments.

Where to unwind
Green spaces along the river and small neighbourhood parks provide a calm break during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Many hotels offer rooftop terraces or pools where you can relax above the busy streets and watch the city gradually light up in the evening.

A taste of Phnom Penh

Street food & local specialties
Phnom Penh’s streets are lined with food carts and simple eateries serving rice dishes, noodles, and grilled snacks throughout the day. Around local markets and side streets, you can sample warming broths, crisp snacks, and refreshing drinks popular with city residents.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as BKK1 and the riverside area offer a wide choice of casual cafés and restaurants with both local and international menus. Many spots serve smaller plates and sharing dishes, making it easy to try different flavours with friends or family over a relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider dining at a rooftop venue overlooking the river or a restaurant in a restored colonial-era building. These settings combine carefully prepared menus with views of the city’s lights or leafy streets, creating an atmosphere ideal for special occasions or a final night in Phnom Penh.

Retail therapy in Phnom Penh

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Phnom Penh bring together international brands, cinemas, and casual dining in air-conditioned comfort. They are convenient places to pick up daily essentials, explore local retailers, and pause for a coffee between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets such as Central Market and Russian Market are popular for textiles, clothing, and decorative items. Smaller streets in areas like BKK1 and the riverside district also host boutiques and galleries where you can find locally designed fashion, homeware, and artwork.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, markets and shopfronts remain lively, with illuminated stalls and storefronts drawing in evening shoppers. Riverside areas and central streets are pleasant to visit after sunset, and you can easily reach them by tuk-tuk or taxi from most hotels.

Best time to visit Phnom Penh

Cool dry season (peak season)
From November to February, temperatures are generally around 24–30°C (75–86°F) with lower humidity and clearer skies. This is a popular time for walking, riverfront strolls, and day trips, with comfortable conditions for exploring the city throughout the day.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May brings hotter days, often 30–35°C (86–95°F), with bright sunshine and warm evenings. Early mornings are ideal for sightseeing before the heat builds, and many travellers enjoy time by the pool or indoors during the hottest afternoon hours.

Green rainy season (low season)
From June to October, temperatures hover around 27–32°C (81–90°F), with short, often intense showers that leave the air cooler. The city feels lush and vibrant, and rain usually arrives in bursts, leaving plenty of dry periods for visiting markets, cafés, and riverside paths.

Frequently Asked Questions