Phnom Penh offers a compelling blend of riverside charm, historic architecture, and bustling street life. You will find a city that feels intimate yet energetic, with warm hospitality at every turn.
Discover Phnom Penh
Discover Phnom Penh
Why visit Phnom Penh?
What to expect
Expect lively boulevards lined with trees and colonial-era facades, contrasted with new cafés and creative spaces. The city centres around the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, giving many neighbourhoods a relaxed, waterfront feel.
Plan your trip
Use Phnom Penh as your gateway to Cambodia, from the temples of the north to the coastal towns in the south. Plan a few days to explore the capital before travelling onwards by road or short domestic flights.
Top sights in Phnom Penh
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Stroll through manicured grounds and admire gilded roofs and the Silver Pagoda, known for its gleaming floor tiles and ornate treasures.
National Museum of Cambodia
Explore galleries filled with intricate Angkor-era sculptures and artefacts, set around a peaceful courtyard garden.
Riverside promenade (Sisowath Quay)
Walk along the riverfront at sunset, where locals gather, street vendors set up, and boats glide past on the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.
Central Market (Phsar Thmey)
Visit this landmark domed market to browse jewellery, textiles, souvenirs, and local snacks under its striking Art Deco architecture.
Wat Phnom
Climb the gentle hill to this hilltop temple, surrounded by shady trees and offering views over the city below.
Cambodia Living Arts performances
Experience traditional dance and music in an intimate setting that brings Cambodia's performing arts heritage to life.
Boat cruise on the Mekong
Take a short river cruise to see the city skyline from the water as the sun sets and the lights along the banks begin to glow.
Experience Phnom Penh's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to move between central sights, with ride-hailing apps offering clear pricing and routes. For longer distances, taxis or private cars are convenient, while walking the riverside and compact inner districts lets you soak up local life.
Local life & culture
You will see monks walking along tree-lined streets, families gathering in parks, and residents exercising on the riverfront in the early morning and evening. Neighbourhoods mix old shophouses with contemporary galleries and cafés, reflecting a city that is both historic and forward-looking.
Where to unwind
Escape the heat in leafy city parks or enjoy a quiet hour in riverside cafés watching boats on the water. Late afternoon and early evening are the most comfortable times to relax outdoors, especially along Sisowath Quay and around Wat Phnom's greenery.
A taste of Phnom Penh
Street food & local specialties
Sample dishes like amok, fresh rice noodle soups, and grilled skewers at modest street stalls and local markets such as Central Market and neighbourhood wet markets. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to find busy, flavourful street food corners.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Discover modern bistros, cafés, and international eateries clustered around the riverside, BKK1, and Toul Tom Poung. Menus often feature shared plates and smaller portions, so you can try a mix of Cambodian and international flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose rooftop terraces and riverside restaurants for views over the Mekong at dusk, or opt for refined venues set in restored villas. These spots combine atmospheric settings with attentive service for a memorable evening out.
Retail therapy in Phnom Penh
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Visit modern shopping centres for international brands, local fashion, cinemas, and cafés, often gathered under one roof as popular meeting spots. They are a comfortable, air-conditioned escape during the warmest hours of the day.
Markets & local crafts
Browse Central Market, Russian Market in Toul Tom Poung, and smaller boutique-lined streets for silk, handmade jewellery, and homeware. These areas are ideal for finding gifts that reflect Cambodia's craft traditions.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, markets wind down while riverside streets and small boutiques stay lively, lit by colourful signs and soft street lighting. Short tuk-tuk rides make it easy to hop between riverside shops, markets, and cafés after dark.
Best time to visit Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
Peak season (dry and cooler): November to February, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). Skies are generally clear and humidity is lower, making it comfortable for sightseeing.
Shoulder season (hot): March to May, when temperatures can reach 30–35°C (86–95°F). Days are sunny and humid, so plan sightseeing in the early morning and late afternoon.
Low season (rainy): June to October, with temperatures of about 27–32°C (81–90°F). Rain usually falls in short, heavy showers, often in the afternoon, with quieter attractions and greener landscapes.