Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Phnom Penh (KTI)

About Phnom Penh

Discover Phnom Penh

Why visit Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh is a lively riverside city where tree-lined boulevards meet buzzing markets and contemporary cafés. You will find a blend of graceful architecture, waterfront promenades, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and explore.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, with neighbourhoods that range from historic quarters to emerging creative districts. Expect busy streets filled with tuk-tuks, colourful shopfronts, and compact blocks that are easy to navigate, as well as quieter side streets with local homes and small parks.

Plan your trip
Phnom Penh is an excellent starting point for discovering the rest of Cambodia, with good connections to coastal towns and inland cities. You can spend a few days here to settle into the local pace of life before travelling onward, using the city as a comfortable base between journeys.

Top sights in Phnom Penh

Royal Palace and riverside area

Walk around the elegant Royal Palace precinct and enjoy the broad promenade along the Tonle Sap River, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

National Museum of Cambodia

Visit this red-roofed museum to see an impressive collection of sculptures and artefacts that trace the history and artistry of Cambodia.

Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

Explore the art deco Central Market, where you can browse stalls selling clothing, souvenirs, and everyday goods under a striking domed roof.

Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tom Poung)

Wander through this popular market to find textiles, crafts, and homewares, alongside small cafés and stalls on the surrounding streets.

Sisowath Quay

Stroll along Sisowath Quay by the river, where you can watch boats pass, stop at cafés, and see the city light up in the evening.

Bassac and BKK1 districts

Spend time in the Bassac and BKK1 neighbourhoods, known for their growing mix of restaurants, coffee shops, and small galleries.

Wat Phnom hilltop park

Head to Wat Phnom’s leafy hilltop park to enjoy elevated views of the city and a welcome patch of greenery in the urban centre.

Cambodia-Japan Friendship Bridge area

Visit the area around the Cambodia-Japan Friendship Bridge for river views, local street life, and access to quieter riverside stretches.

Experience Phnom Penh’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Short distances in Phnom Penh are easily covered by tuk-tuk or ride-hailing services, which let you move between districts with minimal planning. For a different perspective, consider a short river cruise at sunset, then explore on foot within compact neighbourhoods for your final few blocks.

Local life & culture
Daily life centres on the streets, with early-morning markets, coffee stalls, and neighbourhood cafés opening before sunrise. You will notice a growing blend of traditional shophouses and modern developments, creating a cityscape that feels both familiar and distinct as you move from one area to the next.

Where to unwind
When you need a break, head to the riverfront parks, small urban squares, or shaded cafés to sit and watch the city go by. Early mornings and evenings are the most pleasant times to be outdoors, when temperatures ease and the soft light adds a calm glow to the skyline.

A taste of Phnom Penh

Street food & local specialties
Across Phnom Penh you will find street-side vendors and small eateries serving local noodle dishes, grilled snacks, and fragrant rice plates. Busy corners near markets and transport hubs are especially lively, and trying a few smaller portions lets you sample a wider range of flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In districts such as BKK1 and Bassac, you can choose from cafés, bakeries, and contemporary restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. Many menus are designed for sharing or ordering several smaller dishes, so you can mix familiar options with something new at each meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider riverside restaurants or rooftop venues that look out over Phnom Penh’s skyline and waterways. Dining with elevated views allows you to watch daylight fade into a glittering night scene while you enjoy a relaxed, unhurried meal.

Retail therapy in Phnom Penh

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Phnom Penh’s shopping centres bring together international brands, local labels, and dining under one roof, making them convenient places to escape the heat. These lifestyle hubs often feature cinemas and family-friendly entertainment, turning a simple shopping trip into a comfortable outing.

Markets & local crafts
For something more distinctive, browse markets and smaller streets around Central Market, Russian Market, and the Tonle Bassac area. Here you can find textiles, accessories, and décor items that reflect local design, often sold by independent vendors in compact, walkable blocks.

Evening retail scene
After dark, the city’s retail areas stay active, with illuminated storefronts and markets that remain open into the evening. Riverside promenades and central districts are especially atmospheric at night, and you can reach them easily by tuk-tuk or taxi from most parts of the city.

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 24–28°C (75–82°F). Clear skies, lower humidity, and comfortable evenings make this a popular time for riverfront walks, outdoor dining, and day trips.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May is the hot season, with temperatures often between 30–35°C (86–95°F). The city feels lively, and longer daylight hours give you more time to explore, especially if you plan indoor visits at midday and reserve mornings and evenings for outdoor activities.

Rainy season (low season)
From June to October, brief but regular showers cool the air, with temperatures usually around 27–31°C (81–88°F). The city’s parks and riverside areas feel fresher and greener, and you can often enjoy fewer crowds at major sights between showers.

Frequently Asked Questions