Flights from Hangzhou (HGH) to Phnom Penh (KTI)

About Phnom Penh

Discover Phnom Penh

Why visit Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh is a riverside capital where wide boulevards, colourful markets, and French-era architecture meet a fast-changing skyline. You will find a relaxed yet energetic city that blends historic monuments with a café culture and a welcoming local atmosphere.

What to expect
Set along the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, Phnom Penh centres on its lively riverfront, leafy neighbourhoods, and bustling markets. The city is compact and easy to navigate, with low-rise streets, motorbikes weaving by, and a growing collection of boutique hotels and galleries.

Plan your trip
Phnom Penh works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to Cambodia’s wider highlights. From here, you can connect easily to Siem Reap, coastal destinations, and countryside landscapes, making the city a practical starting point for exploring the country and the region.

Top sights in Phnom Penh

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Explore Phnom Penh’s landmark royal compound, known for its ornate architecture, manicured grounds, and glittering tiled floors.

Riverfront Promenade

Stroll along the riverside at sunset to enjoy cool breezes, local street life, and views across the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.

Central Market (Psar Thmei)

Visit this iconic domed market to browse jewellery, fabrics, souvenirs, and daily wares under a striking art deco roof.

Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung)

Wander narrow aisles filled with handicrafts, clothing, and homeware, ideal for picking up unique gifts and keepsakes.

Wat Phnom

Climb the gentle hill in the city centre for leafy views, historic structures, and a peaceful escape from the busy streets below.

National Museum of Cambodia

Discover sculpture, artefacts, and traditional art in a red sandstone building with tranquil courtyards and gardens.

Bassac Lane

Experience a cosy nightlife pocket of small bars, eateries, and creative spaces tucked into a central neighbourhood.

Experience Phnom Penh’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Phnom Penh’s core areas are best reached by tuk-tuk or taxi, which you can easily book via local ride-hailing apps or hotel concierge. The riverfront and central districts are walkable in cooler hours, while cyclos and bicycle tours offer a slower, more scenic view of the streets.

Local life & culture
You will notice café terraces, small galleries, and family-run shops sharing the same streets as modern offices and new developments. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly lively, as residents gather in parks for exercise, socialising, and street-side refreshments, giving you a close look at daily life.

Where to unwind
For a break from the heat, head to riverside parks, hotel pools, or shaded cafés with garden courtyards. Sunset is an ideal time to relax on a river cruise or find a rooftop viewpoint, where the soft light and cooler temperatures make the city feel especially calm and inviting.

A taste of Phnom Penh

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local noodle soups, grilled skewers, and fragrant rice dishes from small stalls and casual shophouse eateries across the city. Neighbourhoods around the riverfront and markets are especially good for trying Cambodian flavours in a relaxed, everyday setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Phnom Penh offers an easy mix of cafés, bakeries, and informal restaurants serving both regional dishes and international favourites. Modern dining clusters in central districts and lifestyle complexes make it simple to explore different cuisines, with small plates and shared dishes allowing you to try a variety of flavours.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider venues overlooking the river, skyline, or historic landmarks. Rooftop restaurants, refined hotel dining rooms, and converted colonial villas provide atmospheric settings, pairing carefully prepared menus with views that showcase the city’s lights and riverside charm.

Retail therapy in Phnom Penh

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Newer shopping centres in Phnom Penh combine international brands, cinemas, and dining options, creating comfortable, air-conditioned spaces to spend a few hours. These lifestyle hubs are popular meeting points for locals, offering everything from fashion and beauty to electronics and homeware.

Markets & local crafts
For more character, explore markets and small streets near Central Market, Russian Market, and the riverfront, where you can look for textiles, baskets, artworks, and contemporary Cambodian design. Independent boutiques and studios are increasingly showcasing local creators, making it easier to find one-of-a-kind items.

Evening retail scene
After dark, market areas and selected streets stay lively with illuminated stalls, food vendors, and late-opening shops. The cooler temperatures make it pleasant to browse and pause for refreshments as you go. Most popular areas are easy to reach by tuk-tuk or taxi from central hotels.

Best time to visit Phnom Penh

Cool dry season (December to February, peak season)
During the cool dry season, temperatures are typically around 24–30°C (75–86°F) with lower humidity and clearer skies. This period is popular for sightseeing, walking the riverfront, and day trips, as the air feels more comfortable and evenings are pleasantly mild, making outdoor activities appealing.

Hot season (March to May, shoulder season)
The hot season brings temperatures of about 28–35°C (82–95°F), with bright sunshine and longer daylight hours. While it can feel warm in the afternoons, early mornings and evenings are ideal for exploring markets and landmarks, and hotel pools and shaded cafés provide refreshing breaks between outings.

Rainy season (June to November, low season)
In the rainy season, temperatures usually range from 26–32°C (79–90°F) with short, intense showers often in the late afternoon. The city’s greenery looks especially vibrant, and you can enjoy quieter attractions and softer light for photos, with many dry intervals throughout the day for sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions