Things to Do
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Visit the National Museum Cambodia in Phnom Penh to see Khmer art and sculpture with tickets at $10. Open daily 8 AM–5 PM, near the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
Central, Cambodia
Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia, with a population of around 2 million people. It sits where the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap rivers meet. Phnom Penh is the political, economic, and cultur...
Find tours, hotels, restaurants, and guides in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh International Airport is the main entry point for air travelers, served by multiple regional airlines. Flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh take about 45 minutes and cost between $50 and $70 USD one way. Buses run regularly between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with companies like Giant Ibis and Mekong Express offering air-conditioned coaches. The journey takes 6 to 7 hours and ticket prices range from $10 to $15 USD. Buses from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Phnom Penh take around 6 hours and cost about $12 to $20 USD.
Tuk-tuks are the most common way to get around Phnom Penh. A short ride within the city usually costs between $2 to $5 USD depending on distance and negotiation. Motorbike rentals are available for around $7 to $10 USD per day. Bicycles can be rented for about $3 to $5 USD per day, suitable for short distances along the riverfront and quieter streets. Metered taxis are less common. Walking is feasible in some central areas but distances can be large.
The Royal Palace ($10 USD entry) is a large complex of buildings including the Silver Pagoda, and provides a look at Cambodia’s monarchy and architecture. The National Museum of Cambodia ($5 USD) holds extensive Khmer art collections. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum ($5 USD) is a former prison and a key site for understanding Cambodia’s history under the Khmer Rouge. Wat Phnom ($1 USD) is a hilltop Buddhist temple that gave the city its name. The Central Market (Phsar Thmei) is a large Art Deco market where visitors can shop for local goods and crafts.
Phnom Penh’s street food includes dishes like kuy teav (rice noodle soup) and fish amok (steamed curry). The riverside area around Sisowath Quay has many casual restaurants and cafes. Local meals at street stalls typically cost $2 to $4 USD, while mid-range restaurants charge $5 to $10 USD for a meal. Popular local drinks include fresh coconut juice and iced coffee.
Budget accommodations such as guesthouses and hostels start around $5 to $15 USD per night. Mid-range hotels cost between $20 and $50 USD per night and include places such as the Okay Boutique Hotel or The Plantation Urban Resort and Spa. Upscale hotels and international chains like Rosewood Phnom Penh have rooms from $80 USD and above. Most accommodations are concentrated near the riverside and the city center.
Visit the National Museum Cambodia in Phnom Penh to see Khmer art and sculpture with tickets at $10. Open daily 8 AM–5 PM, near the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
The Independence Monument Phnom Penh, completed in 1958 and standing 37 meters tall, commemorates Cambodia's 1953 independence from France. Located at a key city intersection, it hosts national ceremonies and reflects Khmer architectural heritage.
Sisowath Quay stretches along Phnom Penh’s Tonle Sap River offering a 3 km riverside walk with street food stalls and river cruises from $5. Easily accessible by tuk-tuk ($1-3) or bike rental ($2-3/day).
+ 8 more travel guides about Phnom Penh
What sets my tour apart? My tour goes beyond typical sightseeing by combining Phnom Penh’s landmarks with hidden gems, offering travelers a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history, culture, and daily life. From the Independence Monument and King Norodom Sihanouk Statue to the Royal Palace (exterior view) and National Museum, I share stories of Cambodia’s journey—from independence in 1953 to peace in 1993 and the nation’s growth today. What makes this tour unique is the personal storytelling of a licensed local guide, enriched with visits to a Buddhist monastery, lively alleyways, and vibrant markets like the Central Market and Night Market. Travelers not only see the sights but also experience the city’s resilience, spirituality, and modern vibrancy.
There are plenty of ground transfer services to Battambang, we are a private ground transfer services and including some sightseeing tour on the way.
Guests who hunger to learn about Khmer cuisine can enroll in our half or full-day cooking class. Start the morning by exploring a local market where you will experience the hustle and bustle and absorb the flavor of a typical Cambodian market. You will have time to walk around, take pictures and observe vendors selling their wares. You will learn about local fruits, vegetables, and herbs and procure the freshest ingredients you need for the day's lesson. Returning to our kitchen, our experienced chef will guide you through tried-and-true Khmer cooking techniques. Unlock ancient secrets of Khmer cooking through this authentic culinary experience. After the demonstration and with our chef's assistance, you will discover new tastes and textures as you learn to prepare traditional dishes, which will be enjoyed for lunch. The recipes are yours to keep so you can recreate the Cambodian culinary experience in the comfort of your own home and impress your friends and family.
5-star hotel in BKK1 with highly rated service and comfort, located on Sothearos Boulevard near Chamkar Mon.
5-star hotel in Daun Penh with luxury spa facilities and highly rated attentive staff. Rooms start at $155 per night.
5-star hotel on National Road 6A in Phnom Penh with stylish design and friendly staff. Rated 8.8 for cleanliness and guest satisfaction.
4-star hotel in Daun Penh with a rooftop infinity pool. Rated 8.5/10 for cleanliness and staff.
5-star hotel in Daun Penh with city views from the Sora skybar. Located near Wat Phnom in Vattanac Capital Tower, featuring highly rated service.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal features luxury and top service from $318/night in Daun Penh.
AURA Phnom Penh’s sushi and light bites draw guests to its airy skybar, where gentle Bassac Lane breezes and attentive staff create a laid-back, stylish retreat.
Grilled Fish Amok and stir-fried beef with red tree ants highlight this restaurant’s dedication to traditional Khmer flavors with creative touches. The accommodating staff and occasional presence of a resident cat add to the welcoming atmosphere.
Blossom Restaurant pairs artfully prepared international dishes with attentive service, offering a fresh, flavorful menu that shines during late lunches and dinners. The atmosphere is welcoming, though the décor contrasts with the quality of the food.
Eleven One Kitchen is a budget-friendly international restaurant in Koh Kong, rated 4.5/5 with 1013 reviews.
Elia Greek Kitchen’s garlic shrimp melts in your mouth, paired with crisp, herb-infused pasta. Clean, bright space and speedy service create a relaxed Mediterranean dining vibe.
Creative international dishes like the rich chicken curry highlight the use of fresh ingredients and inventive flavors. The space is warm with attentive staff, and the restaurant supports a charitable cause, adding purpose to its flavorful offerings.
The Royal Palace complex includes the Silver Pagoda, famous for its floor covered with silver tiles. Entry fee is $10 USD. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can view traditional Khmer architecture and royal artifacts. ...
Tuk-tuks are the most common way to get around Phnom Penh. A short ride within the city usually costs between $2 to $5 USD depending on distance and negotiation. Motorbike rentals are available for around $7 to $10 USD per day. Bicycles can be rented for about $3 to $5 USD per day, suitable for shor...