Keytours Vacations Personalized Unique Travel Experiences

Discover Phnom Penh's Wonders

Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, is a city that seamlessly blends historical richness with contemporary dynamism. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda stand as symbols of Cambodia's cultural heritage, showcasing exquisite architecture and artifacts. The haunting yet important Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields memorialize the country's tragic past, offering a sobering glimpse into Cambodia's history. The bustling markets, such as the Central Market and Russian Market, provide a taste of local life and opportunities to explore Cambodian craftsmanship. Phnom Penh's riverfront area offers a scenic retreat with cafes, bars, and a lively atmosphere. The city's culinary scene is diverse, offering Khmer delicacies and international cuisine. As Cambodia's economic and cultural hub, Phnom Penh reflects a blend of tradition and progress, making it a compelling destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of Cambodia's complex history and vibrant present.

Current Weather

90.86 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 90.86 °F / 90.86 °FFeels: 97.77 °F Humidity: 53%5 Day Forecast

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Description

Phnom Penh took its name from a legendary tale involving a woman called Penh, who is said to have discovered four Buddhas washed ashore by the great river. Following French colonisation in 1869, which lasted until King Norodom Sihanouk declared independence in 1953, the city underwent significant urban development, marked by the construction of impressive villas and wide avenues that now define its city centre. However, the vibrant atmosphere of the 1960s was abruptly disrupted on April 17, 1975, when the Khmer Rouge seized control of the country, causing Phnom Penh to empty almost overnight. After four years, Cambodians returned to rebuild their capital from a small riverside village into the bustling commercial hub it is today. Despite its growth, Phnom Penh retains its unique charm as an unspoiled Asian gem, where cyclo drivers navigate through a sea of motorbikes, embodying the city's dynamic spirit.

Useful information

Population:

2.281 million (2023)

Currency:

Cambodian Riel (KHR): 1 KHR = 10 kak = 100 sen

Emergency Info:

Ambulance: +855 023 724 891 (or 119 if you have a Cambodian phone number).

Police: +855 023 366 841 - +855 023 720 235 (or 117 if you have a Cambodian phone number).

Fire: +855 023 723 555 (or 118 if you have a Cambodian phone number).

Opening Hours:

Most shops are open Monday to Sunday from 8am–7pm. Markets open from 6am–5pm. Stores and markets are only closed on public holidays.

Do & See

Independence Monument

This tall building is a symbol of Cambodia's freedom from France, gained in 1953. This Angkorian-style tower is mostly used as a landmark now, but the parks surrounding it are popular for picnics.

National Museum of Cambodia

This red-stoned traditional royal Khmer building from the 1920s offers a glimpse of the Khmer Empire’s rich heritage. With artefacts dating back to pre-Angkorian times, the museum’s pieces are some of the only remaining historical items that survived the Khmer Rouge.

Phnom Chisor Temple

About one hour's drive from the city, you can visit the ruins of the Phnom Chisor Temple, a temple from the Angkorian era. From the hill where it is located, you will have great views over the countryside, but keep in mind that it can be very hot to climb all the way up during midday.

Phnom Tamao Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC)

This is the biggest zoo in Cambodia, and here you can see many different animals from the local fauna. The Wildlife Rescue Center saves animals that have been trapped or injured, to set them free again after rehabilitation. If you book a tour, you will get the chance to see the staff's heroic work and to meet some of the animals.

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Immerse yourself in beautifully manicured gardens, delightful royal abodes, and the serene calm of this classic Khmer palace. The throne, used for coronation and important ceremonies, sits in a finely decorated room. At its side stands a small delightful ornate maisonette offered by Napoleon III to King Norodom. Walk across to the Silver Pagoda and observe the golden Buddha, encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, the largest one weighing 25 carats. Please remember to dress a bit formally when visiting the Silver Pagoda—wear long trousers or a long skirt.

The Killing Fields & Choeung Ek Memorial

This field reminds its visitors of a time of brutal executions and torture. More than 17,000 people were killed here during the Khmer Rouge regime, and today, there are mass graves and a memorial stupa (a Buddhist reliquary) with thousands of human bones. An audio tour tells the heart-braking history.

Tuol Sleng Museum

A former school known as S-21, this building became the hub of the Khmer Rouge’s interrogation and torture of more than 17,000 ‘enemies’ of the state. School rooms were turned into cells and today victims’ portraits align the corridors of this daunting building. This is an emotional visit, a place to pay respect to the victims of Cambodia’s tragedy.

Wat Ounalom

This temple is the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism, and it's home to 350 moments. At the entrance, five golden Buddhas welcome the visitors. It was founded in 1443 and is conveniently located close to the Royal Palace and the river bank.

Dining

Boat Noodle

You can find extensive, tasty, and affordable Khmer at Boat Noodle. Another reason to try this out is the ambience. It has the look and feel of a traditional Khmer house, wooden decor, Khmer silk, surrounded by lush plants and fishes swimming in small ponds. Their English speaking staff enable you to tone down the spiciness of some dishes easily.

Do Forni

For night of romance and delightful Italian cuisine bring your loved one to Do Forni. The food is in the highest quality and so is the service. This is the place to indulge in Italian specialists like Saltimbocca Pork with Parma Hamand fine wines.

FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club)

Considered a Phnom Penh landmark, FCC overlooks the river with its inspiring colonial decor. They mainly serve western dishes like fried chicken with chips and some typical Cambodian food while you will also find tasty pizzas on the menu.

Khmer Surin

This sophisticated restaurant offers good Khmer and Thai food like mango salad and excellent amok in a relaxing low seating ambiance in an old wooden house. Even though the climate outside is hot and humid for most of the year, the plants and water managed micro climate will wipe the heat out.

Malis

Stylish restaurant serving an upscale Khmer dining experience. Start the evening by enjoying a cocktail by the impressive water fountain and savouring flavourful dishes like Takeo Sausages and Saraman beef.

Pho de Paris Restaurant

This is a popular lunch place to have local and Vietnamese dishes, and you will be amazed by how high value for money the food is. The menu shows pictures of the dishes, so do not worry if you can not understand all the native names. Don't forget to try the traditional fresh spring rolls and coconut shake.

Cafés

Feel Good Café

The coffee at Feel Good Café is made with lots of love and here you can choose from lattes, cappuccinos, or other western coffee drinks. They also have a menu offering lighter snacks, and it is a popular breakfast place.

The Shop 240

Run by a Belgian couple, The Shop 240 offers a tasty selection of healthy breakfast options, delicious juices, sandwiches, and quiches. Splurge on the dessert selection and the homemade pralines.

Bars & Nightlife

Bouchon

Bouchon is a trendy, dimly-lit wine bar with nice background music and an impressive selection of French wines. With its unbeatable location very close to the Royal Palace, this bar is an easy favourite among locals and expats alike.

Cloud

This garden bar in Tonle Bassac has gained a reputation as a chill, comfortable cultural hub in the city. They boast a decor inspired by modern urban art and indie aesthetic, surrounded by vegetation. Along with their careful choice of beer, they also serve food. Board games are available, and many kinds of events take place here.

Elephant Bar

Set in the most luxurious hotel in town, Le Royal, the Elephant Bar’s happy hour (4pm to 9 pm) serves some of the best cocktails in town. Dress up and indulge in live piano music and comfortable seating. A must try is their Femme Fatale cocktail, specifically created in 1967 for Jacqueline Kennedy during her visit to Cambodia.

Heart of Darkness

This popular night spot is packed every night after midnight. A mix of backpackers, locals and long term residents keep the place grooving until the sun comes up.

Le Moon Rooftop Bar

For a great view of the city at night, head to this chill and relaxing bar at the top of a hotel. The drinks are well-made and refreshing - a bit pricey, but worth it for the beautiful location.

Score! Bar & Grill

This lively sports bar is the perfect spot to catch a live game or just have a few beers while in town. There is a huge screen on the wall, which is visible from every corner of the large sitting area.

Top Banana

Top Banana is a guesthouse and bar popular among the hip backpacker crowd. The atmosphere here is very laid-back, live band performances are common, and new acquaintance is easily made. Don't miss the outdoor rooftop area.

Shopping

Aeon Mall

If street hawkers and market haggling are getting a little too overwhelming, head to the air-conditioned Aeon Mall and shop for everyday items and clothing at a fixed price.

Central Market

The grand Central Market, with its inspiring art deco architecture, offers an enormous variety of products, in an open and spread-out space. Come here for clothes, produce, jewellery, and all sorts of souvenirs and to get a feel for what a bustling Southeast Asian market is like.

Monument Books

This bookstore is popular with English speakers, and sells more than just books - here you will also find postcards to send home, for example. There is also a huge selection of toys here, so kids are likely to also have a great time.

Night Market

No trip to Southeast Asia is complete without a visit to the local Night Market, where exotic mouthwatering foods are sold by local vendors. The variety of colours and flavours make your head spin, and real bargains are available on all sorts of items.

Sorya Center Point

The Sorya Center Point is a modern shopping mall located in the heart of Phnom Penh. It boasts eight storeys filled with a plethora of shops catering to every whim. From trendy fashion boutiques and electronics stores to beauty parlours and jewellery boutiques.

Street 240

Street 240, behind the Royal Palace, offers higher-end choices from clothes to jewellery. The Bliss shop sets the scene with its beautiful silk clothing, bedding and accessories. Further down is Veggies, the local delicatessen. The rest of the street has small boutiques selling jewels, art and antiques.

Tuol Tompoung Market

Tuol Tompoung Market, commonly known as the Russian Market, is an iconic destination offering a sensory feast for visitors, with its labyrinthine lanes brimming with treasures waiting to be discovered. From traditional Cambodian handicrafts and textiles to unique souvenirs and local delicacies, the market caters to every taste and preference.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Cambodia has rainy weather for half of the year and dry weather for the other half. The seasons can be subdivided into dry-cool (November-January), dry-hot (February-May), rainy-hot (May-September) and rainy-cool (October-November). You will find the best weather in the dry-cool season, with an overall average temperature of 26°C—this is the most popular time to go. The rainy-cool season can be an alternative if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists—the green landscapes boast beautiful colours during this time. However, so much rain might be uncomfortable for some, and if you are planning day trips, be aware that water may flood the streets and make it impossible to reach smaller, remote places. The rainiest months are August and September.

Passport / Visa

Visas to Cambodia are available at airports and land borders, as well as online for citizens of most countries. In order to obtain one, make sure you can provide a passport valid for at least six months and a passport-sized photo for your visa. Visitors from an ASEAN member country do not need a visa to enter Cambodia, as long as they have a valid passport. It's essential for travellers to check the latest visa requirements and entry regulations from the nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate or through official government channels before planning their trip to Cambodia.

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) lies approximately 10 km from the city centre. The easiest way to get to and from the airport is by taxi. It takes around 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. You can also take a tuk-tuk. Whatever alternative you choose, you can buy a coupon inside the airport terminal to avoid the hustle outside.

Public Transport

Although many visitors still often use tuk tuks, cyclos or taxis to move around the city, the municipality of Phnom Penh has recently re-opened the 'Phnom Penh City Bus', an efficient public bus service that is a bit slower, but more comfortable than the alternatives. Moreover, they don't require you to negotiate prices with the driver, as other means of transport do. Bus tickets are cheap, and you can find transport apps on your phone.

Taxi

There are two types of taxis in Phnom Penh, those with a meter and those without. You can find them outside major hotels or close to the tourist attractions. If you choose a taxi without a meter, always agree on a price before you start the journey. Phnom Penh Taxi +855 17 757 800 Phnom Penh Taxi Drivers +855 92 994 227

Electricity

230 V, 50Hz

Health and Safety Advice

While vaccinations are not mandatory for entering Cambodia, they are highly recommended, along with bringing essential medications from home, as they may not be readily available in Phnom Penh. It's crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance as healthcare in Cambodia can be costly, with upfront payments required, posing significant challenges in emergencies. Stay safe by avoiding tap water, opt for bottled water instead. Be sure to also pack (or buy there) an insect repellent to fend off mosquito-borne diseases.

Pharmacy

One of the biggest pharmacies in Phnom Penh is Pharmacie de la Gare, which is located next to the railway station at: 124, Preah Monivong Boulevard (93), Phnom Penh +855 92 711 771 Opening hours: daily 8am–7pm UCare Pharmacy is part of a recently opened pharmacy chain and offers one of the largest stock of medicine (from France) in town.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to do in Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh offers a rich mix of sightseeing, guided tours, and local activities. On Keytours you can browse the most popular tours and experiences in Phnom Penh and book them instantly.

What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?

The ideal time to visit Phnom Penh depends on the experience you're after. Check the current weather and seasonal information on this page to plan your trip around the best conditions.

How do I get around Phnom Penh?

You can arrange private airport transfers and local transport for Phnom Penh directly through Keytours, ensuring a comfortable arrival and easy travel throughout your stay.

Where should I stay in Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh has accommodation for every style, from boutique city stays to seaside resorts. Explore our handpicked hotels in Phnom Penh to find the right base for your trip.

Can I book tours, hotels, and transfers together for Phnom Penh?

Yes. With Keytours you can combine tours, activities, hotels, and transfers for Phnom Penh in a single booking, making it easy to plan your entire trip in one place.

How do I book a trip to Phnom Penh with Keytours?

Simply choose your preferred tours, hotels, or activities in Phnom Penh on this page, select your dates, and complete your secure booking online. Our team is available to help at any step.

Trips

Phnom Penh Discovery

Let’s plan your next vacation

Let us take care of all the details to create the perfect trip for you. With our expertise and personalized service, we will ensure that every moment of your trip is special and unforgettable. Get ready to embark on a dream adventure!

Your Trip Plan is Empty