With a population of around 2.5 million, Phnom Penh is a fast-evolving capital that often gets overlooked in favour of nearby heavyweights like Bangkok or Hanoi. While travellers tend to skip it in favour of those bigger cities, Phnom Penh absolutely deserves a couple of days of your time and a place on your Cambodian itinerary. In fact, the BBC even named it to its 2026 must‑visit list, which says a lot about its rising appeal.
The capital is the perfect starting point for first‑time visitors to Cambodia, offering a fascinating blend of past and present, and an introduction to Khmer culture, cuisine, and history. Picture centuries-old French colonial townhouses, extravagant royal palaces, bustling traditional markets, and humble street food stalls tucked alongside sleek skyscrapers, chic cocktail lounges, creative cafés, and emerging art spaces.
To be upfront, parts of Phnom Penh can feel a little seedy at times. Don’t let that put you off; it’s easy enough to steer clear of these areas (or seek them out, if that’s your thing), and the city’s highlights far outweigh its flaws.
With just two days, you’ll walk away with a solid introduction to Cambodia’s history, culture, and culinary scene. I will also suggest some day trips and tours you can do to extend your time there, and places to travel to after you’ve finished exploring Phnom Penh.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue growing this blog and creating useful content. Thank you!
Day 1 AM: Royal Phnom Penh and Temples
After a filling breakfast to set you up for the day, start your first morning at the Royal Palace, one of Phnom Penh’s most impressive landmarks. This opulent complex remains the official residence of the Cambodian King and showcases classic Khmer architecture, perfectly manicured gardens, and glittering spires.
Within the palace grounds, don’t miss the Silver Pagoda, named after its floor made up of thousands of silver tiles. Inside, you’ll find sacred Buddha statues, including a life-size gold Buddha adorned with diamonds.
If you’ve been to Bangkok’s Royal Palace beforehand, this temple might not wow you quite so much, but it’s still an interesting place to visit.
- Admission: $10 USD for foreigners.
- Opening times: 8am – 11am, then 2pm – 5pm.
- Dress code: Exposed shoulders and backs are forbidden, and visitors must wear dresses or shorts which sit below the knee. Hats and shoes cannot be worn in certain areas, and only small bags are permitted inside the site.
Visiting the Royal Palace (With or Without a Guide)
I visited the Royal Palace without a guide because I was feeling stingy that day, and already thought the entrance fee was on the steep side. Turns out I should have hired one of the guides hanging around the entrance as the Palace didn’t have any information boards or posters to explain what you’re looking at. Architecturally, it’s very impressive but it would have been much better with a guide to explain the context and history.
If you decide to hire a guide on-site, expect to pay around $10 for the tour. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour online.
Wat Phnom Temple Complex
Once you’ve finished exploring the Royal Palace, hop into a Grab or Tuk-Tuk and head 10 minutes up the road to Wat Phnom. Perched on the city’s only hill, this 14th-century Buddhist temple complex is known for the 46-metre tall white stone stupa that houses the ashes of the city’s founder, King Ponhea Yat. Wat Phnom is accessible by climbing 300 steps, guarded by statues of lions and seven headed naga serpents.
The monastery is surrounded by a lush, green park with landscape gardens that offers some peaceful respite from the chaotic city. To gain a deeper understanding of Wat Phnom, consider booking this private tour which takes you to the Royal Palace, National Museum & Wat Phnom.
Day 1 PM: Market lunch, Arts & Culture and Riverside Life
After a morning of sightseeing, you will likely be feeling hungry. To remedy this, I suggest taking a Grab or Tuk-Tuk to the popular Central Market, an enormous Art Deco building topped with a yellow dome. Once inside, head to the food court at the west side of the market. Here you’ll find dozens of food stalls serving up all manner of tasty Cambodian specialties.
The other parts of this sprawling complex are worth exploring too, with hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce and spices to electronics, clothing, jewellery, and souvenirs. It’s a bit of a maze at times and can be crowded, though not quite as chaotic as other markets in the city. If you do want to buy anything, remember to haggle!
Once you’ve filled your belly, I suggest either visiting the National Museum or exploring the city’s art scene.
The National Museum
Housed in a beautiful terracotta building with a peaceful central courtyard, the National Museum is a welcome contrast to the city’s energy outside. Inside, you’ll find the world’s finest collection of Khmer art, from Angkor-era stone sculptures to delicate bronzes and ancient religious objects, all showcasing the craftsmanship and beliefs that shaped Cambodia over centuries.
What makes this museum special is how it adds to what you’ve already seen at the Royal Palace. While the palace focuses on royal life and ceremony, the museum provides the historical and cultural context behind Cambodia’s art, religion and mythology. Visiting both gives you a fuller, more complete picture of Phnom Penh’s history. Most of the information is in Khmer or French, so if you don’t speak those languages, it’s a good idea to rent an audio guide.
- Admission: $10 USD for foreigners (concessions available). The audio guide is an extra $5.
- Opening times: 8.00am until 5.00pm daily. Last admission tickets are sold at 4.30pm.
Phnom Penh’s Art Scene
Beyond its museums, Phnom Penh has a lively and increasingly confident contemporary art scene. There are dozens of independent galleries and creative studios to check out, which showcase everything from modern Khmer painting and photography to experimental installations and performance art. Spaces like Sra’Art Gallery focus on socially engaged, community-driven work by Cambodian artists, while Meta House blends exhibitions with film screenings, talks and cultural events.
For an easy gallery hop, head to Street 178, just behind the National Museum. This short stretch is lined with small galleries and studios where you can wander in, chat to staff, and sometimes even meet the artists themselves.
Phnom Penh’s Riverside
As the evening draws in, make your way to Sisowath Riverside Park, which runs along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. This peaceful, tree-lined promenade is a nice place to stroll in the early evening when the temperatures start to fall.
While here, you could take a short river cruise along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers to enjoy the sunset. It’s an easy and affordable way to see the city from a different perspective, especially at golden hour. There are numerous cruise agencies along the riverbank to choose from. Just ask for prices first and go with the one you think is the best value.
Once back onshore, make your way to Phnom Penh Night Market, a busy spot with stalls selling Khmer street food. I found this market rather interesting as the locals here eat while sitting on large, patterned rugs on the ground. It was certainly an experience – though a tad uncomfortable!
If you are in Phnom Penh at the weekend, you could also head to the relatively new Chaktomuk Walk Street. This section of Sisowath Quay, stretching from the Night Market area to the Royal Palace, is transformed into a pedestrianized social hub on Saturdays and Sundays between 6pm-11pm. During this time the street is filled with street food vendors and live music, creating a fun and festive atmosphere.
Day 2 AM: Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields)
On the morning of your second day, you’ll head 10 km outside of the city to Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. This sombre site was one of many killing fields used by the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979, during which an estimated two million people (more than a quarter of the population) were killed in an attempt to create a communist state under Pol Pot.
Nowadays, it is preserved as an important memorial and learning centre. Visitors walk through former mass graves, see remnants of victims’ clothing and bones, and visit the central memorial stupa, which houses thousands of skulls. The audio guide (included with admission) walks you through the grounds, provides useful historical context and first-person accounts that help explain what happened and why.
It may not sound like a fun holiday activity, but I would argue it is an absolute essential while you’re in Phnom Penh. Visiting the Killing Fields offers crucial insight into Cambodia’s recent history and helps travellers better understand the country they are exploring today.
- Getting there: Many visitors reach the Killing Fields via organised tours from Phnom Penh, which often combine Choeung Ek with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) in the city. Independent visits are also possible, though transport must be arranged by taxi or tuk-tuk.
- Entrance price: $6 USD per person, which includes an essential multilingual audio guide.
- Opening times: Daily from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Dress Code: As it is a memorial and religious site, visitors are expected to dress respectfully, with clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
If you’re short on time or prefer to stay within the city, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) is a strong alternative. Once a high‑school building turned secret Khmer Rouge prison, it now serves as a powerful memorial to the victims of the regime. The exhibits are sombre but incredibly important, offering a human perspective on Cambodia’s recent history.
- Admission: $5 USD for foreigners (Concessions available)
- Tour guides: Available on site, in Khmer, French and English.
- Audio guides: Available: $5 USD for non-Cambodian adults (available in multiple languages)
Day 2 PM: Traditional Markets and Phnom Penh’s Nightlife
After a heavy morning, shift gears with a visit to Toul Tompong Market, better known as the Russian Market. This busy, chaotic market is a great place to browse souvenirs, handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, and local snacks. Stop for lunch nearby – this area has plenty of casual cafés and local eateries catering to both locals and travellers.
In the evening, make your way to Phnom Penh’s BKK1 district. Popular with expats and travellers, this area is known for great restaurants and cool cocktail bars. There are plenty of places to eat here, but I can highly recommend Eleven One Kitchen. This somewhat upmarket restaurant serves up delicious Khmer dishes, with their Fish Amok particularly delicious. The outside garden dining area is also a wonderful setting for dinner.
Afterwards, explore the area and nip into one of the many bars found here for a cheeky drink. A great place for some bar crawling is Bassac Street, with spots like Hub Street Cocktails offering a relaxed atmosphere and ample opportunities to meet other travellers.
You should also stop by the nearby Independence monument. Built in 1958 to celebrate Cambodia’s independence from France, this 20m tall landmark looks especially dramatic and atmospheric in the evening when it’s illuminated by soft lighting.
Practical Information for Visiting Phnom Penh
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
Here are three neighbourhoods I would suggest staying in, depending on your budget and preferences.
- Daun Penh – Close to the historic centre, Central Market, and riverside. A good choice if you want to be near key attractions, though some streets can feel busy or chaotic.
- Riverside (Sisowath Quay) – Ideal if you want to be close to major sights like the Royal Palace, river cruises, bars, and restaurants. It’s lively and convenient, though slightly more touristy.
- BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) – One of the best areas to stay overall. Clean, safe, walkable, and packed with great cafés, restaurants, and boutique hotels. Perfect for first-time visitors who want comfort and atmosphere.
When to Visit Phnom Penh
The best time to visit Phnom Penh is during the dry season from November to March. During these months, temperatures are slightly lower, humidity is more manageable, and rainfall is minimal – ideal for sightseeing, walking, and market-hopping. This is peak season, so booking your accommodation and tours ahead of time is highly recommended.
Between March and May, the city is very hot, often above 35°C, but still dry. June to October is the rainy season. Downpours are usually short and intense rather than constant, and prices are lower, but flooding can occasionally disrupt travel.
Which Currency to Use in Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s official currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but US dollars (USD) are used and accepted in most places. Prices for hotels, tours, and attractions are often listed in USD. It is common to pay in dollars and get riel as change, although some places will give you change in dollars.
ATMs dispense USD, and cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and cafés, but cash is still king at markets and street food stalls. Cambodians are very selective of the bills they accept. Carry small USD bills (as shops may not accept large notes) and be sure to check your bills when you get change. Avoid taking torn or damaged notes, as most shops won’t accept them.
Optional Day Trips from Phnom Penh
If you have extra time or want a break from the city, these easy day trips are worth considering:
- Silk Island (Koh Dach) – Just a short ferry ride away, this peaceful island offers a glimpse into traditional silk weaving villages and rural Cambodian life. You can book a Silk Island guided tour here.
- Oudong – Once Cambodia’s capital, Oudong is home to hilltop stupas, temples, and great views over the countryside. A good half-day cultural trip. You can book a private tour of Oudong Mountain here.
- Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center – A large wildlife sanctuary located south of the city, housing rescued animals in a more ethical setting than a traditional zoo.
Where to Go After Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a great jumping-off point for exploring more of Cambodia:
- Siem Reap: Home to Angkor Wat and Cambodia’s most famous temples (flight or long bus journey). Check out my full travel guide to Siem Reap here and my Angkor Wat post here.
- Kampot & Kep: Relaxed riverside towns, pepper plantations, caves, and coastal scenery. Check out my dedicated guides to Kampot and Kep.
- Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem: White-sand islands for beach time after city sightseeing.
- Battambang: A quieter city with colonial architecture, countryside cycling, and the bamboo train.
Is Phnom Penh Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Phnom Penh may not have the instant glamour of some other Southeast Asian capitals, but it offers far more than many first-time visitors expect. Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore its highlights, learn about its past, and enjoy the evolving city life – all before moving on to Angkor, the coast, or beyond.
I hope this blog post has shown you that Phnom Penh is well worth visiting. If you’ve been there, what was your favourite thing you did or saw? Let me know in the comments!
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow
