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Cambodia Phnom Penh travel guide
13 things to do in Phnom Penh, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Phnom Penh
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum — former Security Prison 21, or S-21, under the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Royal Palace — complex of buildings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (visit ≈ 90 min)
- National Museum of Cambodia — art museum, archaeology,and history in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Wat Phnom — Buddhist temple complex in Cambodia (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh — notable Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Independence Monument, Phnom Penh — built in 1958 to memorialize the independence of Cambodia (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Wat Ounalom — Buddhist temple in Cambodia (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Al-Serkal — mosque in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Notre Dame Cathedral — demolished church in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Wat Langka — Buddhist temple in Cambodia (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Roman Catholic Church of Phnom Penh — church building in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Wat Botum — 15th-century pagoda and Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Preah Suramarit National Theatre — former national theatre of Cambodia (visit ≈ 20 min)
2-day Phnom Penh walking itinerary
Starting point: Riverside (Sisowath Quay). The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 7.5 km · 10,110 steps · 1 h 41 min on the way): Wat Ounalom → National Museum of Cambodia → Royal Palace → Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh → Independence Monument, Phnom Penh → Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Day 2 (≈ 5.3 km · 7,210 steps · 1 h 11 min on the way): Al-Serkal → Wat Phnom
Where to stay in Phnom Penh
- Riverside (Sisowath Quay): Mekong views, restaurants and close to the Royal Palace.
- BKK1: Calm, modern area full of cafés and boutique hotels.
- Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung): Cafés and good-value hotels around the famous market.
- Daun Penh / Wat Phnom: Old French buildings near the Central Market.
Getting from the airport to Phnom Penh
- Techo International (KTI): Taxi or Grab/PassApp ≈ 50 min; there is also an airport bus.
Getting around
Public transport is weak; get around by tuk-tuk and Grab/PassApp. The riverside and palace area are walkable.
Classic places to eat
- Friends the Restaurant: Restaurant training former street youth; Khmer tapas.
- Malis: Refined Khmer cuisine in a garden; try fish amok.
- Elephant Bar: Classic cocktail bar at Raffles Le Royal since 1929.
- Sugar Palm: Home-style Khmer cooking in a friendly family place.
- Kravanh: Traditional Khmer dishes in an old villa.
- Khmer Surin: Khmer and Thai food in a wooden house; open for many years.
Romantic views
- Sisowath Quay (Sunset): On the Tonle Sap promenade the sunset turns the river gold.
- Wat Phnom (Evening): The hilltop temple that gave the city its name is wrapped in shady gardens.
- Chroy Changvar Bridge (Sunset): The bridge gives a wide view of the river and city lights at dusk.
- Independence Monument (Evening): The fountain park around the monument is nice for a walk in the cool evening.
Football stadiums in Phnom Penh
- Olympic Stadium: Home of Phnom Penh Crown F.C.
Good to know before visiting Phnom Penh
- Fine: Climbing restricted areas or touching carvings at Angkor is banned; an Angkor Pass is required.
- Fine: Drug offences carry very severe penalties.
- Fine: Flying drones at Angkor without a permit is banned.
- Warning: Angkor temples require covered shoulders and knees or you'll be refused at some sections.
- Warning: Landmines may remain in rural areas; stay on marked paths.
- Ask before photographing monks and children.
- Emergency: police 117, ambulance 119, fire 118
- Plugs: A/C/G, 230V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: Tipping is optional; small amounts are appreciated.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Cambodia, Wikivoyage — Cambodia, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Phnom Penh travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Phnom Penh?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 13 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Phnom Penh?
- Highlights: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Royal Palace, National Museum of Cambodia, Wat Phnom and Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh. The map has 13 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Phnom Penh?
- Riverside (Sisowath Quay): Mekong views, restaurants and close to the Royal Palace. Other options: BKK1, Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung) and Daun Penh / Wat Phnom.
- How do you get from the airport to Phnom Penh city centre?
- Techo International (KTI): Taxi or Grab/PassApp ≈ 50 min; there is also an airport bus.
- How do you get around Phnom Penh?
- Public transport is weak; get around by tuk-tuk and Grab/PassApp. The riverside and palace area are walkable.
- What is the emergency number in Phnom Penh?
- Emergency: police 117, ambulance 119, fire 118.
- Do you tip in Phnom Penh?
- Tipping is optional; small amounts are appreciated.
Nearby cities
Ho Chi Minh City · Siem Reap · Bangkok · Hội An · Vientiane · Phuket · Penang (George Town) · Kuala Lumpur
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