Phnom Penh Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Phnom Penh featuring a fountain, a square or plaza and nightlife
Cambodia which includes a monument and a garden
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh featuring food
Cambodia featuring food

Phnom Penh lures visitors with its ancient relics and temples, deep and turbulant history and modern day energy.

Phnom Penh’s complicatedand brutal history makes it a fascinating place to visit.  Wander thestreets and witness a city that is slowly bouncing back from decades ofturmoil. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia and later theheadquarters of the French colonial administration. In 1975 it was taken overby the Khmer Rouge and subject to years of brutal rule, before the Vietnamesetoppled the regime in 1979.

Today it is the economicand political capital of Cambodia and is home to some of its most spectaculartemples and harrowing museums. You’ll see bustling street markets, wildtraffic, and buildings from throughout its history. Check out Wat Phnom to seethe temple that gave the city its name. For a look at some of its moreimpressive structures, visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Wanderthrough immaculately-maintained gardens, among gold and crystal Buddha statues,and over silver floors. 

To see more ancienttemples, visit Wat Sarawan or Wat Ounalom. Brush up on your local history withsome time at the National Museum of Cambodia. There are statues and artifactsfrom the Angkorian era and beyond. Anyone looking to understand the country’stroubled recent past should head to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Inside theschool Pol Pot converted into the infamous S-21 Prison, you’ll see movingexhibits and what remains of the cramped cells. 

Take a trip out to theKilling Fields of Choeung Ek to learn more. There are pits where murderedprisoners were buried, as well as a Buddhist stupa packed with victims’skulls. 

Back in the city, take atrip to the Art-Deco Central Market. Shop for everything from clothes andjewelry to flowers. For a nice evening stroll, head to Sisowath Quay. There aresome good restaurants, decent cafés, and a few bars. 

Where to stay in Phnom Penh

Central Market featuring markets and flowers as well as an individual female

Phnom Penh City Centre

3.5/5(139 area reviews)

Phnom Penh City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its great bars, fascinating museums and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Central Market or Orussey Market while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Phnom Penh City Centre
Wat Ounalom showing heritage elements and a temple or place of worship

Daun Penh

4/5(38 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and stunning river views are just a few highlights of Daun Penh. Make a stop by National Museum of Cambodia or Central Market while you're exploring the area.

Daun Penh
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Chamkar Mon

4/5(51 area reviews)

Casinos, cocktail bars and spas are some highlights of Chamkar Mon. Make a stop by Independence Monument or AEON Mall while you're exploring.

Chamkar Mon
Independence Monument which includes a monument and motorbike riding

Boeung Keng Kang

Travellers come to Boeung Keng Kang for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Independence Monument and Preah Sihanouk Garden while you're in town.

Boeung Keng Kang
Default Image

Sen Sok

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

Sen Sok is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like AEON Mall Sen Sok City and Water Garden.

Sen Sok
Default Image

Tuol Kouk

4/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Tuol Kouk include the river views and shopping. Make a stop by Monireth Boulevard or TK Avenue Mall while you're exploring the area.

Tuol Kouk
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
#28, Street 184, Phnom Penh
The price is ฿2,696 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
฿2,696
฿3,171 total
1 Jul - 2 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (766 reviews)
"Lovely hotel!"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
Luxcity Hotel & Apartment
Luxcity Hotel & Apartment
4 out of 5
Building No. 37A, Street 118, Sangkat Mittapheap, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (418 reviews)
"It was a very pleasant experience. The staff was attentive and friendly and the room was clean and nicely furnished. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Luxcity Hotel & Apartment
The Bridge Club
The Bridge Club
3 out of 5
Village No.14, National Assembly Street, Tonle Bassac Commune, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
The price is ฿929 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
฿929
฿1,145 total
1 Jul - 2 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions NagaWorld Casino and Royal ...
7/10 Good! (201 reviews)
"Kitchen equipped, laundry washer & dryer"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

The Bridge Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh
Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh
4.5 out of 5
One Park, No. 58, Street R8, Sangkat Srah Chark, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Central Market and Royal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
"Property was great"

Reviewed on 11 Apr 2025

Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh
THE PENINSULA PHNOM PENH
THE PENINSULA PHNOM PENH
3.5 out of 5
Keo Chenda St, Phnom Penh, PNH
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Riverside and Central Market are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
"It was a wonderful start."

Reviewed on 4 Apr 2025

THE PENINSULA PHNOM PENH
Merton Holiday Inn
Merton Holiday Inn
4.5 out of 5
Street 579, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Riverside and Central Market ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (6 reviews)
Good for long stays
"Nice room, excellent view. A new hotel with a few teething issues but staff are helpful. Cleaning staff did a good job. Across the river from the CBD, but not a huge travelling issue."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Merton Holiday Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Phnom Penh

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
40
5 - Excellent 28%
4 - Good
63
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
34
3 - Okay 24%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

not a place to play

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Make sure you have enough US $ with you

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Dirty and once seen the sights, would not go again

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Very disappointing, will not go back. Will settle for Thailand every time

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The killing fields and museum was well worth visiting for a truly historical educational experience

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We only had time to visit for one day as we wanted to move onto Siem Reap. But we spent New years eve here and it was really fun outside the Royal Palace. The only reason I give an OK and not excellent is the air quality. Just like Vietnam shocking!

Cities near Phnom Penh