Phnom Penh

Travel Guide

Phnom Penh showing a fountain, a square or plaza and night scenes
Cambodia showing a garden and a monument
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh which includes food
Cambodia which includes food
Phnom Penh lures visitors with its ancient relics and temples, deep and turbulant history and modern day energy.

Phnom Penh’s complicated and brutal history makes it a fascinating place to visit.  Wander the streets and witness a city that is slowly bouncing back from decades of turmoil. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia and later the headquarters of the French colonial administration. In 1975 it was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and subject to years of brutal rule, before the Vietnamese toppled the regime in 1979.

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

To see more ancient temples, visit Wat Sarawan or Wat Ounalom. Brush up on your local history with some time at the National Museum of Cambodia. There are statues and artifacts from the Angkorian era and beyond. Anyone looking to understand the country’s troubled recent past should head to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Inside the school Pol Pot converted into the infamous S-21 Prison, you’ll see moving exhibits and what remains of the cramped cells. 

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

Back in the city, take a trip to the art deco Central Market. Shop for everything from clothes and jewellry to flowers. For a nice evening stroll, head to Sisowath Quay. There are some good restaurants, decent cafés, and a few bars. 

Where to stay in Phnom Penh

Central Market showing markets and flowers as well as an individual femail

Phnom Penh City Centre

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Phnom Penh City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for is lively bars, interesting museums, and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Central Market or Wat Phnom while you're exploring the neighborhood.

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

Daun Penh

5/5(1 area review)

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(1 area review)

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 showing a monument and motorcycle riding

Boeung Keng Kang

Boeung Keng Kang is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Independence Monument and Preah Sihanouk Garden while you're in town.

Boeung Keng Kang
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Sen Sok

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
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Tuol Kouk

1/5(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
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 WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (362 reviews)
"Lovely hotel with large rooms, comfy beds and linen. Roof top pool is a bonus. Excellent breakfast and the restaurant at dinner is also very good even though you do pay a premium plus service and VAT. Would definitely recommend this hotel. Only downside for me is that it is about a 15-20mins away ..."

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2025

Luxcity Hotel & Apartment
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
#28, Street 184, Phnom Penh
The price is P4,732 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
P4,732
P5,565 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (713 reviews)
Hidden Oasis
"This hotel was fantastic. Its location was very central to main sights but it felt like we were in a hidden oasis.The swimming pool was beautiful and the food available for breakfast was excellent. The staff were amazing and nothing was too much trouble. Just one issue, although the bathrooms are ..."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
You Eng Hotel
You Eng Hotel
3 out of 5
Russian Federation Blvd., S/K. Chorm Chao, Khan Po Senchey, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Central Market and Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf ...
6.8/10 (205 reviews)
"Clean...good amenities in room.."

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2024

You Eng Hotel
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 WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Central Market and Royal ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
Spacious, Clean and Reasonable
"The hotel room is very spacious. Generally very new and clean. The hotel rate is reasonable as well. Overall a very good stay."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh
 Palace Gate Hotel & Residence By EHM
Palace Gate Hotel & Residence By EHM
4 out of 5
10B, St. 264, Sangkat Chaktomok, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (317 reviews)
"I’ve stayed many times and that kinda says it all. But, I should mention the staff, room service and facilities are the best. It’s 2 blocks from the Kings Palace for God sakes!! It’s a great value."

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2025

Palace Gate Hotel & Residence By EHM
Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh
Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh
4 out of 5
Street 102, Phnom Penh City Centre, Sangkat Srah Chak, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Central Market and Royal Palace are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (39 reviews)
A decent hotel
"A decent hotel that's centrally located in Phnom Penh. The hotel is clean and the room was sufficient enough during my one night stay here. One thing was missing was the atmosphere; it felt markedly colder and more business-like compared to Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh. Other than that, I liked ..."

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2025

Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh
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

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
0
5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 71%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 29%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Louie

Nice shops and restos near Royal Palace

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Two days is probably enough to do the Museums and Palace. Killing fields site should be done. Take an extra day to chill on the riverside

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Nothing much to see or do.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

keep it up