Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a riverside city famed for its grand Royal Palace, poignant history, bustling markets, riverside setting and blend of French colonial charm and Khmer culture. Historic and evocative, it moves every visitor. The best time to visit is November to March, and one to two days let you explore its palace, history and riverside.
Why Visit Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the vibrant and characterful capital of Cambodia, a riverside city that blends grand royal heritage, poignant history, French colonial charm and bustling Khmer life. Beautifully set at the confluence of great rivers, the city offers the magnificent Royal Palace, important cultural and historical sites, lively markets and an appealing riverside atmosphere. This combination of grandeur, history and everyday energy makes Phnom Penh a fascinating and moving destination and an essential part of understanding Cambodia.
The city is home to the stunning Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, along with sobering but important sites that tell the story of Cambodia’s tragic recent history, offering profound insight into the nation’s past. Combined with its riverside promenade, colonial architecture, markets and warm people, Phnom Penh rewards exploration. Whether you come for the royal heritage, the poignant history, the riverside or the culture, Phnom Penh offers a meaningful and memorable experience.
Top Things to Do in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh offers the Royal Palace, historic sites, markets and a riverside setting.
Visit the Royal Palace
The magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of Cambodia’s king, is Phnom Penh’s crowning glory, a beautiful complex of golden roofed buildings, pavilions and gardens, including the stunning Silver Pagoda. Exploring this splendid palace, admiring the exquisite Khmer architecture and the treasures within, and soaking up the regal atmosphere is a highlight. The Royal Palace captures the grandeur of Cambodia’s royal heritage and is an essential and beautiful sight in the capital.
Learn the Poignant History
Phnom Penh is home to sobering but deeply important historical sites that tell the tragic story of Cambodia’s suffering under a brutal regime in the twentieth century, including a former prison and the memorial fields. Visiting these poignant, moving places, learning about this dark chapter and paying respect is a profound and sobering experience. While difficult, these sites offer essential understanding of Cambodia’s history and the remarkable resilience of its people.
Explore the Markets
Phnom Penh’s bustling markets, including the striking art deco Central Market and the lively Russian Market, are fascinating places packed with goods, food and local life. Exploring these vibrant markets, browsing the stalls for handicrafts and souvenirs, sampling street food and soaking up the atmosphere is a delightful experience. The markets offer a colourful window into everyday Cambodian life and are a great place to shop, eat and experience the energy of the capital.
Stroll the Riverside
Phnom Penh’s riverside setting, along the promenade where great rivers meet, is one of the city’s most pleasant features, lined with cafes, restaurants and views. Strolling along the riverfront, especially in the cooler evening, watching the boats and local life, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere is a lovely part of a visit. The scenic riverside captures the appealing, laid back side of Phnom Penh and is a delightful place to unwind and take in the city.
Food You Must Try in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh offers delicious Cambodian cuisine.
- Fish amok, the fragrant national dish.
- Khmer curry, rich and flavourful.
- Lok lak, a tasty stir fried beef dish.
- Nom banh chok, a traditional noodle dish.
- Fresh tropical fruit and riverside dining.
Phnom Penh is a great place to enjoy Cambodian cuisine, so be sure to try the fragrant fish amok and flavourful Khmer curry, savour lok lak and traditional noodle dishes, and enjoy the fresh local flavours, perhaps with a riverside view.
History and Culture
Phnom Penh has a rich history as the royal capital of Cambodia, a role reflected in its magnificent Royal Palace and its heritage as the heart of the Khmer nation. During the French colonial era, it gained elegant boulevards and architecture, earning it a reputation as a beautiful city. This blend of royal Khmer grandeur and colonial elegance gives the historic centre of Phnom Penh its distinctive character, telling the story of the nation’s past.
The city’s history also includes the tragic events of the twentieth century, when Cambodia endured immense suffering, a period movingly commemorated at the important historical sites in and around the city. The resilience, warmth and spirit of the Cambodian people who rebuilt their nation are deeply inspiring. This combination of royal heritage, colonial charm, profound recent history and warm, resilient culture gives Phnom Penh its moving and meaningful character as the capital of Cambodia.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
Phnom Penh offers a few rewarding excursions.
- The memorial sites just outside the city.
- The riverside and island communities near the capital.
- The countryside and rural life of the region.
- Onward routes to Siem Reap and the coast.
The important memorial sites just outside the city are a moving excursion, while the riverside communities, nearby islands and countryside offer glimpses of rural Cambodian life, and Phnom Penh serves as a hub for onward travel to Siem Reap and the coast.
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh
November to March is generally the best time to visit, during the cool, dry season, with more comfortable weather for exploring the city, though it remains warm. The hot season, from around April to May, can be very hot and humid, making sightseeing tiring. The rainy season, from around June to October, brings rain, often in afternoon downpours, but also greenery and fewer crowds. For the most comfortable weather to explore the capital, the cool, dry months from November to March are ideal.
How to Reach Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is served by an international airport with flights from across the region and beyond, making it easy to reach and a gateway to Cambodia. It also has road and bus connections to Siem Reap, the coast and neighbouring countries, along with river boat routes. Within the city, tuk tuks are the classic and popular way to get around, along with taxis and app based transport, while the riverside area is pleasant to explore on foot. Getting to and around Phnom Penh is straightforward and affordable.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury and boutique hotels to comfortable mid range options, guesthouses and budget stays, at excellent value. Staying near the riverside or the central area keeps you close to the Royal Palace, markets, dining and the pleasant waterfront, and within reach of the main sights. Choosing a well located stay near the riverside or centre helps you make the most of a visit to the Cambodian capital and explore its highlights with ease.
Planning Your Trip
Phnom Penh rewards a day or two for its Royal Palace, poignant historical sites, bustling markets and riverside setting. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace, take time to understand the moving history at the memorial sites, explore the markets, and enjoy the riverside in the cooler evening. Dress modestly for the palace, and approach the historical sites with respect. Many travellers combine the capital with Siem Reap. With its heritage and history, Phnom Penh offers a meaningful and memorable experience.
Practical Travel Tips
- Visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, dressing modestly.
- Take time to understand the poignant history at the memorial sites.
- Explore the bustling Central and Russian Markets.
- Stroll the pleasant riverside in the cooler evening.
- Use tuk tuks to get around the city affordably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phnom Penh famous for?
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is famous for its magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, its poignant historical sites, its bustling markets, its riverside setting and its blend of royal Khmer heritage and French colonial charm.
How many days do you need in Phnom Penh?
A day or two are enough to enjoy the Royal Palace, poignant historical sites, bustling markets and riverside setting. Many travellers combine the capital with Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor for a fuller Cambodia trip.
What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?
November to March, during the cool, dry season, is the best time, with more comfortable weather. The hot season from April to May can be very hot and humid, while June to October brings rain and greenery.
Are the historical sites worth visiting in Phnom Penh?
Yes, though sobering, the historical sites that tell the story of Cambodia’s tragic recent history are deeply important and moving, offering essential understanding of the nation’s past and the remarkable resilience of its people. They should be approached with respect.
How do you get around Phnom Penh?
Tuk tuks are the classic and popular way to get around Phnom Penh, along with taxis and app based transport, while the riverside area is pleasant to explore on foot. Getting around the city is straightforward and affordable.
Final Thoughts
Phnom Penh is a riverside capital where a grand Royal Palace, poignant history, bustling markets and French colonial charm come together in the moving heart of Cambodia. Marvel at the golden Royal Palace, reflect at the important historical sites, explore the vibrant markets and stroll the pleasant riverside where great rivers meet. Historic, evocative and warmly welcoming, Phnom Penh offers a meaningful and memorable experience, blending royal heritage and colonial elegance with the profound story and remarkable resilience of the Cambodian people.