Phnom Penh attractions – top things to do in Cambodia for travelers wanting to experience rich history, stunning royal architecture and vibrant local life. Cambodia’s capital is a city where the Mekong River and Tonle Sap River meet, creating a unique blend of old-world charm with lively, modern energy.
From the glittering gold palaces to the sobering historical museums, here are the best places to visit and things to do in Dubai.
Destination Overview: Why visit Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh, which the French colonialists called the "Pearl of Asia", is a city of great contrast. Grand French colonial boulevards lined with traditional Khmer temples and modern high rises. Siem Reap is a must, but so is Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s political, economic and cultural centre.
Why add Phnom Penh to your Cambodia vacation trip?
• Khmer Cultural Heritage: Discover the beautiful traditional royal architecture and sacred relics.
•Historical Highlights: The Resilient People and the Turbulent 20th Century.
• Buzzing Food & Riverfront: street food markets, parks along the river and swanky rooftop cocktail bars.
What to see in Phnom Penh
1. Silver Pagoda & Royal Palace • Activity: Guided Royal palace and golden temples tour
Top Tip: Inside the King's house, you'll find the Silver Pagoda, home to a gold Buddha statue and over 5,000 silver tiles covering the floor.
2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) • Activity: Reading history, sitting in silence and meditating.
• Highlight Former high school turned into a travelling memorial museum and secret prison of the Khmer Rouge era.
3. The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek Genocidal Center)
• Activity: Walk through history with audio-guide
• Top Sight: Memorial stupa with human skulls, 15 km south of the city commemorating the victims.
4. Wat Phnom Temple Activity : Cultural visit, Park view• See the hilltop temple 1372 that gave the capital its name
• Mekong River Sunset Cruise: Hop on a boat cruise or charter a local wooden boat and watch the city light up with its lights from the water.
• Central Market (Phsar Thmey) See this impressive Art Deco building from the 1930s and browse local jewellery, clothes and street food.
• Russian Market Street Food Discovery: Sample hot skewers, iced coffee and Khmer noodles at bustling local stalls.
Best time to visit Phnom Penh
• Cool & Dry Season (Nov-Feb) Best weather: warm sunshine, low humidity, and pleasant temperatures for walking.
• Monsoon Season (May-October): You’ll get afternoon showers, but hotel rates are cheaper and the riverfront is green and lush.
Getting to Phnom Penh • By Air: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is 10 km west of the center and has direct flights from
Express buses/vans: Highway buses from Siem Reap or Sihanoukville. It takes 5 to 6 hours.
Ideas for your next holiday
1. Dress code: Temples and Royal Palace: Shoulders and knees must be covered.
2. Tuk Tuk Ride Apps Apps like Grab and PassApp will get you a good price for local tuk tuk rides.
3. Currency: U.S. dollars ($) and Cambodian riels (KHR) are accepted everywhere.
Things to Do Around Here
Silk Island (Koh Dach): A quiet island on the Mekong River where you can see traditional silk hand-weaving.
Oudong Mountain—40 km north of town, old royal capital with stupas on a nice hill
Phnom Penh is an experience in itself, a journey of beauty, history and hospitality. Here are the best things to do in Cambodia that will make your trip through the heart of the country unforgettable!
