Phnom Penh

Travel Guide

Phnom Penh showing a square or plaza, nightlife and a fountain
Cambodia featuring a park and a monument
Bird's eye view of lush green vegetation surrounding a large lotus leaf in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Market display of fresh garlic in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, showcasing vibrant local produce and culinary staples
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 showing markets and flowers as well as an individual femail

Phnom Penh City Centre

4/5(380 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 Orussey Market while you're exploring the neighborhood.

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

Daun Penh

4/5(133 area reviews)

Discover the commercial hub of Phnom Penh, featuring unique art deco architecture at Central Market and shopping options like Sorya Shopping Center. Explore attractions such as Independence Monument, National Museum of Cambodia, and Royal Palace.

Daun Penh
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Chamkar Mon

4/5(180 area reviews)

Southernmost in central Phnom Penh, Chamkar Mon boasts attractions like Naga World, Russian Market, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. International schools like Canadian International School and iCan British International School are also present.

Chamkar Mon
Market display of fresh garlic in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, showcasing vibrant local produce and culinary staples

Sangkat Tonle Bassac

If you're spending some time in Sangkat Tonle Bassac, AEON Mall and NagaWorld Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Sangkat Tonle Bassac
Default Image

Sen Sok

3/5(39 area reviews)

Home to several Buddhist temples, such as Wat Sovann Mony Sakor and Wat Botum Veary, Sen Sok offers a spiritual experience. The district also houses prestigious educational institutions like Northbridge International School Cambodia.

Sen Sok
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
#28, Street 184, Phnom Penh
The price is NT$2,500 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
NT$2,500
NT$2,940 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (802 reviews)
"Like all"

Reviewed on 2025/9/5

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
The price is NT$1,584 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
NT$1,584
NT$1,863 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
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! (445 reviews)
Fantastic stay !
"Staff exceptional, i feel that they push to go over and beyond to make your stay perfect. Breakfast has a great selection and all very fresh . Keep yp the excellent standards and attention to detial."

Reviewed on 2025/9/9

Luxcity Hotel & Apartment
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort By EHM

Palace Gate Hotel & Resort By EHM

5 out of 5
#44. St. Sothearos Blvd (Corner St. 240), Chey Chumneas, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Phnom Penh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (598 reviews)
"This hotel was perfect in every way! Close to shops, restaurants & activities literally across the road from the Palace. The hotel itself is clean, generous in size with lovely staff. I would definitely recommend this place. Great breakfast too!"

Reviewed on 2025/9/5

Palace Gate Hotel & Resort By EHM
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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Riverside and Royal Palace are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"Beds and pillows very comfortable. French restaurant was good and different"

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

THE PENINSULA PHNOM PENH
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 Royal Palace and Riverside ...
9/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)
"Great hotel and great service .The staff was always very helpful"

Reviewed on 2025/8/25

Oakwood Premier 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 WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Riverside and Royal Palace ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
"Room was small, but furnished well. A good amount of construction going on, but it wasn’t too disruptive. Great price for a riverfront stay."

Reviewed on 2025/9/6

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

Reviews of Phnom Penh

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
133
5 - Excellent 29%
4 - Good
216
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
85
3 - Okay 19%
2 - Disappointing
13
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The people make this often overlooked city an absolute gem!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It's a good city and comfortable. It's hard to rate any activities right now because everything is closed for safety during the outbreak. We're here to get flights home.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The most underrated city in all of Asia if not the world.

5/5 - Excellent

Nick

Pretty nice hotel but hard to imagine staying this far from centre in this location unless wanting spot close to airport

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I enjoy the city and the people .. many surprises and it’s such an exciting place because of all the growth

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We had so much fun experiencing this lively city. And shopping!

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