Phnom Penh at a glance
Phnom Penh sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and has been Cambodia's capital through both the Khmer Empire and the French colonial period, a mix that still shows in its architecture. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda anchor the riverfront, a walkable strip of parks, restaurants and bars that makes the city easy to explore on foot between sightseeing stops.
The National Museum holds artefacts drawn from across the country, while the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum gives clients access to a more recent, difficult chapter of Cambodian history - most agents build in time for both alongside lighter riverfront and market sightseeing. Central Market's art deco dome and the stalls of the Russian Market cover shopping for souvenirs and local goods.
We generally quote Phnom Penh as a two-night stay, either as a standalone city break or as the capital leg of a longer Cambodia trip that continues to or begins from Siem Reap.
Top experiences
- Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda - the seat of the Cambodian monarchy on the riverfront
- Wat Phnom - the hilltop pagoda the city is named after
- National Museum of Cambodia - Khmer art and archaeology
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum - a former school turned wartime prison, now a memorial
- Independence Monument - a Khmer-style monument marking Cambodia's independence
- Central Market & Russian Market - an art deco shopping hall and a market for local goods and souvenirs
Practical information
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | November-March (dry season, cooler temperatures) |
| Nearest airport | Phnom Penh International Airport |
| Currency | Cambodian Riel (KHR); US Dollars widely accepted |
| Typical stay | 2 nights, often combined with Siem Reap |
Our packages featuring Phnom Penh
Every Phnom Penh itinerary can be extended or combined with Siem Reap - share your client's dates and group size and we will return a day-by-day plan with hotel options.