Phnom Penh

Urban Riverfront

Population: 2 million

Best Season to Visit:

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: September–October

Famous For: Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Killing Fields, Wat Phnom temple, Tonlé Sap River, French colonial architecture, Vibrant street food scene, Traditional Khmer cuisine, Bustling markets, Nightlife and riverside promenade

Train Access: No

Bus Access: Yes (Phnom Penh Public Transport (PPPT), Neak Loeung Express, and various private bus operators)

Phnom Penh's riverfront along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers defines the city's character, with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda anchoring the northwest bank as the spiritual and political center. The Central Market (Phsar Thmei) sprawls across downtown with art deco architecture, while Street 240 and the surrounding neighborhoods house independent galleries, cafes, and boutiques that reflect the city's creative revival. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum document Cambodia's recent history with sobering detail, essential visits for understanding the nation's past. Wat Phnom, the city's oldest temple, sits atop a small hill in the north and remains an active pilgrimage site. The BKK1 and Chamkarmon neighborhoods attract expats and travelers with restaurants, bars, and colonial-era villas converted into guesthouses and shops.

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Planning Your Trip to Phnom Penh

Weather: Phnom Penh has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid conditions year-round, characterized by a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.

Festivals: Khmer New Year (April), Water Festival/Bon Om Touk (November), Pchum Ben Festival (September–October)

Best Things for Kids to Do: Phnom Penh Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Phnom Penh) on Sothearos Boulevard houses elephants, tigers, and primates in landscaped grounds. Kbal Chhay Waterfall, located about 40 km south near Takeo Province, offers swimming and picnicking in a natural setting accessible by day trip. Tonlé Sap River boat tours depart from the riverfront near the Royal Palace and provide views of floating villages and local fishing communities. Wat Phnom's hilltop temple and surrounding park include shaded walkways and small shrines that children can explore.

Hidden Gem: Wat Botum Park, a small green space near the confluence of the Tonlé Sap and Bassac rivers, contains the modest Wat Botum temple and remains largely bypassed by tourists despite its peaceful riverside setting and historical significance as a royal cremation site. The park offers a quiet retreat from downtown congestion and views of local life along the water.

Accessibility: Phnom Penh is making strides in accessibility with improved sidewalks and public areas, but older travelers may still find some areas challenging due to uneven surfaces and limited wheelchair ramps.

For the Runner: Riverside Park (Sisowath Quay) runs along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers for approximately 3 km with paved paths and river views, though surfaces vary in condition. Wat Phnom Park offers a smaller loop around the temple hill with tree cover and moderate elevation. Street 240 and surrounding neighborhoods have flat, walkable streets suitable for running, though traffic and uneven sidewalks require caution.

Restaurants in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh offers a diverse dining scene with excellent Khmer cuisine alongside international options, from street food to upscale restaurants. The city has experienced significant growth in its culinary offerings, with many establishments catering to both locals and expatriates. Quality and variety have improved considerably, though consistency can vary between venues.

Where to Stay

Phnom Penh accommodations range from budget guesthouses under $20 per night in neighborhoods like BKK1 and Chamkarmon to mid-range boutique hotels ($50–150) and luxury properties ($200+) concentrated near the riverfront and downtown. The Riverside area and Street 240 corridor host many upscale and design-focused hotels, while backpacker zones cluster around Street 51 and the Toul Tom Poung market area.

Best Hotels: Raffles Hotel Le Royal, located on Monivong Boulevard in downtown, is a colonial-era luxury property with art deco interiors, a spa, and fine dining.

Dog-Friendly Hotels: Rambutan Resort, The Plantation Urban Resort and Spa, iRoHa Garden Hotel & Resort

Phnom Penh

Planning Your Trip to Phnom Penh

Restaurants in Phnom Penh

Where to Stay

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