About Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia. It has been the national capital since 1865 and has grown to become the nation's primate city and its political, economic, industrial, and cultural centre. The city's name derives from Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple, and Lady Penh, the city's founder. It sits at the confluence of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers, and is the start of the Bassac River. It is also the seat of Cambodia's monarchy, based at the Royal Palace.
Places to visit in Phnom Penh
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Royal Palace
LandmarkThe official home of the king, a complex of golden-roofed halls and gardens beside the river. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, or you will not be allowed in.
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Silver Pagoda
ReligiousA temple in the palace grounds with a floor of silver tiles and a revered emerald Buddha. Your palace ticket covers entry, and photography inside the temple is not allowed.
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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Museum · 1 mi from centreA former high school that the Khmer Rouge turned into a prison, now a sobering museum about the atrocities committed there. Use the audio guide, which adds essential context and survivor accounts.
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Choeung Ek
HistoricA memorial site outside the city where thousands of prisoners were executed under the Khmer Rouge. Visit with the audio guide and allow time to reflect.
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National Museum of Cambodia
MuseumA red sandstone museum holding one of the world's best collections of Khmer sculpture. Visit before heading to Angkor to better understand what you'll see there.
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Wat Phnom
ReligiousA hilltop temple that marks the legendary founding site of the city, surrounded by a shady park. Remove your shoes before entering and watch out for the monkeys.
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Central Market
MarketAn Art Deco market hall with a striking yellow dome, selling everything from jewelry to street food. Go in the morning, when it is cooler and busiest with local shoppers.
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Sisowath Quay
NeighborhoodA riverside boulevard lined with cafes, bars, and a promenade facing the Tonlé Sap River. Take an evening river cruise from here to see the city from the water.
Things to do in Phnom Penh by type
19 tours, tickets and experiences across 4 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Gastronomy & nightlife 7 experiences Authentic Cambodian Food Tour by Vintage Vespa -
City tours 7 experiences Phnom Penh - From Ancient to Modern Times Tour -
Art & culture 5 experiences Angkor Temple and Sunset Viewing from Siem Reap - Full-Day Private Tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 2 experiences Angkor Temple and Sunset Viewing from Siem Reap - Full-Day Private Tour
- Over 6 hours 2
- 3-6 hours 1
- 1-3 hours 1
- Families 4
- Senior 4
- Couples 4
- Youth 4
- Adult only 1
- Private 2
Top experiences in Phnom Penh
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 19 available.
Phnom Penh Half Day Tour
From $85 per adult
Phnom Penh City Full Day Tour
From $105 per adult
Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek Killing Fields - Private Tour
From $61 per adult
Sovannaphum Shadow Art Performance
From $35 per adult
Cambodian’s Gastronomy Cooking Class
From $54 per adult
Authentic Cambodian Food Tour by Vintage Vespa
From $78 per adult
Explore the Vibrant Nightlife of Phnom Penh by Tuk-Tuk - Private Tour
From $112 per adult
Phnom Penh Heritage City HD Tour
From $29 per adult
Silk Island Bike Tour
From $126 per adult
Phnom Penh - From Ancient to Modern Times Tour
From $147 per adult
S21 & Killing Fields Tour by Tuk Tuk
From $22 per adult
Sunset with Dinner Cruise
From $60 per adult
Where to stay in Phnom Penh
Popular hotels in Phnom Penh, out of 292 properties you can book.
Monivong Clover Hotel
From $27 per night
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
From $269 per night
Capri by Fraser, Phnom Penh
From $60 per night
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
From $137 per night
King Grand Boutique Hotel
From $28 per night
Luxcity Hotel & Apartment
From $51 per night
Frangipani Royal Palace
From $51 per night
Naga World Hotel & Entertainment Complex
From $74 per night
Hotel Cambodiana
From $55 per night
Palace Gate Hotel & Residence
From $62 per night
The Balé Phnom Penh by LifestyleRetreats
From $108 per night
Sun & Moon, Urban Hotel
From $59 per night
Best time to visit Phnom Penh
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Phnom Penh is January, when average daytime highs are around 88°F and rain falls on about 0 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Phnom Penh weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 90° 77° 71%
- Thu 22 Oct 90° 76° 71%
- Fri 23 Oct 88° 76° 63%
- Sat 24 Oct 89° 77° 62%
- Sun 25 Oct 87° 76° 52%
- Mon 26 Oct 90° 76° 42%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Cambodian riel (KHR)1 US dollar ≈ ៛4,053
- Language
- Khmer
- Calling code
- +855
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/Phnom_PenhUTC+7
Upcoming public holidays in Cambodia
- Coronation Day of King Sihamoniព្រះរាជពិធីគ្រងព្រះបរមរាជសម្បត្តិរបស់ព្រះករុណាព្រះបាទសម្ដេចព្រះបរមនាថ នរោត្ដម សីហមុនី
- National Independence Dayទិវាបុណ្យឯករាជ្យជាតិ
- Water Festivalពិធីបុណ្យអុំទូក បណ្ដែតប្រទីប អកអំបុក និងសំពះព្រះខែ
- Water Festivalពិធីបុណ្យអុំទូក បណ្ដែតប្រទីប អកអំបុក និងសំពះព្រះខែ
- Water Festivalពិធីបុណ្យអុំទូក បណ្ដែតប្រទីប អកអំបុក និងសំពះព្រះខែ
- Cambodia Peace Dayទិវាសន្តិភាពនៅកម្ពុជា
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Phnom Penh
These are the airports closest to central Phnom Penh. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- PNH Phnom Penh International Airport5 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Getting around Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh's main streets are in good shape. Some smaller streets and footpaths are rutted and potholed, clogged with garbage, stagnant water, parked motorbikes, sleeping people, and building materials. Street signage is clear and Phnom Penh is logically laid out (see orientation) and navigating is not too difficult.
By motorbike
Motorbikes (but not self-drive cars) can be rented for US$5–6 per day, sometimes through guesthouses. Traffic is chaotic and dangerous, even by SE Asian standards. Wear a helmet and drive carefully. Two rental shops are on Monivong Blvd: Lucky Bike Rental and New Bike Rental. Accept that paying US$1–2 police "fines" is part of driving. Theft is common: park in designated guarded areas and pay a small parking fee or use a lock and chain, which should be provided.
By taxi
Taxis can be found in tourist areas such as the riverfront and Street 51 bar area in the evening. Easier, call one of the taxi companies for pick-up. Non-metered taxis still run throughout the city and can be found along the riverfront tourist area and near major hotels. Fares must be agreed in advance. Fares vary; your accommodation provider may help.
By tuk-tuk
Not having a ride will necessarily entail your being pestered for one. Phnom Penh's lack of coordinated public transport gives jobs to many poor provincial immigrants, who badger any pedestrian in the city centre, particularly tourists.
Phnom Penh travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Phnom Penh is January, when average daytime highs are around 88°F and rain falls on about 0 days a month.
What is the weather like in Phnom Penh?
April is usually the warmest month in Phnom Penh, with average highs of 97°F (36°C). November is the coolest, with average lows of 75°F (24°C). The wettest month is typically September, with about 368 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (9 km) from the centre of Phnom Penh.
What currency is used in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh uses the Cambodian riel (KHR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ៛4,053.
What time zone is Phnom Penh in?
Phnom Penh uses the Asia/Phnom_Penh time zone (currently UTC+7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh's main streets are in good shape. Some smaller streets and footpaths are rutted and potholed, clogged with garbage, stagnant water, parked motorbikes, sleeping people, and building materials. Street signage is clear and Phnom Penh is logically laid out (see orientation) and navigating is not too difficult.
What are the best places to visit in Phnom Penh?
Top sights in Phnom Penh include Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek. The official home of the king, a complex of golden-roofed halls and gardens beside the river. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, or you will not be allowed in.
What are the top things to do in Phnom Penh?
Popular experiences you can book in Phnom Penh include Phnom Penh Half Day Tour, Phnom Penh City Full Day Tour and Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek Killing Fields - Private Tour. Destina Holidays offers 19 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Phnom Penh?
The most popular types of experiences in Phnom Penh are gastronomy & nightlife (7), city tours (7), art & culture (5) and day trips & excursions (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Phnom Penh?
Popular areas for hotels in Phnom Penh include Phnom Penh. Well-reviewed options include Monivong Clover Hotel and Raffles Hotel Le Royal.
How many hotels can I book in Phnom Penh?
Destina Holidays currently lists 292 properties in and around Phnom Penh, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
