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Phnom Penh
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Discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and modern allure of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital and the 'Pearl of Asia.'

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a city that blends the old with the new. Known as the 'Pearl of Asia,' it is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the Royal Palace, a stunning example of Khmer architecture, and the Silver Pagoda, which houses many national treasures. The city's riverside area offers a scenic promenade with views of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers.
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Phnom Penh is also home to poignant historical sites such as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which provide a sobering look into Cambodia's past. For those interested in shopping and dining, the Central Market and Russian Market offer a variety of local goods and delicious street food.
The city’s nightlife is equally engaging, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to every taste. Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in history, culture, or modern amenities, Phnom Penh has something to offer every traveler.

When is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?

Best: December–February · 30–32°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)3131
February (best)3242
March3382
April33131
May32247
June31225
July31202
August31195
September31232
October31325
November30214
December (best)3064

Getting to and around Phnom Penh

How to get there

Phnom Penh is accessible via Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), which is located about 10 kilometers west of the city center. Major airlines operate flights to and from various international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to reach your accommodation. Alternatively, buses and ride-sharing services are also available for airport transfers.

Transportation

Phnom Penh offers several transportation options including tuk-tuks, taxis, motorbike taxis, and buses. Tuk-tuks are the most popular and convenient mode of transport for short distances. For longer distances, taxis are more comfortable and can be booked through ride-sharing apps like PassApp and Grab. Public buses operate on various routes within the city but may not cover all tourist spots. Renting a motorbike or bicycle is also an option for more independent exploration.

Best attractions in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh offers visitors a rich tapestry of history, culture, and beauty. From the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields, the city showcases both its royal heritage and tragic past. Explore the vibrant markets like Central Market and Russian Market, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and immerse yourself in the local culture. Indulge in delicious Khmer cuisine at street food stalls or elegant restaurants, and take a sunset cruise along the Mekong River for breathtaking views. With its blend of ancient temples, colonial architecture, and bustling modernity, Phnom Penh is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a truly unforgettable experience.

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Best landmarks in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh offers visitors a rich tapestry of historical and cultural landmarks to explore. From the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields, visitors will be immersed in Cambodia's complex past. The vibrant markets of Central Market and Russian Market offer a glimpse into local life, while the serene setting of Wat Phnom provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city. With a mix of ancient temples, colonial architecture, and modern developments, Phnom Penh is a city that offers something for every traveler.

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Explore Phnom Penh on the map

Plan your Phnom Penh trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Phnom Penh

Best restaurants in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh's dining scene is a vibrant mix of traditional Cambodian flavors and international cuisines, offering visitors a culinary journey unlike any other. From bustling street food markets to elegant fine dining restaurants, the city boasts a diverse array of options to satisfy every palate. Sample local delicacies like fish amok and beef lok lak, or indulge in international dishes from French to Italian cuisine. With an abundance of fresh ingredients and talented chefs, dining in Phnom Penh is a true delight for food lovers looking to experience the rich and diverse flavors of Cambodia.

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Best bars in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh's nightlife scene offers a vibrant mix of options for visitors, from bustling night markets and rooftop bars with stunning views of the city skyline, to lively clubs with live music and dancing. Street food vendors line the streets, offering a taste of local cuisine, while trendy cocktail lounges provide a more upscale experience. Whether you're looking to relax with a drink in hand or dance the night away, Phnom Penh has something for everyone to enjoy after the sun goes down.

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Best nightclubs in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh's nightlife scene offers a vibrant mix of options for visitors, from bustling night markets and rooftop bars with stunning views of the city skyline, to lively clubs with live music and dancing. Street food vendors line the streets, offering a taste of local cuisine, while trendy cocktail lounges provide a more upscale experience. Whether you're looking to relax with a drink in hand or dance the night away, Phnom Penh has something for everyone to enjoy after the sun goes down.

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Best shops in Phnom Penh

In Phnom Penh, visitors can expect a vibrant and eclectic shopping scene that offers a mix of traditional markets, modern shopping malls, and unique boutique shops. Explore the bustling Central Market for local handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs, or wander through the upscale shopping centers like Aeon Mall for international brands and designer goods. Don't miss the quirky street markets like Russian Market and Night Market for a more authentic shopping experience. With a wide range of products at affordable prices, Phnom Penh's shopping scene is sure to delight every type of shopper.

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Phnom Penh essentials

Currency and Payment
The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. It's advisable to carry small denominations of both currencies for convenience. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash remains the preferred payment method in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, dispensing both KHR and USD.
Safety
Phnom Penh is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes like bag snatching and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots such as the Riverside area and Central Market. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Always secure your belongings and be cautious when using ATMs. Use reputable taxi or ride-sharing services, particularly at night.
Emergency Situations
In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance, 118 for fire emergencies, and 119 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals like Calmette Hospital and Royal Phnom Penh Hospital provide medical services to foreigners. It's advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Do's and Don'ts
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do remove your shoes and hat when entering religious sites. Always show respect to monks and avoid touching them. Public Transport: Do be polite and respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow and a 'sampeah' (palms together in a prayer-like gesture). Shaking hands is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and street food. Don't use your left hand to eat or pass food, as it's considered impolite.
Local Tips
To experience Phnom Penh like a local, visit the bustling markets such as Psar Thmei (Central Market) and Psar Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) where you can bargain for goods and enjoy local snacks. Take a stroll along the Riverside promenade during the evening for a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sunset views. Engage with locals who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and history. Don't miss visiting Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a deeper understanding of Cambodia's history.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloជិតខ្លាំង[chum klang]
Goodbyeលាហើយ[leah ey]
Yesបាទ/បាទយ[baat/baat yeh]
Noទេ[te]
Please/You're welcomeសូម[sourm]
Thank youអរគុណ[aw koun]
Excuse me/Sorryអរគុណ[aw koun]
How are you?អ្នកសុះសុបសប្ដាហ[nak sohsop sabtah]
Fine. And you?សុះសុប[sohsop]
Do you speak English?អ្នកនិយាយអង់គ្នាទះទេ?[nak niyeay angneak tae?]
I don't understandខ្ញុំមិនទាស្រាការ[knhom min tasreakar]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំរកមុខផ្ទល់បន្ទាប់[knhom rok muk potlop nanteap]
I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនបិនទេស[knhom min bontehs]
Cheers!ជូយ[joo]
I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់កម្រេឝ[knhom chong bong kamer]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!ជួយ![joo!]
Go away!លើទៅ![leh tway!]
Call the Police!ហាតាលេខាបង្ហាញ![hat lekha bongheng!]
Call a doctor!ហាតាពេលវេជ្ជ![hat pel vech!]
I'm lostខ្ញុំភិយម[knhom phaym]
I'm illខ្ញុំហាត់[knhom hat]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...[knhom chong teun...]
I'm just lookingខ្ញុំយល់សេចក្តី[knhom yol sechktey]
How much is it?តើវេនហ្គេមប៉ុន្មាន?[tve nak gem pounman?]
That's too expensiveនេះគឺល្អជាងពិច[neh koy laor chang pic]
Can you lower the price?អ្នកអាចបញ្ចូលតម្លៃបានទេ?[nak aek banchol tamly bon te?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?វេនដល់មួយ?[vean dal muoy?]
It's one o'clockវេនមួយដល់មួយ[vean muoy dal muoy]
Half past (10)នេះមួយដល់ដួច[neh muoy dal duach]
Morningព្រឹក[preuk]
Afternoonល្ងាច[langchach]
Eveningយប់[yop]
Yesterdayម្សនឡាយ[msan lay]
Todayថ្ងៃនេះ[tngai neh]
Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អែ[tngai sae]
1មួយ[muoy]
2ពីរ[pii]
3បី[bei]
4បួន[bun]
5ប្រាំ[praam]
6ប្រាំមួយ[praam muoy]
7ប្រាំពីរ[praam pii]
8ប្រាំបី[praam bei]
9ប្រាំបួន[praam bun]
10ដប់[dop]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?នៅទួលមាន...[naw tuol mean...]
What's the address?អាសយដ្ឋានជា​អស្សុជ[asietthan chea assos]
Can you show me (on the map)?អ្នកអាចបង្ហាញខ្ញុំ (នៅលើ​ផែន)?[nak aek bongheng knhom (naw lay pen)?]
When's the next (bus)?នៅនៅនេះមួយ (រថយន្ដ)?[naw naw neh muoy (rot yondet)?]
A ticket (to ....)សិទ្ធិបន្ទាប់ (ទៅ ....)[seth banteap (twey ....)]

History of Phnom Penh

Founding and Early History

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, was founded in 1372 by Lady Penh, a wealthy widow who discovered four bronze Buddha statues in a tree on the banks of the Tonle Sap River. She constructed a small shrine on a nearby hill to house the statues, which later became Wat Phnom, meaning 'Hill Temple'. The city subsequently grew around this sacred site, becoming an important regional center.

French Colonial Era

In 1863, Cambodia became a French protectorate and Phnom Penh was established as the capital in 1865. The French colonial era brought significant architectural and infrastructural changes to the city, including the construction of the Royal Palace, numerous colonial buildings, and modern roads. The blend of French and Khmer architectural styles can still be seen today in many parts of Phnom Penh.

Independence and Post-Colonial Period

Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953 under the leadership of King Norodom Sihanouk. Phnom Penh flourished during the 1950s and 1960s, becoming known as the 'Pearl of Asia' for its vibrant cultural scene, bustling markets, and thriving economy. This period saw the construction of many modern buildings and the development of a unique Cambodian architectural style.

Khmer Rouge Era

One of the darkest chapters in Phnom Penh's history began in April 1975 when the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, captured the city. Over the next four years, the regime carried out a brutal campaign to transform Cambodia into an agrarian society. The entire population of Phnom Penh was forcibly evacuated to the countryside, and the city was left largely abandoned. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek stand as harrowing reminders of this tragic period.

Rebuilding and Modern Era

After the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979, Phnom Penh slowly began to rebuild. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by political instability and economic hardship, but the city gradually recovered. Today, Phnom Penh is a bustling metropolis with a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings. It is a center of commerce, culture, and government, and continues to attract visitors from around the world drawn by its rich history and vibrant culture.

Phnom Penh in Photos

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Imagine arriving in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant capitals, and having a personal guide right in your pocket. With Evendo, your dream trip becomes a reality. This 100% free, app-based travel guide offers comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Explore iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and the National Museum of Cambodia with detailed descriptions, local tips, and high-quality images. Savor the flavors of Phnom Penh at renowned restaurants such as Romdeng and Friends the Restaurant, or discover hidden gems with our curated local tips.

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