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Phnom Penh
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Phnom Penh blends Khmer history, Royal Palace grandeur, riverside life, vibrant markets and powerful museums with Cambodia’s modern urban energy.

Riverside Capital

Phnom Penh stands at the meeting point of the Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Bassac rivers, a location that has shaped both its commerce and its character. Cambodia’s capital is energetic without being overwhelming, with broad boulevards, fragrant food stalls, riverside promenades and neighbourhoods where ornate villas stand beside modern apartment blocks. Around Sisowath Quay, cafés and restaurants face the water, while early-morning life begins with exercise, market shopping and the movement of boats along the river.
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Royal and Colonial Heritage

The city’s historic core contains some of Cambodia’s most recognisable buildings. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda express the continuing importance of the monarchy and Buddhist tradition, while the National Museum holds a remarkable collection of Khmer sculpture. French colonial façades, shophouses and tree-lined streets remain visible around Daun Penh, although rapid development has altered much of the urban landscape. Wat Phnom, rising above the surrounding streets, recalls the foundation legend associated with the capital and provides a quieter point of orientation.

Memory and Modern Life

Phnom Penh also asks visitors to engage with Cambodia’s recent past. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre document the crimes of the Khmer Rouge and their enduring effect on Cambodian society; Choeung Ek lies outside the central city and is best treated as a separate excursion. Elsewhere, contemporary galleries, design shops, cafés and restaurants reflect a young, outward-looking population. Markets such as Phsar Thmei and Phsar Tuol Tom Poung reveal the capital’s everyday rhythms, from produce and household goods to textiles, souvenirs and street food.

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 served by Techo International Airport, which opened south of the capital in September 2025 and replaced Phnom Penh International Airport for scheduled commercial operations. The airport connects the city with regional destinations in Southeast and East Asia, although routes and schedules change. Long-distance coaches link Phnom Penh with Cambodian cities including Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot and Sihanoukville, as well as destinations in neighbouring countries. Intercity rail services operate on selected Cambodian routes, including connections associated with Phnom Penh, but frequency can vary. Road travel is common, while river services are more limited and should not be assumed to operate as a regular alternative to buses.

Transportation

Central Phnom Penh can be explored on foot in short sections, particularly around the Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom and the riverfront, but heat, traffic and uneven pavements affect longer walks. Tuk-tuks are the most recognisable way to travel and can be arranged through ride-hailing applications such as PassApp or Grab, where service is available. Metered taxis and private cars are also used, while public city buses operate on selected routes but are less useful for many first-time sightseeing itineraries. There is no metro or tram system. Traffic is often congested, so allow extra time and take care when crossing busy roads.

Best attractions in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh’s principal sights reveal the capital’s royal, religious and modern histories. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda form an ornate riverside complex where gilded roofs, ceremonial courtyards and Buddhist treasures convey the continuing role of the monarchy. Nearby, the National Museum of Cambodia presents Khmer sculpture and archaeology in a red-sandstone building arranged around a tranquil courtyard. Wat Phnom, the hilltop shrine associated with the city’s foundation legend, offers a compact historical visit amid busy streets. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provides difficult but essential testimony about the Khmer Rouge period, while Choeung Ek, outside the centre, is a separate memorial visit. Phsar Thmei’s great domed market is an architectural and everyday landmark, and the Mekong-facing promenade offers a contrasting experience of cafés, river traffic, evening exercise and public life. Together, these places make Phnom Penh a city to explore through both formal institutions and ordinary street scenes.

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Best landmarks in Phnom Penh

The Royal Palace is Phnom Penh’s most recognisable civic landmark, with its layered roofs and formal compounds expressing the continuing importance of Cambodia’s monarchy; parts of the complex remain in active royal use. Within the palace grounds, the Silver Pagoda is known for its richly decorated interior and Buddhist imagery. The National Museum, designed in a Khmer-inspired style during the French colonial period, is significant both for its collection and for its role in presenting Cambodia’s artistic heritage. Wat Phnom gives the capital its most prominent historic rise and remains an important Buddhist site. Phsar Thmei, or Central Market, is distinguished by its large Art Deco dome and branching halls, while the Independence Monument commemorates Cambodia’s independence from France with a lotus-bud form influenced by Khmer architecture. Together these landmarks trace royal, religious, colonial, commercial and national histories.

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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 food culture reflects the flavours of the Cambodian lowlands and the capital’s long Chinese, Vietnamese, French and regional connections. Khmer cooking commonly balances sweet, sour, salty and aromatic elements, with fish, prahok, herbs, coconut, palm sugar and fermented ingredients appearing in dishes such as amok, kuy teav noodle soup, bai sach chrouk and kuy chak. The city’s markets and informal stalls are important places to encounter breakfast noodles, grilled meats, fresh fruit and iced drinks, while restaurants around Daun Penh, BKK1 and the riverfront range from traditional Khmer kitchens to contemporary dining rooms. The Central Market and Russian Market offer food alongside household goods and produce, though stalls and menus vary. French-era baking traditions remain visible in cafés and bakeries, and Phnom Penh’s growing international population has broadened the choice without displacing the everyday importance of rice, noodles, soups and market cooking.

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Best bars in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh’s evening life is concentrated rather than citywide, with the riverfront, Daun Penh and BKK1 providing the broadest choice of bars and late venues. Sisowath Quay has long attracted casual drinking spots and restaurants overlooking the Tonlé Sap, while side streets in BKK1 contain cocktail bars, beer venues and small lounges with a more contemporary atmosphere. Live music, rooftop settings and hotel bars offer quieter alternatives, and cultural performances or evening events at arts venues provide options beyond nightlife centred on alcohol. The capital’s scene changes frequently, so a venue’s current status should be checked locally rather than assumed from older listings. Outside the central districts, evenings are generally more residential, shaped by family meals, markets and public activity along the riverside rather than by large nightclub precincts.

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Best nightclubs in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh’s evening life is concentrated rather than citywide, with the riverfront, Daun Penh and BKK1 providing the broadest choice of bars and late venues. Sisowath Quay has long attracted casual drinking spots and restaurants overlooking the Tonlé Sap, while side streets in BKK1 contain cocktail bars, beer venues and small lounges with a more contemporary atmosphere. Live music, rooftop settings and hotel bars offer quieter alternatives, and cultural performances or evening events at arts venues provide options beyond nightlife centred on alcohol. The capital’s scene changes frequently, so a venue’s current status should be checked locally rather than assumed from older listings. Outside the central districts, evenings are generally more residential, shaped by family meals, markets and public activity along the riverside rather than by large nightclub precincts.

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Best shops in Phnom Penh

Shopping in Phnom Penh ranges from traditional markets and independent stalls to modern malls, boutiques and specialist craft shops. Phsar Thmei, the Central Market, occupies a distinctive Art Deco building and sells jewellery, clothing, souvenirs, household goods and food, while Phsar Tuol Tom Poung, widely known as the Russian Market, is associated with textiles, handicrafts, artwork, clothing and a dense selection of prepared food. Along the riverside and in BKK1, independent retailers offer contemporary Cambodian design, books, homeware and ethically produced crafts, although stock changes regularly. Visitors may find silk and cotton textiles, woven baskets, carved objects, pepper and packaged Cambodian foods, but should check provenance when buying antiques or historic-looking artefacts. Modern shopping centres provide air-conditioned retail and food options, yet the city’s markets remain the most revealing places to observe bargaining, supply networks and Phnom Penh’s everyday commercial rhythm.

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Phnom Penh essentials

Currency and Payment
Cambodia’s official currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but US dollars have long been widely used for many urban purchases. Prices may be displayed in either currency, with change commonly returned in riel; small, clean US dollar notes are more practical than damaged or high-denomination notes. Card and contactless payments are increasingly available in hotels, established restaurants, supermarkets and larger shops, though smaller stalls, markets and tuk-tuks generally require cash. ATMs are common in central Phnom Penh and may dispense riel, US dollars or both, depending on the machine. International travellers should check withdrawal and foreign-exchange fees with their card provider.
Safety
Visitors should take ordinary urban precautions in Phnom Penh, particularly in crowded markets, on busy riverside streets and when travelling by tuk-tuk, where phones and bags can be vulnerable to snatching. Keep valuables out of sight, use a securely fastened bag and avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Traffic is a significant everyday hazard, so cross carefully and use established transport providers where possible. Take extra care after dark in quiet or poorly lit streets, and keep identification and important documents secure. Heat, dehydration and mosquito exposure can also affect travellers; drink treated or bottled water and use suitable protection when outdoors.
Emergency Situations
In Cambodia, the commonly used emergency numbers are 117 for police, 118 for the fire service and 119 for an ambulance. English-language assistance may not always be available, so hotel staff, an accommodation host or a trusted local contact can help communicate the location and nature of an emergency. International visitors should have travel insurance details and copies of essential documents accessible. For urgent medical treatment, use a reputable private clinic or hospital recommended by an insurer or diplomatic mission, as standards and payment arrangements vary. In a serious incident, contact the relevant embassy or consulate as well as local authorities.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting the Royal Palace, pagodas and other religious sites, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes where requested. Speak quietly and behave respectfully at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek, where photography and conduct should reflect the gravity of the history. Do not touch monks, religious objects or people’s heads without permission, and ask before photographing individuals. Bargaining is customary in many markets and for some informal services, but it should remain courteous. Tipping is not obligatory, although a modest amount may be appreciated for attentive service. Follow posted rules rather than assuming that every site has identical customs.
Local Tips
Daun Penh is the most useful base for first-time visitors interested in the Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom and the riverfront, while BKK1 has a large concentration of cafés, restaurants and contemporary businesses. Phsar Thmei is useful for seeing the city’s landmark Art Deco market, whereas Phsar Tuol Tom Poung, often called the Russian Market, offers a more crowded mix of food, clothing and household stalls. Mornings are generally more comfortable for walking and sightseeing, and the riverside becomes sociable in the cooler late afternoon. Keep a map pin for your accommodation, as street names and landmarks are often more useful than formal addresses.
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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

From River Settlement to Capital

The origins of Phnom Penh are associated with a traditional account in which a woman named Penh discovered sacred images and established a shrine on a hill, now marked by Wat Phnom. The settlement expanded beside the Mekong and Tonlé Sap, benefiting from river transport and its position within Cambodia’s lowland network. In 1434, King Ponhea Yat moved the royal capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh, traditionally linked to political pressures and the vulnerability of Angkor. Although the royal court later moved between several Cambodian centres, Phnom Penh remained an important political and commercial settlement. Its river junction continued to influence the city’s growth and provided the foundation for its later role as Cambodia’s principal urban centre.

Royal Restoration and the French Protectorate

In the nineteenth century, Cambodia came under increasing pressure from Siam and Vietnam, and King Norodom accepted a French protectorate in 1863. Under French administration, Phnom Penh developed as the country’s permanent capital and was reshaped with planned streets, administrative buildings, drainage works and a growing port economy. The Royal Palace complex was established in the city during this period, while French and Sino-Khmer commercial architecture transformed areas around the river and central markets. Cambodia remained under French influence until independence in 1953, and the resulting mixture of Khmer royal, Buddhist, French colonial and Chinese-influenced urban forms remains one of Phnom Penh’s defining historical characteristics.

Independence and the Sangkum Era

Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk, whose political movement, Sangkum Reastr Niyum, dominated the country during much of the following decade. Phnom Penh became a centre for national institutions, education and cultural experimentation. The period is associated with a distinctive modern Khmer architectural movement, often called New Khmer Architecture, whose leading figures included Vann Molyvann. Buildings such as the National Sports Complex and Chaktomuk Conference Hall demonstrate the era’s interest in concrete forms, climatic adaptation and national identity. The capital also attracted musicians, filmmakers, artists and intellectuals, creating a cultural confidence that was later violently interrupted by war and political upheaval.

War, Evacuation and Khmer Rouge Rule

Cambodia’s neutrality was increasingly undermined by the wider Indochina conflict, and Phnom Penh absorbed refugees as fighting spread through the countryside. On 17 April 1975, Khmer Rouge forces captured the capital and forcibly evacuated its inhabitants, presenting the displacement as temporary while dismantling urban life. During Democratic Kampuchea, the city was largely emptied, institutions collapsed and Tuol Sleng became a prison and interrogation centre, known as S-21. The regime’s policies caused mass death through execution, starvation, disease and forced labour. Vietnamese forces and Cambodian allies captured Phnom Penh on 7 January 1979. The former prison later became the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, preserving evidence of the period.

Reconstruction and International Transition

After 1979, Phnom Penh gradually repopulated and rebuilt, although Cambodia remained divided by conflict for years. State institutions, markets and schools reopened, while families returned to houses and neighbourhoods left abandoned under the Khmer Rouge. The Paris Peace Agreements of 1991 led to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia, known as UNTAC, which operated in the country from 1992 to 1993 to support elections and the political transition. The capital’s streets, hotels and diplomatic quarters reflected a substantial international presence during this period. The restoration of normal civic life was uneven, but Phnom Penh increasingly resumed its role as Cambodia’s administrative, educational and commercial centre.

A Rapidly Changing Contemporary Capital

Since the 1990s, Phnom Penh has experienced rapid population growth, expanding construction and deeper integration into regional trade and tourism. High-rise developments, new roads and commercial districts have altered the skyline, while older shophouses, markets and religious sites continue to anchor established neighbourhoods. The city’s economy now includes garment production, services, construction, retail and a growing creative sector. Its contemporary identity is shaped by both mobility and memory: young businesses and cultural venues operate alongside institutions documenting the Khmer Rouge period and preserving Khmer art. Development has also brought pressure on historic buildings, traffic and public space, making urban change an important part of the capital’s present story.

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