Phnom Penh

9 things to do in Phnom Penh

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  1. Royal Palace

  Occupied by the Kings of Cambodia since the 19th century, the Royal Palace is made up of many grandiose buildings. The gilded throne hall is one of the most impressive. After you tour the grounds, visit the nearby Mekong River.

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  2. Silver Pagoda

  The statues of Buddha at the Silver Pagoda are jewel encrusted and quite remarkable. You'll want to check out the pagoda as you visit the Royal Palace, as the temple is in the south side of the complex.

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  3. Choeung Ek

  You may know Choeung Ek as the site of the mass killings during the Khmer Rouge regime. The memorial has the remains of those who were murdered on display in a Buddhist stupa. Choeung Ek is an important but intense part of the history of Phnom Penh.

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  4. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

  Preserving the history of the Cambodian Genocide, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a memorial to the 20,000 prisoners who were killed in captivity.

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  5. Independence Monument

  Inaugurated to celebrate Cambodian Independence from French Colonial rule, the Independence Monument was built by Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the park located in the center of the structure.

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  6. Wat Oualom

  The Wat Oualom is one of the most important temples in Phnom Pehn. Visit the wat as you make your way through the Royal Palace complex, it's a short distance nearby.

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  7. Sisowath Quay

  Listen to some birdsong as you walk the Sisowath Quay--the boardwalk of the river Tonle Sap. A scenic path along the water's edge, the quay offers a great daytime or evening sightseeing opportunity, as you can see many of Phnom Penh's best attractions along the way.

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  8. National Museum of Cambodia

  Discover the illustrious history of Cambodia at the National Museum of Cambodia. Explore exhibitions that delve into the past of the former French colony through interactive exhibits, archaeological finds, and more.

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  9. Cambodia Vietnam Friendship Monument

  This Soviet style monument was built in the 1970s after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. As a display of friendship between Cambodia and Vietnam, the structure is in a popular park ideal for picnicking on street food eats.

Frequently asked questions about Phnom Penh

Planning Your Visit

• What to eat in Phnom Penh?

  The street vendors in Cambodia are legendary. Catch a wok in motion and have some fresh vegetables and pork with noodles. And for dessert, have some sweet sliced mango. You'll also find some French staples like baguette and paté, culinary traditions leftover from the colonial times.

• How to get around Phnom Penh?

  Go on a motorbike taxi and ride around in style, but be sure to bargain the price down first. Otherwise, you can also take a bicycle around, a local bus, or a taxi.