Aerial View of Phnom Penh with Building Skyline

Bike on Street in Front of Temple at Phnom Penh during Evening

Phnom Penh Travel Guide

October - MarchCambodiaKHR

Historic Landmarks

Cultural

Temples & Pagodas

Once synonymous with one of the 20th century’s darkest episodes, Phnom Penh has recently been reinvented as a vibrant little capital, as its friendly people emerge from the shadows of the past to build a new Cambodia. Compact and easy to travel, thanks to its army of tuk-tuks, Phnom Penh has bags of charm and plenty for visitors from around the world and of every travel style to enjoy.

No visit is complete without experiencing the Khmer Rouge memorial sites at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, with both providing an insight into Cambodia’s horrific recent history. It is only by experiencing the tragedies that occurred here that you will truly be able to understand and appreciate everything that Phnom Penh has evolved into today. Nowadays, there is joy here too, whether it is in the sparkling Royal Palace and historic temples, or in the city’s lively streets and markets, you’ll meet locals from all walks of life, from friendly shopkeepers and vendors to monks in robes wandering the streets on their daily errands. You can also enjoy a bit of nature by wandering the banks of the Mekong River, one of Asia’s most iconic bodies of water. And for Southeast Asian long-timers, the city’s nightlife scene is legendary, with bars and world-class restaurants on seemingly every corner.

There are activities and sights to see here for every type of traveler — it’s just a matter of deciding what piques your interest the most because you can’t go wrong with whatever side of the city you choose to explore. With its dazzling exotic architecture, constant hum of activity, and diverse and complicated history, Phnom Penh is one of Asia’s most up-and-coming destinations that you won’t want to miss — so get on that tuk-tuk you know you’ve always been curious about and start exploring!

Must See Attractions in Phnom Penh

Yellow Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Phnom Penh's beautiful architectural highlight was constructed in the 1860s when King Norodom relocated the capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh, with the Silver Pagoda added in 1892. The complex is built of gold, silver, and marble and designed to be a residence truly fit for a king. Even today, it serves as the king's residence. While parts of the palace are closed to the public, you're still able to visit the Throne Hall, still used for coronations, and the open-air Chan Chaya Pavilion. Also worth a visit is the adjoining Silver Pagoda, named for its famous floor covered in five tons of silver.

Interior of Tuol Slend with Metal Bed Frames

Tuol Sleng

The weight of recent history weighs heavily on Cambodia, and nowhere is that felt more than at Tuol Sleng. Formerly a school, under the Khmer Rouge, it became a torture and interrogation center and now, having been preserved as it was when Phnom Penh was liberated, it's a genocide museum and truly chilling experience. Today the museum serves as a witness to the Khmer Rouge's horrific crimes. You'll see torture instruments and portraits on display, along with many other artifacts that are not for the faint of heart. Today Tuol Sleng's main mission is to encourage visitors to advocate for peace in their daily lives.

Tree with Colorful Bands on Tt in Killing Fields in Phnom Penh

The Killing Fields

Looking at its peaceful rural setting, it's hard to believe that Choeung Ek was once the scene of mass murder, but put on your headphones and the audio guide will take you back to a horrific time in Cambodia's history, when the area was used by the Khmer Rouge to kill and dispose of their victims. The remains of more than 8900 people have been exhumed from these killing fields, and even more mass graves have been left untouched. During your visit, you'll see the skulls of more than 8000 people, while other bone fragments and pieces of cloth can be seen within the memorial.

Optional Day Trips from Phnom Penh

Phnom Chicor - Phnom Da - Tonle Bati

Discover some of Cambodia's lesser-known temples just an hour or so away from Phnom Penh, as you visit some remarkable Hindu temples as well as the scenic lake of Tonle Bati. This is the perfect chance to see some extraordinary Khmer temples away from the crowds of tourists! Phnom Chisor, a Hindu temple from the Angkorian era perched on top of a hill, offers incredible views of the Cambodian countryside and is home to several sanctuaries and a sacred pond. Phnom Da, also atop a small hill, has ruins dating back to the 6th century but was rebuilt in the 11th century, and you can explore caves that were once used as shrines. Tonle Bati is a pair of ancient temples set upon a lake that is a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals alike.

Kirirom National Park

Enjoy a whole day excursion to Cambodia's Kirirom National Park where you will experience natural beauty at its finest: waterfalls, pine forests, and fields. Along the way, you'll get the chance to mingle with locals and experience their daily lives. Wind your way through the forests and see cascading waterfalls and looming cliffs. Enjoy the amazing view of the Cardamom Mountains, go birdwatching, and simply take in all of the exquisite nature that surrounds you. If you're feeling extra adventurous during your visit, take a mountain biking excursion through the park for a bit of an adrenaline rush.

Silk Island

On this excursion, you'll enjoy a morning bicycle ride on the quiet back roads of the Silk Islands, also known as Koh Dach, visiting local communities and farmlands to witness village life in the Cambodian countryside. Cross the river by boat and take in this relaxing 25-kilometer ride through Cham Muslim communities on quiet back roads and short ferry rides to reach the Mekong Islands. On the islands, you can cycle through orchards, market gardens, vegetable farms, and of course, visit silk production centers to learn more about the industry and its significant role in Cambodian culture and history.