Phnom Penh

DESTINATIONS cambodia phnompenh

Phnom Penh

Situated at the crossroads of three great rivers – the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac – Phnom Penh is the heart of a country steeped in tradition, overflowing with rice paddies, jungles, and rural communities. Once a sleepy backwater, Phnom Penh, now, buzzes with commercial activity as the country develops after years of isolation. Old French colonial mansions stand alongside newly emerging designs, which make the city’s mixed architecture and communities fascinating to explore.

The City

Phnom Penh took its name from a legendary tale involving a woman called Penh, who is said to have discovered four Buddhas washed ashore by the great river. Following French colonisation in 1869, which lasted until King Norodom Sihanouk declared independence in 1953, the city underwent significant urban development, marked by the construction of impressive villas and wide avenues that now define its city centre. However, the vibrant atmosphere of the 1960s was abruptly disrupted on April 17, 1975, when the Khmer Rouge seized control of the country, causing Phnom Penh to empty almost overnight. After four years, Cambodians returned to rebuild their capital from a small riverside village into the bustling commercial hub it is today. Despite its growth, Phnom Penh retains its unique charm as an unspoiled Asian gem, where cyclo drivers navigate through a sea of motorbikes, embodying the city's dynamic spirit.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Spend a day walking through the historical streets surrounding the Royal Palace, ride a tuk-tuk hopping from market to market, and end your day gazing at the shimmering lights reflecting off the Tonle Bassac. The city’s life never ceases as the old and the new live alongside each other.

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Immerse yourself in beautifully manicured gardens, delightful royal abodes, and the serene calm of this classic Khmer palace. The throne, used for coronation and important ceremonies, sits in a finely decorated room. At its side stands a small delightful ornate maisonette offered by Napoleon III to King Norodom. Walk across to the Silver Pagoda …

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is said to be the first pagoda in town, dating back to 1373. It is located on a small hill and locals come here to pray for good luck. When visiting Wat Phnom, be aware that due to the site’s popularity, there will be a number of beggars, street urchins and other …

The Killing Fields & Choeung Ek Memorial

This field reminds its visitors of a time of brutal executions and torture. More than 17,000 people were killed here during the Khmer Rouge regime, and today, there are mass graves and a memorial stupa (a Buddhist reliquary) with thousands of human bones. An audio tour tells the heart-braking …

National Museum of Cambodia

This red-stoned traditional royal Khmer building from the 1920s offers a glimpse of the Khmer Empire’s rich heritage. With artefacts dating back to pre-Angkorian times, the museum’s pieces are some of the only remaining historical items that survived the Khmer …

Phnom Chisor Temple

About one hour's drive from the city, you can visit the ruins of the Phnom Chisor Temple, a temple from the Angkorian era. From the hill where it is located, you will have great views over the countryside, but keep in mind that it can be very hot to climb all the way up …

Independence Monument

This tall building is a symbol of Cambodia's freedom from France, gained in 1953. This Angkorian-style tower is mostly used as a landmark now, but the parks surrounding it are popular for …

Wat Ounalom

This temple is the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism, and it's home to 350 moments. At the entrance, five golden Buddhas welcome the visitors. It was founded in 1443 and is conveniently located close to the Royal Palace and the river …

Tuol Sleng Museum

A former school known as S-21, this building became the hub of the Khmer Rouge’s interrogation and torture of more than 17,000 ‘enemies’ of the state. School rooms were turned into cells and today victims’ portraits align the corridors of this daunting building. This is an emotional visit, a place to pay respect to …

Phnom Tamao Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC)

This is the biggest zoo in Cambodia, and here you can see many different animals from the local fauna. The Wildlife Rescue Center saves animals that have been trapped or injured, to set them free again after rehabilitation. If you book a tour, you will get the chance to see the staff's heroic work …

Yoga Phnom Penh

For all the Yogis and Yoginis out there, this is a must-visit. At this beautiful and calm studio, you can attend different kinds of yoga classes or maybe one of their workshops. You can either pre-book a class or go to one of the drop-in …

Dining

Composed by a mix of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, Cambodian cuisine is varied, simple and delicious. A diet is usually based on fish and soups while the local food offers healthy and abundant Asian surprises. Khmer highlights are fish amok (fish cooked in coconut) and barbecued beef, which can be found on most street corners in the early evening around the Central Market. As the city is made up of many communities including Vietnamese, Chinese and Expatriates, there is a variety of delicacies and restaurants catering to a large expatriate community.

Malis

Stylish restaurant serving an upscale Khmer dining experience. Start the evening by enjoying a cocktail by the impressive water fountain and savouring flavourful dishes like Takeo Sausages and Saraman …

Khmer Surin

This sophisticated restaurant offers good Khmer and Thai food like mango salad and excellent amok in a relaxing low seating ambiance in an old wooden house. Even though the climate outside is hot and humid for most of the year, the plants and water managed micro climate will wipe the heat …

FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club)

Considered a Phnom Penh landmark, FCC overlooks the river with its inspiring colonial decor. They mainly serve western dishes like fried chicken with chips and some typical Cambodian food while you will also find tasty pizzas on the …

Pho de Paris Restaurant

Boat Noodle

You can find extensive, tasty, and affordable Khmer at Boat Noodle. Another reason to try this out is the ambience. It has the look and feel of a traditional Khmer house, wooden decor, Khmer silk, surrounded by lush plants and fishes swimming in small ponds. Their English speaking staff enable you to tone down …

Do Forni

For night of romance and delightful Italian cuisine bring your loved one to Do Forni. The food is in the highest quality and so is the service. This is the place to indulge in Italian specialists like Saltimbocca Pork with Parma Hamand fine …

Cafés

Just like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh is a haven for fruit lovers. From mangoes of all shapes and sizes to delicious mangosteens. All markets have a fruit section, and sellers walk along most main streets selling fresh papaya, pineapple, and whichever fruit is in season. However, you will still find cafés serving a strong cup of coffee and Western-style pastries.

The Shop 240

Run by a Belgian couple, The Shop 240 offers a tasty selection of healthy breakfast options, delicious juices, sandwiches, and quiches. Splurge on the dessert selection and the homemade …

Feel Good Café

The coffee at Feel Good Café is made with lots of love and here you can choose from lattes, cappuccinos, or other western coffee drinks. They also have a menu offering lighter snacks, and it is a popular breakfast …

Bars & Nightlife

Known for being a city without limits, Phnom Penh’s reputation as a nightspot rings true. With the local population out and about at night after years of unrest, bars and clubs have mushroomed in the last years.

Heart of Darkness

Elephant Bar

Set in the most luxurious hotel in town, Le Royal, the Elephant Bar’s happy hour (4pm to 9 pm) serves some of the best cocktails in town. Dress up and indulge in live piano music and comfortable seating. A must try is their Femme Fatale cocktail, specifically created in 1967 for Jacqueline Kennedy during …

Score! Bar & Grill

This lively sports bar is the perfect spot to catch a live game or just have a few beers while in town. There is a huge screen on the wall, which is visible from every corner of the large sitting …

Top Banana

Top Banana is a guesthouse and bar popular among the hip backpacker crowd. The atmosphere here is very laid-back, live band performances are common, and new acquaintance is easily made. Don't miss the outdoor rooftop …

Bouchon

Bouchon is a trendy, dimly-lit wine bar with nice background music and an impressive selection of French wines. With its unbeatable location very close to the Royal Palace, this bar is an easy favourite among locals and expats …

Le Moon Rooftop Bar

For a great view of the city at night, head to this chill and relaxing bar at the top of a hotel. The drinks are well-made and refreshing - a bit pricey, but worth it for the beautiful …

Cloud

This garden bar in Tonle Bassac has gained a reputation as a chill, comfortable cultural hub in the city. They boast a decor inspired by modern urban art and indie aesthetic, surrounded by vegetation. Along with their careful choice of beer, they also serve food. Board games are available, and many kinds of events …

Shopping

Phnom Penh has an eclectic shopping scene. Some major international clothing chains have already hit the town, and with the several bustling markets and diverse communities, everything is here—from fragrant markets to modern malls.