May 28th, 2024 |Â By:Â Grace Kim
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Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is the largest and busiest city in Cambodia full of rich history and beautiful architecture. With a unique blend of tradition and modernity, Phnom Penh has been a popular, must-visit destination for those traveling Southeast Asia.
With a population of over 2.2 million people, Cambodia has been the most unique country I’ve traveled to during my 7 month solo trip in Southeast Asia. While I believe that part of Cambodia is underdeveloped, there’s an equal balance of modernity and history to Phnom Penh that makes it special. I spent 3 weeks traveling Phnom Penh and felt so accepted and embedded into the culture. Not only are the people extremely friendly, but they’re also some of the most giving. So whether you’re planning on visiting for a month or for a few days, listed are the top and most important places to visit in Phnom Penh that will make your trip unforgettable.
What to do in Phnom Penh?
From wandering through markets and outdoor activities, experiencing nightlife, and going on historical tours, your days will be packed. Phnom Penh offers something for every type of traveler so if even if you only had a long weekend to explore the city, here are my top 17 important things to do during your visit.
1. Catch Sunset at Royal Palace
The Royal Place is one of the most important pieces of architecture in all of Cambodia. Not only is it the home of the King and Queen of Cambodia, but it’s also where important ceremonies and coronations are held. There’s a museum inside the Royal Palace that holds important artifacts displayed for visitors to learn more about Cambodia’s history and culture.
My favorite activity in Phnom Penh was catching sunset right outside the Royal Palace, making it the perfect place for photographers.
2. Explore Silver Pagoda
Located within the Royal Palace is where you’ll find tall, white architecture with over 5,000 silver tiles. There is also a life-sized Maitreya Buddha, which has a lot of historical significance and houses many of Cambodia’s national treasures. Swing by after exploring the Royal Palace and admire the architecture and significance of the pagoda.
3. Shop at Russian Market
Formally known as Psar Toul Tom Poung, the Russian Market is full of goods ranging from handcrafted souvenirs to clothes and local eats. Visiting this market is a must for those looking to bring back home a piece of Cambodia and to go shopping for souvenirs. It’s also called the Russian Market because back in the 1980s, a significant amount of Russians were living in Phnom Penh as the Moscow’s Cold War goods were stocked there.
4. Go on a Sunset Cruise Along Tonle Sap
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to end a night in Phnom Penh, enjoy a sunset cruise along Tonle Sap. This is a 1.5 hour cruise as a Tuk-tuk will pick you up from your hotel, and take you to the pier. Plus while on the cruise, you’ll be able to opt in for all you can eat BBQ with unlimited beer and drinks.
During the cruise, you’ll witness the stunning Royal Palace and the Diamond Gate Bridge. Especially on a hot day, this is my favorite way of experiencing the natural beauty of Phnom Penh with it’s cultural vibrancy.
5. Walk around Independence Monument
Standing proud in the heart of Phnom Penh is where you’ll find the Independence Monument. Ever since Cambodia’s commemorate from France in 1953, this iconic structure is symbolic to the city’s freedom. Spend time walking around the Independence Monument, learn about it’s history, and admire it’s architectural beauty.
During my time in Phnom Penh, I probably walked around the Independence Monument about 15 times! It’s hard to miss, and it’s a popular meeting point for many.
6. Catch Golden Hour at King Father Statue Norodom Sihanouk
Located only steps away from the Independence Monument is where you’ll find a statue of Norodom Sihanouk, the former King who led Cambodia to full independence. He is remembered for shaping Cambodia into it’s current modernized civilization, making Cambodia what it i today.
The park surrounding the statue is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, as it’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and minutes away from the famous, Bassac Lane.
7. Wander around Bassac Lane
Known as Phnom Penh’s hotspot for nightlife, Bassac Lane is filled with great bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. Not only is it the perfect place to meet other travelers and digital nomads, but it’s also my favorite spot to unwind after a long day.
If you’re into nightlight, Bassac Lane is a great place to start off the night as bars are only steps away from each other. Enjoy cocktails, music performances, and a lively atmosphere. My absolute favorite was getting 4 cheese pizza at one of the small shops (sorry I forget the name), but I had it almost every night before I left.
8. Stroll through Riverwalk
The Riverwalk runs along the Tonle Rap River, which is adjacent to downtown, but the most ideal spot for a leisurely stroll. Riverwalk can get lively in the evening as there are lines of cafes, restaurants, bars, and outdoor street vendors serving authentic Khmer food. It’s also an area where a lot of locals like to hang out, as there are a ton of places to sit by the water.
9. Get drinks at Eclipse Skybar
With live music and a ton of seating area, you’ll have the best views of Phnom Penh’s skyline at the Eclipse Sky Bar. The bar is located in Rosewood Phnom Penh on the 23rd floor, with a variety of drinks and a vibrant atmosphere from above. The hotel is also a spectacular place to stay if you’re looking for a more luxury stay during your visit.
10. Spend time at NagaWorld 2
NagaWorld 2 is a casino and hotel that has 300 gaming tables, 2,500 electronic gaming machines, exclusive premium suites, and a handful of indoor dining and shopping options. I took a stroll through NagaWorld 2 to see what it was all about because I was not expecting to find a casino in Phnom Penh. I will say that I was impressed as there were a ton of game rooms, AC, and a nice break from the bustling city.
11. The Killing Fields & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Tour
Get educated and go on a tour at The Killing Fields & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Formerly, this museum was a high school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, which was the most depressive time in Cambodia. I’d like to say that the country is still recovering from the regime, as you’ll learn more about it during the tour.
I recommend visiting this museum with a guide because of how much more information you will get from your visit. The history, insight, and the resiliency of the people is so powerful and emotional, as you’ll be able to witness all that the country has gone through during a tour.
12. Explore Wat Phnom
Sitting on top of the hilltop is Wat Phnom, which is actually where Phnom Penh got it’s name. It’s an important landmark to the city as a lot of the history and architecture is retained. Wat Phnom is also surrounded by green gardens and will give you feelings of calmness from the city’s hustle and bustle. Climb 509 steps to the top, admire the interior, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
13. Learn the history at the National Museum of Cambodia
The finest collection of Khmer sculpture and historical artifacts can be found at the National Museum of Cambodia. Not only will you discover the richness of culture of the country, but there is also an area to relax at the outdoor gardens. Gaze at the 14,000 items in the museum and learn all about the prehistoric times before, during, and after the Khmer Empire.
Tickets cost $5 USD for tourists 10-17 years old, and $10 USD for tourists 18+ years old. Tours are also available in Khmer, English, and Japanese.
14. Learn about Cambodia's History at Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Cambodia has gone through a lot in the last decade. From a long war during the Khmer Rouge, learning about it’s history at the Killing Fields a Choeung Ek will give you a gruesome, yet powerful representation of what the country has gone through. This memorial site commemorates the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, and highlights the timeline of Cambodia’s darkest times.
15. Shop at BKK Market
BKK, also known as the Boeung Keng Kang Market, is a local market in Phnom Penh. Inside is where you’ll find fresh produce, goods, house appliances, and souvenirs to take back home. You won’t find too many tourists here, which means that you’ll try some of the best local Khmer food. It’s a great place to experience how the locals shop for their groceries, and grabbing traditional snacks to munch on throughout the day. I came to the BKK Market with a friend who is a local, and she introduced me to the most authentic eats in Cambodia.
16. Go on a Half-Day Bike Tour to the Silk Islands
Embark on a half-day guided bike tour to the countryside, cycle to Mekong Island, and enjoy the quiet backroads and outdoor gardens on your way to the Silk Islands. This is a 4.5 hour roundtrip tour as you’ll experience the nature and beauty of Cambodia’s landscapes. You’ll be provided with a bike, helmet, hotel pick up and dropoff, snacks, and bottled water. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothes as the tour will go on, rain or shine.
17. Watch a Football (Soccer) Game at RSN Stadium
If you’re a lover of sports, spend an evening watching a game at the RSN Stadium. This stadium is home to the Phnom Penh Crown C, one of Cambodia’s top football clubs. It’s a fun time as you’ll have both locals and tourists cheering for their favorite teams, as the atmosphere is lively with passionate fans.Â
Final Thoughts
Phnom Penh is a city that retains it’s history, while offering modern attractions and historical landmarks. Whether you’re a history lover or want to explore the ancient temples, visiting Phnom Penh is the right place for you. Not only does the city offer something for every type of traveler, but it’s also a popular place to visit when traveling through Southeast Asia.
Since I became really good friends with a local, I ended up visiting Phnom Penh about 3 times. And every time I visited, my visit only got better and better. There’s still a lot to Phnom Penh that I haven’t visited but being able to experience the culture and learn about locals’ upbringings made me want to come back for more. It’s definitely an up and coming city as you’ll meet a ton of digital nomads and visitors who want to explore Phnom Penh’s beauty from all around the world.
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