Best things to do in Phnom Penh
Find out more about those top places in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh: Cambodia’s Capital of Culture, History, and Hidden Gems
Ah, Phnom Penh—Cambodia’s capital, where history, culture, and modern life collide in a vibrant, bustling city. With a population of over 1.5 million people, this urban jungle is the economic, cultural, and industrial heart of Cambodia. Whether you’re into history, shopping, or just exploring hidden corners of the city, Phnom Penh has something for everyone. But wait—before you get lost in its many places to visit and things to do, let’s first address the elephant in the room.
A City with a Complicated Past
Let’s not sugarcoat things. Phnom Penh’s history, particularly during the Khmer Rouge era, is painful. A tragic chapter in Cambodia’s past, it led to the deaths of millions of Cambodians and brought the country’s economy to its knees. But Phnom Penh has since bounced back and become a dynamic hub for both locals and visitors. The city’s resilience is inspiring, and you’ll feel it as you stroll through its streets, where ancient tradition meets the pulse of modern-day life.
1. Royal Palace: A Glimpse into Cambodia’s Royal Glory
If you’re a fan of royal splendor, the Royal Palace is one of the top attractions you can’t miss. This beautiful complex is home to Cambodia’s current royal family and features stunning architecture with traditional Khmer touches. Gardens, golden roofs, and magnificent halls await you. Don’t forget to stop by the Silver Pagoda while you're there—it's adorned with silver tiles and houses some truly precious artifacts. You’ll be feeling like royalty in no time!
2. Killing Fields and S21 Museum: History with a Heavier Heart
Now, we can’t talk about Phnom Penh without touching on its somber past. The Killing Fields and S21 Museum are powerful reminders of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. While these sites might bring a tear to your eye, they’re an important part of Cambodia’s history. If you’re in the mood for some reflective sightseeing, these places will teach you about the resilience and strength of the Cambodian people. But don’t worry, it’s not all heavy—afterward, you can grab a refreshing coconut and move on to more cheerful sightseeing spots!
3. Central Market (Phsar Thmei): The Bargain Hunter’s Dream
Need a break from the emotional rollercoaster? Head over to the Central Market (Phsar Thmei), an absolute must-see for any shopper! This massive art-deco market is packed with local goods from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Bargaining is the name of the game, so get your haggling skills ready! Whether you’re hunting for unique souvenirs or just wandering around to enjoy the hustle and bustle, the Central Market is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Phnom Penh’s local culture.
4. Wat Phnom: A Peaceful Escape with a Side of History
If you’re after some spirituality and a little bit of quiet, Wat Phnom is the place to be. This beautiful temple, set atop a small hill, offers an oasis of calm amidst the city’s hectic streets. Legend has it that the city was named after this very hill, and visiting the temple is a peaceful way to soak up the atmosphere of Phnom Penh while learning about local history. Keep an eye out for the monkeys—they’re more than happy to add a little fun to your temple visit!
5. Sisowath Quay: The Riverfront Vibes
One of the best places to visit in Phnom Penh for a bit of leisure is along Sisowath Quay, the city’s riverfront area. This bustling stretch is lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it the perfect spot for people-watching, sipping iced coffee, or taking in the view of the Mekong River. If you’re up for some evening sightseeing, grab a spot on one of the riverfront benches and enjoy the sunset. Afterward, you can hop on a river cruise for a whole new perspective of the city. So much to see, so little time!
6. Local Cuisine: Taste the Flavors of Cambodia
We’ve talked about history, shopping, and temples, but now let’s get to the most delicious part—eating! Phnom Penh is a food lover’s dream, with plenty of local dishes that will have your taste buds dancing. Don’t leave without trying amok, a delicious Cambodian curry, or some crispy fried spring rolls. For the adventurous, there’s always fried tarantula (we promise it’s not as terrifying as it sounds). And for dessert, khanom krok, coconut-filled rice cakes, will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Final Thoughts: Phnom Penh’s Warm Welcome Awaits
Phnom Penh is a city that’s seen it all—from war to recovery, and from tradition to modernity. Today, it’s a thriving, vibrant city that’s ready to show you a little bit of everything: historical sights, cultural gems, delicious food, and a resilient spirit that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re exploring the Royal Palace, reflecting on the Killing Fields, or haggling at the Central Market, Phnom Penh offers something for every kind of traveler.
So pack your bags, and don’t forget your sense of adventure—Phnom Penh awaits, and trust us, you’ll leave with stories to tell and memories to last a lifetime!
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Wat Phnom
The intricately built Wat Phnom is the main worship center of Phnom Penh Buddhist community, it stands at 88.5 ft (26.97 m) above sea level making it the tallest religious building in the city. Cambodian legend says the Wat Phnom was founded by a widow named Penh, who discovered four bronze statues of Buddha inside a Koki tree on a river. She decided to place the statues in a shrine – eventually it turned into a sanctuary where people come to pray and ask for blessings.
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Killing fields of Choeung Ek
Tied tightly to Cambodia’s history is Choeung Ek, the former orchard and mass grave of the Khmer Rouge victims of 1975-1979. The killing fields contain the remains of about 8,985 Cambodians including men, women and children – brought to executed from different detention camps around the country. It has a Buddhist stupa built as a memorial, the stupa has more than 5,000 human skulls, it is opened during the day for visitors to see.
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Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Kings of Cambodia, and it has been so for several centuries. Built in the 1860s using Khmer architectural style, it covers an area of 174,870 square meters and it is part of a main complex that contains several other buildings. The main attraction of the Royal Palace is the throne room where official duties of the Cambodian rulers happen and also Royal ceremonies. It is opened to visitors, but they must adhere to a strict dress code.
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Silver Pagoda
The Silver Pagoda is one of the many buildings situated in the Royal Palace Complex, the golden roof Buddhist temple is the most enchanting place in the city. Also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha mainly due to the fact it houses the Emerald Buddha which is adorned with many diamonds. The Emerald Buddha sits next to a bronze Buddha, silver Buddha and gold Buddha. Its other main attraction is the floor covered with 5,000 silver tiles, visitors can’t walk on the tiles but can look at them.
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National Museum
Established in 1920, the museum is dedicated to showing all what Cambodia’s history has to offer. The museum contains over 5,000 artifacts dating back to the 5th century, including Khmer sculptures and Angkor collection of statues. Outside the building is equally impressive, with a beautifully designed courtyard that is littered with several stone statues - notably that of the Leper King and Ganesha.
