EPIC PHNOM PENH Itinerary! (2024)

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Whether you are spending one day in Phnom Penh as a stopover or planning on staying for 2 days in Phnom Penh or longer – it’s worth planning your trip to Cambodia beforehand so you know about all the best attractions and sites of interest that you’d like to include in your Phnom Penh trip itinerary. Here’s my ultimate guide on the best places to visit in Phnom Penh.

While most of the city is easily walkable or accessible via bicycle, there are many landmarks that are a little out of the way. To get there, I recommend taking a bus or a remok (Cambodian tuk-tuk), because these are the cheapest options.

If you’re in a hurry, using a taxi is always an option, but it’s important to note that these are usually a lot priceier than other forms of transport.

In general, it is best to go on foot or by bicycle when travelling short distances, as you’ll get a chance to take in the beautiful scenery and discover unique places not yet explored by many tourists.

Now that you know how to get around Phnom Penh, let’s take a look at what you should be getting up to on your Phnom Penh getaway.

3 Day Phnom Penh Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Phnom Penh: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Royal Palace, Phnom Penh Night Market, Eclipse Sky Bar
• Day 2 in Phnom Penh: Killing Fields, Central Market, Lakeside, Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom, Mekong River Cruise
• Day 3 in Phnom Penh: Wat Langka, Independence Monument, National Museum, Old Market, Russian Market, Al-Serkal Mosque
• More Places to See in Phnom Penh: Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, Oudong Mountain and Floating Village, Koh Dach (Silk Island), Evening Food Tour

As Phnom Penh’s tourism has boomed in recent years, there has also been rapid growth in the hotel scene, providing many different options for all kinds of travellers. From stylish boutiques to luxury hotels and flashpacker hostels, you’re likely to find just what you’re looking for to create your Phnom Penh trip itinerary.

Let’s have a look at the best areas to stay in Phnom Penh.

The area that surrounds Wat Phnom and the northern part of the city is where most people consider the city centre. It’s surrounded by colonial architecture and many upmarket bars and restaurants.

Boeung Keng Kang is an area located southeast of the Independence Monument and known as the foreigner or NGO or UN neighbourhood. Expect to find many UN and NGO offices, as well as embassies, cafes, boutiques, spas and travel agents. It’s a charming part of Phnom Penh with modern apartments and stylish restaurants.

Sisowath Quay is a long riverside boulevard lined with boutiques, bars, cafes, restaurants and luxury hotels. They run along the intersection of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers for about 3km, offering charming views and riverside walks.

Further out of the city, you’ll find the Prek Leap district which is very popular among locals as a place to dine out and enjoy the nightlife. Most of the signposts around the area are in Khmer, while the venues offer authentic Khmer or Khmer-Chinese food.

Mad Monkey Phnom Penh – Best Hostel in Phnom Penh

Mad Monkey is located in the heart of the city and offers travelers a place to socialize, make new friends and create memories with a range of different cultural activities and local tours. They have a much-needed swimming pool and poolside bar to cool off and unwind after a day of exploring!

Insider Scoop: Check out my roundup of the best backpacker Phnom Penh accomodations if budget living is more your style!

Brand New 1-Bed Studio Infinity Pool – Best Airbnb in Phnom Penh

This apartment nails it with cleanliness, quiet vibes, and a prime spot right in the middle of the city’s best restaurants and coffee shops. Inside, it’s got a cosy bedroom, a kitchen, and even a washing machine, making it easy to settle in and feel right at home. The building boasts a great gym and a restaurant/bar on the upper floors that takes full advantage of its fantastic views. But the real showstopper? The rooftop pool. I’m talking 360-degree views, baby.

Penh House Hotel – Best Mid-Range Hotel in Phnom Penh

Penh House Hotel offers guests an on-site restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar and a garden. This 4-star hotel boasts fully equipped rooms with garden views and sun terraces, as well as a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning for the heat of Cambodia.

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa – Best Luxury Hotel in Phnom Penh

This luxury resort is located in the heart of Phnom Penh, behind the Royal Palace. It features two outdoor pools with great views, as well as an on-site restaurant and bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and guests are free to use the fitness center and spa.

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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum | Royal Palace | Phnom Penh Night Market | Eclipse Sky Bar

The first day of your Phnom Penh itinerary will see you getting to know the area and the culture a little more closely, as well as enjoy the Phnom Penh nightlife!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide is the memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and was the detention centre in the Khmer Rouge regime. Although it is reminiscent of a tragic period in history, it’s an integral part of Phnom Penh, and an unignorable attraction to better understand what happened in the Cambodian genocide in the late 1970s. There are so many incredible stories that need to be told from this era in Cambodian history.

When visiting Phnom Penh, I’ve listed it as the first stop as it is an important part of the history of the city. The aim is for all visitors to be encouraged to be messengers of peace upon leaving such a tragic war zone.

The S-21 Museum is a former high school turned prison, where you can walk through old classrooms that were converted into single-prison cells. You’ll see the hundreds of photos through which the story can be told and understood of how hundreds of prisoners were gruesomely deceived, tortured and executed.

The museum, despite being a heavy visit is one of the top things to do in Phnom Penh and offers visitors a new perspective on the timeline and history of Phnom Penh city. Phnom Penh is a very special place, and this part of its life is a big part of how it got that way – that’s why I think this is an essential visit on your Cambodia itinerary.

• Cost – $5 entrance plus $5 audio guide (highly recommended)
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours. A whole morning could easily be spent here though.
• Getting there – You can hop off a bus at Preah Monivong Blvd (93). Otherwise, it’s generally walkable from the majority of hotels and hostels in the city centre.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the most iconic Phnom Penh points of interest. It was built in 1886 after King Norodom had relocated the royal capital of Cambodia to Phnom Penh and was completed just before WWI.

You can expect to see ornate golden roofs and dramatic, gilded architecture throughout. The palace was built intentionally on the site of the old town and is still the primary residence of the King of Cambodia.

It takes a couple of hours to see the extent of the massive complex, which includes the Silver Pagoda, the Palace, Throne Hall and Inner court. You can take a guided tour of the grounds and the beautiful quiet gardens, spending some time enjoying the silence of being slightly removed from Phnom Penh’s bustling capital.

Admire the Khmer architecture with French influence, and see the elegant throne hall topped by a 59m-high tower that was inspired by the Bayon in Angkor Thom and is used for coronations and other ceremonies.

• Cost – Free to look from the street, $10 to enter the Palace itself.
• How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours.
• Getting there – Grab a 10-minute taxi bike or tuk-tuk if coming from Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. If you’re staying near the river it will be within walking distance.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Phnom Penh Night Market

The night market in Phnom Penh is full of the expected tourist T-shirts and dresses as well as many souvenirs that you’ll need to bargain with the seller to take home with you. It’s a great opportunity to step into the Cambodian lifestyle and eat some delicious street food in Phnom Penh.

Grab a plate of food and remove your shoes, finding a spot on the mats to feast on an array of flavours while socializing and enjoying the lively market atmosphere. The night market offers an open-air evening on the riverside of Phnom Penh with a buzzing atmosphere to contrast the day’s solemn discoveries.

There’s also a centre stage for live performances like singers, musicians and dancers to perform to the public, creating a lively and fun market atmosphere to spend the evening enjoying.

Insider Tip: Remember to bargain with the stallholders, as you could just walk away with a steal. They usually charge inflated prices knowing the price will be bargained down.

• Cost – Free entry, but let’s be real, you’re going to end up grabbing some street food. Prices kick off at under $1, so your wallet won’t even feel it.
• How long should I stay here? Until you’re full!
• Getting there – A casual 15-minute stroll alongside the Mekong River from the Royal Palace.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Eclipse Sky Bar

After all the excitement from the market, it’s time to end off the first day of the 2-day Phnom Penh itinerary with a few drinks while enjoying the best view of the city, and a taste of the nightlife in Phnom Penh!

Eclipse Sky Bar is located on the 23rd-floor rooftop deck of the Phnom Penh Tower and is open from 5 pm daily. They serve some of the best cocktails that you’ll get in Phnom Penh and give you a wonderful panoramic perspective of the city!

Unwind with a drink in hand looking at the night lights of the city – a great place to reflect on everything you’ve seen today.

They often have live music at the Sky Bar which makes for an incredible atmosphere and allows you to escape from the noise and constant movement of the city to prepare for the second day of this itinerary for Phnom Penh.

Insider Tip: The music continues into the early hours, so if you’re in the mood for a wild night out, this is the place to be!

• Cost – $1 – $10 USD
• How long should I stay here? It’s the end of the night, take your time!
• Getting there – Hop on a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi from the river, and you’ll be there in under 10 minutes. Or, if you’re feeling the vibe, take a 35-minute stroll and soak in the cooler temps along the way!

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Killing Fields | Central Market | Buong Kak Lake District and Street 93 | Wat Ounalom | Wat Phnom | Mekong River Cruise

If you’re spending 2 days in Phnom Penh, you’ll need a few more activities to add to your Phnom Penh itinerary. Here’s what you should be getting up to!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Killing Fields

There’s always a debate about whether to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields in one day or split them up. Some people prefer to tackle both in a single day, saying the experiences are so heavy that it’s best to do them back-to-back and get it over with. Personally, I chose to visit them on separate days.

The history is so horrific, that I didn’t want to risk becoming emotionally numb after hours of confronting such dark moments in time. It’s entirely up to you, but either way, both of these sites are essential visits. It’s hard to fathom the atrocities that unfolded on these now peaceful, flower-filled fields, with birds singing in the trees.

You’ll see the sites which acted as the Khmer Rouge’s main killing fields, with many compelling stories from survivors, guards and executioners. A visit to Choeung Ek is a sobering one and is not for the faint-hearted, but is one of the most visited places in Phnom Penh, offering insight and context into this era.

Although dark tourism may not be for everyone, the purpose of turning these sites into a memorial site and tourist attractions is to educate visitors about what happened here – and help them learn from it, as well as to commemorate those who lost their lives here.

• Cost – $6
• How long should I stay here? 2-3 hours but, again, a whole morning can be spent here.
• Getting there – The Killing Fields are pretty far out of the city so a tuk-tuk is needed. It’s about 10km from the city centre.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Central Market

Central Market is located in one of the most iconic buildings in the city and the domed structure is filled with art deco. It has operated since it was built in 1937, making it an amazing part of Cambodian history and life in Phnom Penh.

Spend the morning checking out the goods on offer at the market, and maybe trying out your new bargaining skills. This market has everything, from fresh food to cheap electronic goods to gold and animals – literally everything.

If you’re feeling hungry, the market is a good place to pick up a bite to eat from one of the many food stalls, restaurants and cafes that are scattered all around the area. You’ll need the energy for a long day of exploring the sights of the city on this Phnom Penh trip itinerary!

• Cost – Free to enter. Buying souvenirs is optional but necessary!
• How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours.
• Getting there – Another tuk-tuk from the Killing Fields to get back into the city centre. If you’re coming from the city already it’ll be within walking distance.

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Buong Kak Lake District and Street 93

Street art is not an accepted form of artistic expression in Phnom Penh and so any graffiti or street art that appears is generally very quickly painted over.

The exception to this practice is the Buong Kak Lake District, a semi-abandoned space next to a lake that was once slated for huge developments. Today, these Phnom Penh streets offer free reign to artists from the world over to create their masterpieces on the dilapidated buildings, bringing them to life with some thought-provoking and colourful street art.

You’ll get to see a part of Phnom Penh that is majorly off the tourist radar and offers a new perspective on the city. There are really cool tours that walk you through this district and give you a bit more insight into the local artists that created these murals.

• Cost – Free
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour
• Getting there – Street 93 where most of the street art is can be tricky to find. As a rule of thumb, head to the French Embassy and Callamet Hospital, you’ll find the street art behind this.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Wat Ounalom

Wat Ounalom is HQ for Buddhists in Cambodia. It’s made up 44 structures in total, and is home to over 500 Buddhist monks. Interestingly, it’s also known as the ‘Eyebrow Temple’, as the Buddhist shrine behind the main temple houses an eyebrow hair or ‘ounalom’ of Buddha.

On the second floor of the main building, you’ll see a statue of Huot Tat, who was the fourth patriarch of Cambodian Buddhism and was killed by Pol Pot during the Khmer Rouge regime. He was 80 years old, and his murder was committed as a sign that Buddhism is no longer the driving force in the country.

The statue was made upon his death, and later thrown into the Mekong River by the Khmer Rouge! It was retrieved after 1979 and still stands to this day.

Wat Ounalom is one of the country’s 5 original monasteries and is held in high regard in Cambodia. The temple was severely damaged during the regime, and so restoration is an ongoing process. However, visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and pay their respects – and I recommend that you do just that! As with all temples, be respectful and make sure that you have your knees and shoulders covered.

• Cost – Free
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour
• Getting there – A 30-minute walk from the Buong Kak Lake District or a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride. It’s right along the river so if you’re in the area it’ll be within walking distance.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple that sits on a hill in the very centre of Phnom Penh. This popular religious site dates back to the year 1372 when locals were said to have raised the hill to house four relics that were found in the Mekong River.

The temple now stands 27 meters high, making it the tallest structure in the city! It’s reached by climbing a steep staircase, guarded by lions and naga – the mythical serpent. The main staircase leads you up to a stupa that contains the ashes of King Ponhea Yat.

Today, many people visit this temple to pray for good luck and success in exams or business affairs. Once the wish has been granted, the faithful return to deliver on any offerings that they have promised, like a garland of jasmine flowers or a bunch of bananas.

Insider Tip: The temple can become a bit overcrowded – often with beggars, street urchins, women selling things, and children selling birds in cages. Don’t pay to set these birds free as they are trained to return to their cage afterwards.

• Cost – $1
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour
• Getting there – Within walking distance of Wat Ounalom or anywhere within the central area.

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Mekong River Cruise

Get to experience the sunset on the Mekong River during a river cruise from the Tonle Sap River. You’ll get to sail to the confluence of the Tonle Sap river with the Mekong, and get some really great Phnom Penh city views along the way.

On a sunset dinner cruise on the Mekong River, you’ll start the evening with a cocktail as you board the boat, followed by an enjoyable sunset with live traditional Khmer music playing as you drift past the floating villages. You’ll also see the Royal Palace and the incredible Phnom Penh skyline from a new perspective.

You’ll get to enter the point where the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers meet, before enjoying an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet that has been prepared on the boat with the freshest ingredients. It’s the perfect way to end off a 2-day itinerary in Phnom Penh and see all of the attractions that you have already visited in a new light!

• Cost – $10-15
• How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours.
• Getting there – The meeting point will depend on the boat tour operator you choose. All tours kick off from the Mekong River near the city centre, and some operators even sort you out with a hotel pickup.

IN A RUSH? THIS IS OUR FAVORITE HOSTEL IN PHNOM PENH!

View on Hostelworld

Mad Monkey Phnom Penh

Mad Monkey is located in the heart of the city and offers travelers a place to socialize, make new friends and create memories with a range of different cultural activities and local tours.

• $$
• Free WiFi
• Linen Included

View on Hostelworld

Wat Langka | Independence Monument | National Museum | | Old Market | Russian Market | Al-Serkal Mosque

If you are planning a 3-day itinerary in Phnom Penh, you may want to consider adding these historical, cultural and political tourist attractions before moving on to visit other beautiful areas Cambodia.

Day 3 / Stop 1 – Wat Langka

This is one of Phnom Penh’s oldest and most important temples, originally set up for monks from Sri Lanka. You can even join hour-long meditation classes led by English-speaking monks – perfect for when you need a bit of zen after all that exploring.

Wat Langka was a temple that was originally built to store Holy writings and served as a meeting place for the Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks. It was named in honour of these meetings, with the word ‘Langka’ being derived from the Sri Lankan order that was based in the temple.

It’s a temple that is of great importance in Cambodian Buddhism, as it is the main library for religious writings. Visitors are able to visit the colourful temple and can join in on hour-long meditation sessions that are occasionally held by the monks – definitely a special experience if you’re able to make it!

• Cost – Free
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour.
• Getting there – It’s just a short stroll from the main central neighbourhoods where most of the hostels and hotels are.

Day 3 / Stop 2 – Independence Monument

This 20-metre monument stands as a tribute to Cambodia’s independence, with a design inspired by the lotus flower, symbolising peace and resilience. It’s also a place to pay your respects to those who tragically lost their lives during Cambodia’s painful war.

This Angkorian-style tower is found in the heart of the capital and was built in 1958 to celebrate Cambodian Independence Day after winning back their independence from the French. The monument is one of the Phnom Penh points of interest that attracts many tourists to see the peculiar unique style that distinguishes it from any other buildings in the city.

It also serves as a cenotaph dedicated to the Cambodian men, women and children who died in the war. It was designed in the shape of a lotus by the Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann, and is dualistic to the monuments that stand at Angkor and other Khmer historical sites.

You won’t be able to enter the monument, but you can marvel at the impressive site from the outside, and at night time it is lit with blue, red and white light, making it a majestic sight indeed. The monument is surrounded by large fountains, giving it a serene and welcoming atmosphere.

• Cost – Free
• How long should I stay here? As long as you fancy! It’s the perfect spot to take a moment, slow down, and do a bit of people-watching.
• Getting there – It’s just down the road from Wat Langka, a two-minute walk away.

Day 3 / Stop 3 – Phnom Penh National Museum

Welcome to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art, where you’ll find over 14,000 artefacts that take you on a journey through history, all the way back to prehistoric times. This is the top archaeological museum in Cambodia, so prepare to be amazed by the rich cultural heritage on display.

This museum is a fascinating historical place to visit, as it houses the world’s largest collection of Khmer art and all the history that comes along with it.

Its history goes back to the early 20th century and was closed during the period of Khmer Rouge control from 1975 to 1979.

Tidied up after the revolution, the museum now houses one of the most impressive collections of Khmer cultural artefacts including sculptures, ceramics, and many ethnographic objects from the prehistoric, pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and post-Angkorian periods.

It’s an interesting place to visit as part of a 3 day Phnom Penh itinerary as the museum promotes awareness, understanding and an appreciation of Cambodia’s heritage.

• Cost – $5
• How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours.
• Getting there – A 20-minute walk or a five-minute drive from the Independence Monument, back near the river.

Day 3 / Stop 4 – Old Market (Phsar Chas)

Dive into the daily lives of the locals at the oldest market in town. It’s a great spot to snag some Cambodian souvenirs to take home and a chance to soak up the chaotic vibrancy that makes the markets in Phnom Penh so special.

The Old Market is the oldest in the city and is frequented by both tourists and locals. On the eastern side of the market, you’ll find picturesque displays of fresh fruit and hanging bird-houses. While on the west side of the market is the more chaotic and cramped stalls that sell food to the locals, and have less aesthetically pleasing displays (and smells) than the other side!

The Old Market is another fundamental part of life in Phnom Penh and offers visitors a cultural immersion into the daily lives of the locals. It’s also the perfect place to try your bargaining skills to pick up some souvenirs to take home with you, or to try some more tasty street food that you’ll only find at authentic markets like this.

• Cost – Free of charge but coming out without a souvenir is pretty impossible if you ask me.
• How long should I stay here? As long as you fancy!
• Getting there – A 10-15 minute walk from the Phnom Penh National Museum.

Day 3 / Stop 5 – Russian Market

This is the ultimate spot to grab some Phnom Penh souvenirs. It’s a favourite among tourists, known for its vibrant atmosphere and great finds. You can score discounted name-brand clothes and unique artefacts that’ll make your trip memorable.

The Russian Market is filled with every item that you could possibly imagine! From spare motorbike parts to every type of name branding you can imagine – they have it all! Since markets make up such a large part of Cambodian life and culture, it’s well worth visiting as many of them as you can on a vacation in Phnom Penh, and this is a favourite amongst tourists.

You’ll be able to find plenty of cheap knock-offs, as well as some genuine articles that have been stitched and handmade in local factories. The name brands on sale will cost a third of the price of what they do back home, and there’s a range of handicrafts and antiquities to peruse.

The market got its name as the Russian expat population shopped there in the 1980s. It’s the place to go if you want to find miniature Buddhas, woodcarvings, silks, jewellery, musical instruments and so much more! They also have some really good food stalls if you’re feeling peckish!

• Cost – Free to enter and souvenirs are pretty cheap too!
• How long should I stay here? Shop ’till you drop or however the saying goes.
• Getting there – A 15-minute tuk-tuk drive from the Old Market

Day 3 / Stop 6 – Al-Serkal Mosque

Al-Serkal Mosque is the largest principal mosque in the city and is one of the newest mosques in this majority Buddhist country. The mosque was inaugurated in March 2015 in an inaugural ceremony that was attended by more than 1,000 people.

It was a grand achievement for most of the 350,000 Muslims that call Phnom Penh home, and aimed to bring people closer together. Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect and created rifts in the very community it was built to unite.

It stands today as a palatial white mosque with two slender minarets rising high above the dome. The walls inside the two-story building are lined with rose and turquoise tiles that had been commissioned by the Algerian artisans, and feature incredible mosaic ceilings and a stunning chandelier in the central dome.

• Cost – Free!
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour.
• Getting there – A 15-minute drive from the Russian Market, but back towards Phnom Penh’s centre after a long day of exploring!

If you are lucky enough to have more time left on your Phnom Penh itinerary, there are some exciting day trips that take you to further afield places to experience more Cambodian sights and tourist attractions.

Angkor Wat and Siem Reap

Angkor Wat is one of the most famous temples in Cambodia and completes any Cambodia itinerary. Many travellers who visit the capital hope to find Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat day trip. The best way to do this is to take a private taxi to Siem Reap to experience the majestic temples. Consider spending a night or two there checking out Angkor Wat and other famous sites in Siem Reap or continuing from Siem Reap for your onward travels.

Oudong Mountain and Floating Village

If you have more time after touring Phnom Penh, visit Oudong! It was the capital of Cambodia from 1618 to 1866 and is one of the most sacred places in Cambodia. Expect to climb more than 500 steps to reach the most worthwhile views of the countryside, as well as the majestic Pagodas and Stupas that stood there for the Cambodian Kings.

Koh Dach (Silk Island)

Located just 6km from Phnom Penh, Koh Dach is an island that requires a Phnom Penh tour boat trip to get there, and gives you the chance to learn about the silk trade in Cambodia and see the weaving process, plus purchase some items to take home with you!

After a full day of exploring the island, be sure to bask in the sun at one of their incredible beaches. This is the best way to make the most of your weekend in Phnom Penh.

Evening Food Tour

I’m all about a good food tour – it’s the perfect way to dive into a country’s culture and cuisine, plus it introduces me to dishes I’d probably never have found on my own. Hop on a tuk-tuk and join your guide for this epic culinary adventure around the capital. You’ll get to savour mouth-watering traditional dishes, wander through the buzzing Russian Market, and wrap it all up with a local craft beer or cocktail. As a bonus, there’s a pit stop at the Independence Monument, so if you’re tight on time, this tour ticks off a bunch of Phnom Penh’s must-see spots.

The guides are absolute legends. They’ll walk you through everything, making sure you know exactly what’s on your plate for the evening. You’ll get to sample plenty, so seriously, come hungry!

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Phnom Penh is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit the city depends on the heat, humidity, rainfall and number of tourists.

Most travellers like to visit Cambodia between November and March when the monsoon season has subsided and the weather is at its prime.

If you would prefer to see the Phnom Penh attractions without hoards of tourists, you may prefer to go during the off-season, when the prices are lower and the crowds are more dispersed.

Even during the rainy season, you can expect blue skies in between the downpours, and find many places to escape from the rain. The downpours generally occur in the afternoons and rarely affect travel plans.

The countryside also tends to spring to life at this time – and it’s the perfect time to get out into the scenic countryside. The flooded rice paddies can also be a sight to see!

Here’s a monthly overview of the seasons in Cambodia to help you in planning your Phnom Penh travel.

When travelling to any new city, one of the most relevant questions to ask is – Is Phnom Penh Safe? Cambodia is very safe to visit, and Phnom Penh is not as dangerous as people imagine, but as with any new place, it’s best to take precautions and be aware of not putting yourself in harm’s way.

There are incidences of theft, robbery and pick-pocketing that you should be aware of, but not enough to ruin your Phnom Penh vacation or alter what to see in Phnom Penh.

First things first, be sure to store your passport, ID and any emergency money in a safe at your hotel or hostel, and only carry things with you that are completely necessary. Instances of petty crime do exist and pickpocketing and snatching bags do happen occasionally. It’s advisable to keep any bags close to your body and only get in tuk-tuks that have sidings or curtains.

Most importantly, keep your common sense intact and don’t leave any of your belongings unattended and you should be fine.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Phnom Penh

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Phnom Penh.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Phnom Penh itinerary.

Final Thoughts

The booming capital of Cambodia offers a plethora of cultural and historical attractions if you are planning to travel to Phnom Penh. Experience some of the best Phnom Penh, Cambodia points of interest with this guided itinerary that leads you to the temples, museums and the Royal Palace.

You’ll get some real insights into the recent dark history of the country, and at the same time get to experience the authentic way of life of Cambodian people today. Experience the vibrant markets, interesting neighbourhoods and delicious food for 3 days in Phnom Penh to really embrace all that the bustling city has to offer!

Now, armed with these helpful tips about visiting Cambodia and especially Phnom Penh, it’s time to decide on your favourite things to do and maybe plan some exciting day trips out of the city to make it everything that you want it to be!

When I visited Phnom Penh, I fell in love with this slow-paced city living that you don’t often find elsewhere – I’m sure you will too. Whether you are planning a weekend in Phnom Penh or just a 2-day itinerary, there’s so much in this capital that is waiting to be discovered.

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