Be careful because Cambodia is the most dangerous place you will ever visit. You will fall in love with it, and eventually, it will break your heart.
Joel Brinkley
Oh, Cambodia. Our love affair with this little country started on our first backpacking trip around Southeast Asia in 2023.
Of all the Southeast Asian capital cities, Phnom Penh is the one that most tourists opt to skip through since it frequently receives a poor name.
Everyone is familiar with someone who visited Phnom Penh and afterward described it as “underwhelming” or worse.
Furthermore, it is unavoidable unless you fly into and out of Siem Reap. Literally, Phnom Penh is accessible from every direction. Logistics will force you to enter the capital city at least once or twice if you intend to tour Cambodia. Additionally, as you will find out, all roads in Cambodia leads to Phnom Penh.
If you’re reading this, you’ve undoubtedly resisted the impulse to travel straight to Angkor Wat without stopping in Phnom Penh. Don’t merely fly through Phnom Penh, is our suggestion. Spend a few days, ideally two or three, seeing the sites, seeing some of the vibrant local neighbourhoods, and getting to know this city.
When to visit Phnom Penh
The tropical climate of Cambodia includes two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The coldest period of the year typically lasts from late November through January. It’s also the busiest travel period. The warmest and driest months of the year are March, April, and May. The wet season begins in June or July and reach its climax in September.
How many days in Phnom Penh
3 full days in Phnom Penh is a good amount of time to experience the city. This will allow you to view the major tourist destinations as well as some of the greatest off-the-beaten-path sights and local communities.
Because not everyone has the luxury of leisure, we’ve tailored this Phnom Penh itinerary to be suited for one, two, or three days of travel.
How to get to Phnom Penh city from the airport
For those who are unfamiliar, entering the city from Phnom Penh International Airport might be terrifying. Don’t worry, as you arrive there plenty of airport transport available, bus, tuk-tuk, and taxis.
For a hassle-free choice you can go with taxi, which will cost $18 (2023). A tuk-tuk cost $12 and you can book it before you leave the terminal through the machines with either card or cash. There is also a local bus, which is supposed to be the cheapest option at only $0.40 but as it did not stop close to our hotel we did not explore this option.
How to get around Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is not a particularly walkable city. Sidewalks are frequently absent, and driving may be dangerous. It’s fine to wander around the core area, but anything more than 10-20 minutes should be avoided. Also during the summer months it will be hot, humid and sweaty.
Because Phnom Penh lacks a public transportation system, the best (and only) option to go larger distances is to use tuk-tuks or taxis. To book rides on the move, download PassApp, the local counterpart of Grab or Uber. Tuk-tuks are available everywhere in the city, but be careful to not get overcharged especially outside the big tourist attractions.
If you take a tuk-tuk, make sure you keep your belongings next to you in the middle or in the storage in the back. Do not use your phone during the ride as we have heard people on motorcycles tend to try to grab it from you through the open sides.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh
Mad Monkey Phnom Penh
We stayed in a private room at Mad Monkey, located near attractions so it is easy to get around. They also have a lot of activities and a social area to meet fellow backpackers.
Phnom Penh Itineraries Overview
Day 1: Choeung Ek Killing Fields & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum; Riverside.
Day 2: Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda; the National Museum, evening night market food tour; drinks at mad monkey hostel.
Day 3: City tour with a tuk-tuk (make sure you bargain the price 3 times), Monkey temple, gold boat, and the gold pagoda.
- Take your time. Try not to cram too much into each day.
- After lunch, take a rest. Avoid going out during the warmest portion of the day.
- Don’t be afraid to confront Cambodia’s history. Taking the time to understand Cambodian history, especially the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, and the civil war, is crucial in our opinion. Just make sure you handle it with tact and respect.
- Take a detour if you notice a wat or a market. There aren’t many explicitly included on this schedule, but they’re all over the place. When you find an intriguing market or pagoda, stop for a few minutes.
1 Day Itinerary (Must-Sees Only)
If you only have a day in Phnom Penh, these are the must-sees.
The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Going all the way to Phnom Penh and not taking the time to research Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge, and the Cambodian civil war would be a disservice. Outside of the area, the further specifics of this upsetting chapter of 20th-century history are still mostly unknown. But keep in mind that for any Cambodian above a certain age, the events of the 1970s are still fresh in their minds. Whatever you want to call it—dark tourism, perhaps—I believe that tourists must understand and appreciate this element of Cambodia’s past, no matter how upsetting it may be.
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
Lies 20 kilometers south of the city. It was formerly a fruit orchard that the Khmer Rouge utilized as one of several infamous “Killing Fields” around the nation where at least one million people were killed between 1975 and 1979. (The estimated overall human cost, taking into account those who died from famine and forced labor, is from 1.7 to 2.5 million individuals.)
More than 20,000 people’s bodies were discovered in mass graves in Choeung Ek, including several political prisoners detained at S21. If you’ve ever seen pictures of the “tower of skulls,” here is where the stupa that was built there is.
It was thought that converting Choeung Ek into a learning center would be the finest way to honor the victims.
When you arrive, you’ll be given an audio tour recorded in part by Choeung Ek survivors. It genuinely feels like a very serene, ideal spot walking around the grounds, over low hillocks, past lakes, and through tree groves. The contrast just emphasizes the tragedies that occurred there.
Open 7.30am–5.30pm daily and cost $6 (including audio guide).
We paid $15 for tuk-tuk to go to the killing fields and back to the hostel.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
This was an inner-city secondary school until the Khmer Rouge transformed it into the renowned S21 Security Prison. Thousands of political detainees, including troops and government officials, professors, physicians, teachers, and even monks, were taken here for questioning. The majority of them did not live to see Pol Pot deposed.
It’s a really raw feeling, just like Choeung Ek. It’s easy to see how the tiled classrooms were separated into little compartments. Beds and chains may still be found on the floor in certain places. Everyone who was detained in Tuol Sleng was forced to write an autobiography, beginning with their childhood and ending with their imprisonment.
The horrors of Tuol Sleng have been pieced together using these records and confessions. A wall of pictures of the captives in black and white is one of the most heartbreaking exhibitions.
Open 8am–5pm daily and cost $5 (extra $5 for an audio guide).
Riverside (Sisowath Quay)
Through the heart of Phnom Penh, Riverside Park is a large, paved promenade that follows the Tonle Sap River’s shore. Due to its exposure, it is typically lonely in the middle of the day. It’s a nice area to stroll in the late afternoon and a highly popular neighborhood hangout.
When you get to Sisowath Quay from the National Museum, turn toward the river and begin heading north. Grab a bite to eat on the way, take a moment to see the colourful fishing and cruise boats.
2 Days Itinerary
Everything from 1 Day Itinerary plus…
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Phnom Penh’s gleaming Royal Palace, located directly on the shore, is difficult to overlook. It is the most recognizable landmark in the city and unquestionably the most popular tourist destination.
The palace is open from 8:00-11:00 am and 2:00-5:00 pm. It cost $10 per person (2023).
Cambodia National Museum
The National Museum of Cambodia has the country’s biggest collection of Angkorian artifacts. If you’re planning a trip to Siem Reap and have a special interest in history or archaeology, it could be worth taking advantage of the museum. However, I believe you need some good foundation knowledge to enjoy the displays (there aren’t a lot of contexts supplied).
Night Market
Visitors may immerse themselves in a wide variety of sights, sounds, and smells at the Phnom Penh night market.
The aroma of street food adds to the energetic atmosphere. We recommend trying traditional Cambodian food here and sitting down on the carpet to enjoy the food and the atmosphere. You can find anything from aromatic grilled meats and flavorful noodles to tropical fruits and energizing drinks.
The Phnom Penh night market guarantees an amazing experience, whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind mementos, indulging in regional food, or simply exploring the dynamic atmosphere. Under the starry night sky, it’s a spot where the soul of Cambodia comes to life, offering a unique and immersive look into the center of this intriguing city.
Mad Monkey Late Drinks
The fun is assured here, and the party never ends! This dynamic and active hostel is the ideal location for tourists wishing to have a blast and create priceless memories. It is tucked away in the center of the city.
The communal space is a kaleidoscope of hues, giggles, and animated discussions. In this setting, complete strangers quickly become friends as tales are exchanged over a cold beverage or game of beer pong.
Prepare for huge pub crawls that will lead you to the greatest nightlife areas of the city. The kind and enthusiastic employees at the hostel are always available to join in the fun and ensure that you are having the time of your life.
3 Days Itinerary
Everything from 1 Day Itinerary and 2 Days Itinerary plus…
The best way to explore Phnom Penh’s cultural riches is on a tuk-tuk city tour. This experience promises to leave you with priceless memories, from the golden magnificence of the Gold Pagoda to the ethereal charm of the Monkey Temple and the calm of a Mekong River ride on a sparkling gold boat. Explore these renowned sites to become fully immersed in Cambodia’s rich history and spirituality. Grab your camera, enjoy the tuk-tuk ride’s thrill, and set out on an unforgettable tour through Phnom Penh’s heart and soul!
The Gold Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morokat):
This holy temple complex is a shimmering work of art covered in more than 5,000 sparkling gold tiles, it is a stunning and mesmerizing sight when you enter the main temple. Intricate wall paintings representing mythological stories will capture your attention as you move through the temple. Take some time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and recognize the spiritual value of this amazing location.
The Monkey Temple (Wat Phnom):
We’ll next proceed to Wat Phnom, the fabled monkey temple that is positioned atop a tiny hill in the middle of the city. According to legend, the temple was erected here by rich widow Daun Penh after she found four Buddha images concealed within a tree trunk. Climb the majestic stairway to discover a serene and spiritual environment. Explore the exquisitely designed gardens while admiring the pagoda’s unique construction. The active monkeys who live here give a whimsical and charming touch to the experience, so keep a lookout for them.
The Gold Boat
The boat itself is a sight to behold, adorned with intricate golden decorations that reflect Cambodia’s rich maritime history.
Mekong River Cruise
To complete our city tour, we will go across the Mekong River via the ferry. As we leisurely sail along the majestic river, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and the tranquil waters of the Mekong. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the gentle breeze as you soak up the ambiance and capture memorable photographs. Feel the rhythm of the river and let the serenity of the surroundings wash over you, offering a moment of respite from the urban bustle.
Conclusion
Congratulations, young adventurers! You’ve explored the wonders of Phnom Penh through an action-packed 3 days itinerary.
As you navigated the Mekong River, indulged in the excitement of Night Market, and learned about the country’s history, you discovered the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Phnom Penh truly special. The tuk-tuk ride added a touch of exhilaration to your journey, making you feel like the hero of your own adventure.
Phnom Penh is a city that embraces both tradition and modernity and as young explorers, you’ve embraced it all. So keep exploring, keep seeking new adventures, and remember the incredible memories you’ve made in this captivating city. Phnom Penh will always be ready to welcome you back for a more fun-filled escape!
Watch our video about Phnom Penh
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