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Top Things to Do in Phnom Pehn - From Temples to Sky Bars

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Phnom Penh honestly surprised me. I arrived expecting a stopover city where I would just pass through on my way from Siem Reap to Koh Ring. Instead I found a huge city full of history, cozy boulevards, fascinating temples, really good food, creative cocktail bars and a high energy. It reminded me of Bangkok, just a smaller and younger version of it.

I think Phnom Pehn has one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating combinations of old and new with French colonial architecture crumbling beside modern cafés, small temples hidden down side streets, fun food markets and rooftop bars with amazing views.

It’s also one of the region’s best-value capitals. You can stay in beautiful boutique hotels for a fraction of what you'd pay in Bangkok or Singapore, eat incredibly well without spending much, and still have access to luxury when you want it.

Even if you don’t have unlimited time in Cambodia I highly recommend adding Phnom Phen to your itinerary and not just making it a transit stop to other spots in Cambodia. After exploring Cambodias capital I've gathered all my favourite things to do here so it’s easier for you to plan your upcoming trip.

15 Amazing Things To Do in Phnom Penh

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Phnom Pehn. If you also want more practical information like where you should base yourself, how to get around and my favourite restaurants, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need.

Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Even if you only have one day in Phnom Pehn, I would set aside some time to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. You don’t have to spend forever in here, but it’s Phnom Penhs biggest site and absolutely worth a visit.

The Royal Palace is still the residence of Cambodia’s king, and the architecture here is absolutely stunning. It’s classic Khmer elegance layered with intricate detail, golden spires and curling rooftops. It felt surprisingly peaceful to wander around which was really nice.

Royal Palace in Phnom Pehn

Be aware that there are a couple of spots in the complex that you’re either not allowed to enter or that you can see but not take pictures of. I personally don’t care, but I witnessed a couple of tourists getting really upset with the guards because the ticket price is $10 per person so they expected it to cover everything. You can still enter the places you can’t photograph, so I personally don’t think it’s something to be upset about, but at least you know about it.

The adjoining Silver Pagoda is equally impressive. It’s home to national treasures, elaborate Buddha statues and its famous silver-tiled floor. This is one of the spots you can enter but not take pictures of.

Royal Palace in Phnom Pehn
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Explore the National Museum

If you want to learn more about Cambodia's history and culture, the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh is well worth a visit. It’s located close to the Royal Palace so it’s perfect to combine. My advice is to explore the palace first in the morning and then head to the museum later on when the heat gets more intense.

The museum is housed in a beautiful traditional Khmer-style building with a beautiful courtyard and gardens around it. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of Khmer art and historical artefacts, including ancient sculptures, religious statues, ceramics and objects from the Angkorian period.

I would recommend visiting if you're planning to explore Angkor Wat or other temples in Cambodia, as seeing the sculptures and learning more about the Khmer Empire gives you a better understanding of the history behind the places you'll visit.

National Museum in Phnom Pehn
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Take a Sunset Walk Along the Riverside (Preah Sisowath Quay)

I highly recommend taking a stroll or a run along the riverfront around sunset. The whole area fills up with people and it’s a really fun place to just people watch and take in more of the local sene in Phnom Pehn. Families have picnics, vendors grill street food, and people are just stretching or doing aerobics.

Some people will offer boat cruises along the river to watch the sunset, but I personally skipped it. I was there in April which is the driest month of the year so the river didn't look as enticing as it might do other times of the year.

Exploring Phnom Pehn

Have Cocktails on Bassac Lane

Yes it’a a bit touristy, but also pretty cool. This tiny alleyway is packed with bars, live music venues and restaurants. It’s not as huge or crowded as many other streets like this I’ve seen around Asia. This one has kept its charm and you’ll find lots of really good food here as well as some nice bars.

It’s not a huge area, but there are still lots of places to explore so you can either come back multiple times or do a bit of bar-hopping.

One of my favourite spots was a bar called The White Rabbit which was tucked away inside one of the alleys so I almost missed it. Inside they have an Alice in Wonderland theme and you even get a looking glass to read your menu with. I’m a sucker for stuff like that, so I loved it!

Bassac Lane, Phnom Pehn
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Have Dinner & Drinks on Lanka Lane

We lived close to Lanka Lane so we kind of just stumbled upon it while exploring the neighbourhood, and I'm so glad we did. I think it’s my favourite corner of Phnom Pehn. It feels a bit like Bassac Lane, just a bit fancier and less discovered.

The area isn’t big, but still packed with some really good restaurants and bars. In addition they have some really cool speakeasy bars which I always love. So walk around and find a spot you like either for some food or just a drink. We really liked a place called The Garrison and Battbong.

Lanka Lane, Phnom Pehn
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Watch the Sunset from a Skybar

In some ways I think Phnom Phen reminds me a bit of Bangkok, it's just a lot smaller and doesn't have as many tourists and fancy sky bars. For now at least. However, they do have a couple of sky bars which are really nice. So if you want to watch the sunset with a good glass of wine I highly recommend heading to one of the sky bars during your visit. My personal favourite was a place called Sora Sky bar.

Phnom Pehn

Visit Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is one of the most important temples in Phnom Penh and a good stop if you want to see a little more of the city's religious and cultural side.

It’s located on a small hill in the middle of the city, so it’s fairly easy to reach. You can climb the staircase to the temple, admire the colourful decorations and Buddha statues, and observe locals visiting to pray and make offerings. The temple itself is relatively small, so you don't need to set aside hours to visit, but it’s definitely worth a stop.

Phnom Pehn

Learn About Cambodia’s Dark History at Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek

I’m sorry to say that I never made it here. After exploring the killing fields and various museums in Battambang I didn’t have it in me to see more so soon after. However, I really do regret it in hindsight as I think the ones in Phnom Pehn would have been even more educational, although also probably even more grim.

Both the Killing fields of Choung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum are some of the most difficult but important things to do in Phnom Penh if you want to understand Cambodia's recent history. So even though it’s a rough visit, it’s incredibly important, especially if you’re not planning to visit any other sites like this in Cambodia.

Tuol Sleng was once a former school that the Khmer Rouge turned into a prison and torture centre after taking control of Cambodia in 1975. Thousands of people were imprisoned here, interrogated and tortured. Most of these were eventually sent to the killing fields of Choueng Ek to be executed.

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Explore the Markets Around Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh's markets are a great way to experience a different side of the city, whether you're looking for local street food, fresh produce, souvenirs or simply want to see where locals shop.

Rather than spending all your time visiting temples and museums, I'd set aside a little time to wander through a few markets, as each one has its own atmosphere. Some are busy indoor markets filled with stalls selling everything from clothes to jewellery, while others are better for trying Cambodian snacks and watching everyday life unfold.

Central Market (Phsar Thmei) is probably the best place to start, even if you aren't planning to buy anything. The impressive yellow Art Deco building has a large central dome and several areas filled with stalls selling jewellery, clothing, souvenirs, flowers and food. It's worth visiting for the architecture alone, and you can easily spend an hour browsing the different sections.

Phnom Pehn

Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) is another must-visit if you enjoy browsing for souvenirs, fabrics, handicrafts, clothes and locally made products. It's a more traditional covered market, with narrow aisles and a slightly chaotic atmosphere that makes exploring part of the experience. You'll find plenty of things to look at, and it's a good place to shop for gifts to take home.

If you want to see a market that feels more focused on everyday Cambodian life than tourist shopping, head to Orussey Market. Here, you'll find fresh produce, meat, seafood, household goods, clothing and electronics. It can be busy and a little overwhelming, but that's also what makes it interesting if you want to see a more local side of Phnom Penh.

Finally, visit Phnom Penh Night Market (Phsar Reatrey) near the riverside if you want to combine browsing with an easy evening out. There are stalls selling clothes, accessories and souvenirs, alongside food vendors where you can try Cambodian snacks and other inexpensive dishes. It's a more relaxed way to experience the market scene after a day of sightseeing, especially if you want to grab something to eat while exploring the riverside area.

Phnom Pehn
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Join a Cambodian Cooking Class or Food Tour

If you enjoy learning about a country's culture through its food, taking a Cambodian cooking class or food tour is a fun way to spend a few hours in Phnom Penh. Cambodian cuisine doesn't always get as much attention as Thai or Vietnamese food, but there are plenty of delicious dishes to discover. My personal favourites are the curries, but it’s also worth trying the famous fish amok.

Cambodian food

Best Day trips from Phnom Pehn

Take a Day Trip to Silk Island (Koh Dach)

If you want to escape the traffic and busy streets of Phnom Penh for a few hours, consider taking a day trip to Silk Island, also known as Koh Dach.

It’s located on the Mekong River just outside the city, and offers a glimpse of a slower, more rural side of Cambodia, with traditional wooden houses, small villages, green countryside and silk-weaving workshops.

Beyond the weaving workshops, you can cycle or take a tuk-tuk through the villages, pass fruit orchards and farmland, and stop along the river to enjoy the quieter surroundings.

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Take a Day Trip to Oudong

If you have a little extra time in Phnom Penh and want to explore beyond the city, Oudong Mountain is worth considering for a day trip.

It’s located around 40 kilometres northwest of the capital, and was once the royal capital of Cambodia for more than 250 years before the capital moved to Phnom Penh in 1866. Today, the area is known for its hilltop stupas, Buddhist shrines and panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.

Visiting involves climbing a long staircase up Oudong Mountain, where you'll find several religious monuments and memorials, including stupas containing the remains of former Cambodian kings. It's a peaceful place to explore, and the views from the top are particularly lovely on a clear day.

Remember to dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees, as Oudong remains an important religious site. You can visit independently by arranging transport from Phnom Penh, or join a guided tour if you'd prefer to learn more about the area's history along the way.

Phnom Pehn

What’s the Best Area To Stay in Phnom Penh

If it’s your first time in Phnom Pehn, I’d focus on these three areas:

Each area has a different personality and where you might want to stay depends on what kind of trip you want.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a nice and relaxing stay in Phnom Pehn.

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa

This is a longtime favourite, and for good reason. The resort has beautiful gardens, a large pool, elegant rooms and a resort-like calm while still being central.

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Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh
Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh

This is possibly the most beautiful hotel in central Phnom Penh. Even though it's right in the middle of the city it somehow manages to feel tropical, design-forward and serene.There are jungle-like pools, gorgeous architecture, excellent food and a rooftop bar.

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Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Raffles Hotel Le Royal

This is an institution and arguably Phnom Penh’s grandest hotel. If old-world glamour is your thing, this is the place. Think heritage luxury, high ceilings, famous cocktails, impeccable service and serious history. For some it might be a splurge, but this place is worth splurging on.

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Map of the Best Hotels in Phnom Pehn

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Phnom Pehn to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

How Long Should You Stay in Phnom Penh?

I would recommend spending two to three days in Phnom Penh to see the city's main attractions, learn about Cambodia's history and experience a little of everyday life in the capital. Phnom Penh has a very different atmosphere from Siem Reap, and while it might not have the same immediate appeal as Angkor Wat, I think it's worth giving the city enough time to understand its history and explore beyond the main tourist sights.

If you have two days in Phnom Penh, you can visit the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia and Wat Phnom, while also making time to explore the riverside and browse some of the city's markets. I would also set aside time for Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, although these are emotionally demanding visits, so I wouldn't try to squeeze too much else into the same day.

Phnom Pehn

With three days in Phnom Penh, you have more flexibility to explore at a relaxed pace. You could take a Cambodian cooking class, visit Silk Island to see traditional silk weaving, or make a day trip to Oudong if you're interested in the country's royal and religious history. You can also spend more time exploring local cafés, trying Cambodian food and seeing different parts of the city rather than moving from one attraction to another.

If you're short on time, one full day is enough to see a few highlights, but I wouldn't recommend rushing through Phnom Penh just to tick it off your Cambodia itinerary. I personally spent a week here and could’ve easily spent even more because there are so many cozy neighbourhoods to explore in addition to the top sights.

Final Thoughts: Is Phnom Pehn Worth Visiting?

Phnom Penh might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to Cambodia, but I think it's a city worth making time for. It's busy, a little chaotic and not always the easiest place to navigate, but there's so much more to it than first meets the eye. From exploring the Royal Palace and browsing the local markets to trying Cambodian food and taking a trip to Silk Island, there are plenty of ways to experience the city beyond its main attractions.

If you're planning a trip around Cambodia, Phnom Penh is also a useful stop between destinations such as Siem Reap and the southern coast. It might not be everyone's favourite place in the country, but I think it's worth looking beyond the traffic and busy streets to discover its history, culture and everyday life. With a little planning, you can experience a side of Cambodia that you won't get from visiting the temples alone.

Plan Your Trip to Phnom Pehn

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan what to do in Phnom Pehn. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

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