Things To Do In Phnom Penh

1 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Choeung Ek Genocidal centre is located outside the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Infamously known as the Killing Fields, this is a mass grave site built to commemorate the death of thousands of civilians during the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1978. It is one of the disturbing places to visit in Phnom Penh that showcases the mass murders of people, who were held as prisoners in S-21 prison. Tourists can get to know the entire dark history of this period on tours where they can see thousands of skulls and bones.

5 km
from city center 2 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

The National Museum of Cambodia is located in the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is the largest and the central museum of the country, consisting of more than 15,000 collections depicting various periods in Cambodia's history. If you are interested in history, you will enjoy getting to know the past with these massive collections. It is a highly recommended attraction for tourists while traveling in Phnom Penh.

3 km
from city center 3 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is located close to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. It is a former secret prison well-known as S-21 established during the Khmer Rouge, where thousands of innocent Cambodian civilians were accused of crimes to be imprisoned and tortured. Many of these were executed in the nearby killing fields. Today, the prison has been converted to a museum that showcases the Genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge officials including Pol Pot. It is not a pleasant attraction, but worth a visit for the tourists traveling in Phnom Penh to understand the dark history of the country.

4 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

While Cambodia straddles plenty of scenic waterways, Phnom Penh is extremely popular for its breathtaking sunsets. Get a private boat tour past the capital city’s picturesque landscapes, Tonle Sap’s floating villages and the dense mangrove forests flanking the Mekong River. Then, spend a relaxed evening, with unlimited drinks and dinner, offered on sunset boat tours by Cambo Cruise, Memorable Cambodia Cruise, and Kanika Boats.

5 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Cambodian Living Arts is an institute performing cultural shows in the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This private institute is a famous attraction among the tourists visiting the capital city for their vibrant, impressive dance performances that depict Cambodian heritage and culture narrated by a combination of storytelling with traditional art, dance and music. It is highly recommended to visit the centre while traveling in Phnom Penh.

6 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

The Night Market is located on the riverfront close to downtown in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. This local night market open only during the weekends is a famous attraction for the Cambodians as well as tourists who come to enjoy a cold night by the riverfront tasting local street food and beer, to shop for cheap clothes, souvenirs and local jewellery. For tourists visiting Phnom Penh, exploring the local night market is a way of experiencing a Cambodian way of local life more than a destination for shopping.

7 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

The Royal Palace is located in the heart of the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The palace, which is one of the city's iconic landmarks, is the primary residence of the King of Cambodia and comprises of a throne and other precious monuments within a richly built complex. Although only limited sections are available to the public, it is among the top attractions of Siem Reap for tourists to witness the grandeur of the royalty of Cambodia.

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things to do in Phnom Penh

Silver Pagoda is a beautiful temple located next to the Royal Palace in the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This temple is known for more than 5000 excellent intricately-decorated silver tiles adorning the floor of the central complex. It is one of the highly recommended attractions to visit in Siem Reap for its cultural value, grandeur and elegant architecture.

9 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

A noteworthy street market in Phnom Penh is the Russian Market. This is the hippest market in town and one of the largest in Phnom Penh. Stalls selling wooden handicrafts, antiquities, miniature Buddhas, fruits and veggies, jewellery, etc occupy this market. And of course, you’ll see plenty of knock-off products with various brand tags. The market is also famous for Khmer iced coffee, elephant pants, grilled bananas and bargaining.

10 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

The Independence Monument is located in the heart of the city in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Built to commemorate the country's independence from France, it is one of the iconic landmarks popular among the locals and the tourists. It is worth checking out this uniquely built lotus-shaped stupa monument featuring traditional Khmer architecture while exploring Phnom Penh.

11 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Wat Phnom is a large Buddhist temple located on the only hill in the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is the tallest religious structure of the town and is quite popular among the locals who come here to pray for good luck and success in their lives. Offering magnificent views of the city and surrounded by a lovely garden, Wat Phnom hill temple is a top attraction of Phnom Penh that shouldn't be missed by tourists traveling in the city.

4 km
from city center 12 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Psar Thmei or the Central Market was first opened in 1937 and is located under a dome and four extending ‘legs’(hallways) of the structure. It’s an Art Deco building of Cambodia with a bright splash of yellow on the outside. It has countless stalls ranging from gold and silverware to electronic goods to food stalls. It’s a prominent market in Phnom Penh and is usually pretty busy with locals and tourists shopping for goods.

13 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Orussey Market is an old wholesale market located in the downtown close to Monivong Boulevard, one of the main areas for shopping in the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Spread across three floors consisting of hundreds of shops, it is the largest market for local products in the country and is more famous among the locals than the tourists. It is well visiting the market for the travelers to experience how Cambodia's busiest market looks like, with people from all over the country coming here every day to buy a wide range of essential products.

14 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Sisowath Quay is a famous boulevard located in the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This street, lined with many shops selling souvenirs, restaurants, cafes and bars, is a popular hangout place for the locals and a tourist attraction, which gets crowded during the weekends and holidays. The promenade lies in front of the Mekong river and is also famous for water sports enjoyed by the travelers visiting Phnom Penh.

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things to do in Phnom Penh

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center(PTWRC) is a wildlife centre located to the south of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is the largest zoo in the country consisting of over 1200 animals of more than 100 species and is among the top attractions. More than 2 million tourists visit Phnom Tamao every year. If you want to experience Cambodian wildlife in their natural habitats, this is a highly recommended attraction to visit while traveling in Phnom Penh.

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things to do in Phnom Penh

Bassac Lane is the prominent street in Phnom Penh, Cambodia popular among the tourists for the excellent restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs. The road is one of the most happening neighbourhoods with a bustling nightlife. Street vendors and hawkers sell local street food, desserts and smoothies, while you can enjoy Cambodia's best Khmer food in many of the restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines.

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things to do in Phnom Penh

Koh Dach is an island located on the banks of the Mekong river at Kandal in Kon Dach Commune close to the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The archipelago, known as Silk Island, is popular among the tourists for the clean, white sand beaches and the handicrafts produced here by the locals. It is worth planning a day trip to Koh Dach island while exploring Phnom Penh for a relaxing beach holiday.

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things to do in Phnom Penh

Wat Langka is a colourful Buddhist temple located in the heart of the city of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The temple, which gets its name from an order of monks from Sri Lanka, was initially built to store sacred Buddhist scripts and writings. One of those rare monuments to survive the Khmer Rouge, it is a popular attraction among the tourists visiting Siem Reap for its vibrant architecture and the massive collection of ancient Buddhist holy writings.

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things to do in Phnom Penh

Wat Ounalom is a prominent temple located in front of the Tonle Sap River in the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The pagoda is the headquarters of Cambodian Mohanikay order of Buddhism and is home to the head monk in the country. It is one of the top attractions in Siem Reap for tourists for its central, scenic location next to the river and being the centre of Buddhism in Cambodia.

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things to do in Phnom Penh

The Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk is the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial located in the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is a monument commemorating former King Norodom Sihanouk, who is credited for his efforts in liberating the country from French colonization. The memorial is one of the tourist attractions for people exploring Phnom Penh city and is worth making a stop while traveling here.

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things to do in Phnom Penh

The Royal railway station is a prominent landmark located in the heart of the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is a heritage building and is not functional since 2014. Due to its rich history and the elegant architecture, the station is one of the tourist attractions drawing travellers in the city.

3 km
from city center 22 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Located on the Sihanouk Boulevard, Wat Moha Montrey is a Buddhist temple built in 1970. The tall 35 metre structure was utilized as a rice and corn storage area. Being one of the most famous temples in the country, the spacious temple is often visited by locals and tourists and has spectacular architecture with erect pillars, beautiful red doors and intricate golden peripheral designs.

4 km
from city center 23 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Wat Saravan is a large temple situated a few minutes away from the National Museum. The temple is embellished with a collection of sculptures, statues, relics, wall and ceiling paintings of Lord Buddha. The old construction inside the Wat blends well with the modern design of the outer compound. Housing the country’s largest library, the place also possesses approximately 3400 manuscripts. The extraordinary Khmer style architecture stands out amidst the modern buildings of the city making the temple easy to locate.

5 km
from city center 24 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Known as the Temple of Lotus Blossoms, Wat Botum is located close to the Royal Palace and the Wat Botum Park. One of the city’s original wats, this magnificent structure was constructed in the 1400s under King Ponhea Yat’s rule. The ancient Khmer architectural building boasts of several relics, beautiful paintings and a large relic of a Buddha Stupa.

10,108 km
from city center 25 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Daughters of Cambodia Visitor Centre is a retail and F&B outlet in Phnom Penh with a boutique, women’s nail spa, and a cafe. Former trafficking victims are employed here in customer service positions ranging from chefs to business managers to baristas. The store furthermore offers opportunities for visitors to support the Daughters by buying their products like unique t-shirts, fashion accessories, soft home furnishings, wooden ornaments, and kids’ toys.

4 km
from city center 26 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Sample authentic Khmer delicacies in bustling open-air and night markets, mom-and-pop eateries, and busy street-food stalls in Cambodia’s capital, a paradise for lovers of Asian food with western twists. Some top spots to visit on a Phnom Penh street food tour include Street 19, Orussey Market, Phnom Penh Night Market, and Russian Market. Be sure to try yakitori skewer chicken, Cambodian fried doughnuts, pork noodles, Khmer coffee, and fried tarantulas.

4 km
from city center 27 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Celebrate Phnom Penh’s beauty after sundown with visits to some of the country’s most highly recognized bars, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, food streets, and markets. The nightlife here caters to Cambodian and international socialites, the youth, backpackers and tourists. For live music and happy hours, the best spots are Pontoon, Club Love, and Heart of Darkness. Other popular nightlife destinations include Candy Bar, Cadillac Bar and Grill, and Phnom Penh Night Market.

4 km
from city center 28 out of 28
things to do in Phnom Penh

Enjoy private tours, sunset sails, and party bookings on Tonle Sap, Chaktomuk River and the Mekong river with boat cruises departing from the Phnom Penh Floating Port. Sail past the picturesque Cambodian countryside, floating villages, Royal Palace grounds, and the city's numerous landscapes. Most cruises last two hours, while longer ones offer boutique sleepers, wining and dining. Popular luxury cruise operators include Cambo Cruise and Kanika Boats.