Phnom Penh

Area: 679 sq km
Population: 2.1 million people

GEOGRAPHY
Phnom Penh is located at the confluence of three major rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. The city holds a strategic position and was once dubbed the "Pearl of Asia" for its beauty and vitality. It serves as Cambodia's political, economic, and cultural center, and is a gateway to explore the vast Mekong Delta.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Being in a tropical monsoon zone, Phnom Penh has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
Dry Season (November to April): This is the ideal time to explore Phnom Penh. The weather is dry with temperatures ranging from 25–35°C. Particularly in May, many special festivals take place.
Rainy Season (May to October): The weather becomes hotter and more humid, with brief showers in the afternoon or evening. Though rains are usually short-lived, travelers are advised to carry an umbrella or raincoat. Average temperatures remain around 27–33°C.

TRANSPORTATION
How to Get There?
By Bus: If you're in southern Vietnam, it’s easy to take a bus to Phnom Penh. Many companies run hourly services daily. Ticket prices range from 200,000–250,000 VND/person. There are also buses from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh about 5 or 6 hours

By Air: This is the fastest and most convenient method. Many airlines now operate direct flights to Phnom Penh.
Getting Around Phnom Penh: Common, affordable means of transport include motorbikes, tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorcycle taxis.

By Boats: Daily express boats from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

For groups or families seeking faster travel, taxis are a good option.
For budget travelers, tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis are suitable.
Solo travelers who want more control over their timing can rent a motorbike.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotels are mostly concentrated in central areas near tourist attractions. Depending on your itinerary, you may choose to stay in:
Independence Monument Area: Near the Independence Monument and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Budget hotels are plentiful, and the area has many shopping centers and good eateries.
Olympic Stadium Area: This area features numerous markets and is conveniently located for visiting the Tuol Sleng Museum.
City Center: Offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury to budget, with many restaurants, bars, and cheap eateries. However, traffic jams can be an issue.
Sisowath Quay/Riverside Area: Close to major attractions like the National Museum, Royal Palace, pagodas, and traditional markets.

SEE & DO
Wat Phnom: Also known as Lady Penh’s Pagoda, this sacred and famous temple attracts many local and international Buddhists. It houses the remains of King Ponhea Yat and King Boliwat inside a white stupa. Located on a 27-meter-high hill, it is the highest point in Phnom Penh and offers a panoramic city view.

Royal Palace: The palace is divided into two main sections: the Emerald Buddha Temple and the royal residence.

The Emerald Buddha Temple (also called the Silver Pagoda or Golden Pagoda) is where the King holds birthdays and Buddhist ceremonies.
Its floor is paved with over 5,000 silver tiles, and it houses a Buddha statue adorned with more than 2,000 diamonds.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21): This museum displays images and documents from the brutal Khmer Rouge era. Formerly a high school, it was turned into a prison during the regime. It is a must-visit for those interested in history and untold stories of the past.

Choeung Ek Killing Fields Memorial: This is where the Khmer Rouge executed thousands of innocent people. History records over 20,000 victims buried in mass graves here.

National Museum of Cambodia: Perfect for visitors wishing to learn about Khmer history. The museum preserves artifacts from the Chenla Kingdom (pre-Angkor) to the golden age of Angkor Wat

Independence Monument: Built to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule and honor those who sacrificed their lives. Constructed between 1958–1962, its design was inspired by a blooming lotus—symbolizing purity and awakening.

Sisowath Quay (Backpacker Area): Located along the Mekong River and near the Royal Palace square, it has many souvenir shops. A great place for an evening stroll or a night market visit after touring nearby sites. Sunset views and flocks of friendly pigeons offer a lovely experience.

Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung Market): A well-known market for tourists, it gathers many Russian vendors and shoppers. It sells a wide variety of goods from fashion, cosmetics to handicrafts. It’s also home to a famous coffee shop called “The Best Iced Coffee in Phnom Penh.”

Central Market (Phsar Thmey): Also known as the New Market, it features a unique pyramid design. It is a popular shopping spot for Vietnamese tourists and locals alike. You’ll find everything from jewelry, souvenirs, clothing to food. Especially, you can bargain using Vietnamese dong here.

FOOD & DRINK
Insects: Dishes made from insects rank among Cambodia’s top 10 delicacies. Ingredients include ants, worms, scorpions, crickets, spiders, prepared by frying, stir-frying, or steaming.

Khmer Red Curry: Often served during festivals, weddings, and religious events. Milder than Thai curry, ingredients may include beef, chicken, eggplant, mung beans, and potatoes. Coconut milk is essential to provide a rich, sweet flavor.

Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles): A popular daily dish in Cambodia, often sold by street vendors. Made with fermented fish paste, creamy coconut milk, and served with bean sprouts, banana blossoms, cucumbers, and green papaya.

Num Plae Ai (Sticky Rice Balls): Similar to Vietnamese “bánh trôi,” these sweet rice balls have a palm sugar filling, soaked in caramel syrup and served with shredded fresh coconut.

Cha Houy Teuk: A popular dessert sold at street stalls and near schools. It includes colorful seaweed jelly, sago, mung beans, and coconut cream. It’s a nostalgic childhood treat for many Cambodians.

Num Sang Khya L’peou (Pumpkin Custard): Made with a mix of egg whites, palm sugar, and coconut milk. The hollowed-out pumpkin is used as a mold for the mixture, then steamed for 30 minutes. When sliced, each bite combines creamy coconut, fluffy egg, and soft pumpkin in perfect harmony.

NIGHTLIFE

Phnom Penh offers a lively and diverse nightlife scene, ranging from rooftop bars and nightclubs to laid-back pubs and street-side beer gardens. Here’s a guide to experiencing the best of the city after dark:

NagaWorld encompasses most of what travellers need and desire under one roof: 20 Food & Beverage outlets and clubs, two all-suite luxurious spa, shopping gallery including China Duty Free Group, the first underground shopping centre in Cambodia selling luxurious international brands, extensive entertainment services including gaming facilities, premium meeting spaces with state-of-the-art facilities, as well as one of the country’s largest MICE facilities that accommodates more than 1,000 delegates and a sophisticated brand new 2,000-seater NABA Theatre.
Add: Samdech Techo Hun Sen Park, Phnom Penh, 120101, P.O. Box 1099 Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia

Eclipse Sky Bar: Eclipse Sky Bar, the highest restaurant and bar in Phnom Penh. Located at the top of Phnom Penh Tower, with 360 degree view of the city
Add: Phnom Penh Tower, 23rd Floor, Sangkat, 455 Preah Monivong Blvd (93), Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Heart Of Darkness: The Heart is open once again with drag shows every Friday and Saturday. The Heart of Darkness is well known as one of the longest running and most popular nightlife attractions in Phnom Penh (since 1993). For a fun night and a party atmosphere every night of the week. Open from 9pm till late.
Add: 38 Rue Pasteur No. 51, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Sundown Social Club: A tropical oasis sitting 3 stories high above the rooftops of Russian Market, Sundown Social Club
Add: No 86, Street 440, Phnom Penh 12310, Cambodia

Pontoon Club: Pontoon is a renowned nightclub in Phnom Penh, known for its energetic atmosphere, diverse music genres, and lively crowd, making it a staple in the city's nightlife scene.
Add: 80 Jayavarman 7 St. (172), Phnom Penh City, Cambodia

Blue Chilli: The longest running gay bar and the best drag show in Cambodia. est. 2006
Add: 126 Street 130, Phnom Penh 12205, Cambodia

LOVE - Phnom Penh: Club Love offers the best international music every night, making it the perfect place to dance the night away. Located in the vibrant BKK1 district on Street 278, Phnom Penh, it provides a safe and welcoming environment. Enjoy great cocktails, friendly staff, and a lively atmosphere where locals and expats blend seamlessly.Add: Wat Langka, 3 St 278, Phnom Penh 12320, Cambodia

Wild Phnom Penh: Craving some delicious food and refreshing drinks? Wild Phnom Penh is the place to be! We're located near Bassac Lane and serve up mouthwatering spring rolls, healthy salads, and tasty veggie and vegan options, all in our lush garden or spacious terrace seating. When the sun goes down, our skilled bartenders whip up amazing cocktails using the best Cambodian ingredients. We had the honor to be named Cambodia's Best Cocktail Bar in 2022, by the Cambodian Magazine Sovrin. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night, a fun night out with friends, or a memorable family meal, Wild Phnom Penh is your Phnom Penh oasis
Add: 13Y St 830, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Darlin' Darlin' Music Lounge: The most popular music lounge in Phnom Penh! All night entertainment with international live bands, dancers, DJs and special events
Add: Ground Level, Hotel North Wing, NagaWorld1 Park, 120101, Samdech Hun Sen St, Phnom Penh, Cambodia