9 Best Things To See In Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a city filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re exploring its ancient temples, reflecting on its tragic past, or wandering its bustling streets, Phnom Penh has something to offer every traveler. Here are nine unmissable Things To See In Phnom Penh that will captivate you from start to finish.
1. The Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
One of the most iconic Things To See In Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace offers an awe-inspiring view of Cambodia’s regal history and living monarchy.
History
Built in the 1860s during the reign of King Norodom to house the Cambodian royal family. Still an active royal residence and site of coronations. Survived the Khmer Rouge era relatively intact and continues to be used for important state ceremonies today.
Highlights: Throne Hall (royal ceremonies), Silver Pagoda (5,000+ silver floor tiles, Emerald Buddha, 90 kg solid-gold Buddha with 9,584 diamonds), Ramayana mural, beautiful manicured gardens, and the Napoleon III Pavilion gifted by France.
Location: Sothearos Blvd, near Riverside
Entry: $10 (includes Silver Pagoda)
Opening hours: 8:00–11:00 AM & 2:00–5:00 PM (closed on some royal occasions)
Dress code: Shoulders & knees covered. Scarves available to borrow.
The Silver Pagoda floor contains 5 tonnes of silver tiles—most are covered for protection, but a few are exposed for visitors to see.
Visit at 8 AM sharp to beat tour groups. Combine with National Museum (5-min walk). Best light for photos: 3–4 PM when the golden spires glow beautifully.
2. Choeung Ek Killing Fields
A somber reminder of Cambodia’s dark past—essential for understanding modern Cambodia and the resilience of its people.
History
1975–1979: Over 17,000 people were executed here under the Khmer Rouge regime. 129 mass graves discovered; 86 excavated with 8,985 bodies. Site turned into a memorial after the regime fell in 1979. Many victims were transported from Tuol Sleng prison at night.
Highlights: 17-storey memorial stupa with 9,000+ skulls arranged by age and gender, bracelet tree, killing tree site, audio guide with survivor testimonies, peaceful surrounding gardens.
Location: 15 km south of city centre
Entry: $6 (excellent audio guide included)
Time needed: 2 hours
Bracelets are still left daily on the Killing Tree by visitors as a sign of respect and remembrance.
Visit after Tuol Sleng (same tuk-tuk $15–18 total). Go early (8 AM) or late afternoon. Bring water & tissues. The audio guide is highly recommended for powerful personal stories.
3. National Museum of Cambodia
World’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture—perfect companion to Angkor Wat and a must for history lovers.
History
Opened in 1920 in a stunning red-sandstone building designed by French architect George Groslier. Houses thousands of artifacts spanning over 1,000 years, many rescued from Angkor temples during colonial times.
Highlights: 8-armed Shiva statue, magnificent Garuda statue, Angkor-period bronzes, stone heads from Bayon, peaceful courtyard with lotus pond, and excellent Khmer art collection.
Location: Next to Royal Palace
Entry: $10 (audio guide $3 extra)
Opening hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
The museum survived the Khmer Rouge because they used it as a storage depot instead of destroying it.
Visit 8–10 AM before the heat builds up. Photography allowed (no flash). Combine with Royal Palace (5-min walk).
4. Wat Phnom
The spiritual heart of Phnom Penh — the hilltop temple that gave the city its name “Phnom Penh” (Penh’s Hill).
History
Founded in 1373 by Lady Penh who discovered four Buddha statues in the river and built a hill (phnom) to house them. It has been rebuilt and expanded several times and remains an active place of worship.
Highlights: Large seated Buddha, shrine to Lady Penh, resident monkeys, city views from top, colourful murals, and incense-filled prayer halls.
Location: Northern end of city centre
Entry: $1
Best time: Early morning or sunset for cooler temperatures and beautiful light.
Phnom Penh literally means “Penh’s Hill” after the woman who founded the temple.
Combine with sunset at nearby rooftop bars. Watch your belongings—monkeys are known to be cheeky thieves!
5. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
Former prison where only 12 of ~20,000 prisoners survived — a harrowing but essential site for understanding Cambodia’s history.
History
A former high school turned into Security Prison 21 by the Khmer Rouge. Prisoners were photographed, tortured, and forced to confess before being sent to Choeung Ek for execution.
Highlights: 14,000+ victim photographs, original torture cells, survivor paintings, barbed-wire balconies, and powerful audio testimonies.
Entry: $5 (audio guide $3)
Survivors: 2–3 still sell books daily at the museum
Only 12 survivors out of approximately 20,000 prisoners passed through Tuol Sleng.
Visit first (8–11 AM), then Killing Fields. Audio guide is highly recommended. Maintain respectful silence and avoid taking photos of victims without permission.
6. Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung)
Best market for souvenirs, silk, and street food — full of authentic local atmosphere and great bargains.
History
Established in the 1930s and nicknamed “Russian” in the 1980s when Soviet expats shopped here. Today it remains one of the most popular markets among both locals and visitors.
Best buys: Silk scarves ($3–8), krama scarves, silver jewelry, handmade bags, Kampot pepper, coffee, and spices.
Food: Fresh spring rolls, noodle soups, grilled meats, and tropical fruit stalls.
Location: Toul Tom Poung (south of city centre)
You can buy everything from fake Rolexes to motorbike parts in the same narrow aisle.
Bargain hard (start at 50% of asking price). Go early (8 AM) for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The food court area is excellent for lunch.
7. Central Market (Psar Thmei)
Stunning Art Deco yellow dome — one of the most iconic pieces of colonial architecture in Phnom Penh.
History
Built in 1937 in French colonial Art Deco style. The massive central dome with four wings is one of the largest in Asia and remains a bustling hub of daily life.
Best for: Jewelry, clothes, electronics, souvenirs, fresh produce, and the excellent food hall upstairs.
Location: City centre, near Independence Monument
The dome is one of the largest in Asia and glows beautifully at sunrise and sunset.
Best photos at sunrise when the yellow dome glows golden. The food hall opens at 6 AM — try fresh baguettes and Khmer coffee for breakfast.
8. Sisowath Quay (Riverside)
Phnom Penh’s vibrant waterfront promenade — perfect for people-watching, dining, and soaking up the city’s energy.
Highlights
Lined with French colonial buildings, street food vendors, bars, and night market stalls. The perfect place to watch the sun set over the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers.
Food: BBQ skewers, fresh sugarcane juice, noodle stalls, and riverside restaurants.
Nightlife: FCC, Le Moon rooftop, Bassac Lane speakeasies, and lively riverfront bars.
The entire riverside area was completely abandoned and deserted during the Khmer Rouge era — now it is the lively heart of the city again.
Walk from Royal Palace to Night Market at golden hour. Grab a $2 Angkor beer at a riverside bar and enjoy the sunset atmosphere.
9. Sunset Cruise on the Mekong
One of the best city views in Southeast Asia — where the Tonlé Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers meet.
Details
A relaxing 1-hour boat trip offering stunning views of the royal palace, city skyline, and river life at golden hour.
Cost: $5–10 (1-hour cruise)
Departure: Titanic Restaurant dock, around 5 PM daily
Includes: Free welcome drink on many boats and great photo opportunities.
You can see four countries’ flags at the confluence point where the rivers meet.
Book on the spot — no need to pre-book. Arrive 4:45 PM for the best seats on the upper deck. Bring your camera for incredible golden-hour shots.
Disclaimer: Information accurate as of November 2025. Prices in USD. Always check current opening hours and dress codes. Respect local customs—cover shoulders/knees at palaces and temples. Support local businesses and avoid giving money to children. Safe travels in Phnom Penh!