Things to do in Phnom Penh

Activities, attractions and tours

Tuk Tuk Taxi. Cambodia.; Shutterstock ID 690025423;
Tuk Tuk Taxi. Cambodia.; Shutterstock ID 690025423;
Panorama view of the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh
A long exposure photo of the Independence monument in Phonm Penh, Cambodia during evening. #LifeAtExpediaGroup
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Top places to visit

1. Royal Palace

One glimpse of Royal Palace is enough to confirm that it was built for kings and queens. Look for the gilded roof and dramatic Khmer architecture of this dominant Phnom Penh landmark.
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Royal Palace featuring heritage elements, a park and a castle

2. Central Market

If shopping in Phnom Penh is on your list of things to do, make Central Market your first stop. From fragrant spices to antique furniture to souvenir shirts, the market offers a surprising variety of goods under its dome roof.
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Central Market in Phnom Penh

3. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Walk through Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a sobering reminder of the horrors that humanity is capable of committing. Although a visit here will leave you decidedly depressed, it is an important monument to the lives lost during the barbaric Khmer Rouge regime.
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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

4. Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom towers above Phnom Penh on the only hill in the city. Enter the Buddhist monastery through the grand staircase on its eastern side. You will immediately notice the gates, which are adorned with lions and snakes.
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Playing tour guide for the weekend exploring the market, good coffee on street 136 and this beautiful view of the clock garden in Wat Phnom. More on Wat Phnom: http://bit.ly/1v8y6o8

5. Independence Monument

Walk or drive through Phnom Penh and look up; you can’t miss Independence Monument. This eye-catching structure dominates the city center.
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Independence Monument, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 🇰🇭.. A strong country with nice future and horrifying past. #cambodia #independencemonument #phnompenh #longexposure #monument #nikonasia #nikond7200 #travelph #oph #_ip #travelphotography #wanderer #backpacker #explorer #beautifuldestinations #taillights #iamtb #infinitetravel #bestcitybreaks #uniquephotographyclub

What to do in Phnom Penh

Popular places to visit

Phnom Penh riverside. Cambodia

Riverside

Riverside is just one of the places to see in Phnom Penh, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the area's riverfront or simply savour its lively bars.

Riverside
Royal Palace featuring heritage elements, a park and a castle

Royal Palace

Befitting the home of Cambodia’s royalty, the glittering golden roofline of this palace dominates Phnom Penh’s skyline.

Royal Palace
Central Market showing markets and flowers as well as an individual female

Central Market

Whether you’re looking for fresh food or a new watch, you can buy just about anything imaginable within the walls of Phnom Penh’s famous cross-shaped market.

Central Market
Top View of Building in a City - Aerial view Skyscrapers flying by drone of Phnom Penh city with downtown , riverside and sunset

Phnom Penh Night Market

During your visit to Phnom Penh, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Phnom Penh Night Market. Discover the area's fascinating museums or seek out its local tours.

Phnom Penh Night Market
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

This former prison outside Phnom Penh brings to light the brutality of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge and honors the 17,000 people who lost their lives here.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Russian Market or Tuol Tom Poung Market has unique antiques, souvenirs, household items, a wet market, clothes under one roof. It can get hot here though as they are housed under zinc roofs. More on Traditional Markets in Phnom Penh: http://bit.ly/1L4Y1PH

Tuol Tom Pong Market

During your visit to Phnom Penh, you can do some window-shopping at Tuol Tom Pong Market. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Tuol Tom Pong Market
Wat Phnom featuring a temple or place of worship

Wat Phnom

Sitting atop what is considered the only hill in Phnom Penh, this eclectic Buddhist monastery features a fascinating array of shrines, stupas and ornate buildings.

Wat Phnom
Independence Monument featuring a monument and a garden

Independence Monument

Like a massive lotus blooming from Phnom Penh’s center, this monument is a touching tribute to the country’s independence and to the people who made it possible.

Independence Monument
Inside the National Museum

National Museum of Cambodia

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in National Museum of Cambodia during your travels in Phnom Penh. Discover the area's lively bars and its fascinating museums.

National Museum of Cambodia

Areas of Phnom Penh

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Chbar Ampov

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Chbar Ampov and surrounding area, you can visit AEON Mall and NagaWorld Casino.

Chbar Ampov

Frequently asked questions

Is Phnom Penh worth visiting?
Whether you plan to discover the local charm and cultural highlights or sample regional foods and explore the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Phnom Penh.
How do I spend a day in Phnom Penh?
Once you've visited top attractions like Riverside and Sosoro Museum, spend some time experiencing Phnom Penh's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Phnom Penh?
You can't go home without visiting Riverside, rated the top tourist attraction in Phnom Penh.
Is three days enough to stay in Phnom Penh?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Riverside, Sosoro Museum and Phnom Penh Fantasy World with a three-day break in Phnom Penh. On average, most travellers plan four days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Boeung Keng Kang.
Is Phnom Penh a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Phnom Penh is a good place to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Riverside and Sosoro Museum. Then take a stroll around Daun Penh, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Phnom Penh City Centre, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Phnom Penh with kids?
Planning what to do in Phnom Penh with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there are plenty of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Phnom Penh for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in Phnom Penh for adults including Monireth Boulevard and Prayuvong Buddha Factories.
Are there free things to do in Phnom Penh?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Phnom Penh. If you need new ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Royal Palace is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

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