Phnom Penh itinerary 2 days — How to spend & what to do in Phnom Penh in 2 days?

Phnom Penh is considered as the “Pearl of Asia” in the early years of the 20th century. Phnom Penh is a city of monumental and unique architectural works bearing the characteristics of the Khmer people. Here, visitors can freely shop for typical Cambodian items and taste flavorful specialties only available in Cambodia. The people of Phnom Penh in particular and Cambodians in general are very friendly and enthusiastic people… From history and food buffs to shopaholics and partygoers, there’s a something that interests people in Phnom Penh. Here are a few ideas on what to pack into 48 hours in the capital city of Cambodia.

So, what to do in Phnom Penh in 2 days? Let’s check out our 2 days in Phnom Penh blog with the suggested Phnom Penh itinerary 2 days (2 days in Phnom Penh itinerary) on how to spend 2 days in Phnom Penh (48 hours in Phnom Penh, two days in Phnom Penh) as follows!

Day 1 (#phnom penh itinerary 2 days)

Visit Silk Island

Address: JWRQ+38H, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

After breakfast at your hotel, rent a tuk tuk (£16 – £24 / $20 – $30, depending on length of time) to take you to Koh Dach or Silk Island. Located about 14km from the hustle and bustle of the capital Phnom Penh, Silk Island is the home of a silk weaving village and hub where guests can watch the entire production process right through to the hand-woven weaving on a loom made of bicycle wheels.

The silk weaving center also boasts a peaceful swimming and picnic spot by the Mekong River, perfect for an afternoon picnic.

Nearby is the bright yellow Koh Dach Pagoda. You can visit the temple if you are dressed appropriately – no shoulders or knees for women. The island is also home to the Coconut School, where about 200 children, ages 8-12, learn English, reading, writing and computer skills. The school is made entirely from recycled materials, with walls made from beer bottles, seats from coconut logs and school signs from old car tires. Visitors can tour the school.

Afterwards, stop by Le Kroma Villa (Kbal Koh Village) for a break. The relatively new guesthouse boasts an infinity pool overlooking the Mekong, some of the best pizza in Cambodia, and very friendly staff.

Enjoy Cambodian cuisine (#phnom penh itinerary 2 days)

For a taste of delicious Khmer food, Malis (Address: Phnom, 136 Norodom Blvd, Penh 12301, Cambodia/Hours: 6:30 AM–10:30 PM) is a definite must-do when visiting the kingdom. Set up by respected master chef Liumang, the restaurant revives traditional dishes and gives them a modern twist. Top chef of the Asian crown, Luu Manh has championed Khmer cuisine worldwide, earning prestige at home.

For some after-dinner drinks, round the corner at 308, a narrow back lane that has in recent years been transformed into a hub of small bars and restaurants. Try Red Bar, popular with city journalists and creatives alike, for cheap chilled drinks, or La Boutier with its Cambodian roll ice theme for some cocktails. Head to bustling Bassac Lane for themed bars like Harry, and Meet and Drink.

For those looking to party for a few hours, Pontoon is the city’s great nightclub. Vito pumps out classic hits while Rooftop Reggae bar blows bass, reggae and hip-hop drums until dawn.

Go to Wat Phnom (#what to do in phnom penh in 2 days)

Address: ផ្លូវវត្តភ្នំ, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hours: 7 AM–6 PM/Saturday, Sunday: Closed

On your way back to the city, ask your driver to stop at Wat Phnom temple.

Wat Phnom is located on top of a hill 27m high. According to legend, the first temple on this site was erected in 1373 to house four Buddha statues left by the Mekong River and was discovered by Lady Penh.

Many locals come to Wat Phnom to pray for good luck. It’s also popular with visitors who can visit in formal attire (entry is $1). Wat Phnom offers a pleasant and cool meeting place, but beware of the mischievous monkeys that inhabit the grounds. They should be avoided at all costs as they can be vicious and will attack humans if provoked.

If you skip lunch, Chinese House is a trendy spot to refuel. The building dates back to 1905 and the menu features Asian fusion dishes in the upstairs restaurant. Downstairs you can enjoy a selection of carefully crafted cocktails until the early hours.

Day 2 (#2 days in phnom penh blog)

To get a real life in Cambodia, you need to set an alarm because the day starts early here. Dawn is the best time to head to the waterfront or Hun Sen Park where you’ll catch exercise fanatics walking or taking part in a variety of exercise classes.

Shopping at Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

The markets are at their busiest in the early morning as locals compete for the freshest food. For an authentic market experience, visit Psar Kandal and watch fish flap in tanks, beef slabs hanging from hooks, and look at the rainbow fruit selection.

Another option is the Central Market (Psar Thmei), which is famous spot and caters more to the tourist crowds. Beneath the iconic Art Deco dome, which has existed in the city since 1937, you can buy everything from souvenirs, household items, clothing and food to flowers, shoes, bags and everything. Bargaining is expected.

After getting craving, head to Chilly Noodle House (1 Street 172) for grab some noodles, freshly cooked on a portable metal kitchen set up across the street.

Visit National Museum of Cambodia (#2 days in phnom penh blog)

Address: Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hours: 8–11:30 AM, 1:30–5 PM

If you’re a history buff, spend the afternoon at the National Museum, which houses artifacts dating back to the Angkorian period (useful before a trip to Angkor Wat). The neighboring Royal Palace is the residence of the royal family. Its manicured gardens are open to the public, and contain a variety of temples and ornate architecture such as the Silver Pagoda.

Last night in Phnom Penh (#2 days in phnom penh itinerary)

For a pre-dinner drink, head to Eclipse sky bar (Address: Phnom Penh Tower, 23rd Floor, Sangkat, 455 Preah Monivong Blvd (93), Phnom Penh, Cambodia/Hours: 5 PM–2 AM) and watch the sun set over the city below from Phnom Penh’s highest drinking spot. Located on the 24th floor of Phnom Penh Tower, the outdoor bar offers amazing 360-degree views of the capital.

For dinner, reserve a table at Friends the Restaurant(Address: St 430, Phnom Penh, Cambodia/Hours: 7 AM–11:30 PMt). The restaurant is popular for allowing students to try out their skills in a real environment. Enjoy delicious Khmer food and don’t forget to try the deep fried Tarantula.

End your 48 hours in Phnom Penh with a visit to Space Hair Salon & Bar (Address: House #66 Street 136, Phnom Penh, Cambodia/Hours: 12 PM–2 AM/Friday: 5 PM–2 AM), a Khmer-run salon by day and a gay bar by night. The staff are very friendly, and will chat until morning if you let them while you sip some gin and tonics.

Where to stay in Phnom Penh? (#2 days in phnom penh itinerary)

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

The Plantation Urban Resort and Spa: A 4-star hotel with room rates from $63/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

G Mekong Hotel: A 4-star hotel with room rates from $33/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Pavilion: A 4-star hotel with room rates from $58/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Blue Lime: A 3-star hotel with room rates from $37/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Patio Hotel & Urban Resort: A 4-star hotel with room rates from $37/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Aquarius Hotel & Urban Resort – Phnom Penh: A 4-star hotel with room rates from $35/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

White Mansion: A 4-star hotel with room rates from $73/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Tea House: A 4-star hotel with room rates from $35/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

One Up – Banana Hotel: A 3-star hotel with room rates from $17/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

YK Art House: A 3-star hotel with room rates from $19/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

You can find more, check rates, reviews & availability for Phnom Penh hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com.

Here are a few tips to help you have a more enjoyable trip, less lost in this Kingdom of Cambodia, enjoy these memorable moments. Invite more friends, family or lovers to explore the beauty and peaceful but equally attractive scenery in this beautiful country!!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Phnom Penh you can refer to

• Shared Bus Transfers from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh, Kampot, or Kep by Giant Ibis
• Phnom Penh Airport Transfers (PNH) for Phnom Penh
• Shared Bus Transfers between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville by Giant Ibis
• Private City Transfers between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
• Shared Bus Transfers from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Mekong Express Bus Limousine
• Shared Bus Transfer between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh by Giant Ibis
• Private Phnom Penh International Airport Transfers (PNH) for Phnom Penh
• Phnom Penh City Day Tour
• Phnom Penh Half Day City Trip with Shared Van
• Phnom Penh Half Day Cycling Tour
• Hidden Phnom Penh City Tour
• Phnom Penh Heritage Tour
• Phnom Penh Past and Present Half Day Tour
• Phnom Penh Heritage Tour
• Phnom Penh Historical Tour
• Phnom Penh Killing Fields & S21 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Tour
• Classic Phnom Penh Tour

Are you finding more top things to do in Phnom Penh: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Phnom Penh shopping — Top 8 best shops, markets & shopping malls in Phnom Penh you must visit. And Siem Reap travel blog — The fullest Siem Reap travel guide for a budget trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.