Phnom Penh blog: The ultimate guide to Phnom Penh for all kinds of visitors

What’s special about traveling to Phnom Penh? Where to go and what to do in Phnom Penh – the capital of Cambodia? Let us tell you the latest guide of traveling to Phnom Penh on your own through this Phnom Penh blog!

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a destination not to be missed for those who love to explore culture and history. Also known as Phnom Penh, Nam Vang, Nam Vinh or Kim Bien, this city is a convergence of ancient architectural works bearing the mark of Buddhism, along with a modern and dynamic lifestyle.

Phnom Penh is a city of interesting contrasts. You can find majestic ancient temples next to trendy cafes, or bustling traditional markets next to modern shopping centers. It is this contrast that creates a special attraction for Phnom Penh, making visitors curious and wanting to explore.

Phnom Penh blog: Where is the capital Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh is the largest, most populous city, and also the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Once known as the “Paris of the East”, Phnom Penh is located at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers, next to the Mekong Delta. This is considered the cradle of Buddhism, as well as a place that records the clear historical imprint of the Cambodian people.

An interesting fact is that most people in Phnom Penh can speak Vietnamese, so don’t be too surprised to see a Cambodian using Vietnamese slang more fluently than you!

What is the best season to travel to Phnom Penh?

Cambodia, like Vietnam, has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. However, the ideal time to explore Phnom Penh is during the dry season, from November to May, when the weather is dry and cool, convenient for traveling and sightseeing.

In addition, you can immerse yourself in the unique festival atmosphere of the Khmer people by coming to Phnom Penh during traditional festivals:

• April 13 – 15: Chol Chnam Thmay Festival – Traditional New Year;
• April 13 – 15 every year: Bom Chaul Chnam Water Festival;
• November 24 – 26 every year: Boating Festival.

Getting to Phnom Penh from Vietnam

Currently, Vietnam has direct flights from major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. The flight time is about 1 hour and the round-trip ticket price ranges from $76.99 – $115.48. For convenient travel from Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) to the city center, rent a private car with a driver on Klook, taking you to your hotel.

However, many Vietnamese tourists choose the road route for their journey to explore Phnom Penh. If you depart from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus at a more economical price than flying. There are currently many reputable car companies providing pick-up services to hotels in Phnom Penh, taking only about 6 hours with prices starting from $19.24.

Getting around Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, a vibrant city with a variety of means of transportation, meets the needs of all visitors. You can choose a bicycle to leisurely stroll around the small streets, or rent a motorbike to freely explore every corner of the city. If traveling in a large group, renting a private car with a driver is an ideal choice, both convenient and allowing you to learn more about local culture and life from friendly drivers.

In particular, it is impossible not to mention the tuk tuk – the iconic means of transportation in Phnom Penh. Sitting on a tuk tuk, you will have the opportunity to experience the exciting feeling of weaving through crowded streets and watching the daily life of local people. No matter which means of transport you choose, always remember to obey traffic laws and ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.

Where to stay in Phnom Penh?

To have the most complete experience when traveling to Phnom Penh, choose the right accommodation area to enjoy the convenience and convenience of visiting tourist attractions here. Klook will suggest you some ideal areas for sightseeing, traveling and having a rich nightlife or convenient for culinary exploration interests.

• Riverside or Sisowath Quay area: With its location near famous attractions such as the Royal Palace, Wat Ounalom and Phnom Penh National Museum, this area is a great choice. You can also find traditional markets such as Phsar Chas and Phsar Kandal here. This area also has many places to stay, eat and entertain.
• Central area: This is the center of the city with many hotels from budget to high-end. You will easily access restaurants, bars and visit the central market with a variety of goods and food stalls.
• Olympic Stadium area: If you want to save on accommodation costs, this area is a good choice. You can easily visit the Olympic Market, Orussey Market and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum from here. Room rates here are also often cheaper than in the central area.

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to (# best hotels in phnom penh)

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.

Famous Phnom Penh Tourist Attractions Not to Miss

Phnom Penh boasts a diverse picture of attractions, satisfying all tastes. You will be surprised to realize that this place has an interesting blend of old and modern. Let’s take a look at the attractions when traveling to Phnom Penh with Klook.

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom temple, also known as Wat Penh, is a famous sacred temple, attracting both domestic and foreign Buddhists to make pilgrimages. This is also a tourist destination not to be missed when coming to Cambodia. This is where the body of King Boliwat is kept and the remains of King Ponhea Yat are also placed here, in a white tower. At 27m high, this is the highest place in the capital, you can see the whole city of Phnom Penh when standing at the top of the temple. Ba Penh is worshiped behind the temple, very sacred, most pilgrims come here to worship and pray. Wat Phnom is also the starting point for the name of the capital Phnom Penh today.

Phnom Penh blog: Royal Palace of Cambodia

The Royal Palace is the residence and workplace of the King of Cambodia. The palace is divided into two areas: the Emerald Buddha Temple (also known as the Golden Temple/Silver Temple), the remaining area is the residence and workplace of the king – the palace area. The Emerald Buddha Temple is where the king celebrates his birthday or Buddhist ceremonies, so there is no abbot. The temple is named Silver Temple/Silver Temple because the floor here is paved with 5,329 silver tiles and there is a Buddha statue studded with more than 2,000 diamonds. In addition, there are many small statues made of gold, silver, and copper.

• Foreigner ticket price: $6
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 11:00; 14:00 – 17:00

Note: The Royal Palace is closed in the morning on Buddhist holidays.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21) – a place that completely recreates the fierce Khmer Rouge war in history. In the museum area, one side is the museum, displaying the crimes of the Khmer Rouge, the other side is the city’s notorious prison – Toul Saleng prison. This is where the Khmer Rouge imprisoned, tortured, and forced confessions of more than 20,000 innocent Khmer people. Every trace here reminds us of the dark, tragic past of the Cambodian people.

You note when visiting the museum, you should wear long pants, a sleeved T-shirt or a scarf to cover your knees (if you do not follow these dress code regulations, you will have to buy a shirt and long pants from the staff outside or the staff will refuse to let you in)

• Ticket price for foreigners: $3.
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00.

Killing Fields (Choeng Ek Memorial) in Phnom Penh

Next to Angkor Watt in Siem Reap, the Killing Fields is a place you must visit when traveling to Phnom Penh. After being imprisoned and brutally tortured at Toul Saleng Prison, the Khmer were escorted here to be executed. History has recorded that more than 20,000 Khmer people were buried here, in a mass grave. This area today is not only a tourist area but also a place to preserve the dark, painful past of the Khmer people.

You can combine a visit to the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields with a half-day tour from Klook. The car will pick you up at your hotel and provide you with necessary information.

• Ticket price for foreigners: $3
• Radio Tour (Vietnamese): $3
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00

National Museum of Cambodia

If you want to learn more about the history of the Khmer people, this is the place for you. The museum is home to Khmer archaeological artifacts from the time of the Chenla Kingdom (pre-Angkor) to the glorious Angkor Watt period. There are more than half a million specimens from religion to art, with a long history, from the 4th to the 13th century.
To learn more about the cultural and historical heritage of Cambodia, join a tour to explore the heritage in Phnom Penh with an experienced guide who will provide you with full information about each site.

• Ticket price for foreigners: $3.
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00

Independence Monument in Phnom Penh

This is a friendship monument between Vietnam and Cambodia, located at the intersection of the two largest roads in Phnom Penh, Sihanouk and Norodom. The monument is modeled after the Angkor Watt temple and other famous structures in Cambodia. This is also a square area that attracts many visitors and photographers in the city.

Sisowath Quay Western Quarter in Phnom Penh

Located right by the Mekong River and near the Royal Square, after visiting the palace, you can come here for a walk. In the evening, the night market is bustling with shops and stalls selling clothes and souvenirs.

If you have the opportunity to travel to Phnom Penh on your own, don’t miss the opportunity to watch the sunset here. The square area also has a very friendly flock of pigeons. Watching the sunset with pigeons spreading their wings sounds so special, right!?

Toul Tom Poung Market (Russian Market) In Phnom Penh

As one of the famous markets for the majority of tourists to Phnom Penh, the Russian Market is a destination that cannot be missed. The market gathers many Russian traders and visitors, so it is affectionately called the Russian Market. Here, a variety of items are sold, from fashion, cosmetics, to long-standing handicrafts such as Buddha statues and old silver paper. If you have come to the Russian Market, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the best coffee in Cambodia at the shop “The best iced coffee in Phnom Penh”!

Central Market In Phnom Penh

Central Market, also known as Cho Moi, with its unique pyramid architecture. This is where many Vietnamese people gather in Cambodia. This is also the place that Vietnamese tourists visit the most. With a variety of items, from gemstones, electronics, souvenirs, clothes to cuisine… Cho Moi is one of the places where you can comfortably bargain in Vietnamese and pay in Vietnamese currency.

Wat Ounalom Temple in Phnom Penh

In the list of the most famous and important Buddhist structures in Cambodia, Wat Ounalom Temple cannot be missed. Considered the central headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism, this temple is not only an important religious destination but also an attractive tourist destination in Phnom Penh. With its unique architectural style, Wat Ounalom Temple creates a pure and peaceful beauty, attracting a large number of tourists who want to learn about Cambodian culture and religion.

Delicious Delicacy in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is known as a “street food paradise” with countless stalls selling all kinds of attractive foods. When traveling to Phnom Penh, you will be immediately attracted by the traditional dishes from the long-standing to the unique creations of the locals. Let’s take a look at some of the “favorite” dishes of the people here with Klook.

Insect Dishes

Like balut in Vietnam, insect dishes are considered “national delicacies” in Cambodia. Ranked in the top 10 most delicious dishes in the country of pagodas, so when you come here, you definitely should not miss the opportunity to enjoy this dish. With the main ingredients being insects such as ants, worms, scorpions, spiders, crickets, …, people process them into many different dishes such as fried, stir-fried, steamed, …

Not everyone is brave enough to enjoy these dishes, but who knows, maybe after enjoying them once, you will be “addicted” to them.

Khmer Red Curry

This is a dish that Cambodians eat on special occasions such as weddings, family gatherings and religious holidays such as Pchum Ben. Khmer red curry is less spicy than Thai curry. Fresh coconut milk is the main ingredient, creating a rich flavor for the dish. Other ingredients in the curry are changed according to taste such as beef, chicken, fish, eggplant, green beans, potatoes. Tourists can easily enjoy this dish at local markets or restaurants, when traveling to Phnom Penh on their own.

Nom Banh Chok

Nom Banh Chok, also known as fish curry vermicelli, is present in all three meals of Cambodians. In Cambodia, vermicelli is sold by street vendors in every corner. The curry sauce of Nom Banh Chok vermicelli is made from the main ingredient of traditional fish sauce, with the addition of rich coconut milk. Accompanying vegetables include bean sprouts, banana blossom, cucumber, papaya, lotus root, lettuce, and basil.

Cambodian Num Plae Ai

Num Plae Ai, also known as Cambodian rice cakes, is similar to Vietnamese banh troi. The colorful sugar-filled cakes are soaked in palm-flavored caramel, served with fresh, fatty shredded coconut.

Cha Houy Teuk

This dessert is quite cheap and is sold at sidewalk stalls and near schools in Phnom Penh. Cha houy teuk is a jelly dessert made from colorful seaweed, with sagu powder, mung beans, and coconut cream. It can be said that this is the childhood dessert of Cambodian people because it is cheap, the ingredients are easy to find, and it is very easy to make.

Num Sang Khya L’peou

Num Sang Khya L’peou is made from pumpkin. The pumpkin seeds will be removed and filled with egg whites, palm sugar and coconut milk. Then, the pumpkin will be steamed for about 30 minutes. When there is a buyer, the seller will cut it into bite-sized pieces. You will definitely be impressed by the eye-catching color and the fatty, spongy feeling of eggs, pumpkin and coconut milk inside.

Amok Fish

Amok fish, a typical and famous dish of Phnom Penh, makes it impossible for you not to try. This dish is made from prohok fish sauce, coconut water and palm sugar, creating a unique and attractive flavor.

Fish amok is usually made from fish such as catfish or snakehead fish, which is especially delicious and attractive. A mixture of eggs, sugar and fish sauce is mixed well and spread evenly on the fish fillet, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Along with that, local spices and Ngor slok leaves create a rich and interesting flavor for this dish.

Nam Vang Noodle Soup (Phnom Penh Noodle Soup)

How can the famous Nam Vang Noodle Soup be absent from the culinary map of Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh Noodle Soup has its own unique aroma, the broth has a rich flavor and the sweetness of dried squid with shrimp, squid, minced lean meat and noodles…
Phnom Penh specialties cannot miss the famous Phnom Penh Noodle Soup.

Cambodian noodles have their own unique aroma, the broth has a rich flavor and sweetness from dried squid with shrimp, squid, minced lean meat and noodles… The appeal of Nam Vang noodles is the carefully processed pork intestines and marinated with special spices. You can eat Nam Vang noodles with raw vegetables and add special Cambodian sauce.

Bai Sach Chrouk – Pork Rice

If you are still wondering what to try when traveling to Phnom Penh, pork rice will be the “safest” and most ideal choice. Bai sach chrouk is a simple dish but full of local flavor. Pork is thinly sliced ​​and marinated with garlic, coconut milk, then grilled on a charcoal stove to let the spices soak in.

When enjoying Bai sach chrouk, you can combine it with broth made from bones and ginger-pickled red radish, along with fresh cucumber. You can find this dish on any street in Cambodia in the morning, guaranteed to start an energetic morning for your journey to conquer Phnom Penh’s cuisine.

Steamed Clams with Lemongrass Ngeav Chamboy

Among the countless street vendors in Phnom Penh, there is a familiar dish that tourists love, which is Steamed Clams with Lemongrass Ngeav Chamboy – a “divine” dish in the world of street food. When night falls and the city is sparkling with lights, you will find Steamed Clams with Lemongrass Ngeav Chamboy that captivates every tourist. This is a great snack to enjoy when traveling to Phnom Penh, and the coldness of a glass of beer will combine perfectly with the attractive flavor of this dish.

With this self-guided Phnom Penh blog, you are definitely ready to explore the capital of this mysterious country of Cambodia, right!?

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.