The 7 BEST Things To Do In Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2025
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia situated along the banks of the Tonle Sap River. This South East Asian capital has a unique charm of traditional Temples and markets plus new and modern attractions like the Royal Palace.
The juxtaposition of traditional Khmer architecture with modern structures reflects Phnom Penh’s evolving identity. With stark reminders of recent history such as The S21 Prison in contrast with bustling markets like the Central Market, this city provides a glimpse into Cambodian life.
And there is a lot for you to do during your visit, read below to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
CHECK OUT OUR RELATED VIDEO:
POST CONTENTS
Visit The Central Market
Begin your adventure at the Central Market; one of the biggest markets in Phnom Penh to buy souvenirs and see locals buying and selling goods. The building itself consists of art deco architecture, dating from 1937, when it was first opened.
Lose yourself in the maze of stalls offering local crafts, textiles, and an array of fresh produce, providing a sensory introduction to the city’s daily vibrancy.
Top Tip: When purchasing items make sure to haggle a little with the sellers in order to ensure a price that is good for everyone
The Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads
Explore The Royal Palace
Explore the opulent grounds of the Royal Palace, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
Wander through lush gardens and marvel at the intricate details of the Silver Pagoda, adorned with thousands of silver tiles. The palace offers a regal immersion into Cambodia’s history and a chance to learn more about the capital.
Visit the National Museum
Just a short stroll away, the National Museum beckons with its extensive collection of Khmer artifacts.
Here you can delve into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage as you explore the museum’s exhibits, providing a deeper connection to the nation’s artistic and historical legacy.
Visiting The Killing Fields
Journey into Cambodia’s tumultuous history with a visit to the Killing Fields to truly understand the terrible history that the land and people have lived through.
The Killing Fields stand as a somber reminder of the Khmer Rouge era; in which nearly a third of the Cambodian population were killed. When walking around the Killing Fields, listen to the audio readings of stories from before during and after the Genocide and take time to reflect and remember.
Looking to book your transport?
Take a tour to S21 Prison
The S21 Prison, once a school, was turned into a grim detention centre for prisoners during the Khmer Rouge era. The Prison unveils the harsh realities of the past and gives visitors a further insight into the shocking events that took place.
Wander along Preah Sisowath Quay Waterfront
Seek serenity along the Tonle Sap River at Preah Sisowath Quay Waterfront. A leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade will reveal picturesque views, cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere. As the sun sets, the area transforms into a lively hub along the riverbanks filled with locals and visitors alike.
Go on a Street Food Adventure
No exploration of Phnom Penh is complete without indulging in its diverse street food. Walk along the city’s vibrant streets and sample aromatic noodles, savory skewers, and delectable desserts offered by local vendors, immersing yourself in Cambodia’s culinary offerings.
Conclusion
Phnom Penh, with its historical landmarks, cultural treasures, and culinary delights, invites travelers on a multifaceted journey. Each experience unfolds a different side of this dynamic city, leaving indelible impressions of Cambodia’s rich heritage and contemporary allure.
Check out the rest of our Cambodia posts HERE!
Ready To Book Your Trip?
- > BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
The best way to find flights and the cheapest deals is by using a flight comparison website. Skyscanner allows you to book at the cheapest price and is our number 1 tool when booking flights. - > BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
For hotels we stick to booking.com as it is the most widely used platform across the world. If you are looking for somethnig more social, we recommend using Hostelworld. - > GET INSURANCE
Travel insurance is the most important thing you need to purchase before any trip. It will protect you from illness, injury, theft and cancellations. To avoid any unexpected bills, we never travel without insurance. Check out SafteyWing for the best travel insurance. - > STAY CONNECTED
The best way to stay connected whilst travelling and avoiding fees is to use an eSIM. Using an eSIM allows you to keep your regular SIM in your phone, so that you can still receive calls and texts to your number. Check out Airalo for the best value on eSIMS. - > FIND THE BEST TOURS
Want to book a tour? Check out Get Your Guide for the best deals on amazing tours and trips. - > READY TO BOOK?
Check out our resource page for the best companies we use when we travel. These are the companies we use each time we travel, and highly recommened them!
