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Things to Do in Phnom Penh (2026)
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex is the city's crown jewel, with stunning Khmer architecture and the famous Emerald Buddha. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 Pβ¦ ποΈ Start at the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex is the city's crown jewel, with stunning Khmer architecture and the famous Emerald Buddha. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, entry costs $10 for foreigners. Arrive early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
πΈ Explore the Tuol Sleng Museum
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) is a sobering but essential visit to understand Cambodia's tragic history under the Khmer Rouge. Located at Street 113, it's open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a $5 entry fee. Pair this with a visit to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, about 15 km south, accessible by tuk-tuk for around $15 round trip.
πΆ Cruise the Mekong River
A sunset cruise along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers offers a relaxing perspective of the city skyline and floating villages. Many operators near the Riverside dock offer 1-hour trips for $10-$15, often including a drink. Book through your hotel or a reputable tour agency for the best experience.
π Eat Like a Local at the Central Market
Phsar Thmei (Central Market) is a bustling Art Deco landmark where you can sample local street food like num banh chok (Khmer noodles) and fresh spring rolls. Visit in the morning for the best selection, and don't miss the food stalls in the rear section. Prices are cheap, with most dishes under $3.
π Catch a Traditional Apsara Dance
For an evening of culture, watch a traditional Apsara dance performance at restaurants like the FCC (Foreign Correspondents' Club) or Sovanna Phum Art Association. Shows typically start at 7:30 PM and cost around $10-$15, often including a buffet dinner. Book ahead during peak season.
π² Cycle Through the French Quarter
Rent a bicycle for about $5 a day and explore the tree-lined streets of the French Quarter, home to colonial buildings like the Raffles Hotel Le Royal and the National Museum. The area is flat and easy to navigate, with less traffic than the main boulevards. Stop at the riverside park for a break.
ποΈ Shop at the Russian Market
The Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) is a treasure trove of souvenirs, silk scarves, and antiques, with haggling expected. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, it's busiest on weekends. Grab a coconut shake from a vendor for $1 while you browse the maze-like aisles.
π Watch Sunset from a Rooftop Bar
Phnom Penh's rooftop bars offer panoramic views of the city and river, perfect for sunset drinks. Popular spots include the Eclipse Sky Bar at the Phnom Penh Tower and the Sora Sky Bar at the Rosewood Hotel, where cocktails start at $8. Arrive by 5:30 PM to secure a good seat.
ngl the rooftop bars are overrated for sunset unless you're actually at the rosewood level. i'd rather grab a $1.50 beer from a street cart and sit on the steps by the mekong near the night market, the light hits the palace gold and you get the local kids playing soccer on the riverbank. way more authentic than paying $8 for a cocktail with a view of construction cranes. also if you're at the killing fields, the audio guide is non-negotiable, i cried twice during the orchard section and it's only $3 extra, skip the main museum if you're short on time but dont skip that audio tour
honestly the sunset cruise is worth it but skip the cheap ones near the dock, pay a bit extra for one that goes up the tonle sap past the floating village, the ones from the riverside are mostly just turning around in front of the palace. i did the $20 one with a company called Khmer Cruises and they had a guide pointing out the stilt houses and kids waving from their boats, way more memorable than just seeing the skyline. also if u do the killing fields get the audio guide, it's $3 extra and the stories from survivors that play as you walk around hit way harder than just reading signs
the russian market tip is good but i'd add that the real pro move is going on a weekday morning, not weekend, way less chaotic to actually find stuff. also for the apsara dance i prefer sovanna phum over fcc, more intimate and feels less touristy even though it's a tourist thing. if ur into street food the night market near the riverside on weekends has grilled meats and fried crickets that are way better than anything at central market, just bring cash and small bills
phnom penh transit tips for a trip in 5 months?
grab is the safe bet when you land since you don't have to haggle, but passapp is usually a buck or two cheaper once you're settled. street tuk tuks are fine too, just agree on the price before you get in, and know that anything under 2km should be around 8000 to 12000 riel. airport to riverside or dauns penh area runs about 8 to 12 usd depending on traffic, the official taxi counter inside is fixed price if you want zero stress. one thing nobody mentions, the tuk tuk apps surge hard when it rains so build in buffer time if you've got a flight.
passapp is cheaper but the app interface is clunky and half the drivers call you to confirm in khmer, which is rough if you dont speak it. honestly for a first trip just use grab, the extra dollar is worth not dealing with that. one thing tho, if your hotel is down a small alley in Daun Penh some drivers will stop at the main road and make you walk, so drop a pin at a landmark instead of the exact address. also the airport train to the city just opened and its like 2.50 usd if you want to skip traffic entirely, runs every 30 min or so
Worth knowing that the tuk tuk apps need a local SIM or data to work properly, so sort that out at the airport before you leave the terminal. Smart and Cellcard counters are right in arrivals and a tourist SIM with a few gigs runs about 5 dollars. PassApp only takes cash in riel so keep small notes on you, the drivers rarely have change for a 20. If you're staying around BKK1 or Tonle Bassraat most trips stay under 15 minutes anyway, so honestly the difference between apps is a few hundred riel, not worth stressing over.