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3 Days in Phnom Penh: Itinerary 2026
Start your first day in the central Riverside area, where most major sights are within walking distance. Plan to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in the morning, then expβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1 Overview
Start your first day in the central Riverside area, where most major sights are within walking distance. Plan to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in the morning, then explore the National Museum of Cambodia in the afternoon. End your day with a sunset stroll along Sisowath Quay.
ποΈ Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
The Royal Palace opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the Silver Pagoda located on the same grounds. Admission is 40,000 riel (about $10) and includes an audio guide. Allow at least two hours to see the throne hall, the Emerald Buddha, and the intricate murals.
πΊ National Museum of Cambodia
Located just north of the Royal Palace, the museum houses the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture. It is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with an entry fee of $10. Spend about 90 minutes here before heading to a nearby cafΓ© for lunch.
π Lunch & Riverside Relaxation
For lunch, try Friends the Restaurant (Street 13, near the National Museum), which supports local youth training. A meal costs around $8-$12. Afterward, walk along the Tonle Sap River or relax at the nearby Wat Phnom park.
π Day 2: Tuol Sleng & Killing Fields
Day two focuses on Cambodia's tragic history. Take a tuk-tuk (about $8-$10 round trip) from central Phnom Penh to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, entry $5. Then continue to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, 15 km south, open 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, entry $6. Allow at least three hours for both sites.
π² Local Dinner in BKK1
After a heavy day, head to the Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) neighborhood for dinner. Try Malis Restaurant (Street 57) for upscale Cambodian cuisine, with mains around $15-$25. Alternatively, the street food stalls along Street 308 offer cheap and tasty lok lak or amok.
ποΈ Day 3: Markets & Departure
On your last day, visit the Central Market (Phsar Thmei), a striking Art Deco building open 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Then head to the Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung) for souvenirs and antiques, open 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Both are best visited in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
π Getting Around Phnom Penh
Tuk-tuks are the most common transport; short rides within central districts cost $2-$4, while longer trips to the Killing Fields run $15-$20 round trip. For airport transfers, use a ride-hailing app like Grab or PassApp for a fixed price of about $8-$12. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan extra time.
solid plan, covers the main spots without overloading it. one thing I'd tweak is day 1 lunch - Friends is fine but if you want something more lowkey, walk over to Street 240 and grab a seat at the little khmer noodle shop called Sam's. it's a hole in the wall, no sign in english, but the kuy teav there is like $1.50 and they make the broth fresh every morning. way more authentic than the tourist spots.
for day 2, after the killing fields you'll prob want a drink. instead of heading straight back to bkk1, tell your tuk tuk driver to stop at a place called The Riverhouse on the way back. it's on the riverside near the night market, they do a good $2 draft beer and the balcony overlooks the tonle sap. nice spot to just sit and process everything before dinner.
one thing the guide missed - the royal palace audio guide is kinda dry. if you can, grab a guide at the entrance for like $5 extra, they tell way better stories and point out details you'd miss on your own. also, the silver pagoda floor is actual silver tiles, but they're covered in carpet now to protect them, so don't expect to see them gleaming.
honestly this is a solid plan, you've got the big stuff covered. one thing i'd swap is day 3 markets - Central Market is cool for the building but the Russian Market has way better food stalls and less touristy stuff. i always grab a bowl of num banh chok from the lady near the back corner, it's like $1.50 and way better than anything in the restaurants.
for day 1, if you've got energy after the museum, walk five minutes to Wat Phnom. it's small but the hill gives you a nice view over the river, and there's usually a few monkeys hanging around. entry is like $1 and it's a chill break from the crowds.
one thing the guide missed - download PassApp before you come. tuk tuks on the street will quote you double, but PassApp gives you a fixed price. also grab a sim card at the airport, Smart has a 7-day data plan for like $3, makes everything easier.
really solid itinerary, covers all the essentials. one thing I'd add is to hit the Central Market early, like 7am when it opens. the crowds are way thinner and the vendors are still setting up so you can haggle a bit better on souvenirs. also the jewelry section in the dome is less chaotic then.
for day 2, after the Killing Fields you'll prob be emotionally drained. I always tell people to grab a fresh coconut at the little stalls right outside the exit before your tuk tuk comes back. it's like $1 and it's weirdly grounding after that place.
one small thing about Friends the Restaurant - it's great but it can get packed around noon. if you're flexible, I'd suggest walking a couple blocks north to a place called Khema Pasteur. it's a French-Cambodian bakery with amazing croissants and a quiet courtyard. prices are similar and the coffee is better imo.
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