Phnom Penh’s harrowing past has not diminished its modern-day vibrancy, characterised by busy markets, ancient temples and preserved memorials.
Uncover the charms of Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh and learn about its tumultuous history. Stroll through lively streets and admire the beauty and strength of the city, which has survived great turmoil in recent decades. Phnom Penh was colonised by the French in the 19th century, then taken over by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. The Khmer Rouge established a genocidal regime under Pol Pot that lasted four years. Learn about the tragedies that befell the city and how it is bouncing back.
Despite its modern incarnation as the economic and political capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has preserved a number of ancient temples and colonial buildings. Navigate busy markets and traffic dominated by scooters to get between landmarks. Visit the Buddhist temple Wat Phnom and learn how the city received its name. Admire the impressive Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda and stroll around the site, which features pristine gardens, silver floors and Buddhas decorated with precious stones. Other temples worth a visit include Wat Sarawan or Wat Ounalom.
Stroll the art deco Central Market and browse locally made clothing and jewellery. Walk along the promenade of Sisowath Quay at sunset and stop for a drink at one of the bars. Discover the region’s history at the National Museum of Cambodia. This expansive institution holds relics and statues from the Angkorian dynasty.
Tour the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly the infamous S-21 Prison, to learn about the Khmer Rouge regime. Pay your respects to those who suffered here in crowded cells. If you have a strong constitution, tour the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek where prisoners were executed and buried. See a Buddhist monument nearby that contains victims’ skulls.
Fly into Phnom Penh International Airport, just a 20-minute drive from the centre of town. It is best to visit in the dry season between November and February. Come to Phnom Penh to marvel at its ancient and colonial sites and see how this resilient city has overcome its troubled past.
Top hotels in Phnom Penh
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
NagaWorld Hotel & Entertainment Complex
5 out of 5
NagaWorld, Samdech Techo Hun Sen Park, Phnom Penh
NZ$91
per night
Dec 17 - Dec 18
Located in Chamkar Mon, this luxury resort is within a 15-minute walk of Riverside and Independence Monument. Silver Pagoda and AEON Mall are also within 1 mi ...…Located in Chamkar Mon, this luxury resort is within a 15-minute walk of Riverside and Independence Monument. Silver Pagoda and AEON Mall are also within 1 mi ...WWW…
3.7/5Good! (1,157 reviews)
"I was staying here for 17 days and it was pretty amazing! Staff is amazing, I was happy to get medical help in an in-house clinic for free! The food court in Naga 2 is great value. A few things can be improved: There was a smell of sewage in the bathroom, there should be a gym in Naga 2 and the spa ..."…""I was staying here for 17 days and it was pretty amazing! Staff is amazing, I was happy to get medical help in an in-house clinic for free! The food court in Naga 2 is great value. A few things can be improved: There was a smell of sewage in the bathroom, there should be a gym in Naga 2 and the spa ..."WWW…"
Located in Phnom Penh City Centre, this spa hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Central Market, National Museum of Cambodia and Independence Monument. Riverside and ...…Located in Phnom Penh City Centre, this spa hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Central Market, National Museum of Cambodia and Independence Monument. Riverside and ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (275 reviews)
"Really loved the hotel. Staff are very friendly. Walkable distance to several markets. Made travel easy with taxi and tuk tuk service right outside the hotel. Make sure to negotiate prices."…""Really loved the hotel. Staff are very friendly. Walkable distance to several markets. Made travel easy with taxi and tuk tuk service right outside the hotel. Make sure to negotiate prices."WWW…"
92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh
NZ$387
per night
Jan 1 - Jan 2
Located in Daun Penh, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Riverside, Wat Phnom and Central Market. National Museum of Cambodia and Independence Monument ...…Located in Daun Penh, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Riverside, Wat Phnom and Central Market. National Museum of Cambodia and Independence Monument ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (349 reviews)
"The hotel was an oasis of calm in a magnificently busy city. We had a colonial sweet. The room was absolutely lovely have a large size. Of note was the kindness and help with the staff. The swimming pool was lovely. The breakfast buffet was the luminous with stations from all of the various areas ..."…""The hotel was an oasis of calm in a magnificently busy city. We had a colonial sweet. The room was absolutely lovely have a large size. Of note was the kindness and help with the staff. The swimming pool was lovely. The breakfast buffet was the luminous with stations from all of the various areas ..."WWW…"
Sitting atop what is considered the only hill in Phnom Penh, this eclectic Buddhist monastery features a fascinating array of shrines, stupas and ornate buildings.
No commodity is better embraced by the Cambodian culture than copper. Learn how to work with the material to create a one-of-a-kind bracelet under the guidance of a copper-smith. While you chisel and design, listen to the history and significance of this impressive industry.
Plaza Premium Lounge at Phnom Penh International Airport
NZ$48
As the first independent airport lounge in Cambodia, Plaza Premium Lounge brings a brand new experience to all guests travelling through Phnom Penh International Airport, regardless of their airline or class of travel.
Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda & Independence Monument Tour
NZ$84
Discover the historical wonders of Cambodia's capital on this half-day tour. Marvel at the majestic Royal Palace, explore the beautiful Silver Pagoda, and visit the historic Independence Monument with your knowledgeable guide.
Gain deeper knowledge of the history of Phnom Penh on this tour to the sites of the tragic Cambodian genocide. Visit a schoolhouse that was transformed into a jail for innocent prisoners, see the harrowing sight of skulls at the Choueng Ek Memorial, and hear how the country is still affected by this dark period of its history.
Bus Tour to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum & Khmer Rouge Killing Fields
NZ$23
Walk through a dark part of Cambodian history with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields. A convenient bus takes you to each location, where you can learn about the executions carried out by Khmer Rouge regime during its rule from 1975 to 1979.
Oudong and Koh Chen Island - Full Day Cruise & Tour with English speaking guide
NZ$116
Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product Stop At: Memorable Cambodia Cruise, Preah Sisowath Quay (street 88), Khan Daun Penh រាជធានីភ្នំពេញ Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh 12104, Cambodia Take a memorable full day cruise from Phnom Penh to the area of the former Cambodian capital city from 1618-1866.
The airport train is worth the experience but allow plenty of time as it departs about every 75 minutes and is often behind schedule.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Nov 16, 2019
Enjoyable
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Nov 9, 2019
Needs money spent on roads and infrustructure then can become world class
3/5 - Okay
Reg
Nov 4, 2019
Royal Palace,Museum and Central market are the highlights for me
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Nov 4, 2019
In Phnom Penh, a trip to the killing fields is a must to pay respect and reflect on the atrocities of past generations. We took a tuk tuk who took us through the back streets of PP, affording us glances into local family life and culture.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Sep 29, 2019
A gritty city on the verge of rebirth. Plenty to see.
