Phnom Penh, Cambodia: A Short Travel Guide

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia, located in the south-central part of the country. It is a city of contrasts, in which ancient temples and palaces stand alongside modern skyscrapers and wide boulevards. The rich history and culture here are what make Phnom Penh a great place to start your Cambodian journey. In this travel guide, we share 8 of the best things to do in Phnom Penh as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.

Royal Palace

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Check out our video about Phnom Penh to see the best things to do through our camera!

Best Things To Do In Phnom Penh

• Try the Cambodian food (dishes to try include fish amok, beef lok lak, saraman curry, and stir-fried noodles or rice)

• Stroll Sisowath Quay

• See the important Buddhist Temples (Wat Ounalom & Wat Phnom)

• Visit the National Museum of Cambodia

• Go on a sunset cruise

• Admire the Royal Palace

• See the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

• Visit Tuol Sleng Museum aka Security Prison S-21 (book your tour here)

Download our Google Map with all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay here.

Tuol Sleng Museum

Places To Stay In Phnom Penh

• Onederz Hostel ($): is a low-key hostel f eaturing rooftop pool and terrace with river views. It is located in the heart of the city, close to all the main attractions. The price is very affordable, making it a great option for budget travelers. This is also where we stayed and we loved the food in the restaurant and the backpacker vibe!

• GLOW PARK HOTEL Grand Royal Palace ($$): is a 4-star hotel located in the city center, close to the Royal Palace and other popular tourist attractions. It offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and restaurant. The price is reasonable, making it a good value for the money.

• Plantation Urban Resort & Spa ($$$): is a 4-star hotel located in a quiet area of the city, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist center. It offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant. The price is slightly higher than the other two options, but it is still a good value for the money.

Phnom Penh cityscape

Places To Eat And Drink In Phnom Penh

• Backstreet Bar: located in Bassac Lane, this is a great place if you're looking for drinks and a vibrant nightlife

• Backyard Café: great restaurant with healthy food options such as smoothies, salad bowls, and vegan dishes

• Bassac Lane: the place to go for nightlife with a selection of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs

• David’s Restaurant Homemade Noodles: a family-run restaurant that has been serving up delicious noodle soups and dishes

• Eden The Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar: local restaurant that offers local dishes and has lots of seafood options

• Gorkha Palace: for delicious Indian and Nepalese food, go here!

• Kanazawa Japanese Restaurant: fancy Japanese cuisine

• La Dolce Vita: great Italian restaurant

• Labaab Restaurant: authentic Cambodian food in the heart of the city, try the amok here

• Masala Dosa Street Kitchen: delicious vegan Indian dishes, but also serves a few Khmer cuisine options

• Phnom Penh Night Market: go for some local cheap food

• Planta: healthy vegan and vegetarian food options

• Romduol Restaurant: local Khmer cuisine, it's not on Google Maps yet as it just opened, but it's located next to Kanazawa Japanese Restaurant

• Tipsy Bean Coffee & Beer: great coffee bar that also offers pastries and smoothies

• Xing Coffee: variety of coffees at a cheap price

local Khmer cuisine

Map Phnom Penh

Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Phnom Penh on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:

1. Tap on the link to open it (click button below)

2. Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.

3. Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.

If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Phnom Penh will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.

Save Google Maps Places

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Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Phnom Penh

• Booking.com for places to stay

• Skyscanner for cheap flights

• GetYourGuide for local tours

• Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

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Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Phnom Penh? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.

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Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles about Cambodia:

• Siem Reap, Cambodia: A Short Travel Guide

• Koh Rong Islands, Cambodia