The unmissable visits in Phnom Penh organise over 2-3 days. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda (USD 10 combined entry): still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, the palace and its integral Silver Pagoda are the unmissable royal stop. Proper attire required (shoulders and knees covered).
National Museum of Cambodia (USD 10): red Khmer-style building built by the French in 1920, housing the world's finest collection of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian Khmer art. Essential visit before or after Angkor to give meaning to the temples.
S-21 Tuol Sleng (USD 10 with multilingual audioguide including French at USD 3 extra). Choeung Ek Killing Fields (15 km south, USD 6 with audioguide at USD 3). Don't chain the two on the same day — emotional load too heavy.
Markets: Phsar Thmei (Central Market, Art Deco dome built by the French in 1937, 26 m high), Phsar Tuol Tom Poung (Russian Market, more authentic, souvenirs, silks, antiques).
Wat Phnom (USD 1 entry, 27 m hill) for panoramic view and Buddhist atmosphere.
Mekong cruises: sunset from the riverside (USD 15-25 for 1h30 on a traditional Khmer boat).
Gastronomy: high Khmer gastronomy at Malis (USD 40-60/person, chef Luu Meng), Romdeng (street youth training, USD 15-25), Friends the Restaurant (same NGO group, Khmer tapas, USD 12-20).
Nightlife: rooftop bars (Eclipse Sky Bar at Phnom Penh Tower, 30th floor), sophisticated cocktails (Junction Cocktail Lounge, Sundown Social Club).
Read also
- Phnom Penh — The capital: Royal Palace, S-21, Killing Fields, Mekong riverside.
- Cambodia — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Siem Reap and Angkor — The Angkor archaeological site (UNESCO) — to combine with Phnom Penh in 8-10 days.
- Cambodian south coast — Kampot, Kep, Koh Rong islands: the beach dimension — accessible from Phnom Penh.