The unmissable visits of Phnom Penh organise over 2-3 days.
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda (USD 10 combined): still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni. The Silver Pagoda houses a floor paved with 5,329 silver tiles, an emerald Buddha and a life-size 90 kg solid gold Buddha set with 9,584 diamonds.
National Museum of Cambodia (USD 10): world's finest collection of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian Khmer art. Essential visit before or after Angkor.
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). Don't chain on the same day.
Markets: Phsar Thmei (Art Deco Central Market built by the French in 1937), Phsar Tuol Tom Poung (Russian Market).
Wat Phnom (USD 1 entry, 27 m hill).
Mekong cruises: sunset from the riverside (USD 15-25 for 1h30). Long-distance cruises Phnom Penh-Siem Reap or Phnom Penh-Ho Chi Minh City (USD 1,500-3,500 per person).
Nightlife: rooftop bars (Eclipse Sky Bar), sophisticated cocktails (Junction Cocktail Lounge, Sundown Social Club).
Dining: high Khmer gastronomy at Malis, Mok Mony, training restaurants Romdeng and Friends.
Read also
- Phnom Penh and the South — The complete region: Phnom Penh, Oudong, Takeo, Kandal.
- Cambodia — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Siem Reap and Angkor — The Angkor archaeological site — to combine with Phnom Penh.
- Cambodian south coast — Kampot, Kep, Koh Rong islands — accessible from Phnom Penh.