12 Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

How many days do you need in Phnom Penh?

Three days is the sweet spot. You need forty-eight hours to cover the historical heavy hitters and a third day to soak in the modern riverside energy without rushing.

2 Days: The Essentials Stick to the core sites. Spend your first morning at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. It is heavy, but essential for context. Use your second day for the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and a sunset walk along the Sisowath Quay.

3 Days: The Deep Dive This gives you the city's rhythm. You can browse the Art Deco Central Market (Phsar Thmei) for street food and watches. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum or take a boat across the Mekong to Silk Island (Koh Dach) to see traditional weaving.

5+ Days: The Local Pace Extra time turns Phnom Penh into a base. You can explore the growing craft beer scene in Russian Market (TTP) or take day trips to the Oudong temples. If you stay a week, you aren't just a tourist; you are living the YC-founder lifestyle in one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing hubs. Use the Oerno app to book boutique stays in BKK1 for the best experience.

Best time to visit Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh has two main seasons: dry and wet. Timing your trip depends on your tolerance for heat versus your tolerance for rain.

Peak Season: November to February

This is the busiest time for a reason. The weather is cool and dry. Temperatures hover around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), making it comfortable to walk between the Royal Palace and the riverside. You get clear blue skies and minimal humidity. The downside is the cost. Expect higher hotel rates and crowded tourist sites. If you want the best weather, book three months in advance.

Shoulder Season: March to May and October

March to May is the hottest window. Temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F). Only visit during these months if you handle extreme heat well and ensure your hotel has a high-quality pool. October is the bridge out of the rainy season. It is a sweet spot because the landscape is lush and green, but the heavy daily downpours start to taper off. Crowds are thin, and prices are fair.

Low Season: June to September

This is the heart of the monsoon. You will see rain almost every day, usually in short, violent afternoon bursts. The pros are significant: the lowest possible accommodation prices and no queues at major landmarks. The cons include localized street flooding and high humidity that makes 30°C feel much hotter.

Weather Month-by-Month

• November–January: Peak conditions. Dry, breezy, and cool.
• February–April: Getting hotter. April is the peak of the heat.
• May–August: Humidity rises. Expect frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
• September–October: The wettest months. High flood risk, but the surrounding countryside is at its most beautiful.

For the best balance of price and weather, aim for late October or early November. You beat the peak season crowds while avoiding the worst of the summer heat.

Best areas to stay in Phnom Penh

Riverfront (Sisowath Quay)

This is the city’s energetic core. It suits first-time visitors who want everything within walking distance. The vibe is busy and tourist-centric, featuring a long promenade lined with open-air bars, cafes, and hotels overlooking the Tonle Sap River. You get immediate access to the Royal Palace and the National Museum. It is the best place to find Western-style amenities and organized tours. Expect crowds and street vendors, but also the most convenient transport links in the city.

BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang I)

If you want modern luxury and high-end dining, stay here. BKK1 is the upscale expat hub. It suits digital nomads and travelers who prefer specialty coffee shops, boutique fitness studios, and air-conditioned malls over street markets. The neighborhood feels quieter and more organized than the riverfront. It is home to the city’s best international restaurants and high-rise hotels. Walk down Street 278 to find a dense concentration of cocktail bars and independent eateries.

Riverside & Daun Penh

Stay here if you are a foodie or a history buff. This area borders the central market and offers a mix of French colonial architecture and grit. It is less polished than BKK1 but feels more authentic. You will find the iconic Art Deco Central Market (Phsar Thmei) here, which is perfect for morning explorations. The neighborhood is ideal for travelers who want to be near the action without the constant noise of the main tourist strip.

Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung)

This neighborhood suits long-term travelers and budget-conscious arrivals. It has a creative, bohemian atmosphere with a growing craft beer scene and vegan cafes. While it sits further south from the main palaces, it offers a more local perspective on Phnom Penh life. The vibe is centered around the Russian Market itself, where you can buy silk and hardware. It is the best area for finding affordable boutique guesthouses and hidden rooftop bars.

For a first visit, the Riverfront is your best neighborhood choice.

Getting around Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh lacks a robust public train system, so you will rely on the road. The primary mode of transport is the remork (locally called a tuk-tuk). They are ubiquitous and efficient for short bursts across the city.

Walking is difficult. Sidewalks are often used as motorbike parking or outdoor restaurant seating. Heat and erratic traffic make pedestrian travel exhausting.

For reliable transit, download Grab or PassApp. These rideshare apps are essential. They provide fixed pricing, preventing the need to haggle with drivers on the street. You can book standard cars with air conditioning or the smaller, three-wheeled Rickshaws which are cheaper and faster in heavy congestion.

Insider Tip: Link your credit card to the Grab app before you arrive. Small-denomination Riel can be a hassle to manage, and most drivers prefer automated payments. If you use a physical tuk-tuk without an app, always agree on the price before sitting down.