• Visiting Tuol Sleng Museum

The Tuol Sleng Museum is a museum showing the genocide of the Khmer Rouge. The museum was once a high school torture center where nearly 17,000 Cambodians were killed.

This place was preserved in its original state when the city was liberated in January 1979. Nearly 6,000 haunting photographs of the labor camps and executions under the Pol Pot regime are displayed here. While not the most exciting, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is an essential part of its history, and you’ll have an emotional experience while you’re there.

• Visiting the Choeung Ek Killing Fields

Choeung Ek Killing Field is located about 15 kilometers from the center of Phnom Penh and takes about 30 minutes by car. This is the place that most clearly shows the genocide of the Khmer Rouge regime that caused the historic Cambodian civil war in the 1970s.

• Admiring the architecture of the royal palace and Silver Pagoda

Coming to the Royal Palace of Cambodia, you will admire the unique architecture here. This is a complex of buildings and the residence of the King and the Royal Family, so it has attracted many tourists to visit and explore. This site is also the place where Cambodian ceremonies and diplomatic meetings take place.

• Seeing Performing Arts

Cambodian Living Arts popularizes Cambodian living arts like Apsara and Khmer dance and organizes cultural events at the National Museum of Cambodia. The program features live music as well as traditional Cambodian costumes.

• Visiting Cambodia National Museum

The National Museum of Cambodia is the largest architecture and history museum in the country. It displays the collections, archeology, religion, and art of the Khmer people. Although built during the French colonial period, the red sandstone building is an excellent example of the traditional Khmer architectural style. There are more than 14,000 artifacts on display here, and a guided tour of the museum offers a glimpse into central Cambodia.

• Visiting Phnom Penh’s Independence Monument

Independence Monument is a large architectural work to mark Independence Day, the day when the Cambodian people escaped the yoke of imperialism and colonialism, becoming a completely independent country. The Independence Monument is designed to simulate Angkor Wat and some other historical sites in Cambodia. On major holidays, the monument often holds important ceremonies, so it attracts many visitors.

• Exploring the ancient capital Oudong

Oudong was the ancient capital of Cambodia between the 17th and 19th centuries. Coming here, visitors will be able to visit ancient historical sites, moss-colored temples, and unspoiled natural landscapes.

• Visiting Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom, a famous traditional Buddhist temple, was built in the early 14th century. The temple includes four Buddha statues and is regularly visited by locals in the area.

• Shopping experience at Psar Thmei market

Phsar Thmey Market, also known as the central market in Phnom Penh, is a very famous market in Cambodia. Psar Thmei Market was built in 1937 in Art Deco style and dominates downtown Phnom Penh.

• Strolling Sisowath Quay

Sisowath Quay is Phnom Penh’s most popular promenade and is always busy at sunset with pedestrians and joggers. This riverside strip, surrounded by palm trees, stretches north 3 kilometers from the Royal Palace. It’s a great place to see and photograph the boats on the Tonle Sap River. 

• Taking a sunset cruise on the river in Phnom Penh

River boating in Phnom Penh is the ultimate trip to make your Cambodia vacation memorable! There are regular sunset cruises departing at 17:00 p.m.

• Shopping at the Russian market

Phnom Penh’s bustling and lively Russian Market blends in with local life and also creates some great shopping opportunities. The market’s real name is Psar Tuol Tom Pong, but it got this nickname due to the number of foreign Russians residing in Phnom Penh who used to shop here.

• Enjoying dinner at The Vibe Cafe

This is the only completely vegan restaurant in the Cambodian capital. The restaurant is located in a trendy location with chic interiors and patio seating, so it’s a great place to have dinner if you’re in Phnom Penh.

• Visiting rice fields and Mekong island by bicycle:

This bike adventure You’ll explore the beautiful rice fields, idyllic countryside, and quaint traditional villages of Cambodia, famous for their lemongrass, banana, ginger, and corn meadows. You will visit silk weaving houses, where you will have the opportunity to wear a scarf that you can see being made in vintage style by hand.

• Experiencing Cambodian cuisine in Phnom Penh

Coming to Phnom Penh will be more wonderful when you enjoy the food here; each dish you will experience is extremely interesting. You should definitely try some famous dishes such as deep-fried dishes from worms, Num Pang bread, Nom Banh Chok noodles, fish amok, Num Plae Ai, Bai Sach Chrouk, Mi Char fried noodles, and noodle soup. Nam Vang, etc.

• Sunset cruise and dinner

The Mekong River and Tonle Sap River converge right near the tourist area of Phnom Penh, and watching the sunset over the water is a must-do in Phnom Penh.

On the Sunset Dinner Cruise, enjoy the sunset, listen to traditional Khmer live music, pass by floating villages, see the Royal Palace, and see Phnom Penh’s skyline from a different perspective. You will also enter the junction of the Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers.

• Cambodian Living Arts Show

The Traditional Dance program showcases Cambodia’s most famous art form. The performance will take the audience on a journey through Cambodia’s history, culture, and traditions with classical repertoire from the Royal Ballet, recreating ancient rituals and folk dances still in existence performed in villages today.

• Walking around the city at night by Tuk Tuk

At night, the city of Phnom Penh sparkles in bright lights, so don’t miss the opportunity to see this beautiful city at night by Tuk Tuk. Sitting in the car, you can walk around the city of Phnom Penh.

A Tuk Tuk is a type of 3-wheel taxi, which is a popular means for tourists to walk around the city of Phnom Penh. A Tuk-tuk can carry 4-6 people, and the Tuk-tuk driver can speak English, Cambodian, and Vietnamese. The trip costs between 1 USD – 5 USD/person. 

• Exploring Sisowath Quay’s west street

Phnom Penh is a city with traditional Asian beauty combined with Western modernity. Therefore, you can go to the West Street Sisowath Quay neighborhood near the Palace and Royal Square to explore.

• Exploring the Independence Monument

Independence Monument is located at the intersection of the two largest roads in Phnom Penh, Sihanouk and Norodom. The work started in 1958 and was inaugurated on November 9, 1962. The monument is a moving work to remember the great gratitude of the outstanding children who sacrificed and devoted themselves to the cause of regaining independence and sovereignty rights for the country.

• Exploring Nagaworld

Nagaworld is the most luxurious five-star hotel in Cambodia, with a magnificent and lavish casino chain. Nagaworld consists of 14 floors, divided into 4 areas with casinos and a combination of restaurants and high-class hotels.

• Visiting Phnom Penh Night Market

The Phnom Penh Night Market in Cambodia offers you a fascinating nightlife experience in Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia. It is said that if you want to learn about local life, the fastest and easiest way is to go to the local markets. It is the products sold in the market, the way people trade, and the quick, friendly conversations with the locals that truly reflect the way the locals behave in their lives.

• Drinking Angkor Beer in Phnom Penh

Referring to Cambodia is referring to the unique Angkor architectural heritage complex, which has named and labeled a beer in Cambodia as Beer Angkor. When traveling to Cambodia, you can enjoy this beer anywhere, from grocery stores, popular eateries, bars, and luxury restaurants.

• Experiencing famous bars

Another interesting activity at night here is that you can relax at the bars. If you want to learn and experience more deeply and thoroughly about the nightlife in Phnom Penh. Try starting at a small bar called Bassac Lane or Bouchon Wine Bar, or some bars in downtown Phnom Penh such as Pontoon, Heart of Darkness, Lobby Lounge, Juniper Gin Bar, Metro Hassakan, Long After Dark, Sora Skybar, etc.

• Enjoying Cambodian cuisine in Phnom Penh nightlife

Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is not only famous for its Buddhist architecture but also for its rich cuisine. This place converges with countless street eateries and night markets.

Cambodian cuisine is distinguished by rustic dishes but contains bold and unforgettable flavors. Along the main roads, insects are the main toys that are sold in all kinds, such as crickets, gourds, and especially spiders.

At the night markets, the neighborhood behind or the riverfront area in front of the Royal Palace is where a lot of street food is concentrated. Some famous Cambodian dishes that visitors should not miss when coming here are: Nom Banh Chok, Num Plae Ai, Num Sang Khya l’peou, Amok, Yakitori grilled chicken skewers, Cambodian steamed clams with lemongrass, Ngeav Chamboy, Brohet, etc.

5-star Phnom Penh Hotel

• Raffles Le Royal

Raffles Le Royal is a luxury hotel in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Operating since 1929, Raffles Le Royal offers a unique blend of colonial charm and modern amenities. The hotel’s location is ideal, as it is situated near many popular tourist attractions, including the Royal Palace and the National Museum of Cambodia. The rooms here are spacious and elegantly furnished, with many offering views of its lush gardens. The hotel’s facilities are also top-notch, with various dining options, including a French restaurant, a poolside bar, and a lounge serving afternoon tea. A spa, fitness center, and swimming pool also provide guests with ample opportunities to relax and unwind. Overall, Raffles Le Royal is an excellent choice for tourists looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay in Phnom Penh. 

Address: 92 Rukhak Vithei, Phnom Penh

• Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is an excellent choice for tourists looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay in the heart of Phnom Penh. This hotel has entertained many VIPs such as world presidents, and A-listers, and the facade alone explains why. The building combines French Colonial wealth with modern Khmer embellishments, so it has a classic appeal with a modern sense of luxury and comfort. The staff at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is friendly, attentive, and always willing to help guests with any queries or requests. One of the standout features of the hotel is its excellent dining options. The hotel boasts four restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience, ranging from authentic Cambodian cuisine to international dishes. 

Address: 26 Old August Site Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh

• Palace Gate Hotel & Resort

Palace Gate Hotel & Resort is the next option for you in our list of best Phnom Penh hotels. It’s actually a renovated French colonial villa, as evidenced by towering wrought ironwork, ceilings, and a magnificent staircase. Because the hotel is next to the Royal Palace, you can wake up with views of the palace grounds.  The rooms are large and comfortable, with most having views of the pools or river. After a day of exploration, the outdoor swimming pool is a terrific spot to unwind, and the rooftop bar is ideal for sipping a nice drink while watching the sun set over the city.

Address: 44, Sothearos Blvd, Chey Chumneas, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

• Rosewood Phnom Penh

This luxury hideaway Rosewood Phnom Penh, which opened its doors in 2018, remains one of the city’s finest high-end resorts. The sumptuous contemporary architecture of the rooms and suites is combined with indigenous accents; the best feature views of the Mekong River. There’s also an art gallery, an indoor lap pool, a spa, and a rooftop bar, which is ideal for drinking cocktails at sunset. Moreover, this hotel has an ideal location that is near many tourist attractions such as Wat Phnom, Sisowath Quay, Riverfront Park, and the Royal Palace. From the hotel, you can easily walk to explore Phnom Penh.

Address: Vattanac Capital Tower, 66 Monivong Boulevard, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

• Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh

Another 5-star hotel we recommend for you is Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh – one of the best Phnom Penh hotels. The hotel boasts of 247 guestrooms, including 43 suites, all of which offer spectacular views of the city skyline or the Mekong River. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-bars, and high-speed internet access to ensure a comfortable stay for guests. The hotel also offers several recreational facilities, including a fitness center, an outdoor infinity pool, and a spa that provides a range of rejuvenating treatments to guests. Additionally, for business travelers, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh features meeting and event spaces that can accommodate up to 700 guests.

Address: 55 Street 178, Sangkat Chey Chumnas, Phnom Penh

4-star Phnom Penh Hotel

• La Rose Suites

La Rose Suites is a great choice for tourists looking for a unique and sustainable boutique Phnom Penh hotel. One of the unique features of La Rose Suites is its colonial-style architecture and interior design that blends traditional Khmer elements with French colonial elegance. Each of the 25 rooms and suites is uniquely designed with traditional Cambodian artwork, handmade furniture, and luxurious amenities, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests. One of the reasons tourists should choose La Rose Suites is its convenient location. It is within walking distance to several popular tourist attractions, such as the Royal Palace, National Museum, and Riverside.

Address: 4B, Street 21, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh

• Hotel Emion Phnom Penh

Hotel Emion Phnom Penh is without a doubt one of the most distinctive boutique hotels in Phnom Penh. It’s a Japanese luxury hotel that offers a taste of Japan in Cambodia’s capital. The hotel’s large rooms are minimalist yet inviting and cozy, with high-tech elements that are particularly Japanese. Apart from the accommodations, there are numerous other reasons to like Hotel Emion Phnom Penh. There is a coffee and tea station in the foyer that is open 24 hours a day. A large infinity pool on the roof overlooks the confluence of the Mekong river and Tonlé Sap rivers. 

Address: 192 Preah Sisowath Quay Sangkat Chaktomuk, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

• Baitong Hotel and Resort

Baitong Hotel & Resort is a beautiful eco-friendly hotel in the heart of Phnom Penh. This hotel is a great choice for tourists who value sustainability, comfort, and convenience. One of the unique features of Baitong Hotel & Resort is its eco-friendly design and sustainable practices. The hotel uses renewable energy, water-saving technologies, and natural materials such as bamboo and wood to reduce its environmental impact. The hotel’s design is another standout feature. It features a contemporary Khmer design with a mix of traditional and modern elements, creating a stylish and comfortable atmosphere for guests. Baitong Hotel & Resort is an ideal choice for tourists who want a sustainable and stylish hotel in Phnom Penh.

Address: No. 10, St. 282, Sangkat Boeng Keng Kang I (BKK1), Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh

• Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort

Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort is a trendy and stylish Phnom Penh hotel we highly recommend for you. The hotel features a contemporary urban design with a mix of industrial and natural elements, creating a stylish and comfortable atmosphere for guests. Each of room is uniquely designed with a blend of local and international influences, offering guests a comfortable and chic retreat. The hotel’s staff is friendly, professional, and attentive, providing personalized service to each guest. The hotel’s rooftop infinity pool is another highlight. It offers stunning views of the city, making it a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring Phnom Penh’s cultural and historical landmarks. It definitely is a memorable experience for you.

Address: 240 No 5, St Sangkat Chakto Mukh, Phnom Penh

• Hotel Cambodiana

The ancient Hotel Cambodiana, located along the bank of the Mekong River, offers a quiet stay in the city’s downtown area. The rooms at this hotel are modest yet comfortable, and some have views of the river. A spa, steam room, swimming pool, sauna, and tennis courts are among the wellness amenities. After you’ve finished your job, head to the hotel’s L’Amboise restaurant for French classics like white-wine mussel and steak frites. Hotel Cambodiana will bring comfortable and cozy when staying here.

Address: 313 Sisowath Quay, Chakto Mukh, Doun Penh, Phnom Penh

• Malis Restaurant Phnom Penh

Malis Restaurant is a Khmer-style restaurant with a modern twist, located in the heart of Phnom Penh. With a fusion of traditional cooking but with variations in ingredients and textures, Malis Restaurant offers a range of mouthwatering Cambodian delicacies you’ve never seen before. Not only the food, but you can also enjoy some exotic vintage wines at Malis Restaurant.

• Topaz restaurant

Topaz restaurant is a French-themed restaurant in the heart of Phnom Penh. French culture is known for its rich, mouth-watering dishes, and Topaz serves up one of the best French dishes in Cambodia.

Not only is the food delicious, but the beautiful layout of the dish is also very eye-catching. During your visit to Phnom Penh, you will have an unforgettable culinary experience with exotic dishes and classic wines. A Sunday brunch is also available, and the restaurant regularly hosts chefs from France to cook a dish in the kitchen.

• Khema Pasteur

Khema Pasteur is an elegant international restaurant with an on-site bakery, cafe, and a wide range of imported and locally prepared dishes. Phnom Penh’s best croissants and pastries and exquisite macarons are served here.

Along with that, Khema Pasteur has a huge collection of cheeses, charcuterie, cakes, pies, and other delicacies and fast food. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of wines.

• Backyard Cafe

If you are looking for healthy food in Phnom Penh, Backyard Cafe is the place to go. This restaurant offers a wide range of healthy vegetarian and vegan dishes.

At Backyard Cafe, it is believed that food should be eaten as naturally as possible. So it has the highest quality food collection that you can find in Phnom Penh. Grilled cauliflower, stemless lentils, brown rice, roasted peppers, avocado sauce, spinach, and almonds are some of them.

• La’ Baab Restaurant

La’ Baab restaurant, located above Pharmacie de la Gare, near Vattanac Tower, is a beautifully decorated restaurant. Lower Mekong cuisine heavily influences the dishes served here.

• The Salmon House

The Salmon House is a treasure house for salmon lovers. Salmon importers, who want to showcase the versatility and deliciousness of salmon, run this wonderful restaurant. The lunch menu includes different types of salmon served with rice and an all-you-can-eat salad bar.

• La Coupole

La Coupole is the perfect place to spend quality time with family and friends. La Coupole has an unmatched culinary art collection with an extensive selection of exotic wines and champagnes. The menu includes a number of special dishes such as “Kep Sea Salt Red Mullet”, “Herbal Grilled Lamb Chops”, “Australian Beef Ribs,” and many more.

• Dine in the Dark Restaurant – DID

The restaurant has great creativity in its architectural style and table and chair decoration. Applying a more flexible intelligence to the purple and black LED lights of the space creates a beautiful dark restaurant. Diners will not see anything but the plates of food in front of them; the black table hidden in the dark is very subtle.

• Brooklyn Pizza & Bistro Restaurant

The restaurant’s pizzas are superb. Along with other cakes, they have transformed them into familiar but strange dishes full of attraction.

• Eleven One Kitchen

Nestled in a tropical garden, this restaurant serves simple and delicious Khmer dishes. Boasting a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, Eleven One Kitchen cooks up a range of local dishes, from chicken and rice with cashews and shrimp to traditional Khmer curries and noodle dishes.