· KH

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh: Where History Echoes and Life Pulses Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, is a city of captivating contrasts. Here, ancient temples stand tall amidst bustling markets, and the echoes of a turbulent pa…

#Capital city#Cultural hub#Historic sites#Mekong River#Bustling markets

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Phnom Penh.

Top Hotels in Phnom Penh

Top Flights to Phnom Penh

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Phnom Penh.

Tours

Exploring the Royal Palace

Visit the stunning Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia. The complex includes the Silver Pagoda and several other beautiful buildings.

Visit Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple (pagoda) that symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh. The temple is a central feature of the city and sits atop the only hill in town.

National Museum of Cambodia Tour

Explore the National Museum of Cambodia, showcasing centuries of Khmer history and art.

Shopping

Central Market Shopping Spree

A famous landmark in Phnom Penh, the Central Market is a bustling marketplace housed in an art deco building.

Outdoor

Cruise on the Mekong River

Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise along the Mekong River, with views of the landscape and city skyline.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Phnom Penh.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar ៛ | KHR | Cambodian Riel

Population

2.2 million

Languages

Khmer, French, English

Average weather

Phnom Penh

Jan

31°22°

Feb

32°23°

Mar

34°24°

Apr

35°26°

May

34°26°

Jun

33°25°

Jul

32°25°

Aug

32°25°

Sep

31°25°

Oct

31°24°

Nov

31°23°

Dec

30°22°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Phnom Penh.

What people love

There are several pros to traveling to Phnom Penh, the bustling capital city of Cambodia. Here are some detailed reasons why you may enjoy a visit to Phnom Penh:

Rich History and Culture: Phnom Penh is steeped in history, with numerous cultural and historical sites to explore. The city is home to the magnificent Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia, and the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which provide insights into the country's past.
Vibrant Markets: Phnom Penh is known for its vibrant markets, such as the Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung) and the Central Market (Psar Thmei), where you can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food.
Riverside Charm: The city is situated along the banks of the Mekong River, offering scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere. The riverside area is popular for leisurely walks, dining at waterfront restaurants, and enjoying the sunset over the river.
Delicious Cuisine: Phnom Penh is a food lover's paradise, with a wide variety of traditional Cambodian dishes to savor. From flavorful street food to upscale dining options, you can indulge in local delicacies like Fish Amok, Khmer Red Curry, and Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles).
Affordable Prices: Compared to many other tourist destinations, Phnom Penh offers relatively affordable accommodations, dining, and transportation options. This makes it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore Southeast Asia.
Warm Hospitality: Cambodian people are known for their warm hospitality and friendly demeanor. Visitors to Phnom Penh can expect to receive a warm welcome and genuine interactions with the locals, adding to the overall travel experience.

Overall, Phnom Penh offers a mix of history, culture, cuisine, and affordability, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking an authentic Cambodian experience.

Enjoy your trip to Phnom Penh!

What to know

Traveling to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, like any other destination, may have its cons. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:

Traffic congestion: Phnom Penh is known for its heavy traffic and chaotic road conditions, which can make getting around the city challenging and time-consuming.
Air pollution: The city's rapid urbanization has led to increased air pollution levels, which can affect individuals with respiratory issues or sensitivity to pollution.
Scams and touts: Like many tourist destinations, Phnom Penh has its fair share of scams and touts targeting unsuspecting visitors. It's essential to be vigilant and cautious to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Safety concerns: While overall crime rates in Phnom Penh are relatively low, petty theft and pickpocketing can still occur, especially in crowded tourist areas. It's crucial to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Language barrier: English is not widely spoken in Phnom Penh, especially outside of tourist areas. This can make communication challenging, particularly when trying to navigate or seek assistance.
Limited infrastructure: While Phnom Penh has been developing rapidly in recent years, there may still be instances of inadequate infrastructure, such as intermittent power outages or limited access to clean water in some areas.
Cultural differences: Travelers should be mindful of and respect Cambodia's cultural norms and traditions to avoid inadvertently causing offense or misunderstandings.

It's essential to research and plan ahead to mitigate these potential drawbacks and have a safe and enjoyable trip to Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, has a rich and dynamic history that spans several centuries. Here is an overview of its history, significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

Foundation: Phnom Penh was founded in the 14th century. According to legend, a wealthy widow named Daun Penh discovered four bronze Buddha statues and a stone statue of Vishnu inside a koki tree that was washed ashore. She constructed a small hill (or "phnom") and a temple to house the statues, which became Wat Phnom, a significant historical and cultural landmark.

The Khmer Empire and French Colonial Period

Khmer Empire: Phnom Penh was not always the capital of the Khmer Empire. The empire's capital was originally located in Angkor. It wasn't until the 15th century that King Ponhea Yat moved the capital to Phnom Penh following the sacking of Angkor by Siamese forces.
French Colonial Rule: In 1863, Cambodia became a protectorate of France. Phnom Penh was developed as the capital of the French colonial administration in Cambodia. The French influence is evident in the city’s architecture, wide boulevards, and infrastructure.

20th Century

Independence: Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953 under the leadership of King Norodom Sihanouk. Phnom Penh became the seat of the new government and experienced a period of growth and modernization.
The Khmer Rouge Era: In 1975, the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, captured Phnom Penh. The city was evacuated, and its population was forced into the countryside to work in agrarian communes. The regime's policies led to the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians before the Vietnamese invasion in 1979 ended their rule.

Post-Khmer Rouge Recovery

Rebuilding: After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Phnom Penh slowly began to recover. The city was repopulated, and efforts to rebuild its infrastructure and institutions were undertaken.
Modern Developments: In the 1990s and 2000s, Phnom Penh underwent significant economic and urban development. It became a center of commerce, industry, and tourism in Cambodia.

Significant Landmarks

Wat Phnom: The historical temple at the heart of Phnom Penh, associated with the city's founding legend.
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: A complex of buildings that serves as the royal residence of the King of Cambodia. The Silver Pagoda, located within the palace grounds, houses many national treasures.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Formerly a high school, it was turned into a notorious security prison (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge. It is now a museum documenting the atrocities of the regime.
Choeung Ek: Known as the Killing Fields, it is a memorial site where many victims of the Khmer Rouge were executed and buried.
Independence Monument: Built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia's independence from France in 1953.

Notable Historical Figures

King Norodom Sihanouk: A pivotal figure in Cambodia's modern history, Sihanouk played a central role in gaining independence from France and navigating the turbulent political landscape of the 20th century.
Pol Pot: Leader of the Khmer Rouge, responsible for the genocide and drastic social changes during his regime.

Phnom Penh continues to evolve as a vibrant city that balances its historical heritage with modern growth, attracting tourists, and serving as the political and economic heart of Cambodia.