As our plane began its descent toward the Phnom Penh Airport in Cambodia, we got our first glimpse of the city – and it wasn’t quite like we had imagined.
Through the hazy air and under the murky glow of the sun, the close-quartered dwellings sprawled from the city center as far as our eyes could see. That part we had anticipated.
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It was the towering skyscrapers (accompanied by countless cranes quickly completing several more) that threw off our visual expectations.
To see the hallmarks of a massive, modern metropolis from above crushed our pre-conceived notions of a riverside city slowing awaking from a long and recent tragedy.
Based on it’s size alone, we were already mentally readjusting our Phnom Penh Itinerary.
Additionally, we were certain we were going to find many more things to do than were mentioned in guidebooks or travel blogs. They’re simply building quicker than those can be updated!
Planning a 3 Day Phnom Penh Itinerary
Our trip to Phnom Penh marked our second visit to the country. The first time through Cambodia we bypassed the capital in favor of Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor Wat.
At the time, all we knew of Phnom Penh was the Killing Fields and S21 Prison – and we just weren’t feeling compelled to join in the Dark Tourism of Cambodia.
However, on our previous stop in Singapore, friends raved to us about the delicious food and enthralling nightlife in Phnom Penh.
Their tales piqued our interest…and two weeks later, we landed at the Phnom Penh International Airport ready to experience it all for ourselves!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Phnom Penh Travel Guide to plan your visit to Cambodia!
3 Days in Phnom Penh Itinerary
We had a full week to discover the top sights, best markets, interesting neighborhoods, tasty food and fun bars. Our experiences are condensed into this Phnom Penh Itinerary for 3 Days.
We include helpful information for attractions in Phnom Penh along with a map of sights. At the end of the article, we’ve shared additional Cambodia travel tips for your Phnom Penh Tour Itinerary.
Day 1 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Spend the first day sightseeing the top Phnom Penh attractions – and a few hidden spots – in the city center.
Central Market in Phnom Penh
Start your Phnom Penh sightseeing at one of the most iconic buildings in the city, The Central Market. Built in 1937, the art deco structure has served as a market hall since its inception.
Inside, glittering jewelry cases surround a centerpiece clock, while stalls selling everything from cheap t-shirts to fine art are cluttered close together in the lanes.
Phnom Penh Street Art (Street 93)
Street Art is a risky form of artistic expression in Cambodia – and any tags and wall murals are quickly painted over when they do appear.
However, in the district known as Phnom Penh Lakeside, street artists have been sprucing up the walls of dilapidated buildings with thought-provoking and colorful art.
Lakeside was once, in fact, next to a lake, but it was filled in by developers with big plans for the area (i.e. giant malls and more skyscrapers).
The absence of the lake had left businesses that catered to visitors without patrons – and, except for the families that still reside there, the district became somewhat of a ghost town.
At first, we felt intrusive to the tight-knit community, but were warmly welcomed by residents who seemed pleased to have tourists visiting their neighborhood.
Top Tip: It’s a bit of a walk from Central Market to the Phnom Penh 93 Street Art. Consider taking a tuk tuk. Tell them to take you to the old Lakeside or the big mosque…or show them this location.
Al-Serkal Mosque in Phnom Penh
This palatial white mosque with two slender minarets rising high above the dome was completed in 2014 (replacing a mosque of the same name that opened in 1968).
The Al-Serkal Mosque is the largest in Cambodia, which is home to approximately 300,000 Muslims.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
The Phnom Penh boutique hotel, Le Royal, was built in 1929 and has welcomed famous guests from around the world (such as Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Onassis).
The Raffles was also home to journalists who covered the Cambodian Civil War in the early 1970s.
During the time of Khmer Rouge, Le Royal was closed, but reopened as a 5-star property under the management of Raffles Hotels in 1997.
The classic and elegant Elephant Bar hosts traditional High Tea in the afternoons and in the early evening, posh patrons partake in a fancy happy hour.
Daun Penh Avenue
Now stroll the length of Daun Penh Avenue east toward Wat Phnom. The street-center garden is flanked by the Cambodia National Library, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the extremely fortified United States Embassy.
Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh
Perhaps the most popular Phnom Penh temple, Wat Phnom is a Buddhist place of worship that sits on a hill in the very center of the city.
The religious site dates to the year 1372 when, according to legend, locals raised the hill to house four relics found in the Mekong River.
The temple stands 88ft above the ground – the tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh – and is accessed via a steep staircase.
In addition to the temple (which was last refurbished in 1926), visitors will find a stupa holding the ashes of King Ponhea Yat, statues and shrines.
Lady Penh Statue (Yeay Penh)
Just south of Wat Phnom is a statue dedicated to Lady Penh, the woman credited with the city’s origin.
Legend has it that it was Lady Penh who found those relics inside that tree trunk floating in the Mekong and decided to create a hill and temple to house the treasures.
They attracted devoted worshipers and a town grew around the hill. Translated into English, Phnom Penh means: The Hill of Lady Penh.
Old French Quarter (Post Office Square)
Very little colonial architecture remains from the years of French rule (1863 to 1953), but those interested in Belle Epoque and Art Deco buildings can find a few examples (some is dire condition) on Post Office Square.
The best-preserved building is the yellow Phnom Penh Post Office, which dates to 1890 and is still used in the same capacity today.
Nearby is the Commissariat (Old Police Station), which is crumbling and appears to be inhabited by squatters, the Old Indochina Bank (now a restaurant) and the former Chamber of Commerce.
Top Tip: Interested in learning more of the history of the buildings here? Join a Phnom Penh Architecture Tour!
Old Market (Phsar Chas)
The Old Market in Phnom Penh is frequented by both tourists and locals. The stalls on the eastern perimeter feature picturesque displays of fresh fruit and hanging bird houses.
Meanwhile, the west side is occupied by the chaotic and cramped wet market, where locals mostly shop. Be prepared to find produce and raw meat that is much less-than-aesthetically displayed!
If you can handle the scents wafting through the air, we highly recommend walking through the PP Old Market just once!
Phnom Penh Riverside Park (Sisowath Quay)
On the western bank of the Tonle Sap River is a 1.8mi riverside park, Sisowath Quay.
Although it is nowhere near a serene escape from the bumper-to-bumper, horn-honking traffic that clogs the avenue, it does provide a little green space to walk around free of hazards.
The palm tree-lined pedestrian zone is used by joggers, shuttlecock kickers and evening strollers.
Benches and lawns provide a place to sit and watch the cargo ships and Phnom Penh tour boats float up and down the river.
Kandal Market (Phsar Thmei)
If the scene at the Old Market piqued your interest in where and how local Cambodians shop for food, a walk through Kandal Market should definitely be a stop on your Phnom Penh Itinerary.
Not for weak-stomached or hygiene-concerned travelers, the Kandal Market is as real as it gets. (Stop reading here if you are squeamish!)
Wriggling fish are kept barely alive in mere centimeters of water. Blood-dripping, fly-covered carcasses dangle from rusty rods.
Women squat over low tables using butcher hatchets to portion raw meat. With every strike loose pieces of flesh are hurtled through the air.
Of all the markets we’ve visited, this is the first time I’ve had to cover my mouth and nose with my shirt.
As we clumsily tip-toed around in flip flops, trying our best to avoid pools of swirling excess, we darting for the first exit we came across in a hurry.
That being said, it is an intense glimpse into real-life Cambodia and one of the best things to do in Phnom Penh if you can bear it.
Wat Ounalom
Established in 1443, Wat Ounalom serves as the Buddhist headquarters of Cambodia. The complex is comprised of 44 structures including houses for monks, classrooms and meditation halls.
Wat Ounalom is one of Phnom Penh’s five original monasteries and is held in high regard for its prize-possession: a sacred Buddha eyebrow hair.
Before the Khmer Rouge, it housed more than 500 monks and had a collection of some 30,000 books in the library, but sustained severe damage from 1975-1979.
Phnom Penh National Museum
The National Museum in Phnom Penh houses the world’s largest collection of Khmer Art. With more than 14,000 artifacts, which span prehistoric times to the present, it’s the top archaeological museum in the country.
Not limited to the displays inside, the building itself (which dates to 1920) is one of the top Phnom Penh things to see, as it is a fine example of traditional Khmer architecture.
Royal Palace (and Silver Pagoda)
Since 1866, Cambodian Kings have resided at the Royal Palace (the exception being the duration of Khmer Rouge) and rightfully tops many lists of Phnom Penh places of interest.
The massive complex features the Silver Pagoda, the Palace, Throne Hall and Inner Court. It was continuously built over time and features beautiful Khmer architecture, with a flair of French influence.
Visitors (with paid entry) are invited to tour the grounds of the Royal Palace, but most buildings are off limits.
Top Tip: Those who don’t want to pay to go inside, can get a peek – and snap a picture – of the palace grounds through the gates.
Sunset Drinks in Phnom Penh
After a full day of visiting top downtown Phnom Penh sights, cool off with a drink at one of the elevated, riverside bars.
Two of the most popular spots for a drink-with-a-view are FCC Phnom Penh (Foreign Correspondents Club) and Le Moon Rooftop.
The bar at the FCC Hotel, which opened in 1993, has seen a slew of journalists and celebrities, but still offers a good happy hour and a nice view of the river.
The Le Moon Rooftop Cocktail Lounge is a spacious place with incredible views of Wat Ounalom and the Tonle Sap River.
It is a bit expensive (even at happy hour), but you’re paying for the view. The tables along the south railing have an excellent vantage point looking right down Preah Sisowath Quay.
Dinner in Phnom Penh
There is no shortage of options for dining in Phnom Penh; a wide range of restaurants are found throughout the city.
On a mission to find the best food in Phnom Penh, we followed the crowds to David’s Noodles…and weren’t disappointed!
The made-to-order dumplings and hand-pulled noodles (a fascinating culinary art created before our very eyes) were delicious.
Top Tip: Just across the street from David’s Noodles is F3 (Friends Future Factory). An NGO-supported entertainment hub, they’re known for their diligent work in the community.
Phnom Penh Nightlife
Nightlife here ranges from expat hangouts to craft cocktail lounges to entertaining karaoke joints and the ever present hostess bars. They are mostly clustered together on a few streets.
- Riverside – The bars lining Sisowath Quay are a good place to start the night. As mentioned, many offer balcony views of the river and cheap happy hour drinks.
- Street 136, 130, 110, 104 – Most of the spots here are hostess bars where lots of pretty girls, transgenders and prostitutes are eager to keep you company while you drink…and maybe later, too.
- Street 51 – Many clubs can be found in the vicinity of Phnom Penh St 51, with Pontoon being the most popular dance club in the area.
Day 2 of your Phnom Penh Itinerary
Today, continue discovering some of the top Phnom Penh things to see. Start at a popular market before delving into the difficult history of Cambodia. Finish the day in one of the city’s most exciting districts.
Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tom Pong)
Nicknamed the Russian Market due to it’s popularity with Soviet expats in the 1980s, Phsar Tuol Tom Pong is a favorite for many tourists today.
The dense maze of stalls (with little air ventilation) offers a wide variety of souvenirs alongside mostly knock-off items from global brands.
Beyond catering to tourists, there are also entire sections dedicated to automotive parts and home goods.
Near the center, there are a few food stalls with counter seating that provide an excellent spot for people-watching!
S21 Museum (Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum)
While our purpose of visiting Phnom Penh was not Dark Tourism, we did want to better understand what happened in Cambodia under The Khmer Rouge.
Comprehending the Cambodian Genocide that occurred in the mid-to-late 1970s – where an estimated 1.5 to 3 million Cambodians were killed – is difficult even with proper context.
The S21 Museum – a former high school-turned-prison – provides a setting in which the story can be told and better understood.
Guests can walk through the old classrooms, converted into single-person cells, and view photos of hundreds of prisoners who passed through S21.
It’s here that their execution orders were signed. Gruesome details have been preserved – and are openly displayed.
Although the museum focuses on the terrible events that played out on the site, the audio guide also provides information about the Khmer Rouge, including a history of Phnom Penh.
After touring the facility, visitors may have the possibility of meeting with one of only seven S21 Prison survivors.
Phnom Penh Massage
Getting a traditional Khmer massage is a rejuvenating journey. The masseuse uses kneading techniques, working from the feet, up the legs and back, to the arms and finishing with a head massage.
There are upscale spas in Phnom Penh with more services to choose from – like facials and pedicures.
Expect higher prices, but perhaps, a better experience along with air conditioning. Check reviews for top-rated spas in Phnom Penh.
Cambodian Independence Monument
Unveiled in 1962 to commemorate Cambodia’s 1953 freedom from France, the Independence Monument stands 65 feet tall in the middle of a busy intersection.
Designed to look like a lotus flower, it’s best viewed from the narrow park just to the west. To the east is the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial, a 88 foot stupa protecting a bronze statue of the late King Norodom Sihanouk.
Wat Langka
Founded in 1442 for monks from Sri Lanka (hence the name), Wat Langka is one of the oldest temples in Phnom Penh. The complex is surprisingly peaceful given its location.
A few days a week there are free hour-long meditation classes given by English-speaking monks. Check the schedule at the temple for times if you want to join in!
Drinks & Dinner in BKK1
Well-known as an expat district in Phnom Penh, BKK1 – or Boeung Keng Kang 1 – is flush with chic bars and contemporary eats.
Popular high-end Khmer restaurants in the area are Malis and Khmer Surin, but those looking for international cuisine have plenty of choices, too.
Upscale French dining can be found at Topaz and Le Langka and there are also numerous Japanese sushi restaurants in the area.
Our favorite BKK1 restaurants, however, are on Phnom Penh Street 308: Mama Wong’s Dumpling and Noodles and the inconspicuous Khmer Women Food.
Mama Wong’s offers high-quality traditional cuisine with an inventive twist and seriously good fresh-made dumplings.
Khmer Women Food, on the other hand, sticks to the basics and dishes up incredibly flavorful (and inexpensive) meals prepared by young women in the outdoor kitchen.
We ate the Fish Amok and Bai Sai Chrouk and it was, hands down, the absolute best meal we ate in Phnom Penh!
BKK1 is also a hotspot for stylish bars catering to expats and foreign visitors.
Bassac Lane (off Street 308) is filled with themed microbars, such as The Den, Welsh Embassy Pub, and The Library. You can even find some tropical vibes at Thmor.
Another uber-cool spot for drinks is the hidden lane off Street 51 between 282 and 294.
Those who make the effort to seek out BattBong speakeasy are rewarded with hand-crafted cocktails, live music and hopefully chatting with Roman, the enthusiastic Ukrainian owner.
Hint: Look for the Coca-Cola machine…it doubles as the front door!
Street 278 also has a high-concentration of places to imbibe, but with a more laid-back ambiance.
For a fancy Bangkok-style rooftop with a view, check out Sky Bar Tower on the 43rd floor of the Penthouse Residence.
Day 3 in Phnom Penh
Start out with a half-day trip, then embark on a self-guided city tour to a less-visited neighborhood. Finish off with a Phnom Penh boat cruise.
Phnom Penh Day Tours
Although there are many things to see in Phnom Penh, there are a few intriguing sights outside the city center. Tours vary from visiting villages to seeing historic sites to helping at animal sanctuaries.
- Koh Dach Silk Island – Learn about the local silk production and watch weavers at work. Book now
- Oudong – The former capital of the Khmer Empire, Oudong (also spelled Udong) features beautiful temples. On the tour, you will learn the history of the Khmer Empire, receive a blessing from monks and eat a traditional lunch.
- Killing Fields – For a deeper look at the horrors of the Khmer Rouge, visit the Killing Fields. On the site, you will find a memorial and 5,000 human skulls.
- Wildlife Rescue Center – Spend a full day at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC) where you can get up close and personal with rescued animals.
- Ta Prohm and Phnom Chisor – Travel with a knowledgeable guide to visit a temple that pre-dates Angkor Wat. Then dine lakeside before arriving at Phnom Chisor and it’s 412 steps!
Olympic Neighborhood Exploration
There are several interesting attractions in the Olympic Neighborhood of Phnom Penh that you can add to your itinerary.
National Olympic Stadium
Built in the 1960s, this 50,000-seat stadium has never been used for any Olympic games. It does, however, feature Olympic-size swimming and diving pools, a soccer field and an indoor multi-sport court.
Special events and some sports matches still take place at Olympic Stadium, although the new Morodok Techo National Stadium hosts most of these now.
Orussey Market
We found the Orussey Market to be one of the most fascinating in Phnom Penh. The two-story structure is frequented by locals and spills out in all directions onto the nearby streets.
On the ground floor, rows of booths sell dried, hanging fish, while another section is packed with burlap sacks containing grains and spices. The second floor features colorful fabrics.
Olympic Market
Known for fine textiles, random fashions and accessories of all shapes and sizes, this sprawling bazaar is housed in a ramshackle building (with a dilapidated Olympic torch emblem) just south of the stadium.
Wat Moha Montrei
Relatively new, Wat Moha Montrei was built in 1970. The Buddhist temple, which lacks the typical bold colors, is made of cement, features intricate carvings and is topped with a 115 foot tower.
We found it quite peaceful on our weekend morning visit, with stray cats lounging about the stupas and monks in their saffron robes chatting on the stairs.
Eclipse Sky Bar at Phnom Penh Tower
Office block by day, the Phnom Penh Tower comes alive at night in the Eclipse Sky Bar on the 23rd-floor rooftop deck. It opens everyday at 5pm and offers some of the best 360-degree views of Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh River Cruise at Sunset
Taking a Phnom Penh Mekong River Cruise at sunset is a fabulous way to wind down at the end of the day.
Boats depart from the Tonle Sap River and sail to the confluence with the Mekong, providing nice Phnom Penh city views along the way.
Phnom Penh Night Market (Psar Reatrey)
After visiting other boisterous and raucous markets, the Phnom Penh Night Market feels extremely low-key and calm.
Most of the vendors all sell the same t-shirts and traditional Khmer dresses, but it’s still worth a look around.
The food stalls, however, offer a unique dining opportunity and a chance to mingle with locals. Get a plate of food, remove your shoes and find a spot on the mats to enjoy your meal.
Pro Tip: If dining on street food while sitting on the ground isn’t how you envision ending your 3 Days in Phnom Penh Itinerary, try Baldwin’s for excellent local and international dishes!
Map of Phnom Penh Sights & Travel Tips
For better neighborhood orientation, use this Phnom Penh district map. Read on for our honest advice for your visit to PP.
Getting Around Phnom Penh
Whether on foot or on wheels, it isn’t exactly easy to get around Phnom Penh. Sidewalks are often cracked and crumbling, overtaken by parked scooters and food vendors or simply don’t exist.
That means those traveling on foot need to stay alert of the traffic. Taxi cabs, while usually air conditioned, will likely result in a slow ride through the congested streets.
On the other hand, information about taking public transport is minimal, at best. During our stay, we relied on transportation by tuk tuk (usually arranged by our hotel).
Rides cost only a few dollars to just about anywhere in the center (and a few more at night when leaving popular areas). When we did want to ride in an actual car, we used the Grab app for the best prices.
Where To Stay in Phnom Penh
During our visit we stayed in the SIM Boutique Hotel. For us, it was the best place to stay in Phnom Penh – as it fit both our style and our budget.
The chic property is located near the Olympic Stadium, which allowed us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a less-touristy neighborhood.
SIM Hotel features include a rooftop pool and bar (16th and 17th floor) and a fabulous breakfast buffet! The staff were also friendly and eager to help with tuk tuk services.
Other top-rated hotels in Phnom Penh are: The Pavilion, Palace Gate Hotel and Resort and Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort.
Budget travelers will find many hostels in Phnom Penh – including the wild Mad Monkey Hostel. Whatever your budget and style, start your search for accommodations on Booking.com, like we do!
Best 1 Week Cambodia Itinerary
Before You Travel to Cambodia
- Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia, Skechers and Reef. Kris prefers Merrell and Sanuk.
- Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel.
- If you haven’t already obtained insurance, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
- Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want a great day bag to organize and secure all your everyday essentials.
- Get (and stay) organized for all the best things to do in Phnom Penh by using our Travel Planning Printables!
Start planning your trip to Cambodia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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