PHNOM PENH
Phnom Penh is the vibrant, beating heart of Cambodia, a city of resilient history and blossoming modernity set at the confluence of the mighty Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers.
It is a place where royal grandeur coexists with poignant memory, offering a compelling blend of dazzling temples, colonial architecture, and bustling street life that defines the Cambodian spirit.
Most Popular Attractions
Royal & Historical Core:
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: The official residence of the King of Cambodia, showcasing stunning Khmer architecture and housing the legendary Silver Pagoda with its floor of 5,329 silver tiles.
National Museum of Cambodia: The country’s leading archaeological and historical museum, housing a world-class collection of Khmer art, particularly from the Angkorian era.
Wat Phnom: A serene, 14th-century temple on the city’s only hill, giving the capital its name and offering a tranquil escape.
Wat Ounalom: The most important pagoda in Phnom Penh and the center of Cambodian Buddhism, located near the riverfront.
Independence Monument (Vimean Akareach): A magnificent Angkorian-style stupa commemorating Cambodia’s independence from France.
Sisowath Quay (Riverside): The bustling promenade along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, lined with cafes, shops, and grand buildings.
Phsar Thmey (Central Market): An Art Deco landmark famous for its distinctive dome and array of goods, from jewelry to souvenirs.
Wat Botum: One of the city’s original and most respected pagodas, used for royal ceremonies and meditation.
Sites of Memory & Reflection:
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21): A former high school tragically converted into the Security Prison 21 by the Khmer Rouge regime. A profoundly moving historical site.
Choeung Ek Killing Fields: The most well-known of the sites where the Khmer Rouge executed over a million people, now marked by a Buddhist stupa containing the skulls of the victims.
Modern & Cultural:
Vattanac Capital Tower: Phnom Penh’s most iconic skyscraper, featuring luxury offices and a sky bar with panoramic city views.
Olympic Stadium: A historic stadium designed by the famed Khmer architect Vann Molyvann, known for its unique mid-century modern design.
Chaktomuk Conference Hall: A signature Vann Molyvann building at the river confluence, resembling a folded fan.
Bassac Lane: A charming and trendy cluster of small, boutique bars hidden down a quiet alleyway, offering excellent nightlife.
Street 240: A fashionable street known for its high-quality Cambodian silk, local designer boutiques, and cafes.
Diamond Island (Koh Pich): A large, modern development featuring exhibition centers, luxury residences, and entertainment venues.
Markets & Local Life:
Phsar Chas (Old Market): A traditional market offering an authentic glimpse into local daily life, selling fresh produce and household goods.
Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung): Popular with expats and tourists, known for its vast selection of fabrics, antiques, carvings, and souvenirs.
AEON Mall: The first large-scale modern shopping mall in the city, offering international brands, cinema, and dining.
Orussey Market (Phsar Orussey): A massive, multi-story market geared towards locals, selling everything from textiles to electronics.
Kandal Market (Phsar Kandal): A bustling local market near the riverfront, famed for its fresh flowers and prepared street food.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the S-21 Genocide Museum (Tuol Sleng) and Choeung Ek Killing Fields: Engage with Cambodia’s tragic modern history. This solemn and essential experience provides context for the nation’s resilience and progress.
Explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: Wander through the exquisite grounds of the current residence of the King, marveling at the traditional Khmer architecture and the Pagoda’s floor, which is paved with over 5,000 silver tiles.
Take a Sunset Cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip as the sun sets over the city, offering unique views of the Royal Palace and the merging of the two major rivers.
Haggle for Goods at the Central Market (Phsar Thmey): Explore the iconic Art Deco structure and its vast array of goods, from jewelry and silks to electronics and souvenirs.
Learn Khmer Cooking at a Local Class: Master the art of preparing traditional dishes like Amok (fish curry) or Lok Lak (sautéed beef) from a local chef.
Wander through Wat Phnom: Visit the historical Buddhist temple that sits atop the only hill in the city and is believed to be the birthplace of Phnom Penh.
Discover Local Art and Culture at the National Museum: Explore the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculptural, historical, and religious artifacts, predating and including the Angkorian era.
Go on a Local Food Tour in the Street Stalls: Dive into the vibrant street food scene, trying local delicacies such as grilled river fish, fresh fruit shakes, and Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles).
Shop for Souvenirs at the Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung): Known for its clothing, wood carvings, silks, and knock-off designer goods, it’s a bustling market experience.
Volunteer or Visit a Local NGO: Engage in a positive way by visiting a socially responsible enterprise or an organization focused on education, health, or vocational training.
Watch a Traditional Apsara Dance Show: Witness the beautiful, classical Khmer performance art that tells traditional myths and historical stories through intricate hand gestures and costumes.
Take a Day Trip to Koh Dach (Silk Island): Cross the Mekong River to this tranquil island known for its traditional silk weaving, farming, and quiet village life.
Local Tips & Transport
Tuk-Tuks and Motorbikes are King: The most common and convenient way to get around is by tuk-tuk (a carriage pulled by a motorbike). Always agree on the fare before you start the journey.
Use Ride-Hailing Apps: For reliable pricing and convenience, use local apps like Grab or PassApp for tuk-tuks and taxis. They are often cheaper than street-hailed rides and provide a set price.
Taxis: Standard taxis are available but less common than tuk-tuks. They are a good option for longer trips or airport transfers, but confirm the fare/meter before departing.
Motorbike Taxis (Moto-Dups): These are the fastest way to navigate heavy traffic but are best suited for solo travelers with little luggage and require confidence navigating the bustling streets.
From the Airport: The Airport Rail Link (train) connects Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) to the city center and is a fast, inexpensive option. Tuk-tuks and taxis are also plentiful.
Respectful Attire: When visiting temples (Wats) or the Royal Palace, you must dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees. You may be denied entry otherwise.
The Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD): Cambodia has a dual currency system. USD is widely accepted and often preferred for large purchases, but change will almost always be given in KHR, especially for small amounts. Always carry small denominations of USD and KHR.
Bargaining is Expected: When shopping in markets (Central, Russian, etc.) or negotiating a tuk-tuk fare, bargaining is normal. Start at about 50% of the asking price and settle on a mutually acceptable rate. Be polite and smile!
The Khmer Rouge History: When visiting the S-21 Museum and Killing Fields, approach the subject with respect and sensitivity. This is recent, painful history, and silence and solemnity are appropriate.
Dining Etiquette: Locals typically eat with chopsticks and spoons. Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funerary rite. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, especially in tourist-facing establishments.
Hidden Gems:
- Wat Langka: A beautiful and quiet temple often overlooked, known for its calming atmosphere and excellent murals.
- Street 240: A charming street near the Royal Palace known for its small boutiques selling Cambodian silk, ethical fashion, and art, along with cozy cafes.
- The Post Office Square (Preah Moha Ksatrok Kossamak): Recently renovated, this area showcases some of the city’s best French colonial architecture.
- Vibe Cafe: A popular spot for plant-based, healthy food that offers a quiet, lush escape from the city heat.
Top Restaurants
Sovanna II Restaurant [$10-$20] – Famous for its Khmer-style BBQ, especially the grilled beef and pork, which are tender, smoky, and slightly sweet. It’s an excellent spot for a classic Cambodian dining experience.
Kravanh Restaurant [$15-$25] – Highly regarded for its quality and freshly prepared Cambodian food, it is a favorite for local dignitaries. Their commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients is well-known, and the fish amok is a must-try.
54 Langeach Sros [$5-$15] – A popular local Khmer-style barbecue and beer garden. It’s known for its mean plate of ribs—tangy with a hint of sweetness and spice—and offers dishes like goat with black ants and crab with young green pepper.
David’s Restaurant – Homemade Noodles [$5-$10] – A very accessible spot, especially for a safe introduction to local cuisine. Famous for its hand-pulled noodles and fresh veggie dumplings, where you can often see the owner making the noodles.
The Three Rivers Restaurant [$8-$15] – A small, lovingly run restaurant near the Royal Palace, known for serving fresh and authentic Cambodian cuisine (Khmer food).
Kabbas Restaurant [$10-$20] – A reliable and popular spot in the backpacker district for decent Asian food with consistent quality, including their Prahok Ktiss (minced meat chili dip).
Khmer Surin [$10-$20] – A long-standing favorite in the BKK1 area, specializing in both Khmer and Thai cuisine. It offers a great mix of local flavors in a comfortable setting.
Phka Slaa [$15-$25] – A relative newcomer aiming to cater to foodies. It offers a fantastic selection of classic Khmer dishes, including a crispy pork and pandan chicken parcels.
Mok Mony [$10-$18] – A well-loved local spot known for its delicious and creatively prepared traditional dishes like grilled betel leaf and smokey eggplant.
La’Baab Restaurant [$15-$25] – Located above a pharmacy, this restaurant serves Khmer and Southern Vietnamese-influenced cuisine. Its fish amok is perfectly balanced, defining it from tourist-oriented spots.
Bay Ang Eng Pork Rice [$3-$8] – A classic, no-frills local spot for Bai Sach Chrouk (pork and rice), one of the essential Cambodian breakfast/lunch dishes. Look for it near Wat Ounalom/Phsar Kandal.
Street 450 Seafood BBQ [Price Varies] – Not a single restaurant, but a section of Street 450 that turns into a popular local al fresco street restaurant in the evening, famous for its grilled fish and seafood.
Central Market Food Stalls (Psar Thmei) [Price Varies] – The cafeteria area offers a wide range of local Cambodian savory and sweet street food, 100% authentic for an adventurous, local-style dining experience.
Mama Wong’s Dumpling and Noodle House [$5-$15] – Known for its comforting and delicious homemade dumplings and noodles in an atmosphere reminiscent of a family kitchen.
Khmer Noodles Restaurant [$3-$8] – A great spot for Nom Banh Chok, a traditional Khmer noodle delight served with a green fish curry or red curry.
Khmer Women’s Food [$8-$15] – Offers classic Cambodian cuisine in a setting that’s popular with locals, providing an authentic taste of traditional Khmer dinner dishes.
Samlor Korko Street Stalls [$3-$7] – Seek out local stalls that serve this traditional Khmer sour fish stew made with mixed vegetables and a variety of regional spices.
Trattoria Bello Pizza & Pasta [$10-$20] – Offers a taste of Italy in the Russian Market area, a popular spot for comforting pizza and pasta dishes among the expat and local community.
Gorkha Palace [$10-$20] – Highlights the city’s diversity, offering delicious Nepalese food, including the popular Nepali thali set fish and Indian dishes like Chicken Hariyali Kebab.
Warung Bali [$5-$15] – A long-standing favorite for rich, sweet, and spicy Indonesian food. Their beef rendang is a popular choice and incredibly cheap.
Beirut Resto-Cafe [$10-$20] – Known for serving the best of the Middle East in the capital. Everything is fresh, authentic, and popular with the local expat community.
Namaste India Restaurant [$15-$25] – One of the best Indian dining experiences in town, offering a diverse menu of curries and paneer dishes, suitable for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
Chinese Noodle Restaurant [$5-$10] – A popular spot for affordable, authentic Chinese cuisine, famous for its hand-pulled noodles and homemade dumplings.
Banteay Srey Restaurant [$10-$20] – Offers a safe bet for decent and consistent Asian food, located in the Riverside area.
Curry Pot [$8-$15] – A reliable spot in the Russian Market area for a variety of flavorful curries, popular with locals looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
Chiang Mai Riverside [$10-$20] – Located by the river, this spot is popular for its authentic Thai food, but also serves good Khmer, Asian, and Western dishes.
Ngon Restaurant [$5-$15] – A well-regarded Vietnamese restaurant with a substantial outdoor seating area, offering classic Vietnamese dishes at very reasonable prices.
Le Langka [$15-$25] – A favorite in BKK-1 for its French/European cuisine, known for excellent food and a cozy interior.
Comme a la Maison [$15-$30] – An upmarket but reasonably priced French restaurant with a great ambience, known for its excellent specials and having a fantastic delicatessen.
Le Deli Bistro Gourmet [$10-$20] – A French bistro-style cafe known for its fresh-baked French pastries, sandwiches, and European comfort food.
Piccola Italia Da Luigi [$10-$20] – Offers authentic Italian cuisine, often cited as one of the best Italian choices in Phnom Penh, with a focus on great pizzas and an excellent wine selection.
Cuisine Wat Damnak Phnom Penh [$25-$50] – The Phnom Penh outpost of the only Cambodian restaurant to make Asia’s 50 Best list. It uses local ingredients to create traditional flavors in creative and non-traditional ways.
Malis Restaurant [$20-$40] – Established by celebrity chef Luu Meng to restore Khmer culinary to its former glory. It offers refined traditional Khmer cuisine in a beautiful setting. A local favorite for Sunday breakfast.
Sombok Restaurant [$25-$45] – Known for its modern Khmer cuisine, presented in a fine dining style. It features an all-women team and a focus on authentic, high-quality local dishes.
The Sugar Palm [$20-$35] – Brings traditional Cambodian recipes into the modern dining scene with a creative twist. Known for its cozy atmosphere and commitment to fresh, local ingredients.
ARTillery [$10-$20] – A popular cafe for health-conscious diners, focusing on organic, chemical-free, fair-trade ingredients. It has a wide range of vegan, raw, and light, wholesome meals.
Eleven One Kitchen [$5-$15] – A restaurant with a great food philosophy, using organic, seasonal ingredients. Known for its colorful, fresh, and healthy dishes, and for being 99% plastic-free.
Botanico Wine & Beer Garden [$15-$25] – Offers a relaxed garden setting in the Tonle Bassac district with a menu of creative small plates and an extensive list of craft beers and wines.
Wild Creative Bar & Spring Rolls Restaurant [$8-$15] – Known for its namesake: incredibly fresh and creative spring rolls, offering a unique twist on a Cambodian staple in a chic bar setting.
Nesat Seafood House [$15-$30] – Fresh seafood from Kampot is prepared in an authentic local way within a cozy fisherman’s house atmosphere.
Boat Noodle Restaurant [$10-$20] – Set in an old wooden house with an eclectic mix of antiques, it’s more of an experience than just a restaurant, serving Khmer and Thai cuisine with a traditional Khmer music ambiance in the evening.
Sundown Social Club [$10-$20] – A trendy rooftop bar and kitchen in the Toul Tom Poung district (Russian Market area) with a bohemian-chic terrace and a menu of creative cocktails and savory bites.
Rosewood Sora Sky Bar [$25-$50] – Located in the Vattanac Capital Tower, it’s a sophisticated nightspot on a cantilevered terrace, offering cocktails and tapas with magnificent city views.
Farm to table [$15-$25] – A popular spot in BKK1 that focuses on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, offering a modern, wholesome menu.
Golden Pumpkin Restaurant [$10-$20] – Offers a mix of local and Western dishes, including a popular signature burger and pumpkin soup, in a tranquil setting.
The Corn [$8-$15] – A quaint spot with a focus on vegan-friendly and wholesome dishes, known for its jackfruit and sweet potato curry with black rice.
Topaz Restaurant Norodom [$60-$90] – A glamorous grande dame of the Phnom Penh fine dining scene, known for its classic French and Western cuisine and impeccable service.
Cuts [$70-$100] – The Rosewood Hotel’s sophisticated steak and seafood grill on the 38th floor, offering premium meats and incredible panoramic views of the city.
Palais de La Poste Restaurant [$50-$80] – Located in a beautifully restored colonial building, this restaurant specializes in refined French cuisine and offers an elegant fine dining experience in the Daun Penh area.
Ox Club Restaurant [$50-$80] – A super-luxe steakhouse in BKK1, known for its high-quality European cuisine, an excellent wine list, and sophisticated setting.
Brasserie Louis [$40-$70] – Located in the Rosewood Hotel, it offers a dynamic menu of authentic Khmer dishes alongside French comfort food and an elaborate Continental breakfast.
Mealea Restaurant [$40-$70] – A charming and elegant restaurant often chosen for special occasions, offering a refined dining experience with a focus on presentation and ambiance.
Tribeca [$50-$80] – A well-established restaurant in the city center known for its high-quality gastronomy and fine dining experience.
Mahope [$50-$90] – Chef Nak has opened her traditional Khmer stilt home on the Mekong River to guests for a truly unique experience, combining ancient Khmer cooking styles with the performing arts.
Ming Men Fine Dining [$40-$70] – Specializes in Chinese cuisine, offering an authentic Cantonese gourmet journey in an elegant setting within the NagaWorld resort.
Iza [$40-$70] – An authentic Japanese restaurant within the Rosewood Hotel featuring a signature noodle corner, an interactive robata-yaki grill, and a variety of sushi favorites.
Romdeng [$15-$25] – A social enterprise run by the NGO Mith Samlanh, where former street youth are trained in hospitality. The restaurant is famous for traditional Cambodian dishes and, for the adventurous, deep-fried tarantulas.
Friends the Restaurant [$15-$25] – The sister training restaurant to Romdeng, also supporting street youth. It offers a contemporary tapas-style menu of Asian and Western dishes, great for sharing.
Vibe [$10-$20] – The capital’s first 100% vegan restaurant, focusing on original homemade superfood recipes, smoothies, and wholesome, plant-based meals in a bright, modern setting.
Foreign Correspondent’s Club (FCC) [$20-$40] – A Phnom Penh institution housed in a French colonial-era building overlooking the river. It’s a great spot for a good Western meal or a cocktail with a view from the rooftop bar.
The Gourmet Bistro Deli [$30-$50] – A sophisticated French deli and bistro offering an extensive wine selection, fine dining dishes, and gourmet products for sale.
Chinese House [$25-$45] – Set in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, this venue offers a blend of upscale Asian and Western cuisine in a historical and atmospheric setting.
The Elephant Bar [$20-$40 for snacks/cocktails] – An iconic bar in the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, known for its colonial charm and signature cocktails, including the Femme Fatale (created for Jacqueline Kennedy). Offers light snacks and a sophisticated ambiance.
Eclipse Sky Bar [$15-$30] – Located on the 23rd floor of the Phnom Penh Tower, this chic bar offers stunning panoramic skyline views along with impressive cocktails and appetizers.
The Living Room (Rosewood) [$15-$30] – An elegant lounge serving sophisticated light snacks, pastries, cakes, and evening drinks, perfect for a refined afternoon tea or quiet evening.
Whisky Library (Rosewood) [$20-$50] – Sophisticated spot housing the widest selection of single malt whiskeys in the country and an extensive cigar collection.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Sora Skybar: Perched on the 37th floor of the Rosewood Phnom Penh in the Vattanac Capital Tower, this is one of the highest sky bars in the city. It offers a stunning cantilevered terrace with expansive city views and a cocktail menu inspired by Japanese mythology and local ingredients.
Elephant Bar: An iconic institution located within the historic Raffles Le Royal hotel in Khan Daun Penh. Known for its colonial charm, its large selection of gins, and its famous signature cocktail, the “Femme Fatale.”
Sundown Social Club: This bohemian-chic rooftop bar overlooks the Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung) area. It offers a laid-back, tropical vibe with rattan furniture, soft lighting, and creative, punchy tiki cocktails.
Juniper Gin Bar: Found on a rooftop near the Riverside (Street 130), this bar boasts an impressive collection of over 20 specialty gins. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a gin-based cocktail while soaking up the Phnom Penh sunset over the river.
Le Moon Rooftop: Located atop the Amanjaya Hotel on the Riverside (Sisowath Quay), this popular spot features a lush terrace that provides panoramic views of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers, ideal for sunset drinks.
Bouchon Wine Bar: An old favorite with expats, this sophisticated spot is housed in a concerted colonial villa on Street 174, known for its selection of French wines, martinis, and classic cocktails.
Long After Dark: A stylish, intimate, two-floor bar tucked away in the Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) area, popular for its extensive selections of whiskey, craft beer, and a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Red Bar: An upmarket “dive bar” located around the corner from Bassac Lane on Street 308. It’s a relaxed hangout popular with media and arts crowds, known for its friendly vibe and good drink specials.
Eclipse Sky Bar: Situated on the 23rd floor of the Phnom Penh Tower in Khan Daun Penh, this award-winning venue offers breathtaking 360-degree views of city landmarks like the Independence Monument and Royal Palace.
Metropole Underground: A hidden speakeasy bar, inspired by an early twentieth-century metro, located underground within the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. It’s a chic hotspot for cool cocktails and live music.
HighGround Sky Bar: Located on top of the Amass Tower on Street 63, this sky bar features a helipad terrace and offers signature cocktails inspired by local ingredients, often helmed by master mixologists.
Wild Creative Bar: Located on Street 830 in the BKK1 district, this bar is known for its inventive and signature creative cocktails that incorporate South East Asian ingredients like lemongrass, chili, and hibiscus.
Bassac Lane Micro-Bars (Various): This narrow alley off Street 308 is a concentrated hub of trendy, small-scale bars. While they vary in style, they are collectively a key spot for finding hip cocktails in a bohemian, street-party atmosphere.
FCC Phnom Penh: Formerly the Foreign Correspondent Club, located right on the Riverside (Sisowath Quay). Housed in a French mansion, it’s a great spot for cocktails and people-watching with views of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers.
Bar Menaka: Described as a place to “escape the real world,” this is a speakeasy bar with traditional Khmer architecture meeting modern design, featuring a separate intimate drinking lounge upstairs.
Pontoon: One of the city’s largest and longest-running nightclubs, located near the intersection of Street 51 and Street 172. It features a giant dance floor, multiple bars, and hosts international and local DJs with a diverse mix of music genres.
Heart of Darkness: A Phnom Penh nightlife classic that has been around since 1993, also located on Street 51. It’s known for its longevity, loud Top 40 dance music, and a mixed crowd of locals and expats, often featuring drag shows.
Club Love: Located in the BKK1 area on Street 278, this is a popular late-night dance club, particularly favored by expats and backpackers. It offers different themed nights with music ranging from dance and electronica to hip-hop.
Duplex: Situated below Club Love on Street 278 in BKK1, this bar and restaurant often serves as a lively pre-party spot. It is particularly known for its great selection of bottled Belgian beers and its popular Salsa and Reggae nights.
DOS Phnom Penh: A modern, high-energy nightclub known for its impressive sound and light systems, often hosting special events and featuring local and international DJs spinning EDM, hip-hop, and commercial dance music.
Velvet Club: Located in the city center, this club often focuses on house and electronic music and attracts a stylish, younger crowd. It’s a good alternative to the more established, massive clubs.
The Big Easy Phnom Penh: Found on Street 172 in the Riverside area, this lively hostel-bar combination is a popular traveler spot. It offers a friendly, raucous atmosphere with cheap drinks, regular events, and a guaranteed party vibe.
The Box Office: Tucked away near Street 244 (or 240.5), this spot is often recommended by expats for its relaxed atmosphere and good music, serving as a laid-back local bar and hang-out spot.
Zeppelin Bar: Located on Street 51, this niche spot is a must-visit for rock music fans, playing ’70s to ’90s rock, metal, and punk in a cool, unpretentious environment.
Hangar 44: Located on Street 440, this bar is distinct for its hardcore motorbike decor, appealing to those looking for a different, edgier vibe than the typical riverside or BKK1 hotspots.