Phnom PenhTravel Guide

If you’re seeking a luxury hotel in Phnom Penh, look no further than Raffles Hotel Le Royal, just a stone’s throw from the famous Wat Phnom Buddhist temple. Raffles Le Royal opened her doors way back in 1929 and she’s all about combining old-world charm with modern sophistication. She boasts two swimming pools and fine dining on-site with French and local Khmer cuisine on the menu.  

With dorms and private rooms, the Onederz Hostel is ideal if you’re on a tight budget. Get to meet fellow travellers at the rooftop pool and bar area while feasting your eyes on the view over the Tonlé Sap River. The hostel offers Western, Khmer and Japanese cuisine and is near a bus station. 

Sisowath Quay is where all the action is and if that’s where you’d like to stay, then Point Boutique Hotel is a good option for mid-range accommodation. The rooms have all the modern conveniences needed for a comfortable stay — fast WiFi, air-con and room service. The gin bar on the top floor is a bonus, offering incredible views over the Mekong River. 

Looking for an upmarket hotel in Phnom Penh that’s within ​​walking distance of some of the city’s main attractions? Then Palace Gate Hotel & Resort should be top of your list. Set in a restored French colonial villa right in front of the Royal Palace, a stay here makes sightseeing super easy. 

The Wat Phnom pagoda is an important local landmark, set on the only hill in Phnom Penh in Norodom Boulevard. There’s a fascinating legend about how the hill was man-made and led to the construction of the pagoda in 1373. It houses a collection of Buddhas and is linked to the origins of the city and its identity. 

With a prime location on the riverfront, the golden Royal Palace is a stunning example of Khmer architecture and was built for the King of Cambodia and his family. The palace complex is home to several must-see buildings, such as the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda, so called for its silver floor made of more than 500 solid silver blocks. The pagoda is used for important ceremonies of the royal family.  

We also recommend a visit to the National Museum, situated next to the Royal Palace, which features a fascinating collection of Khmer art.  

Around 17 kilometres outside the city, in Roluos Village, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek war museum (also called the Choeung Ek Genocide Centre) is an educational site that details Cambodia’s tragic past. This is where around 17,000 people were brutally killed by the Khmer Rouge regime. The site is open daily for visitors to learn more and pay their respects. Please note that the displays are not for the sensitive or for children.

If you’re visiting Cambodia between October and November, you can participate in Bon Om Touk, also known as the Cambodian Water Festival. This three-day event, celebrated for centuries, marks the end of the monsoon season. A series of activities take place across the country, such as fireworks and dragon boat races (long canoes decorated with dragons originating in China). The best place to experience the festival in Phnom Penh is on Sisowath Quay.

Take a stroll down the Sisowath Quay promenade along the Mekong River. This scenic walk takes you past the many vibey restaurants, bars and cafés where you’ll find the perfect pit stop. This strip is also known for stunning rooftop bars, so while you’re enjoying a drink or a bite to eat, you might like to decide where to return for the evening!

If you’re keen to try authentic Khmer cuisine, the restaurants at most boutique hotels serve some local dishes. But while you’re in the city, we recommend Malis Phnom Penh, headed up by Cambodia’s one and only Master Chef. This upmarket restaurant offers dining in a stunning courtyard setting and is all about preserving Cambodian food heritage, best showcased by its signature dishes. 

Another option is Kravanh, said to have pioneered Khmer fine dining in Cambodia. The restaurant can be found in a gorgeous colonial villa surrounded by lush gardens and with the option to dine indoors or out. The menu features classic Cambodian dishes made with sustainable, organic ingredients.

For authentic Indian food with a modern twist, snap up a table at the upmarket Namaste India Restaurant near the Independence Monument. Featuring Mughlai and North and South Indian dishes, with an imported tandoori clay oven for dishes like butter chicken, Namaste India is also known for its friendly service. 

Sophisticated French flair and an eclectic menu is what you’ll find at Le Langka. This fascinating little restaurant also dishes up Italian-, Japanese- or Thai-inspired dishes alongside typical French favourites like duck breast. There’s a wonderful cocktail menu too!

Far on the other end of the scale is the no-frills, stark, but highly praised Khmer Women’ Food. When travelling in Asia, it’s often not about the setting when it comes to hole-in-the-wall culinary gems. It’s about down-to-earth, delicious, authentic cuisine. At Khmer Women’ Food it’s made with love, from scratch, by the matriarch chef, and you can watch her in action in the open-plan kitchen. 

Street food stalls can be found everywhere in Phnom Penh but the markets — Central Market, the Russian Market and the Night Market — are also good places to kick off your street food journey. Look for the bustling food court where you can perch on a plastic stool and taste your way through yakitori chicken skewers, num banh chok (Cambodian noodles) or kralan (sticky bamboo rice).  

Want to escape the crowds? Head to Street 240 with its trendy cafés, restaurants, art galleries and pop-up boutiques. Situated in the heart of Doun Penh, you’ll find it between the Independence Monument and Wat Botum Park, along the wall of the Royal Palace. 

Aeon Mall is one of Phnom Penh’s top shopping malls. Along with a diverse selection of branded stores, it also has an impressive food court on the top floor, a cinema, a karaoke lounge, arcades and an ice rink!

You’ll find that many tuk-tuk drivers will call out to you to offer a ride to the Russian Market. And it’s a fabulous place to shop! You’ll find everything from silk scarves and spices to woodcarvings, antiques and souvenirs. As for its name? It was once a popular spot for Russian expats in the 1980s — you can still find a few Russian dolls and flags for sale. The Russian Market is open daily from 6am – 4:30pm. 

Many visitors get their shopping introduction to Phnom Penh at the sprawling Central Market. You can pretty much pick up anything here, even on a shoestring budget, from clothing and jewellery to street food and souvenirs. And like most markets in Phnom Penh, you can also negotiate what you’re able to pay. Set inside a yellow art deco building on Street 130, it’s also easy to find.