Phnom Penh Travel Guide

To visit Cambodia, you will need to obtain an electronic visa. It can be obtained either online or upon arrival. We got ours at the airport; the whole process was very quick and cost $30 USD. Overall, there’s no real point in spending time on the e-visa in advance.

In Cambodia’s major cities, the Grab app is available for ordering taxis or food delivery. Follow the signs to find the pick-up point. There will be many offers from tuk-tuk drivers, but a ride in an air-conditioned taxi will be much more comfortable. Moreover, taxis in Cambodia are very cheap, while the air on the streets is filled with exhaust fumes.

After the capital of Cambodia was moved to Phnom Penh in the mid-19th century, all Cambodian kings have lived here. We did not meet the king, although it is said that early in the morning there is a chance to see him walking around the grounds.

The name Silver Pagoda comes from its floor, which is paved with more than 5,000 silver tiles. Inside the pagoda, various statues and relics made of precious stones are kept. Around the pagoda, along the wall, you can see frescoes depicting historical scenes.

Right across from the Royal Palace is one of Cambodia’s administrative buildings. It was built in the 2000s, but it blends in very well with the country’s traditional style.

One of the city’s well-maintained green areas. In the center of the park stands a monument to Cambodia–Vietnam friendship.

The pagoda was built in the 15th century. Many politicians and prominent figures are buried here.

A huge number of archaeological artifacts from different eras are exhibited here. If you enjoy learning about history, we recommend visiting. The building itself is designed in traditional architecture and looks very impressive in photos.

Phnom Penh’s riverside is not yet the most developed part of the city, but it serves as a hub for small vendors. Here we found sellers of small birds, and lotus bouquets are sold in abundance.

In fact, the street is an extension of the city’s riverside. Here you can buy souvenirs and try local street food.

You can find everything you need here. For souvenirs, this is the place to go. To our surprise, the vendors were not pushy, and we could calmly enjoy the unusual architecture. Especially beautiful inside, where a small clock tower sits under the dome.

The name Phnom Penh translates as 'Grandmother Penh’s Hill,' where Phnom is the hill on which the monastery was founded, and Penh is the founder’s name. This is where the city’s history begins in the 17th century.

One of the memorial sites recalling the brutal times of the Khmer Rouge regime. Since 1980, it has housed the Genocide Museum, preserving the memory of thousands of victims and the tragic events of that period.

It was on these fields that mass killings of the local population occurred during the Khmer Rouge regime. We recommend taking an audio guide to fully immerse yourself in the stories of this period. Estimates suggest around three million people were killed at that time.

An unusual place on the outskirts of Phnom Penh for evening leisure. We saw Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower of Paris, London’s Big Ben, and many others. A canal runs between the attractions with gondolas, and the ground floors have many unique restaurants. In short, it’s like Europe.

Possibly the best pizza we’ve ever tried in our lives. It was a real surprise for us. Incredibly tasty combinations, pleasant service, and beautiful river views. Highly recommended.

A fantastic restaurant with a beautiful green area and photos of famous people who dined here. The dishes seemed very interesting to us. Possibly one of the most interesting upscale restaurants in the city with local cuisine and unusual presentation.

Phnom Penh is experiencing rapid construction. More and more high-rises are appearing in the city, with rooftop restaurants offering fantastic views. We recommend one of these. In the evening, with the refreshing high-altitude breeze, it’s perfect to spend time and enjoy the night views.

In the capital of Cambodia, there is a whole network of modern shopping malls with a great selection of restaurants and shops. We visited them several times to escape the scorching Cambodian sun, grab a snack, and do some shopping. We recommend knowing their locations so you always have a place to rest from the heat and blazing sun.

The dessert consists of shaved ice and has the flavor of Thai tea. It looks impressive and pairs nicely with coffee.

The main attraction of Cambodia is the ancient city of Angkor, which covers a vast area with beautiful millennia-old temples. From this station, you can depart to explore the complex. The bus station has all amenities — waiting hall, ticket counters, coffee point, restroom. Buses also depart to other cities in Cambodia, including the coastal areas.