Getting to know Phnom Penh
Four stretches of water meet at Phnom Penh, at a point known as Chaktomuk: the Mekong arriving from the north, the Tonle Sap river carrying the overflow of its namesake lake, and the Mekong dividing again below the city into two arms, the Mekong proper and the Bassac, that carry on south to become the Tien and Hau branches once they cross into Vietnam’s delta. Sisowath Quay runs the length of this confluence on the Phnom Penh side, and it is the natural spine of a visit here, palm-lined and busy toward evening with joggers, food stalls and a steady run of sunset river cruises.
The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda sit directly on this waterfront, gold roofs catching the light off the river behind them, and the National Museum stands a short walk away, its collection of Khmer sculpture arranged around a quiet courtyard garden. A harder chapter of the country’s history is close by too, at Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek, and most visitors give those sites real time and a subdued morning rather than folding them into a rushed afternoon.
Two to three nights works well here, whether Phnom Penh anchors its own short trip, opens or closes a longer Cambodia route through Siem Reap, or serves as the point where a river journey from Vietnam’s delta arrives or departs.
Things to see and do
The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda
The working residence of the Cambodian monarchy and its adjoining temple, both directly on the riverfront.
The National Museum of Cambodia
A terracotta-walled museum built around a garden courtyard, holding the country’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture.
Tuol Sleng, S-21
A former high school turned Khmer Rouge prison, now a memorial museum. Give it a quiet, unhurried visit and plan for a heavy morning rather than a quick stop.
Choeung Ek, the Killing Fields
The memorial site outside the city where Tuol Sleng’s history continues. We would ask you to leave the phone in your pocket here rather than photograph yourself at the memorial.
The Russian Market and Central Market
Two very different shopping experiences: a cramped, well-worn market for everyday goods and souvenirs, and an art deco domed hall built in the 1930s.
A sunset boat on the river
An evening cruise past the confluence itself, with the Royal Palace lit up along the bank as the sun goes down.
Good to know before you go
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | November to March, dry season and noticeably cooler |
| Getting there by air | Phnom Penh International Airport |
| Getting there by river | Passenger boat from Chau Doc, Vietnam, arriving into Phnom Penh around 13:00 to 13:30 |
| Currency | US Dollars used alongside Cambodian Riel; small Riel notes are handy for change |
| At Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek | Treat both as memorial sites rather than sightseeing stops; a guide is worth having for the context |
Trips that include Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh links easily onward to Siem Reap, Kratie or across the border into Vietnam’s delta. Tell us your dates and where else you want to go, and we will build the route around this stop rather than the other way round.