The 9 things to do in Phnom Penh

If you visit Cambodia, the capital will certainly be a mandatory step: find out what to do in Phnom Penh through our selection of incontourable!

Are you wondering what to do in Phnom Penh? Once nicknamed the Pearl of Asia, the capital of Cambodia has an ambiguous image in the eyes of tourists. If some travellers, frightened by his reputation as a noisy and polluted city, prefer to take the road as soon as possible to the temples of Angkor Vat, others dive there with pleasure. And for cause: a true whirlwind of noises, smells and culture, it is a key step to fully imitate the country and its history.

Here is our selection of the 9 essential things to do in the city, so many reasons to visit Phnom Penh!

1. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is a visit if you want to learn more about the modern period of royalty in Cambodia. This huge building complex is the king's residence since its construction in 1860, when King Norodom 1er moved from Oudong to Phnom Penh. The palace has also always been a tourist attraction.

The Royal Palace is a wonderful example of Khmer traditional architecture, also incorporating some elements of European origin. If half of the complex is private (King Hall), visitors will be able to marvel at the central complex, including the Throne Hall and Chan Chhaya Pavilion, and Pagoda d’Argent . You can admire in this latter real national treasures, including the Emerald Buddha (which is in fact crystal) and the Buddha Maitreya, a statue in gold-sized nature encrusted with 9,584 diamonds! Friescoes illustrate the Reamker, Khmer version of Ramayana, an epic Sanskrit poem. Finally, the Pagoda d’Argent takes its name from its 5,000 solid silver plates, partly still visible today.

2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

It is difficult to understand the history of Cambodia without taking into account the dark era of the democratic Kampuchéa of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. Visiting Phnom Penh therefore goes through the discovery Tuol Sleng . Formerly a high school converted to a prison (the famous S-21 prison) by the Khmer Rouge, the building was then transformed into a museum on 19 August 1979, the day of the condemnation of Pol Pot and Ieng Sary.

The museum's visit is difficult. Almost twenty thousand people were detained in this prison, a large part of which was tortured and murdered. A passage, however, necessary to understand the country, still marked by this period that saw one third of its population disappear in just four years.

3. Choeung Ek Cemetery

What to do in Phnom Penh to better understand the Khmer Rouge period? The Choeung Ek Cemetery was the first place of execution of prisoners during the democratic Kampuchéa. They were taken to the cemetery to be assassinated on the spot, with a pike or machete, since the soldiers were ordered not to use their rifles. They were then thrown into one of the 129 mass graves of the site.

The visit to the cemetery is emotional. Located a little outside Phnom Penh, it is a complement to the visit of the Tuol Sleng Museum.

4. The Sisowath Pier

Oop! A little more lightness along the quai Sisowath , long pedestrian walk along the Tonlé Sap before meeting with the Mekong and the Bassac. It was this confluence that gave the city its former name, Chaktomuk, literally “four arms”. A must when you want to visit Phnom Penh.

In the heart of the city, the dock is undoubtedly the most lively place in Phnom Penh. The premises come to meet there, practice tai chi and jogging, dine in the evening on the lawn. Lined with restaurants, hotels and bars, the dock is also packed with street vendors. An ideal place to walk, after the visit of the Royal Palace or the National Museum, located close to...

5. The National Museum

The National Museum is the main historical and archaeological museum of the country. It houses an impressive collection of objects and works of Khmer art: 14,000 pieces, of which 2,000 are exhibited to visitors. Statues, paintings, ceramics... Khmer art seduces by its specificity and refinement. Visiting Phnom Penh is therefore a great opportunity to admire major works of Khmer civilization, even Southeast Asia.

The architecture of the building is inspired by Khmer temples; Four galleries frame a sumptuous patio decorated with lotus basins. The visit to the museum is therefore also an opportunity to cool off the city’s tumult in the afternoon. An idea to know what to do in Phnom Penh in the evening: a traditional Khmer dance show is given regularly in the museum’s enclosure.

6. Central Market

Visit Phnom Penh without going to the Central Market? Unthinkable! Name Phsar Thmey (“new market”) by locals is the fifth largest market in the world. Gigantic art-deco building, it consists of a dome of 26 meters high and four wings symbolizing the four arms of the confluence. It was built in the 1930s, during the French colonial period, to respond to the rapid population increase.

Meeting place for Cambodians and tourists, the market is composed of more than a thousand shops, grouped by themes (food, jewellery, electronic appliances, clothing, shoes, etc.). You can find a wide selection of typical souvenirs, such as krama scarves or Kampot pepper. Finally, it is a very good choice to discover the authentic traditional Khmer cuisine blending with the local population. A must to visit Phnom Penh fully.

7. The Orussey market

Are you wondering that doing in Phnom Penh to fully impregnate the atmosphere of the city? Much more authentic than the Central Market, or worse, than the Russian market, Phsar Orussey is hardly frequented by tourists. You will not find any memories, but prices are much lower and above all, you can actually get in touch with the local population. Walking through its narrow paths, you will feel unpaid as anywhere else in Phnom Penh!

Large square building painted in blue, the Orussey market is a high business place of the capital. It is located in the heart of Phnom Penh and is very lively. Mount the stairs to admire the lower floors of the market, sparkling of life: the view is amazing!

8. Massage in Phnom Penh

What to do in Phnom Penh at night? If you don't want to go out, the capital has many spas to relax after a tiring day. Taste the Khmer massages, which allow to rebalance the body's energies by following a series of strict principles. You can also be tempted by other types of Asian massages (shiatsu, Thai massage, Balinese massage...). Generally, the price is almost five dollars for half an hour of massage.

To choose the right massage center, first check the cleanliness of the place and consult the reviews on the internet. Some have a very good reputation, like Bodia Spa or Bliss Spa. Also think about Seeing Hands , an association that offers massages performed by blind people, located at the bottom of the Wat Phnom temple.

9. Silk Island

Do you want to escape a moment of the bustle of the capital? Silk Island, or Koh Dach , is an oasis of greenery located a few kilometers from Phnom Penh. To get there, you can choose between different means of transport: tuk-tuk, scooter or bike, and take the ferry to the island. Think about it for a getaway for a day.

Once on the island, you will be struck by the contrast with the capital. Here you are plunged into the heart of the Cambodian countryside. Houses on pilots, rice fields, mango trees, temples surrounded by lush vegetation, weaving crafts that click from homes, children playing in the streets... If you want even more authenticity, you can cross a small bridge that will lead you to a second island that sees passing very few tourists. Don’t hesitate to get out of the beaten paths!

How to get to Phnom Penh?

To visit Phnom Penh, you can fly to Phnom Penh International Airport, which is Cambodia’s largest airport. From France, a stopover will be necessary. To be sure to take advantage of an advantageous price, you can use our partner’s website Ulysses : it will select for you the best flights according to the duration, the number of stopovers and the price of each journey.

The airport is located only seven kilometers from the capital, so you can reach by taxi, rickshaw or tuk-tuk. A tip : install an app on your phone to book your transport, as Pass App . You will avoid negotiating the price of each journey and pay much less.

In addition, many bus lines connect the capital to other cities, allowing you to access the main tourist hubs of Cambodia and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Phnom Penh?

The choices do not lack to accommodate you during your visit to Phnom Penh. From the lively guesthouse to the sumptuous starred hotels, you will find your happiness at all prices! Do not hesitate to use this Compare hotels to be sure to find the ideal accommodation without paying too expensive.

If you want to stay close to the main attractions and live in a lively neighborhood both day and night, choose to stay near the Sisowath dock. Do you prefer a quieter and authentic setting, even sacrificing the view of the sunsets on the Mekong? The Central Market district is the perfect compromise. On the other hand, you will find the cheapest accommodation in a quiet and ideal neighbourhood for immersion, near the Olympic Stadium. Finally, the surroundings of the Independence Monument correspond to the trendy district of the city, very popular with expatriates. You will find the most chic hotels. To find out what foot to land to choose in Phnom Penh, go to our article « In which quarter house in Phnom Penh? "!