Top 12 Things to Do in Phnom Penh

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

A trip to Phnom Penh isn’t complete without visiting the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The Royal Palace has been home to Cambodia’s kings since the 1860s. You’ll see beautiful Khmer-style buildings, neat gardens, and shining golden towers that sparkle in the sunlight.

Within the compound, the Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo) houses some of Cambodia’s most distinctive religious relics. These are life-sized, golden Buddha adorned with 9,000 diamonds or the Emerald Buddha cut from green crystal. Those silver tiles on the floor number more than 5,000, although most of them are covered now, to protect them.

Although some parts of the palace are closed because the royal family still lives there, visitors can walk around the open areas and visit exhibition halls. The paintings, buildings, and royal items tell stories about Cambodia’s culture and history that are truly fascinating. 

What to know:

• Location: Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Opening hours: 8:00–11:00 AM & 2:00–5:00 PM
• Tickets: $10 per adult/ Free for children under 6

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)

This was a high school that turned into one of the most feared places during the Khmer Rouge years. Known as Security Prison 21 (S-21), it was employed between 1975 and 1979 to detain, interrogate and torture prisoners. Here, more than 14,000 people were held. Today, it is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a chilling site that presents the dark history of Cambodia.

Visitors can wander through the old classrooms that were converted to prison cells and see photos of people who were held there. The museum is also a place where stories, documents, and displays offer explanations about the Khmer Rouge and the impact it had on Cambodia.

It’s not easy to go there, but it goes a long way towards helping people to understand how resilient and brave the people of Cambodia are.

What to know:

• Location: Street 113, Boeng Keng Kang 3, Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
• Tickets: $5 (entry) / $10 with audio guide (recommended)

Choeung Ek Killing Fields

About 30 minutes from Phnom Penh, Choeung Ek is one of the most important things to do in Phnom Penh for anyone interested in Cambodia’s history. Once an orchard, this site became a place where over 17,000 people from prisons like S-21 were executed during the Khmer Rouge era.

Today, it is a peaceful memorial park that honors the victims. You’ll find a Buddhist stupa holding more than 8,000 human skulls and quiet grounds made for reflection. An audio guide helps you learn the story behind the site with care and respect. Visiting Choeung Ek offers a quiet and moving way to connect with Cambodia’s past beyond what you read in books.

What to know:

• Location: Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, Street 320, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (daily)
• Tickets: $6 (includes audio guide)

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom sits on a small hill in the middle of Phnom Penh and is the pagoda that gave the city its name. Built in 1373, it is an important spiritual and cultural site surrounded by a quiet park.

Visitors come to see the beautiful pagoda, its detailed carvings, and to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Locals often gather here for religious ceremonies and festivals, especially during Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, when the park is full of lively celebrations. Early mornings are a great time to experience local life, as monks chant and people come to meditate or give alms.

Besides its spiritual importance, Wat Phnom is also a nice spot for relaxing, watching people, and taking photos. The big trees, fountains, and statues make the park calm and welcoming.

What to know:

• Location: Street 96, Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
• Tickets: $1 USD

National Museum of Cambodia

Just a short walk from the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia is the best place to learn about Khmer art, culture, and history. The museum is in a beautiful terracotta building designed in traditional Cambodian style, and it opens onto a calm garden courtyard.

Inside, you can see a wide collection of artifacts that cover over a thousand years of Khmer civilization. The exhibits are arranged in order of time, so it’s easy to understand how Khmer art and culture developed over the centuries.

What to know:

• Location: No. 13, Street 13 (Preah Ang Eng Street), Chey Chumneas, Daun Penh District, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (last entry at 4:30 PM)
• Entry Fee: $10 USD for adults/ Free for children under 6

Independence Monument & Norodom Sihanouk Memorial

Visiting the Independence Monument is one of the best things to do in Phnom Penh. Built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from French rule, the lotus-shaped stupa stands tall in the center of a wide, landscaped roundabout. Just a short walk away, the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial honors the late King-Father, whose statue faces a leafy promenade lined with fountains and flagpoles.

The area is popular for evening strolls, especially around sunset when the monument is beautifully lit and the fountains come alive. It’s a favorite photo spot for both tourists and locals.

What to know:

• Location: Intersection of Norodom Blvd and Sihanouk Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily.
• Entry Fee: Free of charge.
• Best Time to Visit: Evenings, particularly around sunset, when the monuments are beautifully lit.

Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River

A sunset cruise is one of the most relaxing and scenic things to do in Phnom Penh. As the city begins to slow down, the river comes alive with soft light and golden reflections of temples and colonial buildings. It’s a gentle immersion into the city’s rhythm, framed by stunning views.

Top Mekong Cruises offers carefully curated cruise experiences that suit a wide range of travelers. With our deep regional knowledge and personalized service, Top Mekong Cruises ensures every moment on board feels easy, comfortable, and memorable.

Behind the experience is a trusted team with years of expertise in river tourism across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The company’s attention to detail, safety standards, and local insight make them a standout choice for anyone wanting to see Phnom Penh from a different angle.

What to know:

• Typical cruise duration is 1.5 to 2 hours, departing around 5:30–6:30 PM.
• Available options include private charters, shared boats, and premium luxury cruises.
• Advance reservations are recommended with Topmekong, especially during weekends and peak travel months.

Walk Along Sisowath Quay (Riverside Promenade)

Sisowath Quay is one of the best places to enjoy a peaceful walk in Phnom Penh. This riverside road runs along the Tonle Sap River, with views of boats, palm trees, and colonial-style buildings. In the morning, it’s quiet and cool which is perfect for a cup of coffee or a jog.

In the evening, the area gets livelier with people walking, chatting, and enjoying the breeze. You’ll find many cafés, restaurants, and street food stalls along the way, making it a nice place to stop for a drink or local snack. It’s a simple but relaxing experience that gives you a feel for the city’s everyday life. 

What to know:

• The walkway runs about 3 km, from the Royal Palace to Wat Phnom.
• Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit.

Koh Dach (Silk Island)

A short ferry ride from Phnom Penh, Koh Dach is a peaceful island on the Mekong with traditional silk-weaving villages. The pace of life here is slow, just right for a half-day escape from the hustle of the city.

Here, visitors can watch skilled artisans at work, visit small family-run weaving houses and even have a go at weaving themselves. Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the island’s peaceful roads, passing by rice paddies, wooden stilt houses, and friendly locals along the way. It’s a relaxing and culturally rich experience that shows a different side of Cambodia.

What to know:

• Location: About 15 km northeast of Phnom Penh
• How to get there: From the Chroy Changvar ferry terminal, board a ferry to Koh Dach. The ferry ride typically takes 10–15 minutes
• Best time to visit: Mornings or late afternoons, when it’s cooler.

Phnom Penh Night Market

Located along the lively Sisowath Quay, the Phnom Penh Night Market is one of the top things to do in Phnom Penh at night. The market comes alive after dark with rows of street food vendors, clothing and souvenir stalls, and often live music performances on an outdoor stage. It’s a great place to enjoy a casual, affordable dinner while soaking in Phnom Penh’s vibrant night energy.

You’ll find everything from grilled meats, noodles, and fruit shakes to handmade jewelry, Khmer scarves, and T-shirts. Many visitors enjoy sitting on mats in the central eating area, sharing local dishes in a relaxed, picnic-style setting. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, making it a fun stop after sightseeing or a sunset stroll by the river. 

What to know:

• Location: Corner of Street 106 and Sisowath Quay, right by the Tonlé Sap River and close to Wat Phnom.
• Opening hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
• Bring cash

Street Food Tour

One of the best ways to explore Phnom Penh is through its street food. The city is filled with flavors, from dishes that are tasty, to things that are easy to find to things that are cheap. You can sample popular local dishes such as Nom Banh Chok (rice noodles in fish-based green curry), Lok Lak (stir-fried beef, served with rice and egg), grilled meat skewers, and sweets such as sticky rice with mango or coconut pancakes.

Joining a guided food tour is a great choice if you want to learn more about the ingredients, culture, and stories behind the food. Many tours take you to night markets, small alleyway stalls, or hidden local favorites that tourists usually miss. 

What to know:

• Recommended place: Orussey Market; Russian Market; Street 136 and Street 51 
• The best time to visit is from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
• Bring cash (in USD or Cambodian Riel).

Central Market (Phsar Thmey)

Central Market, or Phsar Thmey in Khmer, is one of Phnom Penh’s most popular places to visit. The market is easy to spot thanks to its huge yellow dome, a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture. Inside, you’ll find many stalls selling everything from souvenirs and clothes to jewelry, electronics, and tasty local snacks. It’s a fun place to browse, shop for gifts, or simply enjoy the busy market vibe.

The market is busy most days but especially lively in the mornings and on weekends, so it’s a great place to watch local life in action. Don’t forget to bring some cash and practice polite bargaining if you want a good deal!

What to know:

• Location: At the corner of Streets 134 and 113, right in the heart of Phnom Penh.
• Opening Hours: Open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Apsara Dance Show

If you’re looking to discover a mystical part of Cambodian culture, be sure to attend an Apsara Dance Show. It's not just the graceful movements and beautiful costumes, it's a story telling tradition that can be traced back over centuries.

In Phnom Penh, such performances can be viewed at popular venues like the National Museum, providing a reprieve in a serene and refined environment. Another fantastic space is Bassac Lane, a buzzy street of eateries and watering holes, some of which offer Apsara dance shows in the evenings. Many of these venues combine the show with dinner or drinks, making for a relaxing and memorable night out.

Typically, the shows run about 45 minutes to an hour and often showcase live traditional music. It is a tranquil way to delve into Cambodia’s rich artistic culture while savoring a hushed, beautiful evening.

What to know

• Show Times: Most performances start between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM
• Tickets: Range from 10 - 13 USD

Night Tuk-tuk Tour of Street Eats & Bars

Everyone should try exploring Phnom Penh’s nightlife by tuk-tuk! On this fun evening tour, you'll wander through bustling food streets, secret cocktail dens, and vibrant night markets. You will enjoy delicious Khmer street food such as grilled skewers, fried noodles, and sticky rice desserts, while being transported to each of the stops in your own private tuk-tuk.

Along the way, you might stop by a rooftop bar for a drink with a view, or wander through a riverside night market full of energy and local life. It’s a safe, relaxed way to see the city after dark, perfect for food lovers and anyone curious about Phnom Penh’s social scene.

What to know:

• Tour duration: Around 3 to 4 hours, usually starting at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM.
• Price: USD $25–$45 per person, depending on inclusions.
• Booking: Offered by many local tour companies and hotels.

Conclusion

From historic sites and peaceful temples to delicious food tours and relaxing riverside walks, there are so many unforgettable things to do in Phnom Penh. The city has a rich blend of culture, taste, and local life that will be ingrained in your memory.

If you're looking to make the most of your visit, don’t miss a sunset cruise on the Mekong River. With TopMekong Cruises, you can choose from private boats, group options, or even luxury experiences, all led by a professional local team. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring Phnom Penh.

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