Last Updated on February 7, 2026 by Home in the World
For anyone planning a trip to Cambodia, the nation’s capital may not necessarily be top of your priority list. After all, the main attraction will likely be Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, a 6-hour drive or 1-hour flight away.
But if you do find yourself in this emerging tourist destination and are wondering exactly what to see in Phnom Penh during your stay, read on for some recommended options. You can also download my free quick guide to Phnom Penh, concisely summarising everything you need to know before you go.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Phnom Penh. You can also read more about the GPSmyCity concept in this blog post.
Introduction
As far as Asian or even Southeast Asian metropolises go, Phnom Penh still flies largely under the radar. The city, like the rest of the country, has had a tragic recent history. The horrific genocide under Pol Pot’s totalitarian Khmer Rouge regime that killed millions of people in the late 1970s is not something anywhere can easily recover from. Talk to any local and you’ll find the scars are most definitely still there.
Indeed, to better understand the magnitude of exactly what happened during that unfathomably dark period, I recommend visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields if you can. It is truly sobering and heavy to process, but nonetheless extremely important.
But Cambodia is a resilient nation rich in incredible culture and ancient history, and it is refusing to be defined solely by its grim recent past. While it is still on the UN’s list of LDCs (Least Developed Countries), it is set to graduate from this status in 2029. And tourism plays a big role in these advancements. The wonders of Siem Reap are certainly well documented, but Phnom Penh’s tourist attractions are perhaps not as well known.
Yet the Cambodian capital has a surprising treasure trove of its own. In a bid to focus on and celebrate this more positive side, I’ve decided to write a post on what to see in Phnom Penh in terms of its cultural and art gems. So there won’t be any dark-tourism sights listed here, but, as mentioned above, I do recommend educating yourself before arriving and also considering visiting the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields during your stay.
Royal Palace
Look at any tourism brochure or post about what to see in Phnom Penh and I can virtually guarantee it will show pictures of the Royal Palace.
It’s actually an entire complex of majestic buildings (mostly Khmer-style but be sure to also see the European-style Napoleon Pavilion), intricately carved pagodas and beautifully manicured gardens, built in 1866 as a residence for the King of Cambodia and his family. It continues to serve this purpose even today.
I found the whole complex extremely impressive and, despite going in the peak season of January, I didn’t find it to be particularly crowded. If you’re lucky, you might spot some monks walking around.
It’s a beautiful place to wander around, following the map and exploring all the various buildings and monuments. You can also choose to take a guided tour if you wish.
Be aware that it is quite a vast complex, so I would recommend wearing good walking shoes. Most of it is also quite exposed, so make sure you bring appropriate sun/rain protection and water to stay hydrated (Phnom Penh is pretty warm and humid all year round).
At the end of your visit, you might even be given a small bottle of water with a royal label, as we were! ‘A gift from the king’, we were told.
Useful information
Entry cost: USD 10
Dress code: Modest attire is required; shoulders and knees should be covered, especially for women. Ideally no baseball caps.
Access: It is very centrally located, near the riverside. A short Grab ride (car or tuk tuk) is very likely all you will need.
Opening hours: 8am-5pm daily
Best time of day to visit: Early or late – the light is nicer and it’s cooler.
How long to spend there: At least 1-2 hours
National Museum of Cambodia
Another staple in terms of what to see in Phnom Penh is the National Museum of Cambodia. If you’re looking to build an itinerary of things to see in Cambodia’s capital, definitely add this one your list – if nothing else for its distinctive rose-coloured architecture that features in a lot of Cambodian tourism marketing and is a mix of both French colonial and Khmer style. I found it mesmerisingly beautiful.
You can wander part of the gardens for free and admire the sculptures and spirit houses, but it’s worth paying the USD 10 to have a look around inside too.
It’s very open and airy, not like some stuffy museums, and the ancient Khmer collections are laid out beautifully. Very educational, especially if you plan to visit Angkor Wat on your trip too.
Plus, don’t miss seeing the world’s longest krama (Cambodian scarf-like garment)!
I also recommend checking out the temporary exhibition area, because when I was there, I saw a stunning exhibition by local artist Leang Seckon.
And before you go, explore the lush, manicured gardens and water features of the internal courtyard. Against the intricate red architecture of the museum building, you can get some fabulous photos!
Useful information
Entry cost: USD 10
Access: It is very centrally located. A short Grab ride (car or tuk tuk) is very likely all you will need.
Opening hours: 8am-6pm daily
How long to spend there: At least 1-2 hours
Golden Temple
The Mongkol Serei Kien Khleang Pagoda (Mongkol Serey Temple on Google Maps), a.k.a. the Golden Temple for obvious reasons, was a real revelation for me!
I love visiting places of worship when travelling, as they’re usually some of the most beautiful buildings in the city. So, when researching what to see in Phnom Penh before my trip, I looked up what it had to offer in this respect, and was immediately struck by the Golden Temple.
It is not particularly old, but is truly stunning (some might even say it borders on gaudy) with its opulent gold-cladding, intricate carvings, deity reliefs and traditional Khmer naga (serpent) sculptures.
Yet, for all its beauty, there was not a single other tourist there – and I was visiting in peak season (January).
I’m sure if it had been in a more popular tourist city, it would have been swamped. In any case, it was a fantastic opportunity to wander around and have it all to myself.
It’s about a 15-minute drive from the city centre; not far geographically, but traffic can sometimes take a while in Phnom Penh.
Once you’re through its large gates, you’ll find yourself in the quiet riverside complex, which also includes some other shrines and pavilions in addition to the main temple. You might even see some monks.
I’d definitely recommend spending at least 30 min to an hour here. Pop your head inside the main hall to see elaborate, floor-to-ceiling Buddhist artwork, and wander the grounds to take in the exquisite gold architecture. I particularly loved the eastern terrace and the magnificent staircase leading down towards the Mekong River.
If you’re pondering what to see in Phnom Penh, definitely add this one to your list. It’s a surprising jewel in Cambodia’s underrated capital!
Useful information
Entry cost: Free
Dress code: No official dress code but, as this is a religious site, I would recommend modest attire
Access: About a 20-minute drive from central Phnom Penh via Grab.
Opening hours: 8am-5pm daily
How long to spend there: Around 1 hour
Wat Phnom
Ever wondered what the name Phnom Penh actually means? Well, its loose translation is ‘Pehn’s hill’ – Penh being a wealthy widow known as Daun Penh.
She founded a Buddhist temple complex atop a manmade knoll – it’s only 27 m (89 ft) high, so ‘hill’ is stretching it a bit – in the city after discovering four Buddha statues there in the 14th century. And so Wat Phnom, the hilltop temple, was born. Today, it is a sanctuary that, over its ~600-year-history, has had a pagoda, stupa and various other Taoist, Confucian and Hindu shrines added to it.
At its eastern end, steep steps guarded by lions and ‘naga’ serpents lead up to the Wat in a mix of Hinduism and Buddhism that is quite commonly found across Cambodia (including at Angkor Wat).
I saw plenty of locals making offerings of fresh fruit and worshipping at the shrines, which were extra colourful in the lead-up to Chinese New Year. It was a really lovely experience to witness the community spirit amongst them all and soak up the incense-filled atmosphere, even as a non-Buddhist.
I recommend heading down via the leafy staircase at its southern end, you will not only get a great aerial view of the grand Preah Norodom Boulevard, but will also be able to admire the stunning statue of King Sisowath, who ruled Cambodia from 1904 to 1927. It is an eye-catching artwork of rich colours and gold.
The base of the complex is surrounded by beautiful, lush gardens that feature a giant serpent sculpture and a number of rotunda-like structures. On what was a warm day, these gardens provided us with welcome shade and were truly lovely to wander around. They also seemed to be quite a popular spot for locals to jog and walk.
And while you’re down there, don’t miss the giant clock that sets the time for Phnom Penh. It’s nearly 20 m wide and came as a gift from China. Stand in front of the 6 on the dial to get a nicely centred photograph of the clock, the King Sisowath statue and the pagoda on the hill.
Useful information
Entry cost: USD 1
Dress code: Modest attire recommended, as this is a religious site.
Access: It is very centrally located. A short Grab ride (car or tuk tuk) is very likely all you will need.
Opening hours: 7am-7pm daily
How long to spend there: At least 1-2 hours
Wat Ounalom
Yet another architectural gem in the heart of Phnom Penh is Wat Ounalom. The headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism and home to Cambodia’s top Buddhist monk, it is a complex founded in 1443 and comprising 44 different structures, from temple buildings, to pagodas and stupas, to museums, to bronze Buddha statues.
Its name actually means ‘eyebrow’, because the monks have allegedly kept the hair of Lord Buddha’s eyebrow in the Chetdai building at the rear.
Much like the Golden Temple mentioned above, we had Wat Ounalom entirely to ourselves. That’s right; not a single other tourist was there, despite us visiting in Cambodia’s high season – and despite it being located less than a block from the heaving riverside precinct and barely a couple of blocks from major tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace and National Museum of Cambodia. It is a cultural gem hiding in plain sight!
You will still see plenty of touts hanging around outside its high walls though, selling various items or offering tuk-tuk rides (this is common across much of central Phnom Penh).
Useful information
Entry cost: Free
Dress code: Modest attire (knees and shoulders covered)
Access: It is very centrally located. A short Grab ride (car or tuk tuk) is very likely all you will need.
Opening hours: 8am-10pm daily
How long to spend there: Up to 1 hour
Central Market
If you’re looking to soak up a bustling Cambodian market vibe with stalls run by locals selling everything from clothing to jewellery to accessories to knock-offs, to fresh flowers and produce, I recommend spending some time at the Central Market, a.k.a. Phsar Thmey (‘New Market’).
The main market hall is a distinctive, domed yellow Art Deco building dating back to 1937, with four wings that extend out to form a cross shape. Each wing is dedicated to different types of wares, with the circular area in the middle filled with dazzling jewellery stands and a European-style clock tower.
The European influence continues with signs written not only in Khmer, but also French – a hark back to Cambodia’s colonial past.
It’s not all indoor, though; in fact, a lot of the stalls spill out into a mini maze of semi-covered alleys surrounding the hall. I purchased quite a few little souvenirs and a locally made silk scarf precisely from here. And I also absolutely loved browsing the fresh flower stands, which were extra abundant in the lead-up to Chinese New Year.
I didn’t know much about the market before visiting, and wasn’t sure whether it would be one of those settings where you had to be extra vigilant for pickpockets and scammers (as some markets are).
Obviously it’s always good to remain aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure, but I must say I did not feel unsafe or at risk of any issue at all in this market. There is a lovely vibe and all of the local stallholders were kind, friendly – and not averse to a bit of healthy haggling!
And I do recommend haggling where appropriate, because, given this is Phnom Penh’s most tourist-friendly market, its prices are higher than at some its counterparts, such as Russian Market or Orussey Market.
I visited in the late afternoon, which is apparently a busier time, but I still didn’t find it excessively crowded or uncomfortable in any way. If that’s the only time you can make it, definitely don’t let it put you off.
Useful information
Entry cost: Free
Access: It is centrally located, so a short Grab ride (car or tuk tuk) is very likely all you will need.
Opening hours: 7am-6pm daily
Best time of day to visit: Early or late to avoid the heat.
How long to spend there: 1-2 hours
Rosewood Phnom Penh Art Gallery
I hadn’t expected an ultra plush 5-star hotel to make this list of what to see in Phnom Penh in terms of art and cultural treasures, but, then again, I didn’t expect there to be a fantastic little art gallery perched high above the city, either. The Cambodian capital sure is full of surprises!
That’s right, this incredible little space on the 35th floor of the Rosewood Phnom Penh (arguably the most luxurious hotel in the city) plays host to an ever-evolving array of art exhibitions showcasing the incredible works of some of Cambodia’s most influential and up-and-coming artists. Each exhibition usually runs for a couple of months, so definitely check the calendar to see what’s on while you’re in town.
During my visit, it was displaying the IKHONS (Khmer+Icons) exhibition, co-hosted by the Siem Reap-based Tribe Art Gallery. And some of the pieces by local artists were utterly jaw-dropping – so unique and striking in their colour and detail. I was once again reminded how rich in artistic talent the Cambodian people are, drawing on a long heritage of Khmer artisanry. And I have no doubt that every exhibition held here would be just as exquisite.
The gallery is light and bright thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views across the city. So not only can you enjoy an abundance of contemporary Cambodian art, but you can also take in spectacular aerial vistas of Phnom Penh that you otherwise might not have had the chance to experience.
And no, you do not need to be staying at the hotel to visit the gallery (I wasn’t). It is entirely free and open to anyone. Simply ask one of the staff members in the lobby and they will guide you to the public-access elevator that whisks you up to the 35th floor. The open-plan gallery is just a few steps to your right as you exit the elevator.
Useful information
Entry cost: Free
Access: It is centrally located, so a short Grab ride (car or tuk tuk) is all you will need.
Opening hours: 24/7
How long to spend there: Approximately 1 hour
Getting around and safety
All of the options I have listed in this article are centrally located (the Golden Temple being slightly further out than the others) and are easily accessible via car or tuk tuk. I recommend either hiring a private driver to take you around (I have a fantastic recommendation that you can read about here) or using Grab (Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber), through which you can book anything from premium vehicles to standard taxis to tuk tuks. You will likely need an eSIM for this, and I recommend trying this one.
In terms of safety around the city, in general we never felt at risk, though we did generally stick to main tourist areas and used either a private driver or registered transport such as Grab. There are of course touts around and I would recommend being as vigilant with your personal belongings as you would in any other big city around the world (it’s usually common sense anyway).
We were told by locals to be particularly careful if walking around at night and to not have too many valuables on us, but we did not walk the streets alone at night, so I cannot comment on that.
In general, I didn’t find Phnom Penh to be a super walkable city. There is heavy traffic and sometimes the pavements are not totally accessible, so getting around by vehicle (whether that be a car or tuk tuk) felt like a better option. But that absolutely did not detract from the experience (apart from me not getting as many steps as I usually do when travelling!)
Getting to Phnom Penh and where to stay
Phnom Penh opened a brand new airport, Takhmao Techo International Airport (KTI) in September 2025, serviced by major airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines and Thai Airways. You can find suitable flight connections by searching on Skyscanner or Trip.com to find and compare the best fares.
You will probably need an e-visa to enter Cambodia. As an Australian, I did, but it was a very quick and easy online process. The best place to check this is through the official Cambodian government website. I do not recommend looking anywhere else, as they are likely to be scam sites. You can also get visas on arrival, but I personally think having it all organised beforehand is better.
In terms of accommodation, Phnom Penh has plenty of options to suit every budget, from ultra luxury to backpacker hostels. I can personally recommend the Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh and Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh. Otherwise, you can find another property meeting your needs by using the search box below.
Final thoughts on what to see in Phnom Penh
I didn’t know a huge amount about what to see in Phnom Penh before I visited, and indeed I had read some quite negative things about it, but it turned out to be a revelation to me. I found it to be a very underrated city of Southeast Asia, with some truly stunning temples and pagodas, striking Khmer architecture and a distinctly emerging art scene.
And despite me visiting in the high season of January, there were still comparatively few tourists. To be able to have beautiful temples to myself was a luxury I could not fathom being able to enjoy in a city like neighbouring Bangkok, for example.
If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia to visit the utterly incredible Angkor temples, definitely consider also incorporating Phnom Penh into your itinerary. Many people only stick to Siem Reap, but the capital definitely should not be overlooked, especially as it is just a 1-hour flight or 6-hour drive from Siem Reap.
And, as mentioned earlier, its shiny new airport, Takhmao Techo International Airport, opened in September 2025, making it even more accessible to major international airlines, which are regularly increasing their services to the city – an indication of its ongoing development and efforts to modernise.
I had a wonderful time in Phnom Penh and believe it is a worthwhile destination in its own right, full of cultural treasures and lovely, resilient people. I hope it continues to go from strength to strength, and certainly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic Southeast Asian city break.
** This post, like everything else on this website, has been written entirely by me. No ChatGPT or any other AI tool has been used. It takes longer to create, but I value 100% human-generated content and I hope you do too! **
Before you go…
Consider following me on Instagram, where I post regularly about travel around the world, and subscribe to my monthly newsletter for travel inspiration, news and book recommendations delivered straight to your inbox.
Please also check out my free, one-page guide to Phnom Penh, concisely encapsulating everything you need to know before and during your trip. And if you need a private driver/guide for your Cambodia travels, I have the perfect recommendation for you.
For more Asia travel content, feel free to check out my other posts from Cambodia, as well as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and China, plus my older travel memories (more narrative style than blog style) from Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore.
Like this post? Pin it!
I knew nothing about Phnom Penh and now, thanks to this brilliant post, I am a full bottle!
I didn’t know much about it before visiting either! It was definitely a surprising destination. Glad you enjoyed 🙂
I had no idea Phnom Penh had such a vibrant art scene—your description of the Rosewood gallery and Leang Seckon’s exhibition was especially eye-opening. I also loved learning about the Golden Temple; the fact that you had it all to yourself during peak season is wild!
I didn’t either until I went there! The artworks were incredible. So many talented Cambodian artists. And yes, having something as beautiful as the Golden Temple all to myself was a real privilege. Phnom Penh really flies under the radar. Thanks for reading 🙂
I was in Cambodia and Phnom Penh a long time ago, and there are now more places to visit. This is good news. Thanks for the useful information and stunning photos.
Oh I’m sure it was very different back then! It has changed so much in just a few years. You’ll have to go back! Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed 🙂
Phnom Penh looks incredible, with the lack of crowds at the Golden Temple, architecture and arts.
It really is! Some of the architecture is truly jaw-dropping. A very underrated place!
Cambodia has been on my bucket list for years and Phnom Penh looks absolutely worth visiting! I mean, you sold me after that Gold Temple but clearly there are a lot of beautiful places to visit & fun things to do. Thank you for sharing!
Oh I’m so glad you found it inspiring! The Golden Temple is incredible. Definitely don’t skip Phnom Penh if you ever visit Cambodia (and I hope you can get there soon – it’s an amazing destination!). Thanks for reading 🙂
What an interesting place to visit. Thanks for the info as it was not even in my radar of places to visit. The Golden Temple looks amazing, but even the tour of the genocide museum would be of i trest to me. I will keep in mind if I get to travel to this area. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed! It hadn’t been on my radar either, as I had only ever wanted to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Turns out Phnom Penh has quite a lot to offer. And yes, the Golden Temple was a huge revelation! Definitely consider Phnom Penh if you’re ever in that part of the world.
I loved Phnom Penh, but it’s been a while. We went to see all sorts of modernist 1960s architecture too, there has been quite the architectural movement in the 1960s and a lot was quite well preserved. So it’s a great place for architecture fans, too
Yes, totally agree. There was plenty of 1960s architecture too. I actually wanted to do a tour of it, but ran out of time. Hope you can get back there some time. I’m sure you’d be amazed how much it’s developed.
I love architectural walking tours and food walking tours. BUT it sounds like you can combine both passions at the Art Deco-styled Central Market. Wow!
Absolutely! That would be the perfect place for you 🙂
I haven’t made it to Cambodia yet but this post really got me itching to visit. Phnom Penh looks like a fantastic city to explore, especially the ornate temples, and the Royal Palace which I would love to visit. It’s great you focused on the more positive activities vs. the dark tourism sites that are obviously still plentiful in the area. The market looks amazing, what beautiful flowers
Thank you! So glad to hear it has inspired you. The temples and palaces are incredible – and very few crowds! Yes, I wanted to focus on the positive side of the city because it is trying its best to move forward. Obviously we must recognise the dark history, which is why I recommended also visiting the genocide sites, but I understand some people find them upsetting too. And yes, the flowers at the market were sooo beautiful!
This was so interesting! I really know very little about Phnom Penh, other than its dark history. The architecture looks so beautiful though, and I love supporting places that are still up and coming as far as tourism goes.
I was the same! Was blown away by the architecture. It’s definitely an emerging destination. I couldn’t believe how few tourists there were at such beautiful sites. Hope you can visit one day!