Phnom Penh attractions – You’ll Never See Phnom Penh the Same Way After Spot #6!

May 13, 2025
9:06 am

25 Must-See Phnom Penh Attractions That Will Make Your Trip Amazing

Phnom Penh isn’t just traffic and temples. There’s a skull tower that’ll freeze you. A riverside walk that feels like a movie. And a golden palace where the floors are made of real silver. This list will show you 25 places tourists miss—but you won’t.

Phnom Penh attractions mix old palaces with sad history spots and fun markets. The city has sites that show Cambodia’s past and cool new places to shop and eat. This guide will help you find the best spots to visit in Cambodia’s busy capital.

The Top Phnom Penh Attractions You Can’t Miss

Cambodia’s capital has so much to see. From grand buildings with gold spires to moving war memorials, Phnom Penh attractions fit all types of tourists. I’ve put together this list based on the latest visitor data from 2025 and my own trips there.

1. Royal Palace Phnom Penh – Where Kings Still Live

The Royal Palace Phnom Penh stands as the city’s most famous site. Built in 1866 under King Norodom, this huge place still works as the king’s home today. The palace gets 200-300 daily visitors.

What makes it special:

The Throne Hall with its 59-meter spire
Silver Pagoda with 5,329 real silver floor tiles
The Emerald Buddha statue made from crystal
Beautiful garden areas with perfect plants

Entry costs $10 for foreign visitors. Most people spend about 2 hours here. I think morning visits work best to avoid the heat.

You can join the Phnom Penh Royal Palace & National Museum Half-Day Tour to learn more about the royal history from expert guides.

Royal Palace Phnom Penh opening hours:

Royal Palace visiting hours. It’s open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the morning. Then it opens again from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the afternoon. The palace stays closed during public holidays. It also shuts down for big religious events.

2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – A Hard But Needed Visit

Once a school turned prison (S-21) during the Khmer Rouge time, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum helps us remember the 1.7 million people who died from 1975-1979. About 80-120 people visit each day.

This site shows:

Prison cells kept as they were found
Photos of victims taken by the Khmer Rouge
Tools used during this dark time
Personal stories from survivors

The museum charges $5 for foreign tourists. Audio guides in many languages help explain what you see. This place is sad but helps us learn from the past.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum opening hours:

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum stays open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day of the week. Some days might have different hours.

3. Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – A Place to Remember

Just 15 km from the city center, the Killing Fields Phnom Penh at Choeung Ek honors the many who died there. A tall white stupa holds over 5,000 human skulls found at this site.

The $6 entry fee includes an audio guide that:

Tells personal stories from that time
Explains the history of what happened
Shares survivor accounts
Helps you understand Cambodia today

The Phnom Penh Heritage and History Tour takes you to both Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields with guides who know these hard stories well.

The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek opening hours:

The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek opens at 7:30 AM. It stays open until 5:30 PM. This schedule runs all week long. You can visit any day you want. The site never closes for visitors. Everyone gets the same hours each day.

4. National Museum of Cambodia – The Best Khmer Art Collection

The National Museum of Cambodia houses more than 1,800 items in a pretty red building from 1920. On busy days, 800-1,500 people visit, with numbers going over 2,000 during holidays.

Top things to see:

The giant 8th century Vishnu statue
Bronze and stone Buddha figures
Pre-Angkorian art pieces
Fresh items just returned to Cambodia

Entry costs $5. The cool courtyard makes a nice break from the city noise. The museum sits close to the Royal Palace, so you can see both in one day.

National Museum of Cambodia opening hours:

The National Museum of Cambodia opens at 8:00am. It stays open until 5:00pm every day. You must buy your ticket by 4:30pm.

The cost depends on who you are. Foreign visitors aged 10-17 pay $5 to get in. Adult tourists pay $10 each. Cambodian people pay just 500 riels. Kids under 10 don’t pay anything.

5. Central Market Phnom Penh – Shop Under an Art Deco Dome

The Central Market Phnom Penh (Phsar Thmei) stands out with its huge yellow dome built in 1937. This Art Deco market has more than 500 shops and pulls in 1,000+ daily visitors.

You’ll find:

Gold and silver work by local artists
Cloth and silk items from all over Cambodia
Food stalls with fresh local treats
Souvenirs at good prices if you can bargain

The market opens from 7am to 5pm every day. Go early to avoid the worst heat and crowds.

Central Market Phnom Penh opening time:

Central Market in Phnom Penh opens early in the morning. It closes in the early evening. You can shop most of the day there. The hours are not exact. People start selling things when the sun comes up. Buyers come all day long.

6. Wat Phnom – The Temple That Named the City

Wat Phnom sits on a small hill and gave Phnom Penh its name. Lady Penh built the first temple here in 1372 after finding Buddha statues in a tree by the river.

The temple features:

A 27-meter-tall main building
Big elephant statues at the stairs
A large clock on the south side
Many monkeys living in the trees around it

It costs $1 to go up to the temple. Local people come here to pray for good luck, so be quiet and dress right (cover your shoulders and knees).

Wat Phnom Phnom Penh opening hours:

Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh opens at 7 AM. It stays open until 7 PM.

7. Mekong River Cruise – See the City from the Water

A Mekong River cruise gives you new views of Phnom Penh. Boat trips have grown more popular, with bookings up 22% in 2025.

Most cruises offer:

Sunset views of the city skyline
Drinks and sometimes food
A cool breeze missing in the city
Views where three rivers meet

Prices start at $10 for a basic one-hour trip. Fancier dinner cruises cost $25-40 per person.

8. Russian Market Phnom Penh – The Best Place for Souvenirs

The Russian Market Phnom Penh (Psar Toul Tom Poung) got its name from Russian visitors in the 1980s. This busy, tight market sells almost everything.

Look for:

Clothes with brand names at low prices
Old items from Cambodia’s past
Local crafts and art pieces
The food section with great cheap eats

This market opens from 6am to 5pm. It gets very hot inside, so morning visits work best.

Russian Market Phnom Penh opening hours:

The Russian Market in Phnom Penh starts business at 7 AM. It closes down at 5 PM every day. Some shops that sell things to tourists work until 11 PM.

9. Phnom Penh Riverside – The City’s Living Room

The Phnom Penh riverside along Sisowath Quay works as the city’s main public space. This 3-kilometer strip has parks, food spots, and great people-watching.

You can:

Join locals doing group exercise at dawn and dusk
Watch boat races during water festivals
Try street food from carts and stands
Shop from sellers with small items

This area is free to visit and busiest in the evenings when people come out as the heat drops.

10. Independence Monument – Symbol of Freedom

The Independence Monument stands in the middle of a busy circle. Built in 1958, it marks Cambodia’s freedom from French rule.

The monument:

Looks like a lotus-shaped stupa
Glows with lights at night
Hosts events on national days
Sits in a nice park area

You can’t go inside, but the area makes nice photos, mainly at sunset when the light hits it just right.

11. Cambodian Living Arts – See Traditional Dance Shows

Cambodian Living Arts runs shows at the National Museum that keep old dance forms alive. Almost lost during the Khmer Rouge time, these dances now pull in tourists and locals.

The one-hour shows include:

Apsara dancing with slow, strong hand moves
Folk dances from rural areas
Live music on old tools
Amazing costumes with gold and bright colors

Tickets cost $15. Shows happen most nights at 7pm.

12. Street 240 Shopping – Boutiques and Cafes

Street 240 shopping offers a break from big markets. This leafy street has small stores in old French houses.

You’ll find:

Shops selling fair-trade items
Art studios with local works
Nice cafes with A/C and good coffee
Books, home items, and more

Prices here run higher than in markets, but the quality tops most other spots.

13. Wat Ounalom – The Most Important Temple

Wat Ounalom serves as the main temple for Cambodia’s Buddhist faith. Founded in 1443, it houses the head monk and holds many old items.

Don’t miss:

The main shrine with a Buddha eyebrow hair (Ounalom)
The head monk’s living space
Old writing on palm leaves
Views of the river from the top floor

Going inside costs nothing, but small gifts to help run the temple are welcome.

14. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center – Meet Saved Animals

The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center sits about 45 km south of Phnom Penh. This place saves wild animals from poachers and the pet trade.

Animals you might see:

Tigers and lions saved from bad zoos
Elephants once used for logging
Sun and moon bears taken from bile farms
Many kinds of monkeys and birds

Entry costs $5. A full day trip with a guide costs about $40-50.

15. AEON Mall Phnom Penh – Modern Shopping Experience

AEON Mall Phnom Penh shows the city’s new, rich side. This huge mall brings Western-style shopping to Cambodia.

The mall has:

Air conditioning (a big plus in the heat)
A movie theater with new films
A food court with food from many countries
Stores selling global brands

Many locals come here on weekends, making it a good place to see modern Cambodian life.

16. Wat Langka – A Peaceful Temple Retreat

Wat Langka, built in 1442, makes a quiet place away from the busy city. This old temple sits near Independence Monument.

The site includes:

A main hall with gold Buddhas
Monks who sometimes chat with visitors
Morning chanting you can listen to
Shade trees and places to sit

Some groups run free meditation classes here in English.

17. Bassac Lane – Trendy Bars and Eateries

Bassac Lane has become the hip spot for eating and drinking in Phnom Penh. This small street holds many tiny bars and food places.

The lane offers:

Craft cocktails with local touches
Small plates of food from around the world
Brick walls and cool lighting
A mix of tourists and expats

Most places open from 5pm until late. Prices here run higher than local spots but lower than high-end hotels.

18. Phnom Penh Nightlife – From Rooftops to River Bars

Phnom Penh nightlife has grown a lot in recent years. The city now has choices for all types of night fun.

Popular spots include:

Rooftop bars with city views
Live music places with local and foreign bands
Dance clubs along Street 51
Night food markets with cheap eats

The Kampot & Koh Rong Explorer tour lets you see the city at night before heading to beach areas.

19. Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument – Soviet-Style Art

The Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument shows Cambodia’s links to Vietnam. Built in 1979, the big concrete work has a Soviet look.

The monument:

Shows Cambodian and Vietnamese soldiers
Has a park around it for walking
Lights up at night
Sits near other key city spots

This spot shows a different side of Cambodia’s past than the royal buildings.

20. Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk – A Recent Addition

The Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk honors Cambodia’s king who led the country to freedom. The tall bronze figure went up in 2013.

The statue:

Stands 4.5 meters tall
Has a night light show
Sits in a new park space
Draws locals who loved the king

You’ll often see people leaving flowers or paying respect here.

21. Train Station Phnom Penh – Colonial Past and New Life

The Train Station Phnom Penh dates from 1932 and shows French building styles. Trains now run again after years of not working.

At the station, you can:

See the yellow Art Deco building
Take trains to Sihanoukville or Battambang
Look at old train cars
Get good photos of the classic design

The Private Journey Between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville offers a mix of train and car travel to the beach.

22. Silk Island (Koh Dach) – See How Silk Gets Made

Silk Island Cambodia sits just a short boat ride from Phnom Penh. This Mekong River island keeps old ways of making silk by hand.

On a visit, you can:

Watch women spin and weave silk
Learn how they make colors from plants
Buy silk items right from makers
See rural life near the big city

A half-day trip costs about $25, including boat rides and guide.

23. Phnom Penh Temple of Angkor – A Copy of the Famous Site

While not as known as other spots, the Phnom Penh Temple of Angkor gives a taste of the famous Siem Reap ruins. This small copy sits in the northern part of the city.

The site features:

Small models of Angkor Wat and other temples
A Buddhist school and working temple
Monks who sometimes practice English with tourists
Quiet gardens for walking

If you want to see the real thing, the Phnom Penh Temple of Angkor tour takes you from the city to Siem Reap to see the real ruins.

24. National Library of Cambodia – Colonial Architecture

The National Library building dates from 1924 and shows French colonial style. While small, the pretty building holds much of Cambodia’s written past.

The library includes:

Old French design with high ceilings
A reading room open to the public
Some books in English
A quiet break from city noise

It opens Monday to Friday during work hours and makes a nice stop for book fans.

25. Olympic Stadium – A 1960s Sports Complex

Built for the 1963 Southeast Asian Games that never happened in Cambodia, the Olympic Stadium makes an odd but fun visit. The building shows 1960s “New Khmer” style.

At the stadium, you can:

Watch local sports games
Join hundreds doing group exercise at dawn and dusk
Walk the track when no events happen
Take in views from the top seats

Entry costs nothing most days unless a big event happens.

Planning Your Visit to Phnom Penh Attractions

Now that you know the top Phnom Penh attractions, here’s how to plan your trip:

Best Time to Visit

The best months to see Phnom Penh attractions run from November to February when:

The weather stays dry
Temperatures sit at about 25°C (77°F)
Sky stays clear for good photos
You can walk without too much sweat

March to May gets very hot. June to October brings rain, but fewer tourists and lower hotel prices.

Getting Around

To reach all these Phnom Penh attractions, you have some good choices:

Tuk-tuks cost $1-3 per short trip
Grab app (like Uber) works well and shows prices up front
City buses run on main roads for just $0.40 per ride
Walking works for spots in the center, but bring water

The Private Journey Between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh City gives you a car with driver to see both main cities.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Sites

Morning: Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Lunch near the river
Afternoon: National Museum of Cambodia
Evening: Cambodian Living Arts show

Day 2: Historical Learning

Morning: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Lunch break
Afternoon: Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Evening: Reflect at the Phnom Penh Riverside

Day 3: Local Life

Morning: Central Market and Wat Phnom
Lunch at a local spot
Afternoon: Russian Market or Silk Island
Evening: Dinner and drinks at Bassac Lane

Money-Saving Tips for Phnom Penh Attractions

See all these Phnom Penh attractions without breaking your budget:

The $30 “Heritage Pass” saves 20% on main museum and palace entries
Many temples cost nothing to visit
Street food costs $1-3 per meal
Water taxis offer cheap river views
Some sites offer free entry for students

Beyond Phnom Penh: Day Trips and Extended Travels

After seeing the main Phnom Penh attractions, think about these trips:

Udong – The Former Capital

Just 40 km from Phnom Penh, Udong served as Cambodia’s capital from 1618-1866. The hill holds old stupas and temples with big Buddha statues.

A half-day trip costs about $40 with a car and guide.

Tonle Bati – Lake and Temple Combo

This lake area 30 km south of the city has the old Ta Prohm temple from the 12th century (not the same as the one in Siem Reap). The lake has food stands and boat rides.

Kien Svay – Local Weekend Spot

This riverside area makes a fun half-day trip to see how Phnom Penh people relax. You can rent a platform over the water, eat fresh food, and swing in hammocks.

For longer trips, Journey Cambodia offers tours from Phnom Penh to:

Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
Sihanoukville’s beaches
Kampot’s pepper farms and river
Koh Rong’s island paradise

Siem Reap vs. Phnom Penh: Two Sides of Cambodia

Many tourists visit both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Each city shows a different face of Cambodia:

Phnom Penh:

The busy capital with city life
Recent history and royal culture
Better shopping and nightlife
Less touristy feel

Siem Reap:

More geared to tourists
Famous for Angkor Wat temples
Smaller and easier to walk
More resort-style hotels

Most people spend 3 days in Phnom Penh and 3-4 days in Siem Reap. The Private Journey Between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh City makes moving between them easy.

Food Guide to Enjoy While Seeing Phnom Penh Attractions

Try these foods while visiting Phnom Penh attractions:

Fish Amok – Fish curry steamed in banana leaves
Beef Lok Lak – Stir-fried beef with a lime-pepper sauce
Nom Banh Chok – Rice noodles with fish curry and fresh herbs
Kuy Teav – Noodle soup often eaten for breakfast
Fresh fruit shakes from street carts

Good spots to eat include:

Romdeng Restaurant (run by former street kids)
The container food park at Jet’s Container Night Market
Street 308’s row of small eateries
Food stalls at Central Market and Russian Market

Conclusion: Making the Most of Phnom Penh Attractions

I still think about the gold spires of the Royal Palace catching the sunset light, and the sad halls of Tuol Sleng that taught me so much. Phnom Penh mixes beauty, hard history, and daily life in ways few cities can.

To make your trip great:

Start at the Royal Palace in the early morning
Visit sad sites like Tuol Sleng with time after to process
Mix in markets and street life between big attractions
Take a sunset river cruise to see the city from water
Try local food at least once a day

Ready to visit these amazing Phnom Penh attractions? Plan your perfect Cambodia trip by contacting Journey Cambodia for expert help with tours, drivers, and guides.

Resources

Official Tourism Cambodia website: https://www.tourismcambodia.org/
Phnom Penh City Hall visitor information: https://phnompenh.gov.kh/en/
Cambodia Visa information: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

Phnom Penh attractions – You’ll Never See Phnom Penh the Same Way After Spot #6!