Phnom Penh-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Royal Palace and Wat Phnom

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace (Toul Tom Poung, Sangkat Tonle Bassac), a stunning example of Khmer architecture. The palace has been the official residence of the king since 1866.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Wat Phnom, a hilltop temple complex that offers panoramic views of the city.
  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at The Fisherman’s Restaurant (St. 310, Sangkat Tonle Bassac), which serves delicious Khmer cuisine in a charming riverside setting.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the nearby National Museum of Cambodia (224 St. 52, Khan Daun Penh), which houses an impressive collection of Khmer artifacts and art.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Madam Kaliya’s Restaurant (St. 240, Sangkat Tonle Bassac), a popular spot for traditional Cambodian cuisine.

Accommodation

Consider staying at the boutique hotel La Residence (Street 254, Sangkat Tonle Bassac) or the mid-range hotel The Plantation (No. 1 Street 115, Sangkat Daun Penh).

Getting Around

Tuk-tuks are readily available for hire outside most hotels and restaurants. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and heat during the peak tourist season.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and cultural sites.
  • Learn a few basic Khmer phrases, such as “sour” (hello), “krap” (thank you), and “somnang” (excuse me).
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Additional Tips

  • Visit the Central Market (Phsar Thmei) to sample local street food and shop for souvenirs.
  • Take a sunset cruise along the Tonle Sap River to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Explore the trendy boutiques and art galleries on Street 240, particularly in the Street 240 Art Gallery.

Day 2: Killing Fields and S21

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, also known as the Killing Fields (Highway 4, Commune 13), a somber reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the infamous S21 Museum (18 St. 70, Sangkat Daun Penh), a former prison where thousands of people were tortured and killed during the Khmer Rouge regime.
  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Le Bistro (Street 63, Sangkat Daun Penh), which serves French-inspired cuisine in a cozy setting.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the nearby Tuol Tom Poung Market, also known as the Russian Market, to shop for souvenirs and try local snacks.

Accommodation

Consider staying at the mid-range hotel The Frangipani (No. 1 Street 252, Sangkat Tonle Bassac) or the budget-friendly guesthouse Boddhi Tree (Street 254, Sangkat Tonle Bassac).

Getting Around

Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps are still readily available for hire.

Things to Know

  • Be respectful when visiting somber sites like the Killing Fields.
  • Learn about Cambodia’s history and culture to better appreciate its resilience and spirit.

Additional Tips

  • Visit the Preah Sihanouk Art Gallery (No. 15 Street 178, Sangkat Daun Penh) to see local artwork and sculptures.
  • Take a trip to the nearby town of Koh Pich, which offers stunning views of the city from its riverside promenade.

Day 3: National Museum and Royal Palace

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the National Museum of Cambodia (224 St. 52, Khan Daun Penh) to see an impressive collection of Khmer artifacts and art.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Royal Palace (Toul Tom Poung, Sangkat Tonle Bassac), a stunning example of Khmer architecture.
  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Madam Kaliya’s Restaurant (St. 240, Sangkat Tonle Bassac), which serves delicious Khmer cuisine in a charming setting.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the nearby Wat Phnom, a hilltop temple complex that offers panoramic views of the city.

Accommodation

Consider staying at the mid-range hotel The Plantation (No. 1 Street 115, Sangkat Daun Penh) or the boutique hotel La Residence (Street 254, Sangkat Tonle Bassac).

Getting Around

Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps are still readily available for hire.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and heat during the peak tourist season.
  • Learn a few basic Khmer phrases, such as “sour” (hello), “krap” (thank you), and “somnang” (excuse me).

Additional Tips

  • Visit the Central Market (Phsar Thmei) to sample local street food and shop for souvenirs.
  • Explore the trendy boutiques and art galleries on Street 240, particularly in the Street 240 Art Gallery.

Day 4: Sunset Cruise and Nightlife

  • 2:00 PM: Visit the nearby Tonle Sap River to see the city from a different perspective on a sunset cruise.
  • 5:00 PM: Take a break for snack or drink at The Fisherman’s Restaurant (St. 310, Sangkat Tonle Bassac), which serves delicious Khmer cuisine in a charming riverside setting.
  • 7:00 PM: Explore the lively nightlife scene on Street 51, particularly in the bars and clubs along this street.

Accommodation

Consider staying at the mid-range hotel The Frangipani (No. 1 Street 252, Sangkat Tonle Bassac) or the boutique hotel La Residence (Street 254, Sangkat Tonle Bassac).

Getting Around

Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps are still readily available for hire.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and heat during the peak tourist season.
  • Learn a few basic Khmer phrases, such as “sour” (hello), “krap” (thank you), and “somnang” (excuse me).

Additional Tips

  • Visit the Preah Sihanouk Art Gallery (No. 15 Street 178, Sangkat Daun Penh) to see local artwork and sculptures.
  • Take a trip to the nearby town of Koh Pich, which offers stunning views of the city from its riverside promenade.