Phnom Penh-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Royal Palace and National Museum

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day at the stunning Royal Palace (15 minutes from city center), a grand complex with impressive buildings, beautiful gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere. Admission fee is $10.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Street 51, a popular street food area with many stalls offering delicious Khmer dishes such as fried noodles, BBQ pork, and fish amok (steamed fish curry).
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the National Museum (5 minutes from Royal Palace), which showcases the history of Cambodia through its art and artifacts. Admission fee is $10.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Mekong River Restaurant, a cozy spot with great views of the Tonle Sap River and delicious Khmer cuisine.

Day 2: Killing Fields and S21

  • 8:30 AM: Visit the infamous Choeung Ek Killing Fields (20 minutes from city center), a somber reminder of Cambodia’s turbulent past. Admission fee is $10.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the S21 Museum (5 minutes from Killing Fields), a former prison turned museum that showcases the brutal conditions and atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Admission fee is $6.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Madame Butterfly, a French-Vietnamese restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Russian Market (10 minutes from S21), a bustling marketplace selling everything from souvenirs to clothing to snacks.

Day 3: Wat Phnom and Riverside

  • 8:30 AM: Start the day at Wat Phnom (15 minutes from city center), one of the largest temples in Phnom Penh, offering stunning views of the city.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the National Institute of Arts (5 minutes from Wat Phnom), a beautiful colonial building turned museum showcasing Cambodia’s art and architecture. Admission fee is $2.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Friends Restaurant, a popular spot serving delicious Khmer cuisine and offering stunning views of the Tonle Sap River.
  • 3:00 PM: Explore the Riverside area (5 minutes from Friends Restaurant), a lively area with many shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Day 4: Markets and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Central Market (10 minutes from city center), a bustling marketplace selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Night Market (5 minutes from Central Market), a popular spot for shopping and dining.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Street 51, a popular street food area with many stalls offering delicious Khmer dishes.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Old Market (10 minutes from city center), a charming marketplace selling everything from souvenirs to clothing.

Day 5: Relaxation and Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel or exploring the surrounding area.
  • 12:00 PM: Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight.
  • Tips: Phnom Penh is a city that can be explored on foot, but tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) and taxis are also widely available. Be prepared for crowds and traffic jams during peak hours.

Accommodation

Phnom Penh has a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

  • Budget: Mad Monkey Hostel (starting at $5/night) or Slurp! Backpackers (starting at $8/night)
  • Mid-range: The Mansion (starting at $25/night) or Villa Langka (starting at $30/night)
  • Luxury: Raffles Hotel Le Royal (starting at $100/night) or Rosewood Phnom Penh (starting at $150/night)

Transportation

Phnom Penh has a well-developed transportation system, including:

  • Tuk-tuks: Widely available and a great way to explore the city.
  • Taxis: Available from many taxi companies, but be sure to agree on the fare before you start your journey.
  • Motorbikes: Rentals are widely available, but be careful when driving in Phnom Penh’s traffic.

Tips and Reminders

  • Be respectful of Cambodia’s culture and customs.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection from the sun.
  • Don’t drink tap water and stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Avoid eating at stalls that look unsanitary or have expired food.
  • Haggle politely when shopping at markets.
  • Learn a few basic Khmer phrases, such as “hello” (sŭmăl) and “thank you” (ăkun).

Other Things to Know

Phnom Penh is a city that has been through a lot in the past, but it’s now a thriving metropolis with a rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Be prepared for:

  • Crowds and traffic jams during peak hours.
  • Traffic police who may stop you for no apparent reason.
  • Street vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs.
  • Markets and shopping centers that are open late into the night.

Final Tips

Phnom Penh is a city that will surprise and delight you. Be prepared, be respectful, and enjoy your time in this incredible city!