Phnom Penh-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to your hotel ( approx. $10-15)
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Nine (mid-range, $25-30 per night) or The Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel (luxury, $80-100 per night)
  • Morning Activity: Visit the National Museum of Cambodia ($5 entry fee) to learn about the country’s history and culture
  • Lunch: Try street food at Street 178 ( approx. $3-5 per dish) or try local cuisine at Madam Kuly’s Restaurant (approx. $10-15 per meal)
  • Afternoon Activity: Visit the Royal Palace ($10 entry fee), a stunning example of Khmer architecture
  • Evening Activity: Take a sunset stroll along the Mekong River and enjoy the city’s nightlife

Day 2: Genocide Museum and Killing Fields

  • Morning Activity: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (approx. $6 entry fee) to learn about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime
  • Transportation: Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the museum ( approx. $5-10)
  • Lunch: Eat at nearby restaurant, Friends the Restaurant (approx. $10-15 per meal), which supports street kids
  • Afternoon Activity: Visit the Choeung Ek Killing Fields (approx. $6 entry fee), a somber reminder of Cambodia’s dark past
  • Evening Activity: Enjoy traditional Khmer dance at the Cambodian Cultural Village ( approx. $20-25 per person)

Day 3: Markets and Shopping

  • Morning Activity: Visit the Central Market (Psar Thmei, free entry) to browse local goods and souvenirs
  • Transportation: Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the market ( approx. $5-10)
  • Lunch: Try street food at Street 178 (approx. $3-5 per dish) or eat at Madam Kuly’s Restaurant (approx. $10-15 per meal)
  • Afternoon Activity: Visit the Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Pong, free entry), a bustling marketplace selling everything from clothes to souvenirs
  • Evening Activity: Enjoy a traditional Khmer massage at a local spa ( approx. $20-25 per hour)

Day 4: Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake

  • Morning Activity: Take a day trip to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex (approx. $40-50 per person, including transportation)
  • Transportation: Hire a taxi or tuk-tuk for the day ( approx. $60-80)
  • Lunch: Eat at a local restaurant near the temple complex
  • Afternoon Activity: Visit Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia (approx. $20-25 per person, including transportation and boat ride)

Day 5: Day of Leisure

  • Transportation: Relax at your hotel or explore the city on foot
  • Activity: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Khmer dishes (approx. $30-40 per person)
  • Lunch: Try local cuisine at Madam Kuly’s Restaurant (approx. $10-15 per meal) or eat street food at Street 178 (approx. $3-5 per dish)
  • Evening Activity: Enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar, such as the Frangipani Bar & Restaurant

Day 6: Last Day in Phnom Penh

  • Morning Activity: Visit the Independence Monument (free entry), a symbol of Cambodia’s fight for independence
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to your hotel ( approx. $10-15)
  • Lunch: Try street food at Street 178 (approx. $3-5 per dish) or eat at Madam Kuly’s Restaurant (approx. $10-15 per meal)
  • Afternoon Activity: Last-minute shopping or exploration of the city
  • Evening Activity: Depart for the airport and head home

Things to Know:

  • Cambodia uses US dollars as its currency.
  • The local time is GMT +7 hours.
  • Tuk-tuks and taxis are widely available, but it’s best to agree on a price before you start your journey.
  • Respect for monks and temples is expected; dress modestly when visiting these sites.

Tips:

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat as the sun can be intense in Cambodia.
  • Try local cuisine and street food for an authentic experience.
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular tourist attractions.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Other Interests:

  • Phnom Penh has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries showcasing local artists’ work.
  • The city is home to several NGOs and organizations that support the community.
  • Visit the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) to learn about traditional Khmer dance and music.