Phnom Penh, Cambodia-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the stunning Royal Palace, a grand complex of buildings that serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia. The palace is a must-see for its opulent architecture and beautiful gardens.
    • Address: 4 Street 240, Sangkat Chey Chumneachey, Phnom Penh
    • Admission: $10 per person (includes access to the National Museum)
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Madam K’s Cafe, a cozy spot serving delicious Khmer and French cuisine.
    • Address: 16 Street 51, Phnom Penh
  • 2:00 PM: Visit Wat Phnom, the largest Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh. The complex features a beautiful pagoda and a stunning view of the city from its hilltop location.
    • Address: Samdach Sothearos Boulevard, Sangkat Tonle Kat, Phnom Penh
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Street 26, a lively restaurant and bar serving Khmer cuisine in a fun, street-food style setting.
    • Address: 52 Street 240, Sangkat Chey Chumneachey, Phnom Penh
  • Where to stay: Consider staying at The Frangipani Royale Hotel, a comfortable and stylish hotel located near the Royal Palace.
    • Address: 218 Sisowath Quay, Sangkat Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

Day 2: Visit the National Museum and Explore the French Quarter

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the National Museum of Cambodia, which features an impressive collection of Khmer art and artifacts.
    • Address: Street 178, Sangkat Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
    • Admission: $10 per person
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at The River Garden, a charming restaurant serving Khmer and French cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.
    • Address: 98 Street 178, Sangkat Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the French Quarter, a historic area of Phnom Penh featuring beautiful colonial-style buildings and quaint cafes.
    • Address: Streets 63-65, Sangkat Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Fishbone, a seafood restaurant serving fresh and delicious dishes in a lively setting.
    • Address: 27 Street 19, Sangkat Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

Day 3: Visit the Killing Fields and S21 Museum

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a somber reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.
    • Address: Highway 15, Sangkat Chey Chumneachey, Phnom Penh
    • Admission: $10 per person (includes access to the museum)
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at The Killing Fields Restaurant, a restaurant located near the killing fields serving Khmer cuisine.
    • Address: Highway 15, Sangkat Chey Chumneachey, Phnom Penh
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the S21 Museum (Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum), which features a harrowing collection of artifacts and stories from the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
    • Address: Street 112, Sangkat Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
    • Admission: $10 per person

Day 4: Explore the Night Market and Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride

  • 6:00 PM: Start the evening with a visit to the Night Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung), which features a lively atmosphere and a wide range of stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothing.
    • Address: Street 95, Sangkat Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
  • 8:00 PM: Take a tuk-tuk ride through the city, a fun and affordable way to see the sights and sounds of Phnom Penh. Consider hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the evening to take you on a tour of the city.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Phnom Penh

Transportation:

  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Phnom Penh, but be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand and use reputable companies such as Vattanac Taxi or Angkor Taxi.
  • Tuk-Tuks: Tuk-tuks (auto-rickshaws) are a fun and affordable way to get around the city. Be sure to agree on the fare before you start your journey.
  • Motorbike Rentals: Renting a motorbike is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside, but be sure to wear protective gear and follow local traffic laws.

Tips:

  • Respect Local Customs: Cambodia is a conservative country, so be sure to dress modestly and respect local customs when visiting temples or other cultural sites.
  • Bargain at Markets: When shopping at markets, be prepared to haggle over prices. A good rule of thumb is to start with 50% of the original price and negotiate from there.
  • Stay Hydrated: Phnom Penh can be hot and humid, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Try Local Cuisine: Cambodia has a delicious cuisine that is worth trying. Be sure to try some of the local specialties such as fish amok or nom banh chok.

Other:

  • Weather: Phnom Penh has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather year-round. Be sure to pack accordingly and stay hydrated.
  • Safety: Phnom Penh is generally a safe city, but be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to avoid petty theft or scams.
  • Healthcare: If you become ill or injured, there are several good hospitals in Phnom Penh that offer quality medical care. Consider purchasing travel insurance before your trip.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Phnom Penh! Enjoy your travels.